Experienced Local Installers
Our team of licensed in-house electricians has extensive experience in the Southern Illinois solar market. We are familiar with state regulations, ensuring all installations comply with local codes and ordinances.
Residential Service
Residential Solar Panel Installation in Southern Illinois
Ready to reap the benefits of solar energy in your home? Choose Brda Electric, a trusted electrical contractor serving Southern Illinois for more than 35 years, with 5-star Google reviews and a reputation built on quality workmanship. Take advantage of Illinois solar incentives that may cover a significant portion of your system costs, or go solar with $0 upfront financing options available.
Why Southern Illinois Homeowners Are Going Solar
Homeowners are choosing solar to lower energy costs, increase home value, and take advantage of available Illinois incentives.
Maximize Available Solar Incentives
Illinois homeowners may qualify for substantial solar incentives that can significantly reduce the overall cost of installing a solar system.
Through the Illinois Shines program, homeowners may receive incentive payments based on the expected energy production of their solar system. Under the current program structure, eligible homeowners may receive up to 50% of their total incentive value within the first year, with the remaining payments distributed quarterly over the following six years.
For example, a 10 kW solar system costing approximately $30,000 will qualify for up to roughly $13,500 in total Illinois Shines incentives, with approximately $6,700 paid during the first year. Actual incentive amounts vary based on system size, project details, and current program rates.
Homeowners served by Ameren Illinois may also qualify for additional incentives, including:
$300 per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity
$300 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery storage capacity
When combined, these programs can substantially offset the cost of going solar. Incentive availability, eligibility requirements, and payment structures may change over time. Our team will help you understand which programs apply to your specific project.
Go Solar With $0 Upfront
Qualified Southern Illinois homeowners may be eligible for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) that requires no upfront payment. Instead of buying the equipment, you pay only for the electricity the system produces, and those payments are designed to be more affordable than a typical utility bill.
System ownership, monitoring, and maintenance are handled by a third-party provider, while Brda Electric manages the installation and ensures your system is built to perform safely and efficiently. Qualified homeowners may also be eligible for a whole-home battery with $0 out-of-pocket cost, which can be added to a new solar installation or installed on its own.
Lower Your Electricity Bills
Enjoy significantly reduced or zero energy bills, thanks to the power of solar energy. Solar panels offset the energy you pull from the grid, which means lower monthly utility bills from the day your system goes live.
Increase Your Property Value
A professionally installed solar system is a long-term upgrade that can increase the value of your Southern Illinois home. Many homebuyers view solar as a desirable feature because it can help lower future energy costs and provide greater energy independence.
Beyond monthly savings, solar adds a permanent improvement to your property. Unlike temporary upgrades, a solar system continues generating value year after year, making your home more attractive to prospective buyers when it comes time to sell.
Gain Energy Independence
Solar reduces your dependence on the grid and the rate fluctuations that come with it. Pair your system with a home battery and you’ll have stored energy to draw on when the power goes out.
Our Solar Installation Services
We install roof-mount and ground-mount solar systems for Southern Illinois homes of all sizes, handled entirely by our licensed in-house electricians.
Roof-Mount Solar Installation
We specialize in roof-mount solar installations, providing homeowners with efficient and aesthetically pleasing solar solutions. We design each installation around your roof’s pitch, orientation, and condition to maximize energy production.
Ground-Mount Solar Installation
If your property has open land, a ground-mount system can deliver high output and easier access for maintenance. It’s a practical option for homeowners with acreage or a shaded roofline.
Why Southern Illinois Homeowners Trust Brda Electric for Solar
Custom Solar Solutions
We size and design each system around your home’s energy usage, roof type, and available space. You get a system built for your property, not a one-size-fits-all package.
Transparency From Start to Finish
We provide a clear, detailed estimate before any work begins and keep you informed throughout the project.
What Homeowners Are Saying
“Brda Electric delivered a smooth and professional solar panel installation experience. Adam demonstrated deep expertise in panels, batteries, and troubleshooting, while Lauren ensured clear and timely communication throughout the project. We're now happily enjoying solar energy thanks to their excellent service.”
