The Best Solar Companies of June 2023

Solar panels use sunlight to help power your home. They work by absorbing the sunlight and releasing electrons. The free electrons generate electricity, flow through the solar system, and convert it into usable power for your home. Solar systems help improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower energy bills.

Not all solar panel systems are equally suited for your home. We’ve reviewed 100 national and regional solar companies and narrowed our list to the best solar panel companies for residential homes.

*BBB ratings are accurate as of June 2023.

*BBB ratings are accurate as of June 2023.

Our team evaluated 100 U.S. solar companies based on reputation, solar services, payment options, state availability, and warranty coverage. Here are our top picks for the best solar companies of May 2023:

• SunPower: Best High-Efficiency System
• ADT Solar: Best Solar Warranty
• Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
• Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
• Green Home Systems: Best Solar Roofs
• Elevation: Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades
• Palmetto Solar: Best Customer Support
• Tesla: Best Solar Tech

• Solar panel quality: Solar customers can choose between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. The companies with the highest-efficiency panels use monocrystalline. 
• Installation process & services: Some companies offer completely streamlined installations, including a whole-home energy audit, with its in-house solar team. Other companies use third-party installers. 
• Cost & financing: Every solar company on this list offers full-purchase and loan financing options. Some also offer a lease or PPA option. A full-purchase or solar loan qualifies you for the federal solar tax incentive; with a lease or PPA, the solar company still owns the panels.
• Warranty options: Each company offers 25-year manufacturer warranties along with workmanship warranties, though some company’s workmanship warranties are only 10 years. The coverage specifics varies by company. 
• Service area: Sunpower and Tesla offer availability in all 50 states, whereas ADT Solar, SunRun, Blue Raven, and Palmetto service about half the country. Green Home Solutions and Elevation service less than 10 states each.

Learn more: SunPower Review

Learn more: ADT Solar Review

Learn more: Sunrun Review

Learn more: Blue Raven Solar Review

Learn more: Elevation Review

Learn more: Palmetto Solar Review

Learn more: Tesla Solar Review

When determining the best solar company for your home, consider your energy needs, budget, and local climate. For homeowners seeking the highest-efficiency solar panels who are less concerned with budget, companies such as Tesla or Palmetto may be viable options. For customers concerned about brand reputation, BlueRaven and ADT Solar offer extensive warranties and are known for their trustworthiness in the industry. SunPower is our top choice due to its highly efficient systems, streamlined technology, and 25-year warranty coverage.

Despite your individual energy needs, there are certain requirements every solar installer should meet before you commit to their services. This includes product and workmanship warranties, transparent pricing, and overall positive customer reviews. We recommend getting quotes from at least three solar installers before making a final decision. Remember to factor any local or statewide incentives into your final installation costs. 

We surveyed 1,000 homeowners about their experiences installing solar panels. The majority of respondents, 78.4%, took advantage of solar incentives to reduce their overall costs. Of these respondents, 75.3% said these incentives were easy to access. 

Solar incentives, credits, and rebates offer additional savings on solar panel costs. These incentives include state tax credits, exemptions, and additional rebates from utility companies.  The federal government offers a 30% federal tax credit to reduce installation costs. Some solar companies assist customers with finding and applying for solar incentives. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to view your area’s available incentives.

Solar financing includes various payment options to help make the transition to clean energy more affordable. Many companies offer two or more financing choices to meet their customers’ budgets. Typical financing options include cash payments, solar loans, solar leases, or power purchase agreements (PPAs). Compare the most common plan options below.

A full purchase or loan are the most cost-effective options. They qualify you for solar tax credits and other incentives that reduce your investment costs. “When you lease solar panels, you miss out on the substantial federal tax credit because it instead goes to the leasing company,” says Matt Johnson, co-owner of Namaste Solar. “If you own your own solar panels, you will be the one to reap the financial benefits of the tax credit.” We recommend choosing a cash payment or loan to save the most money on your new solar system. 

Johnson says that leasing your panels could also make the process of selling your home cumbersome and expensive, because you have to ensure the new owner wants to take over the lease or buy out the rest of your contract—potentially costing thousands of dollars. Leasing offers the least financial benefits and the lowest return on your investment.

