Get matched with top solar panel pros in Ava, IL

Q: Does making solar panels harm the environment?

• <div><p>Although solar panels harness the sun's power, they come at an environmental cost. The manufacturing process requires large amounts of water and involves hazardous materials like cadmium, silicon, and gallium arsenide. These materials don&rsquo;t pose safety hazards while the panels are in use but can pose a problem when left in landfills. Over time, hazardous materials can leach into the environment. This is why recycling solar panels whenever possible is better than taking them to landfills.</p></div>

Q: Can I hook up a solar panel directly to a battery?

• <div><p>You shouldn&rsquo;t hook up a solar panel directly to a battery. That can damage the solar battery and your appliances over time. Instead, install a charge controller between your solar panel and solar battery. Charge controllers regulate voltage, prevent overcharging, and minimize the amount of electrical current to protect your battery from voltage spikes.</p></div>

Q: What are some of the most common solar panel blockers?

• <div><p>Learn about common solar blockers in your area to determine how often you should wash solar panels and the best cleaning method:</p><ul><li><p><b>Soot: </b>If you have a fireplace, soot can disperse and accumulate on the solar panels.</p></li><li><p><b>Debris, dirt, and leaves: </b>These natural elements require light cleaning. Being close to trees or living in a desert area can cause more of these to accumulate.</p></li><li><p><b>Pollen:</b> Areas with a high pollen count require more frequent solar panel cleaning, and sticky plant material requires a deeper cleaning.</p></li><li><p><b>Bird droppings:</b> Bird droppings are binding and more difficult to remove. Keep this in mind if you live near a lot of surrounding trees. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: How can I save money on solar panels?

• <div><p>The best way to save money on solar panels is to take advantage of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/am-i-eligible-energy-efficiency-tax-credit.htm">federal and state solar incentives</a>. For example, the solar investment tax credit (ITC) offered by the federal government can save 30% of your total&mdash;if you can take the entire credit, which is based on income taxes owed&mdash;or an average of around <b>$9,000</b>. You can check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for state and local incentives that could save you even more.</p></div>

Q: What questions should I ask a solar panel company before hiring?

• <div><p>There are a few qualifying questions you should ask a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/install-solar-panels/">local solar panel company</a> before hiring them:</p><ul><li><p>Will you handle permits for the installation?</p></li><li><p>Does your total price include the equipment and labor?</p></li><li><p>How long do you expect the installation process to take?</p></li><li><p>What kind of workmanship warranty do you include with your installations?</p></li><li><p>Who should I contact if I have a problem with my system after installation?</p></li><li><p>Do you install the panels or outsource the work to third parties?</p></li><li><p>Will you file for solar incentives for me?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Solar Panel Service pros in Ava, IL

*The Angi rating for Solar Panel Service companies in Ava, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Solar Panel Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Solar Panel Service companies in Ava, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Solar Panel Service needs.

Last update on May 12, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
They did a wonderful and beautiful job on reframing and installing the tile I would highly recommend this company for all future projects
AAA Flooring Specialist
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Reviewed in December 2024
Great customer service. Painting turned out amazing!!!!
CJ Painting
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Reviewed in June 2024
The work was completed in a timely manner and they did an outstanding job cleaning up the mess left by my roofer
Drywall Dynasty
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Reviewed in January 2024
Seth leveled the existing dirt around my new pool. He then brought a few truckloads of topsoil all graded the entire yard. All I had to do was put grass seeds down and spray. Excellent work and great cost!! Also had him level areas for our outdoor buildings. Super quick and well done. Really...
Bard excavating
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Reviewed in April 2023
Roger & his crew were professional, efficient and receptive to our needs during the project. Our project included concrete, carpentry and landscaping: I can recommend R.W. Construction on all counts.
RW Construction
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Reviewed in September 2022
Justyn did a great job at a great price ! Definitely would recommend.
Just Spray IT
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Reviewed in August 2022
Great job from everyone at DC Connecting Solutions from a well-explained estimate to great work from the crew who pressure washed the stone in front and sides and then an excellent job painting the back and the eaves and soffits and garage door. Job done in the amount of time they quoted us and...
DC Connecting Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
I contacted them for advice on a robotic cleaner for my pool. they came and assessed my pool and talked to me about my expectations then provided information on several different options of robotic cleaners. Using their advice I felt I was able to make a clear and informed decision about What...
Hoosier Pool Guy
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Reviewed in September 2021
Ayres provided me prompt service when we had wind damage to our roof, and found an economical solution. With a the doorway install, the company finished sooner than expected, well under budget. Will surely use their services again.
Ayres Building & Roofing, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2021
Friendly and do a great job. Certainly would recommend them.
Tate Tree Service
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Find Solar panel pros in Ava

Solarize

5.0(

)

Solar Panels For Electric System - RepairSolar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For Business+1 more

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Gentleman who owns Solarize was professional and courteous. He communicated well with the manufacturer and convinced them that a replacement inverter was needed based on the data he saw and the manufacturer had seen. It's what we were hoping for."

116 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Surge Solar & Associates

5.0(

)

Solar Panel Install

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Grateful for Larry and the entire Surge Solar team. I am confident I made the right choice with them. If you have not looked into solar yet in Illinois you should!"

