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Updated: Dec 04, 2023
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Retail Energy Advancement League

If you want to make the switch to solar energy, some of our top recommendations for solar installers are SunPower, ADT Solar and Sunrun. However, every provider in this guide to the best solar companies offers a unique experience, and the best fit for you will depend on your personal needs and wants in going solar.

We at the Guides Home Team conducted surveys, spoke with industry experts, interviewed solar company representatives and evaluated each company based on our detailed solar methodology to come up with our top list of providers. Read on to learn more.

See our list of top solar providers based on in-depth research.

Select the provider that best fits your needs.

Get a free, no-obligation quote for your home.

 


 

Compare Solar Installation Companies

Company
Star Rating
Best For
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Our pick for most experience
50 States
A+
Our pick for leasing options
50 States
A-
Our pick for customer service
21 States
A+
Our pick for off-grid systems
5 States
A+
Our pick for long-term warranty coverage
8 States
A+
Our pick for financing
18 States
A
Our pick for easy integration
10 States
A+
Company Star Rating Location Presence BBB Rating Visit Site
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customer service 21 States A+ GET QUOTE
off-grid systems 5 States A+ GET QUOTE
long-term warranty coverage 8 States A+ GET QUOTE
financing 18 States A GET QUOTE
easy integration 10 States A+ GET QUOTE
regional installer N/A A+
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protection plans 24 States A+ GET QUOTE
panel design 50 States A+ GET QUOTE
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solar roofing 10 States A+ GET QUOTE
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The Top 9 Solar Companies of 2023

Here are our top picks for the best and most reputable solar companies in 2023:

SunPower

Our pick for most experience
4.8
BBB Rating : A+ Founded : 1985
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Cost: $24,000–$36,000
  • Read Review
Company Overview

SunPower earned?4.8 out of 5 stars?in our rating system and has over 30 years of experience in the solar industry, the most out of any provider on our list. SunPower utilizes over 850 dealers to provide installation services nationwide. The company also offers in-house solar loan financing.

Some customers report that, although expensive, SunPower offers?best-in-class service, warranties and?solar panel efficiency. SunPower typically charges between?$3 and $4.50 per watt?for solar installations, according to?Sanah?Sadaruddin,?the public relations manager at the company.

SunPower offers solar, backup battery and electric vehicle (EV) charger installations. Customers also have access to SunPower’s mobile app and system monitoring.

Customers can pay for their solar system using a cash purchase, loan, lease or power purchase agreement (PPA).

Pros and Cons
Pros Over 30 years of experience, the most out of any company on our list Offers panels with 20.9% to 22.8% efficiency ratings, some of the highest in the industry Extends 25-year service, product and production guarantees on all installations Cons Average costs are higher than other installers Some customer on the BBB reported service delays on broken system repairs
State Availability

SunPower is available in all 50 states.?

SunPower Customer Reviews

Positive reviews frequently mentioned SunPower’s fast installation, consistent communication and energy savings.

“Installation was done in two days and the crew was thorough throughout. [SunPower] would explain any questions I asked. Communication was continual during the process and everyone I spoke with was helpful. Looking forward to having our power supplied in a reliable manner.” —Ron C. via the BBB

“This was probably the smartest choice I have made in purchasing my home. Simple process — the only thing I did was secure my pets during installation and kick back and wait to save a ton of money. If you have concerns just reach out to your SunPower team and let them handle your concern. Bottom line, keep paying your utility company or generate your own power along with a big tax break.” —Fred B. via the BBB

Customers who left negative reviews reported delays when requesting repairs or getting in touch with customer service.

My system has not been fully working for a year now. Looking at the charts, an inverter stopped functioning last July. I reported the issue in January as that was the first time I looked at the monitoring. [SunPower has made] several trips here in the last several months and still tells me the replacement unit is waiting to arrive. The service so far has been absolutely horrible.” —Joshua Q. via the BBB

Sunrun Solar

Our pick for leasing options
4.3
BBB Rating : A- Founded : 2007
  • Warranty: 10 and 25 years
  • Cost: $20,000–$25,000
  • Read Review
Company Overview

Sunrun earned?4.3 out of 5 stars?based on our methodology and is our pick for solar leases. Sunrun offers both a?prepaid?and?monthly?solar lease option, so you can either pay upfront and lock in 25 years of solar savings or pay month by month. You can finance your solar panels with the company’s?BrightAdvantage?solar loan program, which requires no upfront costs.

