4 Best Solar Companies in Makanda, IL (2025 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Makanda based on:

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

Average Makanda homeowner saves $1,396/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Updated January 24, 2025

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 Makanda

Looking for the top solar companies in Makanda? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting venture that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. While solar panels are a sizable investment, you’ll be able to make that money back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $17,000 over 20 years.


The cost of installing solar panels can vary significantly depending on your home’s infrastructure and your overall energy needs.To get an idea of how much it could cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.

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EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Makanda

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Jackson Solar LLC

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

Website: http://www.jacksonsolarllc.com/
Address: 127 W Main St A, Jackson, MO 63755
Phone: 5732437657
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

AES Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems

Website: http://aessolar.com/
Address: 1804 Supply Rd, Carterville, IL 62918
Phone: 6189880888
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

StraightUp Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://straightupsolar.com/marion-il/
Address: 11580 IL-37, Marion, IL 62959
Phone: 6184922663
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

D&D Electric

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.ddelectricllc.net/
Address: 1380 Blue Hole Rd, Harrisburg, IL 62946
Phone: 6182948206

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Makanda

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


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 Makanda

While solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on power bills over time, it’s important to consider the upfront costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:

  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $17,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • Your location: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
  • Energy consumption: Solar may be too pricey an option for families that don’t consume a lot of energy each month.

Due to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as several solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for the majority of homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Makanda

Although a solar power system is typically a big investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over several years because of lower energy bills and government incentives.You 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. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Makanda.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Makanda

Replacing nonrenewable energy with solar power is a powerful way to do your part for a more eco-friendly future.Something many homeowners might have in mind is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? In a place like Makanda where commute times can be long sometimes, going solar can help help reduce the carbon footprint of driving.Once you go solar, your carbon footprint can be lowered by about 100 pounds a year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll likely get that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.

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EcoWatch's Makanda, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar panel installation company in Makanda?

The top local solar company in Makanda is Jackson Solar LLC, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

What are the pros and cons of solar power?

The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can decrease or, for some, completely erase your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not see as many savings if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but frankly, 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.

What is the efficiency of solar panels?

Solar panel efficiency is the amount of energy from the sun that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating of about 15 to 25%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them for your home's energy needs.

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.