Note: On January 24, 2024, ADT announced that it will be exiting the residential solar industry. Our review of ADT Solar prior to the announcement can be found below. For other solar options, see our review of the best solar companies.
Switching to solar power can save tons on your energy bills, but choosing the right installer is key to getting the most out of the cost of solar installation. With so many options, it’s hard to find a provider that can help you qualify for local incentives and offer financial protection over your solar panel system’s lifespan. We created this in-depth ADT Solar review to make it easier to understand the company’s strengths and weaknesses compared to other top solar installers. We’ll dive into all the details, from the provider’s solar services to its warranty and reputation.
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Our Take on ADT Solar
ADT Solar offers comprehensive warranties and system monitoring to help support customers once their solar energy system is installed. Its transparent purchasing options and A+ rating from the BBB make ADT Solar a trusted provider for homeowners looking into solar.
We like the comprehensive 25-year labor and equipment warranty, plus the 25-year power production guarantee. We also like that ADT Solar offers three financing options and solar equipment from multiple well-respected manufacturers. Our primary concern with ADT Solar is the many negative customer reviews citing slow installation or improperly installed panels.
ADT Solar Overview
- BBB rating: A+
- Year founded: 2008
- State availability: 21
- Warranty options: 25-year labor and equipment warranty, 25-year power production guarantee
- Payment options: Full purchase, solar loan, solar lease
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Warranties |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
A+ | 25 years | ||
A+ | 25–30 years | ||
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
A+ | 25 years | ||
A+ | 25-year equipment, 10-year workmanship | ||
NR | 25-year equipment and workmanship | ||
NR | 25-year equipment, 10-year workmanship |
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options
Pros
- Offers self-monitoring through Enphase MyEnlighten
- Includes comprehensive protection, plus monetary compensation for poor-performing panels
- Provides additional roof repair services
Cons
- Limits coverage area to 23 states
- Received negative reviews for poor customer service and automated calls
- Offers a selection of name-brand solar panels and battery options
ADT Solar Services and Panel Options
ADT Solar offers monocrystalline solar panels, a high-efficiency option known for its durability and longevity. These panels achieve efficiency rates between 15% and 20%, ensuring more electricity is generated per square foot compared to other panel types. With an expected lifespan of 25–40 years, they provide long-term energy savings. ADT sources its panels from leading manufacturers such as Q Cells, Silfab, and Canadian Solar, brands known for their reliable performance and innovative solar technology.
Beyond panels, ADT Solar provides battery storage solutions and microinverters, enhancing system performance and reliability.
Battery Backup
A solar battery backup captures and stores excess electricity produced by your panels. This stored energy can be used during power outages or at night, ensuring your home remains powered even when grid electricity is unavailable. ADT Solar allows homeowners to choose from top-tier battery brands, including the Tesla Powerwall 2 and the Enphase Encharge 10. These lithium-ion batteries offer seamless integration with ADT’s solar systems, automatically supplying power when needed and reducing dependence on the electrical grid.
Microinverters
ADT Solar exclusively installs Enphase microinverters, a key component that converts direct current (DC) from solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) for your home. Unlike traditional string inverters, which connect multiple panels to a single inverter, microinverters operate at the panel level. This setup improves energy efficiency, prevents single-panel failures from affecting the whole system, and reduces the complexity and cost of additional cables or junction boxes.
Professional Installation and Roofing Services
ADT Solar provides comprehensive installation services for both solar panels and batteries, ensuring that homeowners receive a seamless solar setup. Additionally, ADT operates a roofing division, Buildpro, which allows homeowners to install a new roof alongside their solar system.
ADT Solar Installation Process
Switching to solar with ADT Solar is a streamlined process designed to ensure your system is customized for your home and meets all local regulations. Here’s what to expect from start to finish:
- Site assessment: A team of ADT Solar consultants will visit your home to evaluate whether your property is suitable for solar panels. They assess factors like roof orientation, shade coverage, and roof angle to determine efficiency. South-facing roofs with minimal shading are optimal. If your roof isn’t ideal, ADT may suggest alternatives, such as ground-mounted solar panels.
- Custom design: ADT Solar’s in-house design team will create a personalized solar array tailored to your home’s structure and energy needs, maximizing your system’s efficiency and potential savings.
- Permitting: Before installation begins, ADT Solar secures all necessary permits and approvals required by your local municipality. This step ensures compliance with building codes, zoning laws, and utility regulations.
- Professional installation: Once permits are approved, ADT Solar’s technicians will install your solar panels, mount the necessary hardware, and connect the system to your home’s electrical grid. If you opt for a battery backup, such as the Tesla Powerwall 2 or Enphase Encharge 10, the team will install and integrate the battery as well.
- Final inspection: After installation, ADT Solar coordinates a final inspection with a local building official. This ensures the system is properly installed, meets safety standards, and is compliant with state and local regulations.
- System activation: Once the inspection is approved, ADT Solar works with your local utility company to complete the connection to the electrical grid. After final approval, your solar system is turned on, and you can begin generating clean energy for your home.
ADT Solar Reviews
ADT Solar is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where it holds an A+ rating*. We read over 50 of the most recent customer reviews for ADT Solar and found that the company has many negative reviews from the last several months. Many customers report extended installation timelines and issues with workmanship.
