15 Best Solar Companies in Lincoln, IL (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Lincoln based on:

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

Average Lincoln homeowner saves $1,003/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Lincoln

As a homeowner in Lincoln, you may be considering switching to solar energy and curious about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a fantastic choice since it comes with lots of benefits. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $12,000 on your power bills.

In this article, we'll tell you about the top Lincoln solar installers so you can make the best choice for your home's green energy needs. We advise shopping around to get multiple quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To receive free, no-pressure quotes from the best solar companies in Lincoln, click the link below.

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

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Lincoln

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Sunrun Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/why-sunrun
Address: 688 High Point Ln, East Peoria, IL 61611
Phone: 3093220096
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC

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

Services Offered

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

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

4.8/5

Route 66 Solar

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

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

4.7/5

WindSolarUSA, Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

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

4.8/5

Springfield Sunsent Solar Installation Company

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.sunsent.com/
Address: 520 S Grand Ave E, Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: 2178597080
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

StraightUp Solar

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

Services Offered

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

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

4.8/5

Halo Solar LLC

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

Website: https://halosolar.net/
Address: 7 Legacy Dr, Goodfield, IL 61742
Phone: 3097407861
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Skydrop Energy

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • 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 Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

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

4.9/5

Sunsent Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.sunsentsolar.com/
Address: 150 Lewis Park Dr Suite H, Mt Zion, IL 62549
Phone: 6365157692
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

EFS Energy

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

Services Offered

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

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

4.9/5

SOLAR PANTHER

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.thesolarpanther.com/
Address: 4500 N Prospect Rd Suite 103, Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Phone: 3098866830
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Sun Collectors

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://suncollectors.solar/
Address: 4507 N Sterling Ave #400, Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: 3093003875
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

New Prairie Solar

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

Services Offered

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

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

3.0/5

Solar Heating & A/C

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.solarheatingac.com/
Address: 2729 NE Adams St, Peoria, IL 61603
Phone: 3096855420
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Panels

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://horizoncosolarcompany.xyz/
Address: 8903 N Hale Ave, Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: 3092041295

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Lincoln

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


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 Lincoln

For many people, the decision of which solar installer to hire depends on total costs. Some key factors that dictate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:

  • Your income and budget: This affects what model of solar panels you can get.
  • Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, and the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can generate.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you reduce your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can use. In addition, you can save about $12,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
  • Your current energy bills: Solar panels can noticeably decrease, or entirely eradicate, your utility bills. In Lincoln, you can save an average of $66 a month.

So is installing solar panels worth it? Whether you'd like to decrease your energy bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Lincoln homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Lincoln

If you're thinking about making the switch to solar power, various government incentives and subsidies can drastically lower the installation costs and expedite the return on your investment. On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level programs, which in the majority of cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. Our article on solar incentives goes over more information on the incentives you can find in Lincoln.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Lincoln

If you're considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the primary reasons why may be to lower your carbon dioxide emissions. But — how much exactly can you help the planet by going solar? The more power your household uses, the the more the environment will benefit from you switching to solar since you won't have to rely on traditional energy sources as much. In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The benefits of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Lincoln residents have been happy with committing to solar.

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

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

EcoWatch's Lincoln, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar panel installation company in Lincoln?

The highest-rated local solar company in Lincoln is Porter Electric, with a rating of 3.00 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?

Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle 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 can be a good investment for many homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

When should I put up solar panels?

Despite summer being the most common time people install solar panels, the ideal time is actually winter. You can save money since there's less demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the higher 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.