15 Best Solar Companies in Empire, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Empire based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Empire, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Empire homeowner saves $1,297/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Empire
Getting the best solar panel installation company for your house is a huge decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Empire. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $15,000 on your utility bills.
Here, we’ll list out some of the best solar companies in Empire to make your decision a little easier.Keep reading to see our picks for the top 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 Empire
SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC
Reliable Customer Support- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Financing Assistance
Sunrun Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
StraightUp Solar of Bloomington
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
New Prairie Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Halo Solar LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
SOLAR PANTHER
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Harvest Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Sun Collectors
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
ROUTE 66 SOLAR
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
SunSent Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
WindSolarUSA, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Skydrop Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
IQ Group Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
EFS Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Empire
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Empire 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 Empire
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 Empire
We know that for most homeowners, the choice to invest in solar highly depends on installation costs.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- Typical energy usage: The more energy your household uses on average and the higher your current electricity bills are, the more benefits you’ll see from making the switch to solar.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you are interested in getting will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their total solar spend by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $15,000 on your utility bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can dramatically reduce, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In Empire, you can save an average of $851 a month.
Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the size of your solar panel system and your current power bills.
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Solar Incentives in Empire
Since solar power is more sustainable than burning fossil fuels, there are several government incentives available to encourage its adoption.In addition to the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local incentives, which in most cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Empire
Switching to solar energy can have a beneficial effect on the environment.But you may be wondering – how much exactly can you help the environment by using solar power? Switching to clean energy for electricity rather than using nonrenewable energy is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint if you're worried about Empire's large level of greenhouse gas emissions.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll most likely recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is worth more.
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 Empire, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installer in Empire?
The top local solar company in Empire is SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC, with a rating of 4.80 stars.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Making solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but frankly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How efficient is a solar panel system?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating of about 15 to 25%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need less of them for your home's energy needs.
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.