Here’s a sample of the negative and positive feedback customers have left about ADT, formerly Sunpro Solar:
“The panels were not installed to code. It took 8 months for ADT to come back and correct the deficiencies so the building department could sign off and I could receive permission to operate my system. So, for 8 months I was making loan payments while also paying full energy rates to the power company. In addition, their installers stained my carpet and left black finger prints on my walls and ceiling near the openings to my attic access.” — Peggy M., June 29, 2023, on BBB
“Our salesman was awesome and super straightforward, didn’t sell us a pipe dream. We have not had an electrical bill over 13 Dollars yet. We are waiting on our state incentives and have already received our Federal Tax Credit. Great crew and sales staff. Communication took a day sometimes.” — Eydra C., March 20, 2023, on BBB
“It took six months to get installed only to find out when we tried to turn them on that the whole system was wired incorrectly and not working. A month later they got it fixed however they never came back to install their energy package which was one of the key selling points. They dug a trench through my yard and didn’t replace the grass.” — Jeremy P., June 27, 2023, on BBB
“Our last electric bill was $16.61. Basically, we have traded our electric bill for our payment on the solar panels, except that 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 also how much electricity we are consuming.” — Sandra R., May 18, 2022, on BBB
*BBB information is accurate as of January 2024.
ADT Solar Payment Options
ADT Solar provides three financing options:
- Full purchase: If you can afford it, fully purchasing your system up-front comes with the most financial advantages. You’ll qualify for the federal solar tax credit, will own your system from day one, and won’t pay interest fees on a loan.
- Solar loan: With a solar loan, you’ll pay a fixed monthly payment based on your credit score. This option also gives you system ownership and qualifies you for solar incentives. However, the loan’s interest rates mean you’ll pay more for the system in the long run.
- Solar lease: Leasing solar panels means you pay the solar company monthly for the system but don’t own it and don’t qualify for most solar incentives.
ADT Solar Warranty Options
ADT offers customers competitive warranty coverage on both equipment and labor. Most solar companies offer a 10-, 20-, or 25-year warranty. ADT Solar provides a 25-year warranty and performance guarantee.
Here’s a breakdown of coverage with ADT:
- 25-year labor guarantee on workmanship
- 25-year power production guarantee that states if your system does not produce the amount of energy guaranteed, you’ll receive the difference in cash
- 25-year panel performance guarantee to cover any other issues that may arise with your panels
- 25-year Enphase microinverters guarantee to cover any issues that may occur with your system’s Enphase microinverters
Other Solar Company Reviews
Is Solar Worth It?
If you have a suitable property, installing a solar panel system is worth it, both financially and environmentally. Benefits include:
- Renewable energy: Solar energy is a natural, infinite resource.
- Lower energy bills: Sourcing some or all of your home’s electricity needs from solar panels instead of your local utility company’s power grid saves electricity bill costs.
- Increased home value: Solar systems can increase home value.
- Reduced environmental impact: Opting for a renewable energy source reduces your carbon footprint and is a more sustainable way to power your home.
You’ll benefit from going solar if:
- Your property gets plenty of sun exposure
- You live in an area that uses net-metering
- You have high utility bills
- You qualify for solar incentives that can save you money
Learn more about whether solar is worth it for your property.
Solar Incentives and Rebates
Most states offer solar incentives and rebates to help buyers save money on their solar power systems. While this varies by state, common incentives include:
- Property tax exemption: Participating states waive the additional property taxes associated with a solar panel system.
- Sales tax exemption: Some states waive sales tax on solar equipment.
- Federal solar tax credit: The federal government allows those who own their system to claim 30% of the total system cost on their taxes for the year of installation. Note that this requires system ownership, so only those who purchase their system outright or through a solar loan qualify.
- Net metering: Net metering is a program that allows you to sell any excess energy your system generates to your local utility company.
ADT Solar Mobile App
ADT Solar offers the ADT Solar Referral app. This app lets you earn money by referring your friends to ADT’s solar or roofing services.
You receive $35 for each qualified referral and $25 for your friend(s) meeting with the company. If your referral chooses solar services with ADT Solar, you receive an additional $1,000. If they get a new roof, you receive $500.
Enphase MyEnlighten
ADT Solar relies on the solar equipment manufacturer Enphase to offer 24/7 solar monitoring services. This app lets you analyze system performance against weather data. You can also verify your solar system’s health and share metrics on social media platforms.
Our Conclusion
In light of the news of ADT Solar leaving the market, we recommend Palmetto, Sunrun, or Freedom Solar as alternatives.
Before deciding on any company to handle your solar project, we recommend thoroughly looking at a provider’s website, warranty, customer reviews, and reputation. Get an online estimate from at least three companies to compare pricing before making your purchase.
FAQs About ADT Solar
Does ADT own ADT Solar?
Yes, ADT Home Security owns ADT Solar. The company completed its acquisition of Sunpro in December 2021 and rebranded to ADT Solar.
How long does a solar panel last?
Add FAQ content heMany solar panels see a significant power output decrease within 25 years.
How many solar panels does it take to run a house?
The number of solar panels required to run a home depends on factors such as electrical usage and your home’s infrastructure. To estimate how much solar energy your home needs and how much solar panels will cost, use the National Renewable Energy Laboratory PVWatts Calculator.
How reliable is ADT Solar?
ADT Solar has an A+ BBB rating but has many negative customer reviews on the site and on Yelp, EnergySage, and SolarReviews. We recommend asking your local ADT Solar company for customer testimonials and references.
What brand of solar panels does ADT use?
ADT Solar sells solar panels from popular brands such as Q Cells, Silfab, and Canadian Solar.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
