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10 Best Solar Companies in Long Creek, IL

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Year after year, more Long Creek residents adopt rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and provide a dependable source of power. Switching to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and decrease your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on installers, we compiled a guide to the most reputable solar companies in Long Creek. These installers have a reputation for high-quality service.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service
Best Financing Options
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 10 Best Solar Companies in Long Creek

SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC

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

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation
Financing assistance

SunSent Solar

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150 Lewis Park Dr Suite H, Mt Zion, IL 62549 (217) 859-7080 sunsent.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Financing assistance
Battery storage
Consultation

Harvest Solar

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2901 Boardwalk Dr Suite E – H, Champaign, IL 61822 (888) 907-6527 harvestsolar.com

Free quotes

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Permit assistance
Panel installation
Consultation

New Prairie Solar

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2005 N Linview Ave Unit D, Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 344-5131 newprairiesolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

WindSolarUSA, Inc.

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104 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 825-4206 windsolarusa.com

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Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Grid-tied solar system
Financing assistance
Panel installation
Consultation

IQ Group Inc

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3888 N Peoria Rd, Springfield, IL 62702 (217) 219-6006 iqgroup.us

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Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Consultation

Route 66 Solar

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1 W Old State Capitol Plaza Suite 505, Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 652-6533 route66solar.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
System decommissioning
Financing assistance
Grid-tied solar system

Nelnet Renewable Energy

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

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Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Financing assistance
Cleaning and maintenance
Battery storage
Consultation

EFS Energy

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920 S Spring St Suite 2600, Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 993-9801 efsenergy.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Consultation
Financing assistance
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

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

Check Licensing

It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. 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 solar contractors.

Read Customer Reviews

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

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. A quote should outline all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers any installation defects (such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Going solar can help reduce your energy expenses over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.

  • Look into utility rebates: Local electric providers may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Check the requirements to qualify and the rebate values with your local power company to determine what you could save.
  • 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 offer incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for upfront or financed over time with a loan or lease. Check key financing details like fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications when financing solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in Long Creek

The cost of home solar panels in Long Creek depends on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system costs $3,760 per kilowatt, not including labor, preliminary work, or permit fees. Most solar systems in Long Creek are 6.3 kilowatts, and the typical Long Creek homeowners spends $16,565 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.

Long Creek 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: Rebate Program

Website: powermoves.com

Incentive Amount:

Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500
Variable Speed Pool Pump: $250
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $400/unit
HVAC: Varies depending on ZIP code. See program website

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: cornbeltenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500/unit
Pool Pump: $250/unit
Air Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750/unit
Heat Pump Water Heater: $400/unit
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500/unit

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 Long Creek, IL

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.

With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.

It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Long Creek, your best time to get solar 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, so you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.

Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, their rated capacity, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. Long Creek gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 14.3 years per 5 kW of capacity.

The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. A majority of solar contractors in the Long Creek area offer multipoint maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.

Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to get paid for the amount of energy they put back into the grid. It's available in most states and is a great way to reduce energy costs.

The answer depends on your specific needs and goals. Generally speaking, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for Long Creek homes. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you may want to consider polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the brand names and models of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

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