13 Best Solar Companies in Bloomington, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Bloomington based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Bloomington, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Bloomington homeowner saves $1,171/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Bloomington
Finding the best solar panel installation company for your roof is an important decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Bloomington. Because solar panels produce their own energy, they can greatly lower your electricity bill each month, if not fully eliminate it. In fact, you could end up with about $14,000 of savings over 20 years.
As you start your search for the best solar companies in Bloomington, you might see that there are many providers to choose from. So, we've organized a curated list of the top solar companies in the area. To get free quotes from the top-rated solar companies in Bloomington, click the "get quote" button below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Bloomington
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
StraightUp Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
My Solar Power Information
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Ubuntu
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
GRNE Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Professional reinstallation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
Central Road Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
Corn Belt Energy Corporation
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Bloomington
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Bloomington based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Bloomington
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Illinois solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Bloomington
While solar panels can save you money on electricity bills over time, it's necessary to know the startup costs. The overall price and potential savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- The model of solar panels you're thinking of getting: More efficient panels are more highly priced, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
- Your location: This influences how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Your current power bills: Solar panels can dramatically lower, or completely eliminate, your utility bills. In Bloomington, you can save an average of $77 a month.
- Incentives: One thing that can make your solar project cost less is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your power bills, which can lead to an average of $14,000 of savings over 20 years.
Solar is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar incentives, all while helping protect the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Bloomington
If you're thinking about making the switch to solar energy, several government incentives and tax credits can greatly lower your project costs and speed up the return on your investment. No matter what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 30% of how much you paid for your solar installation when you file taxes, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives that can save you some extra money too. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Bloomington
Many want to do what they can to help protect the environment, which for many is the prime motivation to install a solar system. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Bloomington, though. The more energy your house uses, the the more the environment will benefit if you switch to solar as you won't need to use as much nonrenewable energy. In Bloomington, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year after going solar. For those who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Bloomington, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Bloomington, Mobius Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels require a considerable upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout and how much energy generation you want.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.