10 Best Solar Companies in Lincoln, IL

How To Choose a Solar Company

Going solar can be a great way to reduce electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is reliable.

Check Licensing

It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including home solar installers.

Read Customer Reviews

Check TrustPilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers are saying about local solar installers. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a provider's integrity and customer service. Be wary of providers with few or mainly poor reviews.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact at least three solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and list the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the best value based on your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

High-quality solar installations should come with robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.

• Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit for solar the applies to the full system cost is available through 2032. Many states also offer incentives. These credits offer substantial savings for solar buyers.
• Look into utility rebates: Some utility companies may provide additional rebates to motivate homeowners to adopt solar power. Check the eligibility criteria and rebate amounts offered by your local electric provider to estimate the possible savings.
• Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased outright or financed through loans or leases. Check important financing details such as annual percentage rate (APR), fees, payment schedule, and ownership implications when financing your solar system.

Cost of Solar Installation in Lincoln

In Lincoln, solar panels cost an average of $3,760 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 6.3 kilowatts. The typical Lincoln homeowner spends $16,651 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information reflecting your desired system's capacity, panel type, required preliminary work, and size. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.