9 Best Solar Companies in Gardner, IL (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 9 in Gardner based on:

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

Average Gardner homeowner saves $1,427/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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 Gardner

If you’re looking for the best solar companies in Gardner, going through all the options can be demanding, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many fantastic perks. Plus, the solar industry is thriving in Gardner, giving homeowners access to some of the most respected solar panel companies in the country.


The cost of installing solar panels can vary substantially depending on your home’s configuration and your household energy needs.If you’re ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Gardner solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Gardner

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Sunrun Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Address: 688 High Point Ln, East Peoria, IL 61611
Phone: 8333245886
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Route 66 Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon System Decommissioning
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://route66solar.com/
Address: 1 W Old State Capitol Plaza Suite 505, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 2176526533
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

WindSolarUSA, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: https://windsolarusa.com/
Address: 104 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 2178254206
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Skydrop Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.skydropenergy.com/
Address: 24049 Burr Oaks Ln, Athens, IL 62613
Phone: 2175569269
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

EFS Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://www.efsenergy.com/contact/
Address: 920 S Spring St Suite 2600, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 2179939801
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

IQ Group Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://iqgroup.us/
Address: 3888 N Peoria Rd, Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: 2172196006
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

StraightUp Solar of Bloomington

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System

Website: https://straightupsolar.com/bloomington-il/
Address: 505 N Main St Suite A, Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: 3092602663
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunSent Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://www.sunsent.com/
Address: 150 Lewis Park Dr Suite H, Mt Zion, IL 62549
Phone: 2178597080
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 Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

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

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Gardner

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Gardner 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 Gardner


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 Gardner

The cost of installing solar panels has dropped immensely over the past few years, but it’s still a substantial investment for most homeowners.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some important factors such as:

  • Typical energy usage: The more energy your home uses on average and the steeper your current electricity bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from switching to solar.
  • The kind of solar panel system you have the money for: This depends on how much you’re willing to spend upfront.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $17,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
  • Your city: This influences how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.

Though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the size of your house and your energy consumption.

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Solar Incentives in Gardner

If you’re considering making the switch to solar energy, several government incentives and subsidies can immensely reduce your project costs and expedite the return on your investment.On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local programs, which in the majority of cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Gardner.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Gardner

If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the primary reasons why may be to reduce your reliance on nonrenewable energy.But – how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? As reported by the EPA, electricity generation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels. Using solar power can help bring down that number in a city like Gardner that accounts for a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.In Gardner, the average resident can lower their carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year once they go solar. As you can see, using solar power has so many other perks apart from saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the planet too.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

EcoWatch's Gardner, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar panel installation company in Gardner?

The best local solar company in Gardner is Sunrun Solar, with a rating of 4.80 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?

Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but truthfully, 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

What is the best kind of solar panel?

There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by the layout of your roof, 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.