14 Best Solar Companies in Decatur, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 in Decatur based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Decatur, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Decatur homeowner saves $1,368/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Decatur
Choosing the best solar panel installation company for your home is a big decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Decatur. Over 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar panel system, you can save about $16,000 on your power bills.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow in on the best options in your area.To help you understand if solar panels are worth it for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Decatur by clicking the button below.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Decatur
SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC
Reliable Customer Support- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Financing Assistance
SunSent Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Route 66 Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- System Decommissioning
- Grid-Tied Solar System
StraightUp Solar of Bloomington
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
WindSolarUSA, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
IQ Group Inc
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
EFS Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Skydrop Energy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
New Prairie Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Harvest Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Nelnet Renewable Energy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Halo Solar LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Tick Tock Energy, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Community Solar Projects
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Financing Assistance
Sonne Energy Solutions, LLC
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Decatur
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Decatur 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 Decatur
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 Decatur
When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners worry about the costs the most.Some key things that influence how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- The kind of solar panels you have the money for: This is dependent on how much you’re willing to spend upfront.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Your energy bills: This will dictate how much you can save. In Decatur, the average homeowner can save about $850 a year on their electricity bills.
- Your location: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar incentives, all while helping protect the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in Decatur
In an effort to increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government – and even some utility companies – to help make going solar more financially viable and accessible.There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you a decent amount of money back after buying a qualifying system. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Decatur
Many want to do what they can to help the planet, which in many cases is the primary motivation to install a solar system.You may be wondering – how much do solar panels do for the planet anyway? Something that can severely shape your carbon footprint is your commute time and how much you drive in general. If you switch to solar power and have an electric car, you can vastly lower your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.While solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably lowering the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used traditional energy. In Decatur, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll no doubt 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 invaluable.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Decatur, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best near me?
In Decatur, SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?
Producing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What are the different kinds 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 your roof layout, how much you're willing to spend and how much energy generation you want.
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.