4 Best Solar Companies in Carbondale, IL (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Carbondale based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Carbondale, IL
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Carbondale homeowner saves $1,316/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Carbondale

Hoping to obtain energy freedom in Carbondale? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding course of action since you can take advantage of lots of perks when you switch to solar power. Due to its moderate amount of average daily sunlight, Carbondale has a good amount of solar growth, so a lot of the best solar companies in the country have opened up there to help residents embrace renewable energy.


There are lots of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Carbondale.If you’d like to get free, no-obligation quotes from the top Carbondale solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Carbondale

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

AES Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System

Website: http://aessolar.com/
Address: 1804 Supply Rd, Carterville, IL 62918
Phone: 6189880888
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

StraightUp Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon EV Charger

Website: https://straightupsolar.com/marion-il/
Address: 11580 IL-37, Marion, IL 62959
Phone: 6184922663
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Jackson Solar LLC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.jacksonsolarllc.com/
Address: 127 W Main St A, Jackson, MO 63755
Phone: 5732437657
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

D&D Electric

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://www.ddelectricllc.net/
Address: 1380 Blue Hole Rd, Harrisburg, IL 62946
Phone: 6182948206

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Carbondale

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Carbondale based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Carbondale


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Illinois solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Carbondale

For many readers, the decision of which solar company to choose comes down to prices.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few important factors such as:

  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $16,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
  • The model of solar panels you have the money for: This is dependent on your income and budget.
  • How much electricity your home consumes: Homes that need a lot of energy each month may require more solar panels and, as a result, more upfront cost, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
  • How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop gets limited direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on energy bills than someone with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.

Due to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a sound investment for many homeowners.

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To see how much you can help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Carbondale, IL.

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Solar Incentives in Carbondale

If you’re planning on making the switch to solar energy, a variety of government incentives and subsidies can greatly reduce the installation costs and expedite the return on your investment.There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you a decent amount of money back after buying a qualifying system. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can benefit from in Carbondale.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Carbondale

Installing solar panels can have a beneficial effect on the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Carbondale, though. For people who are environmentally-conscious, using solar power is an easy decision, especially since Carbondale produces a very high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.Since solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The great things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Carbondale residents have been happy with using solar energy.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Carbondale, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar company in Carbondale?

The highest-rated local solar company in Carbondale is AES Solar, with a rating of 4.80 stars.

What are a few of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of installing solar panels?

A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it’s good for the environment, and it can provide a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 16.0 years, but the exact period is influenced by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

How efficient is a solar panel system?

Usually, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the sun’s energy into usable electricity.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.