11 Best Solar Companies in Charleston, MO (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Charleston based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Charleston, MO
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Charleston homeowner saves $1,386/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Charleston
As a homeowner in Charleston, you may be planning on switching to solar power and wondering about the best solar companies in your local area. Solar could be a fantastic idea since it comes with lots of perks. Due to its moderate amount of average daily sunlight, Charleston has a good amount of solar growth, so many of the best solar companies in the country have set up shop there to help residents embrace renewable energy.
In this article, we'll help you narrow in on the best companies in your area. To get an idea of how much you might pay to install solar panels on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Charleston by clicking 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
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
Kelso Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Alcorn Electric LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Jackson Solar LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Jackson Solar LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
My Solar Shop
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
AES Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Fowler Solar Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
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 Missouri 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 readers, the decision of which solar installer to go with comes down to prices. Some main factors that affect the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time include:
- How much you spend on energy: The average family in Charleston shells out around $1,200 a year on energy alone, so you could end up with that much in savings.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: Thanks to Charleston's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your energy bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- How much energy you use: If your family needs to use a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from installing solar panels.
Due to the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a solid investment for the majority of homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Charleston
Since solar power is more sustainable than burning fossil fuels, there are various government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch. On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some state- and city-level programs, which in almost all cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you can save even more. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Charleston
One of the best reasons to use solar energy is to reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Charleston, though. Adopting solar power is a great choice for the environment, due to the fact that the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the nation is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation — all of which can be powered by solar instead. In Charleston, the average homeowner can lower their carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year once they go solar. For people who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
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, MO Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installer in Charleston?
In Charleston, Jackson Solar LLC is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.
Are solar panels really bad for the environment?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my house?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but honestly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly 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 between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them for 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.