Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Carbondale homeowners. Going solar allows you to cut your utility bills and shrink your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. Luckily, we've done the research and compiled a guide to the best and most dependable solar installation companies in Carbondale.
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Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is reliable.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including home solar installers.
Check consumer review platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with providers that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact at least three solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the best value based on your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
Solar panel costs vary based on system capacity and the solar technology being used. The average solar system in Carbondale has a capacity of 6.1 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay approximately $3,760 per kilowatt; the average Carbondale homeowners spends about $15,971 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for things like the capacity, size, and panel type of the planned system, and should include fees for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
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Varies
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar PV, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on your home's location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Carbondale, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, the average sunlight in your area, and their rated capacity. Carbondale gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 16.0 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can sell the solar energy you don't use to your provider. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
While solar energy might not be the best option for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase your property's solar viability enough to achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