We also like that Sunrun offers a wide range of solar services, including EV chargers and backup batteries. Customers also have access to system monitoring.

Sunrun offers three financing options: cash purchase, loan or lease.

Pros and Cons
Pros Offers two solar leasing options Extends panel insurance to protect against theft or damage Provides 24/7 customer support through an online chat feature Cons Battery availability can vary depending on your location Does not include detailed product information on its website
State Availability

Sunrun’s current service area covers 22 states and territories: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.?

Sunrun does not install solar batteries in Wisconsin.?

Sunrun Customer Reviews

Sunrun customers who left positive reviews wrote about responsive customer service and friendly employees.

“My solar system was connected last week and I couldn’t be happier with the company and its employees. Everyone I dealt with was courteous, efficient and professional. The whole process was so easy. [Sunrun] handled the necessary paperwork, installation and scheduled all of the required inspections. I recommended Sunrun to friends, relatives and neighbors without hesitation. It’s nice to know there are companies that place a priority on customer care, [and] Sunrun is a wonderful example.” —Viola U. via the BBB

“I’m very happy with my rep that helped throughout the whole process and really liked being able to get answers quickly through a text. Also, I like how [Sunrun] broke down the entire program and helped us understand our arrangement plan.” —Dan Y. via the BBB

Unhappy Sunrun customers reported that customer service was slow to respond and resolve system issues.

“Sunrun has a terrible response time with resolving issues. I am approaching one month with no solar service and have not received notification the problem will be resolved anytime soon. Meanwhile, my utility bill doubled and I still have to pay the monthly lease for a service I am not getting. I wish [Sunrun] would arrive and take [its] equipment so I could join a solar company that is more efficient. I have gone through customer service three times and I still have not heard back in three business days!” —Christoper C. via the BBB

ADT Solar

Our pick for customer service
4
BBB Rating : A+ Founded : 2008
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Cost: $20,000–$25,000
  • Read Review
Company Overview

ADT Solar earned 4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. It was the most popular provider in our solar survey — 239 out of 1,000 respondents reported choosing ADT Solar to complete their home installation. We like that ADT offers 24/7 customer service and has a mobile app for easy system monitoring.

Based on our survey, most ADT Solar customers were quoted between $15,000 to $20,000 for a complete solar energy system, but some respondents reported totals closer to $25,000.

ADT offers solar installation, backup battery installation and system monitoring. You can purchase a solar system from ADT Solar using either cash or a loan.

Pros and Cons
Pros Covers all systems with a 25-year product, performance and workmanship warranty Customer service is available 24/7 Transparent sustainability practices and ESG reporting Cons Some customer on the BBB website report long wait times when contacting customer service Does not install EV charging stations or conduct energy efficiency audits
State Availability

ADT currently services 23 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.?

ADT’s website also says it is “coming soon” to seven additional states: Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and West Virginia.

ADT Solar Customer Reviews

Happy ADT customers were happy about their reduced electric bill and quality equipment.

“We have had our system installed for a little over 10 months and have had great luck with it. Our salesman was awesome and super straightforward. We have not had an electrical bill over $13 yet. We are waiting on our state incentives and have already received our federal tax credit. Great crew and sales staff.” —Eydra C. via the BBB

“Our last electric bill was $16. We traded our electric bill for our payment on the solar panels, except when the panels are paid for, we will own them and still have very little to pay the electric company. The app on our phones is fun to watch as we can see how much electricity the panels are producing and how much we are consuming.” —Sandra R. via the BBB

Negative reviews commented on ADT’s aggressive sales tactics and failure to deliver on promises.

“ADT Solar is not to be trusted. I entered into a contract with them in April 2022. To date, [my system is] still not connected or even producing any energy. I have been waiting to get permission and approval for over a year. I think [ADT Solar] is taking advantage of a senior citizen and a paying customer. This whole process has been a complete nightmare. I don’t know when they will finish.” —Vernon W. via the BBB

Freedom Solar

Our pick for off-grid systems
4.2
BBB Rating : A+ Founded : 2007
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Cost: $25,000–$30,000
  • Read Review
Company Overview

Freedom Solar Power earned?4.2 out of 5 stars?based on our methodology. It is a certified SunPower dealer and installs other high-quality products like?the Tesla Powerwall?battery. Plus, Freedom Solar installs off-grid solar power systems to help you become fully energy independent without worrying about outages.

