18 Best Solar Companies in Charleston, IL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 18 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
Updated May 04, 2023
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Charleston
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
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- 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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Springfield Electric Supply Company
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
Wellspring Components LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Sonne Energy Solutions, LLC
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Enerstar Electric Cooperative
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Tick Tock Energy, Inc.
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
Clean Power Consulting Group
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
Sunsent Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Accutek Solar
- Family-Operated Business
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Solar Energy Solutions
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
One Planet Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
New Prairie Construction Company
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
New Prairie Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
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
When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs the most. The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you buy will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be too pricey an investment for families that don't need a good amount of energy per month.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 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. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $16,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Charleston gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
Though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, including the amount of daily direct sunlight available and incentives.
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Solar Incentives in Charleston
If you're planning on switching to solar power, a number of government incentives and subsidies can dramatically lower the cost of the project and expedite the return on your investment. There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money in return after buying solar panels. Our article on solar incentives goes over more detailed information on the incentives you can find in Charleston.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Charleston
If you're thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the main reasons why may be to lower your reliance on nonrenewable energy. But — how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? No matter where you are, you can help save the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume lots of energy will have a bigger impact. Since solar panels don't release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. Since solar power is abundant and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help protect the environment.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Charleston, IL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Charleston, Mobius Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How efficient are solar panels?
Most of the time, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, meaning they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.
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.