12 Best Solar Companies in Charleston, IL (Sep 2022 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Charleston based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated 9/16/2022
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Charleston
Looking to go solar but not sure which company would be best for your needs? Although it can be challenging to pick a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many fantastic benefits. While solar power is a large investment, you'll be able to make the cost back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could look forward to saving about $16,000 over 20 years.
As you begin your search for the best solar companies in Charleston, you'll find that there are a lot of providers to choose between. So, we've put together an expertly curated list of the top solar companies in the area. To get free quotes from the top-rated solar companies in Charleston, click the "get quote" button below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Charleston
Local Service
Mobius Solar
-
Can browse portfolio on website - Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services - Solar Panels
Local Service
Route 66 Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Family owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Ryan Electrical Solutions
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Family owned and operated
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Ruby Electric Inc.
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
EFS Energy Inc
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Emergent Solar Energy
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Atomic Electric and Solar
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Locally owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
StraightUp Solar
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Excellent reputation
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Nationwide Service
Average Cost
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Local Service
Joe's Electric, Inc
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
AMS INC.
- Family owned and operated
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
New Prairie Construction Company
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Charleston
When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs above all. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- How much electricity your household consumes: Households that consume a lot of power each month may call for more solar panels and, as a result, more upfront cost, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 30% of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $16,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
- Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, and how your roof is set up, affects affect how much electricity your solar panels can generate.
- The model of solar panels you have the money for: This hinges on your income and budget.
There are several wonderful benefits of solar in spite of the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your bank account. In addition, it can increase the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Charleston
In order to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more economical and accessible. There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you anywhere from 26% to 50% of your money in return after buying solar panels. For detailed information about local incentives, see the table below.
| Name | Special Assessment for Solar Energy Systems |
| Incentive Amount | Varies |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Renewable Energy Credits |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Charleston
Switching to solar energy can have a meaningful effect on the environment. But — how much exactly can you help the planet by using solar power? In Charleston, where the energy generation produces a lot of greenhouse gasses, going solar can have a huge impact on the planet since solar power is an abundant source of clean energy. When you go solar, your carbon emissions can be reduced by about 100 pounds each year. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and produces electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help the planet.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Charleston, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Charleston?
The best local solar company in Charleston is StraightUp Solar, with a rating of 4.77 stars.
What are some of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?
The main advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, in some cases, totally erase your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and bring down your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not see as many savings 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 for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 11.6 years, but the exact period varies by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
When should I put up solar panels?
Despite summer being the most common time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's less demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.