Compare Solar Installation Companies
Our pick for
most experience
Location Presence
50 States
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
leasing options
Location Presence
50 States
BBB Rating
A-
|
Our pick for
customer service
Location Presence
21 States
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
off-grid systems
Location Presence
5 States
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
long-term warranty coverage
Location Presence
8 States
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
financing
Location Presence
18 States
BBB Rating
A
|
Our pick for
easy integration
Location Presence
10 States
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
regional installer
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
local choice
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
protection plans
Location Presence
24 States
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
panel design
Location Presence
50 States
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
flexibility
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
A-
|
Our pick for
California and Texas residents
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
warranties
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
premium panels
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
innovation
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
colder climates
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
accessibility
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
affordability
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
efficiency
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
solar roofing
Location Presence
10 States
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
whole-home integration
Location Presence
5 States
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
customer support
Location Presence
7 States
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
add-on services
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
A-
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
aesthetic panels
Location Presence
4 States
BBB Rating
B-
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
simple installation
Location Presence
9 States
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
backup power options
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
backup power options
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
B-
|
Our pick for
warranties
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
$0 down solar
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
local installation
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
up-and-coming solar company
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
local expertise
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
local sustainability
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
local expertise
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
local expertise
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
sustainability
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
panel design
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
A+
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Our pick for
N/A
Location Presence
N/A
BBB Rating
N/A
|
Company | Our pick for | Location Presence | BBB Rating | Visit Site | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
most experience | 50 States | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
leasing options | 50 States | A- | GET QUOTE | ||
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+ | |||
local choice | N/A | N/A | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | |||
protection plans | 24 States | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
panel design | 50 States | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
flexibility | N/A | A- | GET QUOTE | ||
California and Texas residents | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
warranties | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
premium panels | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
innovation | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
colder climates | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
accessibility | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
affordability | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
efficiency | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
solar roofing | 10 States | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
whole-home integration | 5 States | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
customer support | 7 States | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
add-on services | N/A | A- | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
aesthetic panels | 4 States | B- | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
simple installation | 9 States | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
backup power options | N/A | A+ | |||
N/A | N/A | A+ | |||
backup power options | N/A | B- | |||
warranties | N/A | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
$0 down solar | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
local installation | N/A | N/A | |||
up-and-coming solar company | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
local expertise | N/A | N/A | |||
local sustainability | N/A | N/A | |||
local expertise | N/A | N/A | |||
local expertise | N/A | N/A | |||
sustainability | N/A | N/A | |||
panel design | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | N/A | |||
N/A | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE | ||
The Top 9 Solar Companies of 2023
Here are our top picks for the best and most reputable solar companies in 2023:
- SunPower: Our Top Pick
- Sunrun: Our pick for leasing options
- ADT Solar: Customers’ choice
- Freedom Solar: Our pick for off-grid systems
- Solar Energy World: Our pick for sustainability initiatives
- Blue Raven Solar: Our pick for financing
- Momentum Solar: Our pick for solar system customization
- Tesla Energy: Our pick for panel design
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.
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.?
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:
- 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.?
- 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.
- 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.?
- 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.?
- 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.?
- 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??
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.?
?
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
?
Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Solar Installation Companies