Best 5 Solar Companies in St. Clair, IL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in St. Clair

The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately function. Here are some key items to consider while searching for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including solar contractors. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in St. Clair

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company includes these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of St. Clair homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $18,800 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in St. Clair

Choosing the optimal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, loans, and cash payments. We recommend paying with cash or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. Ask each installer you're evaluating about the payment plans it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in St. Clair.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.