7 Best Solar Companies in Lafayette, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 7 in Lafayette based on:
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Customer review scores - Service area for Lafayette, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Lafayette homeowner saves $1,319/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
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Best Solar Companies in Lafayette
If you're a home or business owner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Lafayette, it can be challenging to narrow down which company to decide on. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar power is often a fantastic choice. With high levels of average daily sunlight in Lafayette, the solar industry is doing fairly well. An underrated reason for this growth has been national incentives that help with residential and commercial solar projects.
In this article, we'll let you in on the top Lafayette solar installers so you can find the best one for your home's solar energy needs. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the top Lafayette solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Lafayette
Springfield Electric Supply Company
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Clear Pricing Policy - Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Integrated roofing - Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Tick Tock Energy, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Sunsent Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
New Prairie Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
One Planet Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Accutek Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Harvest Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Lafayette
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Lafayette 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 Lafayette
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 Lafayette
We understand that for many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar comes down to installation costs. There are quite a few factors you should take into consideration when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, including:
- Average daily sunlight: Since Lafayette gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
- The model of solar panels you want to get: More efficient panels are more costly, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
- average energy usage: The more power your household uses on average and the larger your current power bills are, the more money you could save by switching to solar.
- Incentives: One thing that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your power bills, which can lead to an average of $16,000 of savings over 20 years.
There are several great benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your wallet. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Use the calculator below to see how much installing a solar panel system could affect the planet and your wallet. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Lafayette, IL.
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Solar Incentives in Lafayette
Although installing solar panels is typically a big investment, it can save you a significant amount of money in the long term due to smaller energy bills and government incentives. These incentives normally consist of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or performance-based incentives. They can cut the cost you pay for installing solar panels by 30%, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Lafayette.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Lafayette
There are a few key reasons why many people are interested in solar energy: to help their wallet and the environment. But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? Going solar is a sustainable choice for the environment, due to the fact that the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the nation is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation — all of which can be powered by solar instead. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you'll likely recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is worth more.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Lafayette, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best in Lafayette?
The top local solar company in Lafayette is Springfield Electric Supply Company, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are some of the main pros and cons of installing solar panels?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your power bills, it's environmentally friendly, and it gives you a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels can be an eyesore.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 11.6 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Although summer is the most popular time people install solar panels, the optimal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.