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.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Collinsville, Illinois, you'll need to find a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the top solar companies in Collinsville to help you find the right one.
Before hiring an installer, request referrals, evaluate potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Collinsville or use an established national brand.
While solar panels need a substantial initial investment, you can reduce your energy bills in the long run by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy allows Collinsville homeowners to save a yearly average of about $790.
Solar companies do not all have the same services and products. You should look at different companies and get quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Vet Collinsville solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look through past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Collinsville, can still use solar power. The top reasons to adopt solar energy are:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your shading, sunlight availability, labor costs, roof orientation, system size and area. Selecting extras such as batteries, solar trackers or animal guards will increase the overall cost.
In Collinsville, solar panel installation costs approximately $16,101, according to data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Although installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills in the future.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Collinsville homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for seeing returns on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
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Collinsville homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Certain programs are offered statewide to all Illinois residents, while others differ based on utility company, municipality and city.
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 |
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. |
Consider these questions before hiring a solar installation expert.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger homes tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Not all residences get the same levels of sunlight. The tree density, rainfall levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
A lot of solar panel systems include a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage may increase the overall expense.
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These elements can change the cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
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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