Jack
“After a frustrating experience with a previous solar provider, Brda Electric exceeded all expectations. They redesigned and relocated panels for improved performance—doubling energy production—while delivering exceptional service, clear communication, and attention to detail. The team’s professionalism and care, especially from Joe, Drew, and Ryan, restored my confidence. I’m 100% satisfied and highly recommend Brda Electric.”
Brian M.
“BRDA really saved us last year when we were putting on solar panels. The first company we went with messed around for months and nothing ever came of it. With only a few months left in the year, we found BRDA and they had everything installed and done by December. We love our solar panels and back up battery! The team was great and they worked so hard.”
Stephanie L.
“Brda did a great job with my rooftop solar install. It was a simple and easy process. Any questions I had were answered quickly and fully. The primary installer was thorough and knowledgeable. I would recommend their services for any electrical work you might have. Thanks everyone!”
Michael V.
The Solar Panel Installation Process
- 1
Consultation and Site Assessment
We start with an in-home visit to evaluate your roof condition, sun exposure, and electrical panel. This gives us what we need to design a system that’s right for your property.
- 2
System Design and Proposal
Based on your home’s energy usage and site conditions, we design a custom system and present you with a clear proposal before any work begins.
- 3
Permitting and Utility Coordination
We handle all permit applications and coordinate directly with your utility provider for interconnection approval. You don’t have to navigate that paperwork on your own.
- 4
Professional Installation
Our licensed in-house crew completes every installation to Illinois electrical code and manufacturer specifications.
- 5
Inspection and Activation
After installation, we coordinate the required inspections and walk you through system activation so you know exactly how your panels are performing from day one.
- 6
Monitoring and Ongoing Support
We're available after installation if questions come up. Reach us by phone at 636-343-0504 or email at info@brdaelectric.com and our team will be in touch.
Services That Pair With Solar
A solar installation is often just the starting point. These related services help you get more from your system and keep your home’s electrical setup
running efficiently.
Recent Solar Projects
Solar Battery Backup Installation in Godfrey, IL | 27.06kW Solar System with Tesla Powerwall 3
Brda Electric installed a 27.06kW solar system with 66 Mission Solar panels, Tesla Powerwall 3 battery backup, Enphase microinverters, and a 400A service upgrade in Godfrey, IL.
10.8 kW Residential Solar Installation – Decatur, IL
Brda Electric installed a 10.8 kW solar system in Decatur, IL using Enphase microinverters and 24 solar panels—fully wired, tested, and integrated with the home’s electrical service.
Residential Solar Installation in Columbia, IL | 22.88kW Solar System
Brda Electric installed a 22.88kW residential solar system in Columbia, IL featuring 52 Silfab solar panels, Enphase IQ8X microinverters, utility coordination, permitting, and turnkey installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does solar panel installation cost in Southern Illinois?-+
The cost of a residential solar installation depends on several factors, including the size of the system, your home’s roof type and condition, and whether you’re adding a battery. We provide detailed, itemized estimates so you know exactly what’s included before any work begins.
What are Illinois SRECs and how do they work?-+
Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) are a state-level incentive that pays homeowners for the clean energy their solar panels generate. You earn one SREC for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours your system produces, and those credits can be sold or traded.
In Illinois, SRECs are administered through the Illinois Shines program, which provides structured, state-backed payments to homeowners over time.
Depending on your utility provider, additional rebates—such as those offered by Ameren Illinois—may further reduce your upfront cost, especially when pairing solar with battery storage.
Program terms and eligibility may change; we’ll walk you through what applies to your situation.
Does Brda Electric handle permits and utility coordination?-+
Yes. We manage the full permitting process and coordinate directly with your local utility provider for interconnection approval. From application to activation, we handle it so you don't have to.
Will solar work on my Southern Illinois home’s roof type?-+
Most roof types, including asphalt shingle, metal, and flat roofs, can support solar installation. During our site assessment, we evaluate your roof’s condition and orientation to confirm the right approach for your home.
How long does residential solar installation take?-+
The timeline varies depending on system size, permit processing, and utility interconnection. We’ll give you a realistic project schedule during the proposal phase and keep you updated throughout.
Ready to Start?
Southern Illinois homeowners have trusted Brda Electric for more than 35 years. Our licensed electricians are ready to help you move to solar with a process that’s clear, efficient, and handled from start to finish by our own team.