8 best solar companies in Bloomington, Illinois
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Bloomington, Illinois, requires you to hire a solar installer that is certified, trained and experienced. To assist your search for the right installer, we've put together a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Bloomington.
Prior to choosing an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to determine the best company for you. You can choose a local Bloomington solar company or select a reputable national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Although solar panels call for a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy enables Bloomington homeowners to save $930 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all have identical services and products. You should compare different companies and get quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Bloomington
When looking into Bloomington solar companies, search for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC
Services Offered
Sunrun Solar
Services Offered
StraightUp Solar of Bloomington
Services Offered
Halo Solar LLC
Services Offered
Sun Collectors
Services Offered
SOLAR PANTHER
Services Offered
ROUTE 66 SOLAR
Services Offered
Route 66 Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Bloomington?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Bloomington, can still benefit from solar power. The top reasons to switch to solar power are:
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help decrease your electricity bills. Solar panel systems use power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the ideal way to guarantee your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Bloomington
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bloomington?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost goes up if you pick any add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
In Bloomington, solar panel installation costs around $16,692, according to data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
How much can you save by going solar in Bloomington?
Putting in solar panels means substantial spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Bloomington from going solar
After moving completely to solar power, Bloomington homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recoup its initial cost. The payback period in Bloomington is approximately 18 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA.
- Annual solar savings in Bloomington: Homeowners in Bloomington typically save an average of $929 per year by switching to solar energy, based on our calculations using data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving around $11,096 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Bloomington from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Bloomington?
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Bloomington homeowners. Various programs are offered to all Illinois residents, while others differ by municipality, city and utility company.
Here are solar incentives accessible for Illinois residents, according to DSIRE.
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems | Varies |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Credits | Negotiated with procurement administrators |
Rebate Program Wabash Valley Power Association (28 Member Cooperatives) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program | 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 |
Rebate Program Corn Belt Energy Coop - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | 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 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Bloomington solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, reflect on these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and will potentially require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system could struggle to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to obtain the required permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
Several solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be crucial for ensuring continuous power during storms. Opting for battery storage could increase the total cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and roof space requirements.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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