15 Best Solar Companies in Columbia, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Columbia based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Columbia, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbia homeowner saves $1,312/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbia
When deciding on the best solar panel companies, Columbia homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar power simpler. While solar is a large investment, you’ll be able to make that amount back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $16,000 over 20 years.
If you’re planning on going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Columbia and compare quotes. The great news is we went ahead and compiled a list of the best solar companies for you.Keep reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected with a highly rated solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Columbia
Streib Company
Informative Resources- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Astrawatt Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
five stars electric and solar LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
StraightUp Solar of St. Louis
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Solar city stl
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
EFS Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
SunSent Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Route 66 Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- System Decommissioning
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Pyramid Electrical Contractors, Inc.
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
Solar Luxury LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
Purelight Power of St. Louis
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Permit Assistance
Helio Solar Power, LLC.
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
BKJ Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
AKA Solar LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Sustainable Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- System Decommissioning
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbia
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbia 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 Columbia
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 Columbia
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar installer to go with depends on how much it’ll cost.A few important factors that determine the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Columbia uses a decent amount of, and as a result may save on their energy bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you lower your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- The model of solar panel system you have the money for: This hinges on how much you’re willing to spend upfront.
- Where your home is: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
Because of solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as various solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Columbia
Although a solar power system is typically a big investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over many years because of lower utility bills and government incentives.When you install a solar panel system on your home, you can take advatage of the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there may often be some state and city incentives that you can use to further save. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can find in Columbia.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbia
One of the best reasons to embrace solar energy is to reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment.But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? One thing you should keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you have a long commute time and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.Since solar panels don’t release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. Since solar power is renewable and makes electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help the planet.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Columbia, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Columbia?
In Columbia, Streib Company is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 16.0 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
When should I install solar panels?
You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing so in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.
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.