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Local solar energy company on a mission to help our community and repair the reputation of solar energy in Central Illinois.
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- Clear answers and honest advice
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Shine Brighter With Sun Collectors
Rooted in trust, quality and community, Sun Collectors provides premium solar solutions for homes, businesses and farms across Central Illinois.







How We Stand Out
- 5,000+ Solar Systems Installed
- Best Warranty in the Industry
- Top-Tier Solar Panels & Equipment
- Premium Installation Techniques
- Licensed, Bonded & Insured
- Illinois Shines Approved Vendor
- Local, Veteran Owned Business
- Strong Ties to Our Community
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the answers to the questions we’re asked most often.

Can solar panels withstand hail and high winds?
Absolutely. Panels are tested to endure hail up to 1 inch at 50 mph and winds over 150 mph. If a major storm does cause damage, it’s typically covered under your homeowner’s insurance as an “Act of God.” We only use Tier 1-rated equipment built for extreme conditions
In fact, a major study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that out of 50,000 solar systems, less than 0.1% were affected by severe weather each year. Even during a 2018 storm that dropped nearly 3-inch hail on NREL’s own rooftop system, only one out of over 3,000 panels was damaged.
Bottom line? Solar panels are tougher than you think—and you’re covered just in case.
Will my insurance or property taxes go up if I install solar?
Your insurance premiums might increase slightly—but usually not by much. The good news is that most homeowners insurance policies already cover things “Acts of God,” like hail and tornadoes. However, the savings from solar often outweigh any added insurance cost.
Your property taxes will not increase. Illinois provides a property tax exemption for renewable energy systems. Even though solar adds value to your home, local jurisdictions cannot increase your assessment because of it (see Illinois PTAX-330).
Will my roof leak or be damaged by solar installation?
No. Our solar installation process includes flashing, waterproof seals + roof truss mounting systems at every attachment point designed to keep your roof sealed and secure for the long haul. Each system comes with a 30-year roof penetration and workmanship warranty, and our team conducts a detailed roof inspection before installation.
Solar panels don’t damage your roof—they actually protect it. Panels shield the area beneath from sun, rain, and hail, helping extend the lifespan of your shingles.
Most panels go on the south-facing side, which takes the brunt of the heat and weather. By covering it, your attic/top floor stays cooler (sometimes by 30–40 degrees), which means your A/C doesn’t have to work as hard. That adds up to even more energy savings!
Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?
If your roof is near the end of its life, it’s best to replace it before going solar. Sun Collectors can help — If your roof needs to be replaced prior to installation, we can get you a roofing quote in 1-3 days and save you up to 25% off the average cost through our partnership with Ready Roof.
What kind of maintenance do solar panels need?
Very little! Solar panels are virtually maintenance-free. A simple rinse or a good rain should keep them clean. We provide a free, 24/7 active system monitoring app so you can track your production and performance in real time, and and our team is alerted if your system needs attention.
Will solar still work on cloudy or snowy days?
Yes. Solar panels generate power from daylight, not just direct sunshine. Even on cloudy days, they can produce a significant amount of energy. In winter, snow typically slides off panels naturally thanks to their smooth surface and slight warmth from sun exposure. In fact, solar panels often work more efficiently in colder temps. And even on cloudy or snowy days, your system can still generate power thanks to today’s high-efficiency technology.
What happens to solar at night?
Ideally, your system will produce more energy than you need during the day, then send the extra to the grid. At night, you “pull” from those credits through a process called Net Metering program or Smart Solar Billing. It’s like rolling over unused minutes on a phone plan—but for energy. If you add a battery to your solar system, your home or business can use stored energy for power before drawing from credits or the grid.
Illinois Solar Incentives
Did you know you could qualify for financial incentives just for going solar? Choose one below to learn how you can recoup the cost of your new solar panel system.
** Not all customers are eligible for the FITC.
Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Solar system owners can claim up to 30% of the entire cost of new solar power systems installed from 2022 through December 31, 2025.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
Get paid upfront for the energy your system is expected to produce over the first 15-years.
Solar Property Tax Exemption
Request a Special Solar Energy Assessment to waive taxes on the value solar adds to your home.
You Are Our Story
Read solar reviews from other folks like you.
*Individual customer experiences may differ.

Making a Positive Impact on Our Local Communities
Sun Collectors and our sister company, Oasis Electric, have taken an active role in Central Illinois communities for almost a decade. We love to support local businesses, non-profits and everyday hard-working citizens through sponsorships, donations, tips, gifts, and volunteering. We will continue to contribute for years to come.