Freedom Solar also offers additional services that other solar companies don’t, including home generators and system de-installation and reinstallation for roof repairs. Although Freedom Solar does not install EV chargers, it will help you connect your station to your solar panels.

Freedom Solar offers two financing options for customers interested in going solar: cash payment and loan.

Pros and Cons
Pros Extends a 25-year comprehensive warranty to cover workmanship, product and performance Offers additional services that other solar providers don’t, like system reinstallation for roof repairs Completes all solar installations in-house Cons Higher installation cost than some competitors No company sustainability disclosures or published ESG reports
State Availability

Freedom Solar currently services Colorado, Florida, Texas, Virginia and North Carolina.?

Freedom Solar Customer Reviews

Happy customers of Freedom Solar praised the company’s fast and friendly service and energy savings.

“I had a fantastic experience with Freedom Solar Power. [My system has] been up and running for about two years now and I have already avoided [energy] rate increases that other residents are facing. The installation crew was professional and left my house clean. Couldn’t be happier with my system and the savings!” —Nick W. via the BBB

“My wife and I just recently purchased solar panels from Freedom Solar. The experience was fast, easy and overall great. Our salesman took the time to explain everything under the sun about solar. He answered all of our questions — I would recommend him to anyone looking for solar panels.” —Ryan S. via the BBB

Some unhappy customers were frustrated when their panels underperformed.

“This business is selling a product that doesn’t produce what was guaranteed. [Freedom Solar] sold me solar panels that were supposed to save me money. Since I got [solar panels] installed, my average [energy] bill [is] 25% to 100% more. I feel like I was scammed, lied to and ripped off. [Freedom Solar] gave me the average that the panels are supposed to produce in my contract, but then tell me it means nothing.” —Jeffrey A. via the BBB

Solar Energy World

Our pick for long-term warranty coverage
4.2
BBB Rating : A+ Founded : 2016
Company Overview

Solar Energy World earned?4.2 out of 5 stars?according to our review standards, and is our pick for sustainability initiatives. For every completed solar installation, Solar Energy World donates to the?GivePower Foundation, a nonprofit that increases accessibility to clean, safe drinking water in water-scarce regions through solar-powered projects.

Solar Energy World offers solar and backup battery installations and system monitoring. It offers the following financing options: cash purchases, leases and PPAs.

Pros and Cons
Pros Offers a tiered protection plan for any solar panel system Has excellent customer reviews across online platforms Completes all installations in-house Cons Charges extra for active system monitoring services Only offers a one-year power production guarantee
State Availability

Solar Energy World services seven states and territories: Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida and Washington, D.C.?

Solar Energy World Customer Reviews

Some Solar Energy World customers liked the company’s seamless installation, knowledgeable staff and quick response to issues.

“I’ve had Solar Energy World solar panels for almost a year now. [The panels] have performed beyond expectations. The installation process was seamless and easy. Everyone at Solar Energy, from the salesperson, electrician and panel installers, was knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend Solar Energy World.” —Michael H. via the BBB

“I just recently had my solar panels installed. The initial interaction with my sales representative was very positive —?he was very informative and helpful. The installation went great as well. I had an issue with circuit breakers tripping after the installation. The installers came out immediately and identified the problem, which was due to the builder’s faulty electrical connections. I contacted the electrician as recommended and my system is running smoothly. I would highly recommend Solar Energy World.” —Yvette J. via the BBB

Unhappy reviewers criticized Solar Energy World’s slow installation times and lack of communication.

“This company took over six months to install my solar [system]. [Solar Energy World] lied to me the whole time about permitting and timelines, broke multiple electrical components of my brand-new circuit breaker, and then charged me to fix it. Worst of all, [Solar Energy World] took money from me to upgrade my electric panel, then refused to perform the service. [It] took nearly $1,000 from me and refused to refund it back after rejecting the service. The installation took so long that I am now paying for large energy bills on top of my loan.” —Kelly via the BBB

Blue Raven Solar

Our pick for financing
4.4
BBB Rating : A Founded : 2014
  • Warranty: 10 and 25 years
  • Cost: $20,000–$22,500
  • Read Review
Company Overview

We rated Blue Raven?4.4 out of 5 stars, and it is our pick for?solar financing. Blue Raven offers two unique financing programs,?BluePower+?and?SmartStart. Both programs are designed to help you start saving money on your electric bills sooner, rather than having to wait until your panels are fully paid off. Customers can either choose one of Blue Raven’s loan options or pay for their system in cash.

