7 Best Solar Companies in Charleston, IL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 7 in Charleston based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Charleston, IL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Charleston homeowner saves $1,319/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Charleston
Hoping to go solar but not sure which solar company would be the best one for your needs? Although it can be difficult to pick a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many fantastic benefits. For many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar hinges on whether or not they can save. The great news is solar can help most homeowners save a considerable amount on their large and increasing energy bills.
To help you search through the huge amount of Charleston solar installers, we’ve come up with a list of the top ones.To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in Charleston, you can click "get quote" below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Charleston
Sonne Energy Solutions, LLC
Informative Resources- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Tick Tock Energy, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Community Solar Projects
- Financing Assistance
SunSent Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
New Prairie Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Accutek Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
One Planet Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Harvest Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Charleston
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Charleston based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Charleston
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Illinois solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Charleston
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar company to choose depends on total costs.Some key things that affect how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you reduce your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have various incentives that you can take advantage of. Additionally, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Charleston uses a decent amount of, and consequently may save on their energy bills.
- The amount of sunlight your area gets: Thanks to Charleston’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your energy bills.
Though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the kind of solar panels you get and your energy consumption.
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Solar Incentives in Charleston
Because solar power is more sustainable than traditional energy sources, there are a number of government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch.On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local incentives, which in almost all cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Charleston
One of the most compelling reasons to embrace solar power is to decrease your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are hazardous for the environment.But – how much exactly can you help by using solar power? In Charleston, where the energy generation produces a lot of greenhouse gasses, going solar can have a huge effect on the environment since solar power has a lower carbon footprint.In Charleston, the average homeowner can reduce their carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year once they go solar. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll most likely get that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Charleston, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installation company in Charleston?
The highest-rated local solar company in Charleston is Sonne Energy Solutions, LLC, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your power bills, it’s environmentally friendly, and it provides a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of energy from the sun that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating of about 15 to 25%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need less of them to meet your home's energy needs.
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.