• Traditional solar panel types: Monocrystalline panels are most common, offering the best efficiency and power output, but at a higher price point. Polycrystalline are more affordable, but perform at a lower efficiency therefore requiring more panels. Thin-film panels are another option, but they should only be used for sheds or garages as they are thin and low efficiency. 
• Solar shingles and roofing: Solar shingles and roofing attach directly to your shingles or tiles and provide the same structural protection as traditional roofing materials. They offer a sleek, integrated design, at a much higher price point than traditional panels.
• Solar batteries: Most homeowners use battery storage for backup power and to increase their resilience. The batteries will store your solar electricity, and your home can consume it when the grid is down, keeping your home powered during a grid outage. You should also consider a solar battery if you experience frequent outages or have medical equipment that requires power.
• Inverter: The inverter converts the direct current (DC) power generated by your solar system into the alternating current (AC) power that runs your home. Inverter options are limited to your solar installer’s catalog.
• Electric vehicle chargers: Electric vehicle (EV) chargers offer a convenient at-home solution for EV owners. They use energy generated from solar panels to charge your vehicle at a lower rate than public charging stations.

Warranty plans can differ based on each company’s products. If the company works with several manufacturers for each component, you could have multiple warranties for one system. 

Alternatively, a solar provider could offer all-inclusive warranty coverage for its in-house products, making the claims process much easier. 

Warranties usually fall into these categories:

• Manufacturer’s warranty (or product warranty): Protects the individual solar system components in case of defects.
• Workmanship warranty: Covers installation in case of poor workmanship or faulty installation materials.
• Performance (or power production) guarantee: Certifies the solar system’s output as outlined in your contract.

The top companies offer 25-year warranties in each of these cases, though some limit their workmanship warranty to 10 years. We recommend finding a company that provides 25-year warranties for each warranty type to cover the lifetime of your solar investment.

After choosing your solar provider, you’ll meet with a representative to begin the installation process. After speaking with professional solar installers, we compiled a general overview of what you can expect during installation. Although some steps may vary between providers, this guide provides a clearer picture of a typical solar installation. 

1. Initial consultation: You’ll meet with a company representative to assess your property’s solar potential and determine energy needs. Many companies offer in-person or virtual consultations. You should have your most current utility bill available to help determine your average energy usage. 
2. Site survey: The company rep will review your roof’s structural integrity, available space, pitch, and shading. This process helps determine the best location for your solar panels. 
3. Design and permitting: Based on the site survey, the rep will design your potential solar system to fit your needs. During this process, you can choose your panels, inverter, and add-on accessories. You’ll receive a finalized, detailed quote for all costs. Some companies offer details for local solar incentives and assist with your applications. We recommend doing initial research for incentives and bringing those details to your appointment. Most installers handle all necessary permitting and paperwork. The permitting process varies between areas but typically takes two to four weeks to complete. 
4. Installation day: On installation day, the solar installers will arrive to begin the process. They will bring all necessary equipment, such as solar panels, a racking system, wiring, and electrical components. Solar installers may sometimes have these items delivered ahead of time. The solar company may use its own in-house staff or third-party installers. To help avoid communication issues, ask for your project’s main point of contact. This could be the project manager or lead installer. You can also confirm with the company before your installation date. Most installations take one to two days, sometimes longer for complicated projects. 
5. Final inspection: After installation completion, your installer will coordinate with local officials for final activation approval. All installations must meet local codes and match the approved project designs. Again, this process could take two to four weeks and depends on all parties’ availability. 
6. Activation: Once all parties approve, your system will receive a permission to operate (PTO) designation. Your installer connects the system to the grid and gets final approval from the utility company for activation.

You may also need additional home preparations before installing your system. These services include roof repair, electrical panel upgrades, or tree removal. Your solar installer will provide additional guidance on any necessary repairs or upgrades.

To find the best solar company in your state, you should compare several important factors such as solar panels and equipment, warranty coverage, and additional support services. Use the internet or recommendations from locals to gather a list of potential companies. Read their customer reviews on sites such as Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, and make sure their offerings align with your energy needs.