Write a review
  3. Homeowners
  4. Going Solar
  5. Best Solar Companies

Best Solar Companies in St. Louis, Missouri

We compared 8 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      ION Solar
      4.4(114)
    • Good value
      Project Solar
      4.8(77)
    • Easy sign-up process
      Green Home Systems
      2.9(54)

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    ION Solar logo
    Project Solar logo
    Green Home Systems logo
    See our top picks

    Find a Solar Energy partner near you.

      Author pictureAuthor pictureAuthor picture
      Author picture
      By:
      Author picture
      Edited by:
      Author picture
      Fact-checked by:

      Best Solar Companies in St. Louis, Missouri

      Our top solar company picks for St. Louis

      1. Best overall: ION Solar
      2. Our pick for good value: Project Solar
      3. Easy to sign-up: Green Home Systems

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in St. Louis on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,571,386 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best St. Louis solar companies

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most St. Louisans’ energy needs.

      Our top pick overall

      ION Solar

      4.4
      114 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      21.9%
      Panel warranty
      30 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2013

      ION Solar offers multiple solar options suitable for different needs and budgets. From helpful sales reps to knowledgeable installers, the company really stands out for its strong customer service. We suggest getting a personalized quote to see if ION Solar is a good fit for you.

      • “Everybody from ION we worked with had been great. Installation went fine. We have yet to flip it on ourselves. If I were to give one caveat of the experience, it was that I was under the impression that they would install the new thermostat and flip it on entirely for us. We just got instructions in the mail of how to complete that process ourselves. The other thing I still need to figure out is I did receive like an update on our loan for the solar. I was told that our rate will never change from $94 a month, but what I've got in the mail is a little bit confusing. It looks like it might go up by about $40 in the next 15 months. So, I need to call the sales guy we were working with and ask about that.” — Amanda in St. Louis
      Reviewers in other states sometimes mention communication issues or installation delays. These types of complaints are common in the industry. Solar installations are complicated projects — there’s always a chance that projected timelines change due to weather, supply chain issues and other factors. We also think ION Solar could be more transparent about its financing options and additional services.

      ION Solar’s NABCEP-certified installers use Silfab solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and Enphase microinverters. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days.

      • Energy services: Reps coordinate solar system designs and installations as well as roofing services if needed. Energy production monitoring and ongoing system maintenance are available after the installation is complete.
      • Warranty information: All work performed during the installation is covered for 10 years. Panels are guaranteed to produce at least 85% capacity for 30 years. Enphase microinverters come with a 25-year warranty.
      • Payment options: You can purchase or finance the system through a solar loan. Rates and terms vary.

      Pros

      • No upfront payment required
      • 24/7 monitoring
      • Good customer service
      • Solid warranty

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Occasional installation delays
      Our pick for good value

      Project Solar

      4.8
      77 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20.9%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2016

      We’ve talked to more than 50 Project Solar customers from across the country. Over a recent two-year period, 94% were satisfied with the price. Satisfaction ratings on customer service and technology were also above industry averages.

      Project Solar reps focus on simple, streamlined installations. The no-sales-gimmicks approach appeals to more budget-conscious clients who want either professional services or do-it-yourself options. We also appreciate the price transparency. Full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt.

      • “Their products have good quality. I ran them quickly off of the charge that it had when it arrived and I used it up quickly. But it was on an electric smoker grill.” — Shon in O’Fallon

      The installation process is generally smooth and professional, but we have heard about some delays due to material shortages or supply chain issues.

      Project Solar specializes in professional and DIY solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installations. Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Qcells, Canadian Solar, Jinko and Enphase.

      • Energy services: Reps can handle the necessary paperwork, engineering plans and permit submissions for the installation. You can get a free online quote and explore sizing options for their homes.
      • Warranty information: There is a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.
      • Payment options: Project Solar partners with a few lenders to offer financing solutions for professional solar installations. DIY customers can pay cash or finance through a third-party lender.

      Pros

      • Easy sign-up process
      • High-quality equipment
      • Great value

      Cons

      • Occasional miscommunications
      • Subcontracted installers
      • No in-house financing
      Our pick for easy sign-up process

      Green Home Systems

      2.9
      54 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2017

      Green Home Systems makes it simple for homeowners to switch to solar. Happy customers tell us about clear communication, knowledgeable representatives and smooth installations.

