15 Best Solar Companies in Central, IL (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Central based on:

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

Average Central homeowner saves $1,457/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 Central

When choosing between the best solar panel installers, Central homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar energy less confusing. Solar panels can be expensive, but adopting solar will save you money on your power bills over many years. In fact, you can potentially save about $17,000 over 20 years.


The cost of installing solar panels can change substantially based on your home’s layout and your overall energy requirements.To help you know if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Central by clicking the button below.

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 Central

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Route 66 Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Energy Efficiency Audit

Website: https://route66solar.com/
Address: 2110 Troy Rd Suite B1, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: 6189001280
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Purcell Electric Company Inc

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Emergency Services
  • Service icon Maintenance

Website: http://purcellelectricco.com/
Address: 106 W Main St #1518, Salem, IL 62881
Phone: 6185488145
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Astrawatt Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall

Website: https://www.astrawatt.solar/
Address: 222 S Meramec Ave Suite 202-1100, St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 8779374786
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

StraightUp Solar of St. Louis

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://straightupsolar.com/st-louis-city-county/
Address: 11696 Lilburn Park Rd, St. Louis, MO 63146
Phone: 3142182663
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Streib Company

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Full-Service

Website: http://streibco.com/
Address: 9225 Watson Industrial Park, St. Louis, MO 63126
Phone: 3144877474
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Pyramid Electrical Contractors, Inc.

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Emergency Services
  • Service icon Full-Service
  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://www.pyramidelectrical.com/
Address: 300 Monticello Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Phone: 6186321180
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

SunSent Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://www.sunsent.com/
Address: 1710 Scherer Pkwy, St Charles, MO 63303
Phone: 6367573083
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.2/5

EFS Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://efsenergy.com/
Address: 1283 Research Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132
Phone: 3147715131
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Tick Tock Energy, Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Emergency Services
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems

Website: http://www.ticktockenergy.com/
Address: 800 E Fayette Ave, Effingham, IL 62401
Phone: 2179949020
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

five stars electric and solar LLC

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://five-stars-electric-and-solar-llc.business.site/
Address: 3725 michigan ave Chesterfield Missouri Fenton Missouri University City, 3725 Michigan Ave, St. Louis, MO 63118
Phone: 3146857515
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Helio Solar Power, LLC.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Solar Carports
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.heliosolarpower.com/
Address: 119 S Main St, St Charles, MO 63301
Phone: 8884243546
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

BKJ Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://bkjsolar.com/
Address: 907 Harbor Oaks Ct, Hazelwood, MO 63031
Phone: 3148995527
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Luxury 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 Residential Panels
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon System Decommissioning
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems

Website: http://www.solarluxurystl.com/
Address: 11252 Midland Blvd Apt 106, St. Louis, MO 63114
Phone: 3143377071
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sonne Energy Solutions, LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://www.sonneenergysolutions.com/
Address: 114 E Walnut St, Teutopolis, IL 62467
Phone: 2178648222
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar city stl

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://solarcitystl.com/
Address: 3636 S Geyer Rd #100, St. Louis, MO 63127
Phone: 6365154895

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Central

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Central 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 Central


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 Central

When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs above all.There are quite a few factors you should consider when determining the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:

  • Your energy bills: This will impact how much you can save. In Central, the average resident can save about $850 a year on their electricity bills.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to reduce your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have various incentives that you can use. Plus, you can save about $17,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
  • How much electricity your home consumes: Homes that use plenty of power each month may call for more solar panels and, therefore, more upfront cost, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: This, along with your roof configuration, affects affect how much power your solar panels can make.

Although a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, including the size of your solar panel system and incentives.

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Solar Incentives in Central

There are many reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them involves some government incentives you can take advantage of.On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local benefits, which in most cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Our article on solar incentives goes over more information on the incentives you can benefit from in Central.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Central

Switching to solar energy can have a meaningful impact on the environment.Something many might be thinking about is how much can they really help the environment by switching to solar power anyway? A key thing to keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if your commute is very long, your footprint may be larger, so adopting solar energy for your home can help offset that.In Central, the average resident can reduce their carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year after going solar. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll no doubt understand that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.

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 Central, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar panel installer is the best near me?

The top local solar company in Central is Route 66 Solar, with a rating of 4.90 stars.

What are some of the main pros and cons of switching to solar?

The main advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, entirely erase your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and lower your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save a lot if you don’t use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 14.4 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.

When is the best time of year to install solar panels?

Despite summer being the most common time people install solar panels, the best time is actually winter. You can save money since there's less demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.

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.