18 Best Solar Companies in Empire, IL (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 18 in Empire based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Empire, IL
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Empire homeowner saves $1,297/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Empire

Looking for the top solar companies in Empire? Installing solar panels is an exciting venture that many homeowners find rewarding for their wallets, communities and the planet. Since Empire is a city with great potential for solar power, it's no wonder you're considering installing solar panels.

In this article, we'll review the top Empire solar installers so you can find the best one for your home's solar energy needs. Interested in seeing the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Empire solar installer.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Empire

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Solar Financing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Blue Raven Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Pros icon Competitive pricing
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Doesn't offer solar batteries

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://blueravensolar.com/
Best Warranty Coverage
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best for Leasing
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
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EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

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Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Corn Belt Energy Corporation

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.cornbeltenergy.com/
Address: One Energy Way, Bloomington, IL 61705
Phone: 3096625330
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

GRNE Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Professional reinstallation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.grnesolar.com/
Address: 4109 Oakland Ave Unit B, Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: 3093061152
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Central Road Energy

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://www.centralroadenergy.com/contact-us
Address: 3702 Baywood Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: 6309420635
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Ubuntu

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://ubuntu.solar/
Address: 2404 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: 8165859133
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

My Solar Power Information

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://mysolarpower.info/
Address: 1 Oakbrook Ct #2, Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: 8057652798
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

StraightUp Solar

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://straightupsolar.com/
Address: 505 N Main St Suite A, Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: 8449776527
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.legacysolarpower.com/
Address: 301 S Quincy St, Towanda, IL 61776
Phone: 3092313138
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Harvest Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://harvestsolar.com/
Address: 2901 Boardwalk Dr Suite E – H, Champaign, IL 61822
Phone: 8889076527
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Energy Solutions

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.sesre.com/
Address: 1807 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 3177076410
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

New Prairie Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.newprairiesolar.com/
Address: 2005 N Linview Ave Unit A, Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: 2175300270
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

New Prairie Construction Company

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon End-to-end services

Website: http://newprairieconstruction.com/
Address: 605 E Main St, Urbana, IL 61802
Phone: 605EMainSt
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Halo Solar LLC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://halosolar.net/
Address: 7 Legacy Dr, Goodfield, IL 61742
Phone: 3097407861

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

Even though solar panels can save you money on electricity bills over time, it's important to take into consideration the startup costs. There are several factors you should take into consideration when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:

  • Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $15,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years without incentives.
  • Where your home is: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • The kind of solar panel system you can buy: This hinges on your income and budget.
  • How much energy costs for you: The average household in Empire pays around $1,000 a year on power alone, so you could end up with that much in savings.

There are several wonderful benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the planet and your bank account. In addition, it can boost the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Empire

In order to increase solar panel installation and usage, incentives are offered by the government — and even some utility companies — to help make solar power more financially viable and accessible. 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 potentially pair the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in your area.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Empire

There are a few key reasons why homeowners are interested in solar energy: to help their wallet and the environment. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Empire, though. In a city like Empire where energy use is rather high, installing solar panels is a fantastic plan for those who care about the planet. Although solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by considerably lowering the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Empire, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, going solar has so many other perks apart from saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the Earth too.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Empire, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar installation company is the best near me?

The best local solar company in Empire is Mobius Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?

Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. 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 call for a significant upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What are the different kinds of solar panels?

The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types 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 configuration and how much efficiency you're looking for.

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.