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8 Best Solar Companies in Chillicothe, IL

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

A new solar energy system will provide you with a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Going solar helps cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. That’s why we’ve researched the options and assembled a guide to the most trustworthy solar providers in Chillicothe. These top providers offer high-quality and reliable services.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.3/5
  • BluePower Plus+ financing program
  • Good selection of quality panels
  • Most affordable options
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.2/5
  • Long warranty options
  • Insurance available on panels
  • Free Tesla Power Wall maintenance

Top 8 Best Solar Companies in Chillicothe

SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC

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301 S Quincy St, Towanda, IL 61776 (309) 231-3138 legacysolarpower.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
Financing assistance

Sunrun Solar

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688 High Point Ln, East Peoria, IL 61611 (833) 324-5886 sunrun.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Battery storage
Consultation
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Permit assistance
Grid-tied solar system
Skilled repairs

SOLAR PANTHER

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4703 North Ellen Court, Peoria Heights, IL 61616 (309) 886-6830 thesolarpanther.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Battery storage
Cleaning and maintenance
Grid-tied solar system
Consultation
Skilled repairs
Permit assistance
Panel installation
Financing assistance

Sun Collectors

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4507 N Sterling Ave #400, Peoria, IL 61615 (309) 300-3875 suncollectors.solar

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Grid-tied solar system
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
System decommissioning
Consultation

ROUTE 66 SOLAR

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2619 W Heading Ave Suite 314, West Peoria, IL 61604 (309) 336-7394 route66solar.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
System decommissioning
Grid-tied solar system
Financing assistance

Halo Solar LLC

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7 Legacy Dr, Goodfield, IL 61742 (309) 740-7861 halosolar.net

Clear pricing policy

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Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation

StraightUp Solar of Bloomington

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505 N Main St Suite A, Bloomington, IL 61701 (309) 260-2663 straightupsolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Cleaning and maintenance
Battery storage
Grid-tied solar system
Panel installation
Consultation

Nelnet Renewable Energy

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4109 Oakland Ave Unit B, Bloomington, IL 61704 (888) 202-5630 nelnetenergy.com

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Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Battery storage
Consultation
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including solar installers.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be cautious of companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar installer that works with your budget, ask for free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers installation issues, such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Going solar can help reduce your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.

  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to adopt solar panels. Check the eligibility rules and rebate values with your local electric company to determine what you could save.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased outright or paid for over time through leases or loans. Confirm all terms when financing, including annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and ownership implications.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also provide incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Chillicothe

Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the solar technology used. The average solar system in Chillicothe has a capacity of 6.4 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,760 per kilowatt; the average Chillicothe homeowners spends about $16,798 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar installer will account for factors such as the capacity, panel type, and size of the planned system, and should include fees for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor.

Chillicothe Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Varies

Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program

Website: icc.illinois.gov

Incentive Amount:

Negotiated with procurement administrators

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Chillicothe, IL

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.

With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.

It depends on your home's location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Chillicothe, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.

Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.

You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Chillicothe, meaning your payback period could last 21.2 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.

The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to notify your insurer about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.

The answer will depend on your specific needs and goals. Generally, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for Chillicothe homes. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, then you could thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When you're gathering estimates, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

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