      • “The price was competitive and the installers were good. But I could have gotten a few more panels up there. And when I asked for a price afterwards, it was crazy high. If I took the number of panels I had which was 40 something, the cost of the four extra panels was 25% of the cost of the 45 panels.” — Joseph in Festus

      Green Home Systems might not be the best fit if you’re on a tight deadline. Some customers have told us about installation delays.

      Green Home Systems offers various solar energy solutions with equipment from brands we trust, like Panasonic, Qcells and Enphase. You can also get Generac backup generators, IronRidge racking systems and SPAN electrical panels.

      • Energy services: The company handles your system’s design, installation and permit requirements.
      • Warranty information: All installations are backed by a 25-year performance and product warranty.
      • Payment options: You can pay upfront or finance through a loan.

      Pros

      • Savings on their energy bills
      • Knowledgeable reps
      • Solid warranty

      Cons

      • Some installation delays
      • Some battery backup issues

      How we chose the best solar companies in St. Louis

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid continental climate, to choose the best solar companies in St. Louis, Missouri, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      St. Louis solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to dozens of Missourians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what St. Louis residents should look for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $30,634 in St. Louis.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers may falsely claim to be affiliated with a St. Louis County or Missouri government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in St. Louis

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $10,150 to $29,000 in Missouri. Prices in St. Louis are comparable, ranging from $9,765 to $27,900.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into St. Louis’s net metering program.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average St. Louis household needs a system with a capacity of 10.98 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in St. Louis

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright. Missouri also has PACE financing, which lets you pay your solar loan back through your property tax bill.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Is solar worth it in St. Louis?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Missouri if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, St. Louis homeowners with solar panels can avoid $55,374 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      But it doesn't work out for everybody. “Right now, the solar is not saving me any money.” Madelyn in St. Louis told us. “I’m paying two bills – the electric bill and the solar bill. The solar bill is not that large right now. But I’m still paying the electric bill so I really don't see the difference."

      Still, considering Missouri averages 4 to 3.5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is worth considering. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 12 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in St. Louis

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Missouri have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      Going solar in St. Louis County

      Missouri has renewable portfolio standards (RPS) that require local utilities to increase their use of renewable energy. This could lead to future changes in net metering policies or new incentive programs, so stay informed.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Missouri ranked 33rd in 2024

      Residential solar panel incentives in St. Louis

      St. Louis has relatively few local solar incentives. Incidentally, the 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

      Don’t get confused: The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      You may be able to combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Missouri to maximize savings.

      St. Louis solar FAQ

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in St. Louis?

      Yes, you or your installer will have to apply for a solar permit through St. Louis County.

      Can my HOA stop me from getting solar panels?

      No. Homeowners associations (HOAs) are not allowed to prohibit you from installing solar panels, according to Missouri state law.

      » GREENEST STATES: Missouri ranked 46th in 2024

      How does net metering work in St. Louis?

      Net metering lets you send excess power that your solar panels generate into your local power grid. In return, you can earn credits on future utility bills. These credits can then offset your bill when your solar panels don't produce as much energy, like on cloudy days or during St. Louis’s long, dark winters.

      In Missouri, utility companies compensate you based on the "avoided fuel cost," which refers to the money a utility company saves because it doesn't have to produce as much electricity when customers generate their own power, such as with solar panels.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Can I get solar panels for free in St. Louis?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in St. Louis. Companies may claim you can get solar panels for “free” or with little to no upfront cost. In reality, solar panels rarely come entirely free. These offers often involve hidden fees or long-term leases with escalating payments.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in St. Louis

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in St. Louis, Missouri. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified St. Louis customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. ION Solar
      2. Project Solar
      3. Green Home Systems

      Not sure how to choose?

      Get buying tips about Solar Companies in St. Louis delivered to your inbox.

        By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

        Thanks for subscribing.

        You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

        Read St. Louis moving company reviews

        Sort
        • Best Rated
        • Most Reviewed
        • Highest Rated
        Guide Sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in St. Louis, MO." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Missouri, 2024." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Missouri Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. DSIRE, "Missouri Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        5. Federal Trade Commission, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.
        6. Missouri Department of Natural Resources, "Net Metering and the Easy Connection Act - PUB2238." Accessed Nov. 14, 2024.

        Want your company to be on this guide?

        Yes, continue
        Comparing

        ×