BlueRaven’s customer ratings average over 4 stars on?the BBB?and?Google Reviews. However, some customers on these platforms noted that the company employs aggressive sales tactics.

Blue Raven offers solar and backup battery installations, plus solar equipment monitoring.

Pros and Cons
Pros Installs SunPower brand solar panels, some of the most efficient available Extends a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and 10-year workmanship warranty Has a generous referral program that offers incentives if you refer friends and family Cons Customer reviews on the BBB website mention aggressive sales tactics Does not install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
State Availability

Blue Raven currently services 21 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.?

Blue Raven Customer Reviews

Some Blue Raven Solar customers praised the company’s reasonable pricing and attentive customer service and installers.

“We looked at quite a few [solar installers]. While we wanted the best pricing, we also wanted a quality system. We settled on Blue Raven because of the quality of work, fine customer service and programs that help make going solar affordable. We also referred a family member and they chose Blue Raven as well!” —Arthur G. via the BBB

“There is no other service like Blue Raven Solar. We had a bit of a rocky start with a missed appointment from one of its technicians, but [the company] worked hard to make it right for the rest of the project. The process is a bit long, but well worth it for the savings. [Blue Raven] coordinated with our electrical company and city inspector to make sure everything was taken care of. We are very pleased with the look of the panels and can not wait to sit back and enjoy the savings and help change the environment for the future” —Michelle R. via the BBB

Negative reviews of Blue Raven Solar mentioned delays during the installation process.

“I had a new roof installed and prior to having the roof installed, my contractor contacted Blue Raven to remove and reinstall. Well, it’s been about 3 months of rescheduling so they finally came out to install it back but the problem now is that the system is still not working and I contacted them to have someone come out and look at the system and have been put off another 2 weeks. They had no problem collecting the money for the removal and reinstallation. Will not recommend this company.” –Donald via BBB

Momentum Solar

Our pick for easy integration
3.8
BBB Rating : A+ Founded : 2009
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Cost: $20,000–$25,000
  • Read Review
Company Overview

Momentum Solar earned?3.8 out of 5 stars?based on our methodology. It is our pick for solar system customization, offering products from seven different manufacturers. Momentum also helps its customers apply for government solar incentives and only operates in states with robust net-metering programs and solar rebates.

Momentum lost points because it does not offer a blanket warranty covering the production of the system.

Momentum caters to a variety of financial needs by offering cash purchases, loans, leases and PPAs. It installs both solar panels and backup batteries.

Pros and Cons
Pros Follows a full-service approach to solar installation, including helping you enroll in solar incentive programs and handling permitting paperwork Offers seven solar panel brands for better customization Partners with Enphase to offer solar battery storage solutions Cons Does not offer a solar panel performance warranty Does not install EV chargers
State Availability

Momentum installs solar in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.?

Momentum does not install solar backup batteries in Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada or Pennsylvania.?

Momentum Customer Reviews

Positive Momentum Solar reviews mentioned the company’s quick installation and energy savings.

“This year, I made an excellent choice when I decided to go with Momentum Solar for my panel installation. [The technicians] arrived on schedule and had everything set up in no time. Right away, it was evident [Momentum] would help me slash my energy costs significantly.” —Irene H. via the BBB

“Not so long ago, the installers showed up in the morning and finished the task in a few hours —?it was amazing how quiet they were on my rooftop. I was thrilled when I saw that my electricity use went down instantly.” —Kathryn W. via the BBB

Some negative reviews mentioned being told conflicting information from customer service reps, causing delays and confusion.

“[Momentum] installed my system, [which] has been in an error state more times than it has been producing. Customer service needs to be improved. Internal communication seems to be an issue at this company as different teams are not updated with the most recent information. I do not recommend Momentum Solar.” —Akash M. via the BBB

Tesla Energy

Our pick for panel design
4.2
  • Warranty: 25 and 10 years
  • Cost: $16,000–$23,000
  • Read Review
Company Overview

Tesla is an innovator in the renewable energy field, and its low-profile solar panels are designed for aesthetics. We rated the company 4.3 out of 5 stars based on our review standards. Tesla’s solar products are popular among consumers — it was the third most popular choice for solar installation among respondents to our solar survey.