Response time3 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by66%of homeowners

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Extremely professional! Definitely hire for your solar installation! Save the planet! Go Solar!!"

+16

Response time2 hrs

Response rate89%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They are in the process of sending out an engineer"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"James with ETX Solutions, was very responsive to my inquiry and promptly answered every question I had. He is very knowledgeable about Solar and very professional. James explained all the tax credits and financial benefits of switching to Solar. I feel Solar energy is the smartest way to go, and James is the right person to get you set up and on your way!"

Request Quote

Dish Network Retailer Satellite Country

4.0(

283

)

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For BusinessSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair+1 more

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"WE lose signal when it storms, but only for a very short time. A little expensive compared to Dish, but the programming is much better.
"

Recommended by74%of homeowners

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Solar power is a developing utility and Steve is an excellent troubleshoot, that's a fact."

Response time6 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Install - For Business

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Going Solar just makes sense. Let me tell you why. This 0 MONEY DOWN INVESTMENT can help you reduce your bills, earn money, increase your homes value & most importantly do your part to save the environment and the earth we live on. It sounds just too good to be true. I know! But its not, and 2020 is the year to make the switch to solar and start saving money! Right now if you get your Solar panels installed before December 19th 2020 you will get a 26% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT for making the switch and helping save our environment! The percentage is going down every year so if you are thinking about it, Call me and lets make the switch together today!\nNet Metering is in all 50 states and the way it works is simple. Your solar panels collect energy from the sun, you use the energy you need & any extra you sell back to your local provider. Solar Panels can add up to a 17% increase on your homes value. Our Solar Panels have a 25 year Warranty! GIVE ME A CALL TO SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE TODAY!

Response time2 days

Response rate89%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Rardin Plumbing Heating & A/C

4.6(

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallSolar Water Heater System - Install - For BusinessSolar Water Heater System - Repair+1 more

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

Expect fast, friendly HVAC and plumbing services at competitive rates. Your satisfaction in our top priority.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Solar Water Heater System - InstallSolar Water Heater System - Install - For BusinessSolar Water Heater System - Repair+1 more

Serving Ava, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Need a new one. Control panel died"

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 19

Solar Panels questions, answered by experts

Although solar panels harness the sun's power, they come at an environmental cost. The manufacturing process requires large amounts of water and involves hazardous materials like cadmium, silicon, and gallium arsenide. These materials don’t pose safety hazards while the panels are in use but can pose a problem when left in landfills. Over time, hazardous materials can leach into the environment. This is why recycling solar panels whenever possible is better than taking them to landfills.

You shouldn’t hook up a solar panel directly to a battery. That can damage the solar battery and your appliances over time. Instead, install a charge controller between your solar panel and solar battery. Charge controllers regulate voltage, prevent overcharging, and minimize the amount of electrical current to protect your battery from voltage spikes.

Learn about common solar blockers in your area to determine how often you should wash solar panels and the best cleaning method:

Soot: If you have a fireplace, soot can disperse and accumulate on the solar panels.
Debris, dirt, and leaves: These natural elements require light cleaning. Being close to trees or living in a desert area can cause more of these to accumulate.
Pollen: Areas with a high pollen count require more frequent solar panel cleaning, and sticky plant material requires a deeper cleaning.
Bird droppings: Bird droppings are binding and more difficult to remove. Keep this in mind if you live near a lot of surrounding trees.

The best way to save money on solar panels is to take advantage of federal and state solar incentives. For example, the solar investment tax credit (ITC) offered by the federal government can save 30% of your total—if you can take the entire credit, which is based on income taxes owed—or an average of around $9,000. You can check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for state and local incentives that could save you even more.

There are a few qualifying questions you should ask a local solar panel company before hiring them:

Will you handle permits for the installation?
Does your total price include the equipment and labor?
How long do you expect the installation process to take?
What kind of workmanship warranty do you include with your installations?
Who should I contact if I have a problem with my system after installation?
Do you install the panels or outsource the work to third parties?
Will you file for solar incentives for me?

The Ava, IL homeowners’ guide to solar panel services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Timothy Moore
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Solar Panels? [2026 Data]
There are a few factors to consider when it comes to solar panel repair costs. This guide breaks down the prices of solar panel removal, repair, and replacement.
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May 16, 2026May 16, 2026
How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover the average solar panel installation cost, key price factors, and expert tips to help you budget for your solar project.
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How Much Does It Cost to Remove Solar Panels? [2026 Data]
Find out how much it costs to remove solar panels, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to save money on your solar panel removal project.
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May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
3 Types of Solar Panels to Power Your Home
There are three types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Before choosing one for your home, here are the pros and cons of each.
Lauren Bongard
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May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
How Do Solar Panels Work? The Homeowner’s Guide to Understanding Solar Power
How do solar panels work and what exactly do they do? Learn all about solar power generation to decide if it’s the right decision for your home.
Stacey L. Nash
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May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
Solar Panels vs. Solar Shingles: Which Is the Better Fit for Your House?
If you’re making the switch to solar energy, you’ll want to know the difference between solar panels versus solar shingles. Here are the pros and cons of each.