15 Best Solar Companies in Mackinaw, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Mackinaw based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Mackinaw, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Mackinaw homeowner saves $1,153/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Mackinaw
If you’re on the hunt for the best solar companies in Mackinaw, digging through hundreds of options can be overwhelming, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many good perks. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar panel system, you can save about $14,000 on your power bills.
There are tons of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Mackinaw.Interested in knowing how much you would pay to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Mackinaw solar installer.
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 Mackinaw
SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC
Clear Pricing Policy- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Panel Installation
Sunrun Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Halo Solar LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
StraightUp Solar of Bloomington
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
SOLAR PANTHER
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
ROUTE 66 SOLAR
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Sun Collectors
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Skydrop Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
WindSolarUSA, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
IQ Group Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SunSent Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
EFS Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Harvest Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Route 66 Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- System Decommissioning
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Mackinaw
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Mackinaw 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 Mackinaw
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 Mackinaw
For the majority of homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar panels depends the most on the cost.The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Thanks to Mackinaw’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your energy bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to reduce your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Plus, you can save about $14,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
- The kind of solar panel system you can buy: This depends on what your budget is.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Mackinaw uses a decent amount of, and so may save on their energy bills.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping the Earth.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
For an idea of both how much you could save and impact the Earth by installing solar panels, you can test out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Mackinaw, IL.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in Mackinaw
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is receiving federal and potentially state incentives.When you install a solar panel system on your house, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. In addition, there are often some state and city incentives that you can take advantage of to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Mackinaw
If you’re planning on adding solar panels to your home, one of the primary reasons why may be to lower your greenhouse gas emissions.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Mackinaw, though. Switching to renewable energy for electricity in place of burning fossil fuels is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint if you want to help reduce Mackinaw's large level of greenhouse gas emissions.In Mackinaw, the average resident can lower their carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year after going solar. For homeowners who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
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 Mackinaw, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Mackinaw?
In Mackinaw, SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?
Solar panels can be detrimental 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. Making solar panels needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 18.3 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What are the different types of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for 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, how much you're willing to spend and desired energy output.
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.