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.
High-quality solar panel installation in Moline, Illinois, requires choosing a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve put together a list of the best solar installers in Moline.
Prior to choosing an installer, request referrals from others, vet potential companies and collect multiple quotes to determine the best company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in Moline or pick a well-known national brand.
While solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy enables Moline homeowners to save an average of $790 per year.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Search for Moline solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Moline, can still benefit from solar power. The primary reasons to adopt solar energy are:
According to our survey conducted in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose accessories like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the mean cost to install solar panels in Moline is $16,986.
Although installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills down the line.
In Moline, you can anticipate saving money once you've transitioned fully to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Moline can be eligible for several solar incentives. Some are available statewide for all Illinois residents, and others depend on your municipality, city and utility company.
The following solar incentives are accessible to Illinois residents, as listed in 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 MidAmerican Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs | Appliance Recycling Refrigerator or Freezer: $50 Heating & Cooling Air-Source Heat Pump: $150 - $350 Central Air Conditioners: $50 - $300 Ductless Minisplit A/C: $50 - $300 Ductless Minisplit Heat Pump: $150 - $350 Furnace Fan: $50 Geothermal Heat Pumps: $200 - $2,400, depending on EER and COP Heat Pump Water Heater: $300 Natural Gas Furnace: $300/unit Programmable Thermostat: $25 Room Air Conditioners: $35 |
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. |
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Required permits and local or state regulations could affect your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rain 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 a higher wattage.
Numerous solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries keep extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to prevent power loss during inclement weather. Installing battery storage may increase the cost of installation.
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space you'll need.
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
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
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