We like that Tesla offers an instant online estimate tool on its website, a feature that no other solar company on our list has. However, we didn’t rank Tesla higher on our list due to long installation waitlists.

Tesla offers traditional solar panels, solar roofing shingles, EV charging stations and backup battery installations. You can also use the Tesla app to take advantage of system monitoring and 24/7 customer support.

Tesla offers the following financing options: cash purchases, loans, leases or PPAs.

Pros and Cons
Pros Offers instant online quotes, which other providers don’t have Quotes are often cheaper than competitors Has cutting-edge products such as the Tesla Solar Roof Cons Has a long waitlist for some in-demand products, like the Tesla Powerwall Some customers reviews on the BBB website reported slow response times for repairs and other backend support online
State Availability

Tesla installs solar panels in every state except Alaska.?

Tesla Solar Customer Reviews

Tesla Energy customers liked their sleek system design, friendly installation crew and energy bill savings.

“I met with over a dozen companies before deciding to go with Tesla Solar. Oh my goodness, did I make the right choice! To begin with, its presentation was unlike any other company I interviewed — it really impressed me. I’m overjoyed to have gorgeous black solar panels on my roof! The solar panel installation was painless, and the installation crew was extremely friendly and professional.” —Vance A. via the BBB

“A neighbor referred me to this firm as I had no idea where to start. Being retired, I was concerned about saving money. The system that was built for me was able to save me 50% of my monthly electricity costs. Every dollar counts at my age so I am more than happy to accept those savings.” —Amirat N. via the BBB

Some unhappy customers were dissatisfied with Tesla’s slow response when issues arose.

“Inverter failed less than one month after activation, after waiting about five months to activate the system. Now I have to wait one month [or more] for a technician to replace it. Meanwhile, I’m paying the full power bill and loan. Why did I choose Tesla Solar? The name, cost and it is less likely to go out of business. Would I do it in hindsight? Absolutely not at this moment.” —Darrin D. via the BBB

 


 

Find the Best Solar Companies Near You

The availability of our top rated solar companies can vary by location, so we have put together lists of the top providers in a number of states and cities to help you find the best options near you. Find your state or city using the tools below to discover the top providers and learn about money-saving local incentives.

Alabama | Alaska |?Arizona?|?Arkansas?|?California?|?Colorado?|?Connecticut?| Delaware |?Florida?|?Georgia?|?Hawaii?|?Idaho?|?Illinois?| Indiana |?Iowa?| Kansas | Kentucky |?Louisiana?|?Maine?|?Maryland?|?Massachusetts?|?Michigan?|?Minnesota?| Mississippi |?Missouri?| Montana | Nebraska |?Nevada?|?New Hampshire?|?New Jersey?|?New Mexico?|?New York?|?North Carolina?| North Dakota |?Ohio?|?Oklahoma?|?Oregon?|?Pennsylvania?|?Rhode Island?|?South Carolina?| South Dakota | Tennessee |?Texas?|?Utah?|?Vermont?|?Virginia?|?Washington?| West Virginia |?Wisconsin?|?Wyoming

 


 

What To Look For in a Solar Company

When looking for a solar company, some of the most important considerations are cost and financing options, company trustworthiness, and services offered.?

Cost and Financing

Look for a company that offers your preferred financing method and an "all-in" system cost of around $3.50 or less per watt.

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Trustworthiness

Consider companies with many years of experience and good customer reviews on the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google.

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Services

Check if the company offers extra services or equipment you might need, like energy audits, solar batteries or EV chargers.

 


 

What To Expect After Choosing a Solar Company

The entire solar installation process can take a few months (or more if there are delays), and the process may look slightly different depending on the solar company. Once you’ve chosen a solar provider, here’s what to expect next:

  1. Initial consultation: Your solar company will schedule an initial consultation to discuss your energy needs and goals, evaluate if your home is a good fit for solar and provide you with an estimate for the system size and cost. Some solar companies allow you to do this virtually.?
  2. Contract signing and financing: Once you’re committed to the solar process, you’ll review system pricing and if you approve, sign your contract. Your solar company will present you with financing options, which may include purchasing the system in cash, financing, leasing or entering into a PPA.
  3. System design and permitting: Next, your solar company will design a system customized to your specific energy needs and property characteristics. Your provider will consider local regulations and building codes and apply for necessary permits on your behalf. The company will also apply for interconnection, net metering (if applicable), or approval from your utility company to move forward with the installation.?
  4. Installation: Once your system is designed and you arrange payment or financing, your solar company will schedule an installation date. The actual solar installation generally takes one to two days depending on your roof’s complexity.?
  5. Inspection and activation: After installation is complete, your solar company will commission the system to make sure it is working properly and generating the expected amount of energy. Your utility company will also need to inspect the system and grant permission to operate (PTO). If everything goes as planned, you can activate your system and your panels will start to generate energy.?
  6. Backend support: A good solar company will provide ongoing support and maintenance for your system, including monitoring its performance, conducting regular maintenance checks and addressing any issues that arise over time.

 


 

How Much Does It Cost To Go Solar?

Every solar panel system is different. Multiple factors can determine how much you’ll pay to go solar, including your home’s location, the size of your roof, how much sunlight your roof receives, your panel brand, the solar installer and more.?

Based on our October 2023 poll of 2,000 homeowners with solar panels, the average solar system costs between $15,000 and $20,000.

Solar Incentives and Tax Credits

If you are a U.S. resident, you are eligible to claim the federal tax credit when you install solar panels and solar accessories like backup batteries. This credit, which applies to federal taxes you owe, is worth 30% of the total cost of your solar system. Currently, the credit is scheduled to decrease to 26% in 2033 and drop to 22% in 2034 before expiring in 2035.?

So if your solar panel system costs $20,000, your tax credit would be worth $6,000. If you don’t owe that much in federal taxes the year you file, you can roll over the credit for up to five years.

Most states offer additional incentives and tax credits for going solar. Make sure to ask your local solar contractor about incentives in your state and how to apply.

Compare Solar Company Cost

Compare our top-rated solar panel installation brands using the chart below:?

Provider

Cost Per Watt

System Price Range

SunPower

$3–$4.50

$24,000–$36,000

Sunrun

$2.50–$3.12

$20,000–$25,000

ADT Solar

$2.50–$3.12

$20,000–$25,000

Freedom Solar

$2.18–$2.50

$17,500–$20,000

Solar Energy World

$3.10–$3.43

$25,000–$27,500

Blue Raven Solar

$2.50–$2.81

$20,000–$22,500

Momentum Solar

$2.50–$3.12

$20,000–$25,000

Tesla Energy

$2.10–$2.85

$16,000–$23,000

*Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kilowatt (kW) solar systems as well as pricing information obtained directly from SunPower, Tesla, Palmetto and local providers. Your cost may vary.

 


 

How Much Can You Save by Going Solar?

As of January 2023, the average cost of electricity in the U.S. is 16.8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the highest ever reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you have a solar system that generates enough electricity to meet your household’s needs, you can avoid paying your full utility bills for however long your solar system is functioning. In turn, you can use these savings to pay off your system.

For example, say your solar array costs $20,000. Based on the average U.S. monthly energy bill (adjusted annually for inflation), you could pay off your system in 12 years just using the average amount you’d save on energy bills. Considering most solar panels have a minimum lifetime of 25 years, you would enjoy at least 13 years of free electricity after you’ve paid off your entire system.

The average U.S. household uses 10,632 kWh of energy annually, which equals $1,786 in energy bills every year. With a $20,000 system, you’d be saving a total of roughly $24,647 over the lifetime of your panels if your system offsets your energy consumption entirely, or around $13,488 if it offsets 75%. However, your return on investment when going solar could be even higher if any of the following apply:?

  • The cost of traditional energy where you live is higher than average
  • Your state has local solar incentives and rebates?
  • You live in a state that receives abundant sunlight, like Arizona or California?
  • Your roof receives a lot of sunlight (no trees or buildings shade your roof)

 


 

Financing Solar Panels

There are four common solar payment options: cash purchase, loan, lease or a PPA.

We strongly recommend purchasing your solar panels in cash or financing with a loan for the best return on your investment. This way, you’ll own your solar panel system and can pocket all the energy savings once it’s paid off. Although you can save some money with a lease or PPA, you won’t own the system and likely won’t save as much over time.

