Shine Solar Reviews, Panels, and Installation (2024)
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Shine Solar has installed solar panels on more than 1,800 homes throughout the Midwest since its founding in 2016. Though available in only five states, it has hundreds of positive customer reviews and an A+* rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
We researched the best solar companies nationwide, comparing them on product performance, price, warranty coverage, customer reviews, and more. Read on to see how Shine Solar measures up against the competition.
*BBB rating is accurate as of September 2024.
Fast Facts About Shine Solar
- State availability: 5 (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas)
- Warranty options: 25-year manufacturer warranty, 25-year production guarantee, 12-year workmanship warranty, 5-year roof replacement warranty
- Panel options: Monocrystalline panels, solar shingles
- Payment options: Full purchase, solar loan
- BBB rating: A+
Benefits and Drawbacks of Shine Solar
Check out the benefits and drawbacks of a solar installation with Shine Solar:
Benefits
➕ Includes a free energy efficiency package with in-house energy audits
➕ Offers a 12-month, no interest, no payment solar loan option
➕ Provides panel performance monitoring for the lifetime of your system
Drawbacks
➖ Is only available in five states
➖ Isn’t clear about panel types or payment options on its website
➖ Didn’t answer when we called
Shine Solar Reviews
We looked at 100 customer reviews on sites such as Best Company and the BBB. Reviews are mixed on Best Company but are overwhelmingly positive on the BBB. Most reviews indicate excellent customer service, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and exceptional responsiveness. However, some customers cite their system was installed improperly or isn’t producing its guaranteed energy savings.
We noticed that many reviews on the BBB sound like they’re from customers who recently completed installations. While it’s good that their feedback reports a smooth design and installation process, this may indicate the provider solicits reviews upon installation before customers have observed system performance. We’d like to read more feedback from customers who’ve had their system for several months to gauge long-term happiness with the products and customer service.
A good sign is that Shine Solar holds an A+ rating with the BBB and has been accredited since 2017. Here’s a selection of the customer reviews we found:
“Very professional. I did my homework before hiring Shine. I wanted a company that had been around for a long time, rather than one of the new pop-up companies. They gave me updates on the process from the beginning to the end. They walked me through the app and explained to me how it all worked. Even the city said they did a good job, which is pretty rare from what I have heard.” —Joey B. via BBB
“We now have over $73,000 in debt for a 20 panel system with HVAC installed. The solar doesn’t cover our electricity usage when we repeatedly and specifically asked for 100% offset. After talking with Entergy Arkansas, we were told that we would never meet our energy usage with the system installed. Our HVAC hasn’t worked right from the start and has completely fired for a second time. It doesn’t cool our upstairs hardly at all, and we are completely disgusted that we ever chose to do business with Shine Solar.” —Christopher T. via Best Company
“My experience has been great with all the different teams from Shine Solar. I was skeptical. When I had questions, I always got a response. Everything was explained very well, and the entire job was completed in a short time! Each team that came out was professional, courteous, and explained and answered all questions. They made sure everything was up and running properly. They cleaned up and there was not a mess anywhere when they were done. We haven’t had our system long, but there is already a decrease in our electric bill. I have zero complaints!” —Angela R. via BBB
“We had solar installed last April and are very much regretting it. We had nearly a $400 electric bill this winter with solar!!!! Not seeing the benefit!” —Randy S. via BBB
Shine Solar Overview
Shine Solar has been serving the Midwest for the past seven years. The company has won awards from Home Advisor and Angi’s List and is an Enphase Gold Installer and Storz Power Certified Professional.
One thing we like about Shine Solar is its energy package that provides in-house energy audits to assess your home’s needs. We also like that the company offers a mobile app where you can track your system’s performance. What sets this solar energy provider apart is its panel buy-back program. If you decide to upgrade your system, the company will buy back your original panels for 50% of the original cost if you purchase your new panels from Shine Solar.
Shine Solar
Best Buy-Back Program
Shine Solar isn’t transparent about what kind of solar panels it installs on its website. Most solar industry providers offer monocrystalline panels, so we can only assume Shine Solar does. The website does indicate partnerships with Silfab, Enphase, and Storz Power.
Warranty Options
The company provides 25-year warranty coverage on its panels, which is competitive for the industry. It also guarantees its panels’ performance for 25 years and roof replacements for five years. However, Shine Solar only provides a 12-year workmanship (labor) warranty, which is low compared to top competitors.
Installation and Offered Services
Shine Solar installs solar panels and solar shingles. Its installation process is like others in the industry. You’ll first meet with the team to ensure you’re eligible for solar and discuss your energy needs. The provider will then design a system around your optimal solar output and secure necessary permits with your town. Once approved, the team installs your system and connects it to your local utility grid so you can benefit from net metering.
The provider also offers roof installation, repair, and replacement services.
Shine Solar Cost and Payment Options
Like most solar panel companies, Shine Solar doesn’t provide costs on its website. This is likely because system costs vary greatly based on size, features, brand, and other factors.
We looked at EnergySage data to see the average solar system cost in the states Shine Solar serves. The average state costs for a 5-kilowatt (kW) system are:
- Arkansas: $12,708 to $17,192
- Kansas: $15,539 to $21,023
- Missouri: $11,475 to $15,525
- Oklahoma: $10,965 to $14,835
- Texas: $11,560 to $15,640
Most of these costs are below the national average of $20,650. They’re also before applying any solar incentives, such as the federal solar tax credit, that can reduce your overall solar expense by 30%.
One major drawback of Shine Solar is that it’s not fully transparent about its online financing options. We called to ask the company about its payment options and panel types but didn’t get an answer. We can infer from the website’s information that you can purchase your system in full up-front or through a solar loan. With a solar loan, you essentially trade monthly electric bills for monthly loan payments until your equipment is paid off. Shine Solar doesn’t require loan payments for the first year you own your system.
Compare Shine Solar to Other Top Rated Solar Companies
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
 | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
 | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
 | VISIT SITE | |||
| B+ | VISIT SITE |
Our Recommendation
Shine Solar doesn’t quite measure up to some of our top-rated solar power companies, such as SunPower, regarding workmanship warranty coverage and financing options. However, customer reviews indicate positive experiences with the provider. If you live in one of the states Shine Solar serves, you may want to have a virtual consultation with the company to see if it’s right for you.
Before hiring any company, check its online reputation, customer reviews, and warranty coverage. We also recommend homeowners get estimates from at least three companies to compare prices before deciding.
Shine Solar FAQ
How long has Shine Solar been around?
Shine Solar LLC has been in business since 2016, and its headquarters is in Rogers, Arkansas. The company has other main offices in Little Rock and Oklahoma City.
Who owns Shine Solar?
Brothers Caleb and Nick Gorden own Shine Solar.
Where are Shine Solar panels made?
Shine Solar only sells American-made solar panels. Its primary manufacturer is Silfab, which has manufacturing facilities in Burlington and Bellingham, Washington.
Which is the best company to buy solar panels from?
Based on our research, we recommend SunPower and Sunrun for their reputations, years of experience, warranty coverage, and product performance.
How We Chose the Top Solar Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services and products. We weighed several significant factors, including the quality and type of solar panels offered, the customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.
Speaking directly to representatives, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
We evaluated each provider based on its rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.
Read more: Our Methodology
