Get matched with top solar panel pros in Mattoon, IL

Q: Can I connect an inverter to my solar panels without batteries?

• <div><p>Yes, you can connect an inverter directly to your solar panels without solar battery storage if your home is connected to the power grid. However, most pros don&rsquo;t recommend a direct connection because solar panels don&rsquo;t put out steady voltage. It&rsquo;s always best to install a charge controller between your solar panel and your inverter to regulate the flow of energy and ensure a stable power supply.</p></div>

Q: Can you put solar on a tar and gravel roof?

• <div><p>Yes, it is possible to install solar panels on a tar and gravel roof, but it is not the ideal roofing material for a solar installation. The process requires roof penetrations to install the solar racking system. While installers will seal these penetrations, they still increase the risk of leaks. This risk is higher on tar and gravel roofs, which are often flat. Flat roofs are more prone to leaks than sloped roofs because they can pool water during heavy rain and hold snow for longer periods, exposing the roof to more moisture.</p></div>

Q: Can a solar panel power a TV without a battery?

• <div><p>Yes, a solar panel can power a TV without a battery, but only if the sun is shining and the panel is generating enough energy. Your solar panel and TV must have the same voltage, and you should install a charge controller and inverter between them so power surges don&rsquo;t destroy your TV. To watch TV at night, in the early morning and late afternoon, and on cloudy days, your home must be tied to the power grid.</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: Should I buy a solar battery or a generator?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re deciding between a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/solar-batteries-vs-generators.htm">solar battery versus a generator</a> for the best backup power solution, you can take a few factors into consideration. Solar batteries are quiet while generators can be quite loud. Generators have a lower up-front cost, but they require fuel and ongoing maintenance while solar batteries are more expensive but don&rsquo;t have many ongoing costs. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Solar Panel Service pros in Mattoon, IL

*The Angi rating for Solar Panel Service companies in Mattoon, 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 Mattoon, 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 July 23, 2026

Reviewed in July 2026
When you hire an electrician, you’re usually bracing yourself for the worst. Enter Cash Electric. I hired them to install a new electrical panel and rewire a few chaotic circuits, and they did a phenomenal job. My breaker box went from a nest of copper snakes to pure, organized wire-art...
Cash Electric
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Reviewed in June 2026
I could not be happier with the work done!!! My screened in front porch is beautiful and a place where we can sit when the weather is nice. The work was completed efficiently and professionally. Also, Ervin is very professional and easy to work with as far as scheduling et al.
1600 Contracting LLC
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Reviewed in August 2025
Marvon Construction is an amazing company to work with. They are very efficient and knowledgeable about what we needed done. We didn’t know a lot about what needed done and how to do it but they were very helpful at walking us through the project and the best way to do it. We will for sure be...
Marvon Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2025
Ryan and his team installed a whole house generator for us as well several additional outlets in our home. Very timely and professional. Would recommend to anyone needing electrical service.
Apex Electrical Solutions
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Reviewed in October 2024
I had a very positive experience with this company. I had trees and shrubs trimmed and dead trees removed. The results exceeded my expectations and the cleanup was thorough. The price they charged was very reasonable. I strongly recommend them and I will definitely be contacting them the next...
Cherry Tree Service LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
We absolutely love our windows. What an improvement to our house and our power bill has went down. If you are in the market, these are the people to call. 795081
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in December 2023
Ron is a very knowledgeable, helpful, professional and friendly person. He went above and beyond the duties I hired him to perform. He contacted me with a minute's of me requesting a phone call. His rates are more than reasonable and I would recommend Ron to anyone needing any of the...
Ron Smith Custom Real Estate Inspections
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Reviewed in November 2023
Perfect Choice Exteriors does exceptional work. They built a new shower for us and did a wonderful job. I was always kept up to date and included on all of the specific details. Highly recommend!
Perfect Choice Exteriors LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
We had an older panel in our house that didnâ t have enough room to add a hot tub. JN Greene Electrical gave us a new panel and meter base. They also wired up our new hot tub! Bid was 15 percent lower than the competition and they did an excellent job. Iâ ll never use another electrician....
J. N. Greene Electrical Contracting Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2023
We have used Brook's Creek on two different fencing jobs. The first was an aluminum fence for our dog 40' x 100' in the back. The second was a cedar fence down the property line. The crew chief was the same on both jobs and he, as well as the workers, were very professional as well as working...
Brooks Creek Cedar
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Find Solar panel pros in Mattoon

Surge Solar & Associates

5.0(

)

Solar Panel Install

Serving Mattoon, 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 Mattoon, 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 Mattoon, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Danielle bent over backwards to assist us! I wouldn’t hesitate to contact them for other projects!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Mattoon, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"While I found solar to be a pretty expensive proposition....the way Jim explained it made it worth taking the chance and it's proved to be one of the smartest decisions I've ever made. And I actually like the way they look on the house lol!!! Certainly have the neighbors interested now too. Referral fees!!!! Thanks again Jim for your help."

Response time9 hrs

Response rate88%

Recommended by40%of homeowners

Serving Mattoon, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"very professional and knew exactly what was wrong, ordered the part needed and repaired it."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Solar Panel InstallSolar Panels For Electric System - Repair

Serving Mattoon, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It was an excellent service, very clean and detailed, I recommend it for its quality."

Response time10 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Mattoon, 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!"

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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 Mattoon, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They have been great. It been going good for me. I been wit them for a while."

Recommended by74%of homeowners

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

Serving Mattoon, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very down to earth person and easy to work with."

Response time2 days

Response rate89%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Mattoon, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

"They were professional, they make sure that job was done quickly, And I will referred them to my friends and family."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 21

Solar Panels questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can connect an inverter directly to your solar panels without solar battery storage if your home is connected to the power grid. However, most pros don’t recommend a direct connection because solar panels don’t put out steady voltage. It’s always best to install a charge controller between your solar panel and your inverter to regulate the flow of energy and ensure a stable power supply.

Yes, it is possible to install solar panels on a tar and gravel roof, but it is not the ideal roofing material for a solar installation. The process requires roof penetrations to install the solar racking system. While installers will seal these penetrations, they still increase the risk of leaks. This risk is higher on tar and gravel roofs, which are often flat. Flat roofs are more prone to leaks than sloped roofs because they can pool water during heavy rain and hold snow for longer periods, exposing the roof to more moisture.

Yes, a solar panel can power a TV without a battery, but only if the sun is shining and the panel is generating enough energy. Your solar panel and TV must have the same voltage, and you should install a charge controller and inverter between them so power surges don’t destroy your TV. To watch TV at night, in the early morning and late afternoon, and on cloudy days, your home must be tied to the power grid.

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.

If you’re deciding between a solar battery versus a generator for the best backup power solution, you can take a few factors into consideration. Solar batteries are quiet while generators can be quite loud. Generators have a lower up-front cost, but they require fuel and ongoing maintenance while solar batteries are more expensive but don’t have many ongoing costs.

The Mattoon, 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
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Solar Panels? [2026 Data]
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May 16, 2026May 16, 2026
How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does It Cost to Remove Solar Panels? [2026 Data]
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•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 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
•
Jul 31, 2026Jul 31, 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
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 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.