10 Best Solar Companies in Charleston, WV (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in Charleston based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Charleston
As a homeowner in Charleston, you may be interested in switching to solar power and wondering about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a great idea since it comes with a lot of perks. Solar panels aren't just good for the environment — your wallet will benefit too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $17,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
In this article, we'll help you narrow in on the top options in your area. Interested in knowing how much it'd cost to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Charleston solar installer.
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 Technology
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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Charleston
Local Service
Solar Holler
-
More transparent pricing than competitors - Educational sales approach
- Can browse portfolio on website
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services - Solar Panels
Local Service
W.V. Riddle Electrical LLC
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
ARP Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
DT Solar LLC
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Custom system designs
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Athens Electric
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- 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
Bee Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar Light Works
- Educational sales approach
- Family owned and operated
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Eaton Power Packs Solar Energy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Nationwide Service
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
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
While solar panels can save you a decent chunk of change on power bills over time, it's important to know the upfront costs. There are several factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out how much it will cost and how much you can save, including:
- Your location: This affects how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be an expensive investment for households that don't need a good amount of energy a month.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state may also have various incentives that you can benefit from. In addition, you can save about $17,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- The model of solar panels you can afford: This is dependent on your income and budget.
There are many good benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your finances. Additionally, it can boost the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
If you're interested in finding out how much you could impact the environment if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Charleston, WV.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.
Solar Incentives in Charleston
There are several reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them includes some government incentives that can save you money. You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially use the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. You can learn about the incentives you can use in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Charleston
A lot of people want to do their part to help the environment, which for many is the chief reason for installing solar panels. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Charleston, though. Everyone can help protect the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume more energy will have a greater impact. In Charleston, the average resident can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other rewards besides saving money. One of the primary ones is that you can help save the environment too.
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 Technology
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
EcoWatch's Charleston, WV Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installation company in Charleston?
In Charleston, Solar Holler is the best 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 are some of the advantages and disadvantages of going solar?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your electricity bills, it's good for the environment, and it can give you a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels require a significant upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Although summer is the most common time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the higher 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.