6 Best Solar Companies in Vandalia, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in Vandalia based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Vandalia, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Vandalia homeowner saves $1,232/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Vandalia
If you’re trying to find the best solar companies in Vandalia, combing through all the options can be challenging, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many great benefits. Solar panels aren't just good for the environment — your finances will benefit too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $15,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
In this article, we’ll help you narrow in on the top options in your area.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in Vandalia, you can click "get quote" below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Vandalia
Purcell Electric Company Inc
Informative Resources- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Cleaning and Maintenance- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Route 66 Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
Tick Tock Energy, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Community Solar Projects
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Sonne Energy Solutions, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Pyramid Electrical Contractors, Inc.
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
SunSent Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Vandalia
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Vandalia 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 Vandalia
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 Vandalia
We know that for lots of homeowners, the choice to invest in solar comes down to installation costs.Some important things that determine the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $15,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- How much energy you use: If your household needs to use a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from switching to solar.
- How much you spend on energy: The average household in Vandalia pays around $850 a year on energy alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
- Your income and budget: This determines what kind of solar panels you can buy.
So is a solar panel system worth it? Whether you hope to lower your energy bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Vandalia homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Vandalia
There are many reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them involves some government incentives that can help save you some money.You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Vandalia
Many want to do their part to help the planet, which in many cases is the primary reason for installing solar panels.But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? The EPA reports that electricity generation is the second biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels. Installing solar panels and switching to renewable energy can help bring down that number in a city like Vandalia that generates a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.Even though solar panel manufacturing emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Vandalia, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, going solar has so many other rewards outside of saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the environment too.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Vandalia, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installer in Vandalia?
The top local solar company in Vandalia is Purcell Electric Company Inc, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are a few of the biggest pros and cons of installing solar panels?
The main advantages of solar power are that it can decrease or, for some, completely cut your electricity bills, improve your home’s value and bring down your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save as much 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 to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 17.1 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is the amount of energy the panels can generate under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover how much energy they need.
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.