13 Best Solar Companies in Pekin, IL (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Pekin based on:

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

Average Pekin homeowner saves $996/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 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 Pekin

Getting the right solar panel installation company for your home is a big decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Pekin. Because solar panels produce their own energy, they can greatly offset your electricity bill each month, if not entirely eliminate it. In fact, you could end up with about $12,000 of savings over 20 years.


The cost of installing solar panels can vary significantly based on your home’s setup and your overall energy requirements.Want to see how much it’d cost to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Pekin solar installer.

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 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

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Pekin

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • 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 Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

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

4.7/5

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 Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation

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

4.8/5

ROUTE 66 SOLAR

  • 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 Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Energy Efficiency Audit

Website: https://route66solar.com/
Address: 2619 W Heading Ave Suite 314, West Peoria, IL 61604
Phone: 3093367394
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

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 System Decommissioning
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance

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

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

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 Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.thesolarpanther.com/
Address: 4703 North Ellen Court, Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Phone: 3098866830
Outstanding Local Installer
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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 Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

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

4.9/5

StraightUp Solar of Bloomington

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

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

Nelnet Renewable 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 Battery Storage
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon Maintenance

Website: http://www.nelnetenergy.com/
Address: 4109 Oakland Ave Unit B, Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: 8882025630
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Skydrop Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance

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

WindSolarUSA, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

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

IQ Group Inc

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • 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 Emergency Services
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

EFS Energy

  • 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 Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

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

4.9/5

Route 66 Solar

  • 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 Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Energy Efficiency Audit

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

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Pekin

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


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 Pekin

Although solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on utility bills over time, it’s important to take into consideration the upfront costs.Some important things that influence the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:

  • System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
  • Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be a high-cost option for homes that don’t need a good amount of energy per month.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you lower your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state may also have various incentives that you can use. Plus, you can save about $12,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Pekin gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.

Although 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 a number of factors, such as the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your local electricity rates.

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Solar Incentives in Pekin

Because solar power is better for the environment than fossil fuels, there are quite a few government incentives available to encourage its adoption.Local solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For more information about incentives for homeowners in Pekin, visit our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Pekin

There are lots of reasons to trade traditional energy for solar power, like saving money on electricity bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.But – how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? For homeowners who are concerned about global warming, using solar power is an easy choice, especially since Pekin produces a very high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. For those 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

★★★★★
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 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

EcoWatch's Pekin, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar panel installer is the best near me?

In Pekin, SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.

What are the pros and cons of solar power?

The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, in some cases, completely erase your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and cut back on your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save a lot if you don’t use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but frankly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How efficient are solar panels?

Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. 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.

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.