When you purchase your panels in cash, you avoid paying the interest you would if you took out a loan. However, it’s not realistic for most homeowners to pay for their solar panels upfront. If you want to minimize what you pay in interest, consider putting money down on your solar loan and speak with your solar representative about interest rate options.

 


 

How To Tell if a Solar Company Is Reputable

When researching solar companies, how do you know what to watch out for??

Roger Horowitz Expert Solar Quote Padded To determine if a company is reputable, Roger Horowitz, director of Go Solar Programs at Solar United Neighbors, recommends that customers make sure to check companies’ online reviews and ask for local references. He also recommends comparing quotes and warranties from at least three providers.?

Horowitz warns customers: “Watch out for high-pressure sales tactics from companies that don’t want you to have time to check references or reviews. In particular, non-reputable companies tend to emphasize ‘special programs’ available for a ‘limited time.’”

At the end of the day, you won’t regret doing your research and taking the time to make the right decision. You can learn more about how to spot solar scams on Solar United Neighbors’ website.?

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Understanding Solar Warranties

Warranties cover your solar system if it malfunctions or underperforms, preventing you from paying unexpected repair costs due to faulty or underperforming equipment.

The industry standard solar warranty length is 25 years for equipment, between 10 and 25 years for workmanship, and 25 years for performance. However, exact warranty lengths and terms vary depending on your solar installer.

What Does a Solar Warranty Cover?

If you have your solar panels professionally installed, your equipment will likely come with separate panel, inverter, workmanship and power production warranties.

Your panel and inverter warranties specifically cover failures or defects like cracks and moisture that cause the equipment to break down. Workmanship warranties cover the costs of faulty installations. Finally, power production warranties will reimburse you if your panels produce less energy than the guaranteed amount outlined in your service agreement.

 


 

Solar Efficiency

A solar panel’s efficiency represents how well it can convert sunlight into electricity. The higher your solar panel efficiency, the more energy you’ll be able to produce. Purchasing efficient solar panels can save you money in the long run because you can purchase fewer solar panels to meet your production needs.

Some of the most efficient solar panels on the market include SunPower, Canadian Solar and Panasonic panels, with efficiencies of 22.8%, 22% and 21.7%, respectively.

 


 

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

Solar panels are worth it for most homeowners. Solar panels are a large upfront investment, but typically pay for themselves through energy savings long before they stop functioning. Once your solar panels are paid off, you’ll essentially be generating energy for free.

But there are some instances when solar panels are not worth it. If you reside in a state that doesn’t offer solar incentives, live in a very cloudy climate, or have a small or shaded roof, solar panels might not save you as much money over their lifespan.

 


 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Solar Companies

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Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Solar Installation Companies

We closely evaluate solar installation companies with a focus on the factors most important to homeowners like you. We based our solar company methodology on input from multiple homeowner surveys, discussions with industry experts and research into the renewable energy market. Our review process involves assessing each company on the following criteria, which we then use to calculate a rating out of 5 stars.

  • Cost and payment options (20 points): Cost is one of the most important factors when installing a solar energy system. Solar providers that offer cash purchases and in-house loan financing earn full points in this category. Companies also receive bonus points for offering solar panel leasing or power purchase agreements (PPAs).
  • Services (20 points): In addition to solar installations, companies offering backup battery and electric vehicle charger installations, energy efficiency audits and system monitoring earn the most points in this category. Companies can also receive points for completing installations in-house, as opposed to using third-party contractors.
  • Reputation (20 points): To assess the reputation of each company, we consider Google star ratings, Better Business Bureau (BBB) scores and reviews, and NABCEP certification status. We also look at customer complaint rates on sites like the BBB and weigh how the company responds.
  • Warranty (15 points): We verify that each company offers workmanship, product and performance warranties on all of its solar installs. A provider earns more points for extending warranties that meet or exceed industry standards, including 10 years for system workmanship and products and 25 years for panel performance.
  • Customer Support (10 points): Solar companies that offer virtual consultations, a mobile app, 24/7 customer support and high customer satisfaction with backend support earn the most points in this category.
  • Industry Experience (10 points): Providers with 10 or more years of experience in the solar installation industry earn a perfect score in this category.
  • Sustainability (5 points):To measure sustainability, we assess each company based on whether it shares a detailed sustainability statement or ESG disclosures on its website. We also conduct research to see if companies offer end-of-life panel disposal programs or have eco-friendly community partnerships.


 

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