13 Best Solar Companies in Capital, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Capital based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Capital, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Capital homeowner saves $1,360/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Capital
Searching for the best solar companies in Capital? Installing solar panels is an exciting home addition that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. Solar panels aren't just good for the planet — your bank account will thank you too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $16,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
If you're thinking about going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Capital and compare quotes. The good news is we took the time and put together a list of the best solar companies for you. To get an idea of what it could cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
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 Capital
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
Springfield Sunsent Solar Installation Company
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
EFS Energy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
WindSolarUSA, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
Route 66 Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
IQ Group Inc
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Prairie Power Inc
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Skydrop Energy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Capital
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Capital 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 Capital
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 Capital
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will first need to pay to set up your panels. There are several factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out costs and your potential savings, such as:
- The type of solar panels you're planning on getting: More efficient panels are more expensive, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be a high-cost option for families that don't use too much energy per month.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn't see much direct sunlight, your solar panel system won't be able to make as much energy, which will give you lower savings on power bills than a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
- Incentives: Something 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 on your energy bills, which can generate an average of $16,000 of savings over 20 years.
So is buying solar panels worth it? Whether you'd like to lower your electric bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Capital homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Capital
Because solar power is better for the environment than burning fossil fuels, there are various government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly use the ITC with other local incentives. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in Capital.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Capital
Going solar can have a meaningful effect on the environment. But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? The more energy your household uses, the better off the planet will be when you switch to solar as you won't have to rely on traditional energy sources as much. In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. For those who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
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 Capital, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installation company in Capital?
The top local solar company in Capital is Mobius Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
Are solar panels actually good for the environment?
Making solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 11.2 years, but the exact period varies depending on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, your budget 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.