10 Best Solar Companies in Capital, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 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
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Best Solar Companies in Capital
Finding the right solar panel installation company for your house is an important decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Capital. Since energy bills are getting higher and higher each year, many homeowners are considering investing in solar to save money on electricity for their homes.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow in on the top companies in your area.To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in Capital, you can click "get quote" below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Capital
Sunrun Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Route 66 Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
WindSolarUSA, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Skydrop Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
EFS Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
IQ Group Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
StraightUp Solar of Bloomington
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
SunSent Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
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
For many homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar energy comes down to the cost.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on some important factors such as:
- How much energy your home consumes: Households that need lots of power each month may call for more solar panels and, as a result, be more costly, but will also benefit more over time.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state may also have various incentives that you can take advantage of. Additionally, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- Where your home is: This affects how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- The type and model of solar panels you’re thinking of getting: More efficient panels have higher prices, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the amount of daily direct sunlight available and incentives.
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Solar Incentives in Capital
Switching to solar power has many considerable benefits. Not only can it help protect the environment, but you can also save a good amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.When you install solar panels on your home, you can take advatage of the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lowers your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. In addition, there may often be some regional incentives that you can use to further save. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Capital
Replacing nonrenewable energy with solar power is a good way to do your part for a cleaner and more sustainable future.You may be wondering – how much do solar panels do for the environment anyway? In Capital, where the energy generation produces a lot of greenhouse gasses, going solar can have a big effect on the planet since solar power is an abundant source of clean energy.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The great things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with using solar energy.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Capital, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best in Capital?
In Capital, Sunrun Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your power bills, it’s a sustainable source of energy, and it can give you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels can be an eyesore.
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 15.5 years, but the exact period varies depending on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What are the different types of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive. 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 types can’t, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout and desired energy output.
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.