The Best Solar Companies of December 2023 Guide: Expert Reviewed
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Converting to solar energy helps homeowners save on monthly energy costs and offers a clean energy solution. Although the average solar system costs between $17,430 and $23,870, youโll invest in a reliable energy system that offers long-term savings.
Weโve reviewed 100 leading solar panel companies nationwide and selected SunPower, ADT Solar, and Sunrun as our top three choices. Keep reading to learn more about these companies and our other choices for quality residential installations.
Compare Solar Companies
| Star Rating | Best For | Location Presence | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower |  | Best High-Efficiency System | 50 States | Get Quote | |
| ADT Solar |  | Best Solar Warranty | 23 States | Get Quote | |
| Sunrun |  | Best Solar Panel Leasing | 18 States | Get Quote | |
| Blue Raven |  | Most Reputable | 18 States | Get Quote | |
| Green Home Systems |  | Best Solar Roofs | 22 States | Get Quote | |
| Elevation |  | Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades | 5 States | Get Quote | |
| Palmetto |  | Best Customer Support | 17 States | Get Quote | |
| Tesla Solar |  | Best Solar Tech | 50 States | Get Quote | |
| Freedom Solar Power |  | Most Complete Warranty | 5 States | Get Quote |
| SunPower | |
|---|---|
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| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best High-Efficiency System |
| Location Presence | 50 States |
| Blue Raven | |
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| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Most Reputable |
| Location Presence | 18 States |
| Green Home Systems | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Solar Roofs |
| Location Presence | 22 States |
| Elevation | |
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| Logo |
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| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades |
| Location Presence | 5 States |
| Tesla Solar | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Solar Tech |
| Location Presence | 50 States |
| Freedom Solar Power | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Most Complete Warranty |
| Location Presence | 5 States |
*Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are accurate as of September 2023.
9 Best Solar Companies of 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:
- SunPower: Best High-Efficiency System
- ADT Solar
- Sunrun
- Blue Raven Solar
- Green Home Systems
- Elevation
- Palmetto Solar
- Tesla
- Freedom Solar
Key Terms To Know
- In-house installers: An installation team that works directly for the solar provider.
- Inverter: A component that converts your solar systemโs direct current (DC) power into the alternating current (AC) power that runs your home.
- Service area: The total number of states where a solar provider offers services.
- Solar panel efficiency rating: The percentage of sunlight that solar panels convert to usable electricity. The higher the efficiency rating, the better the energy production.
- Third-party installers: An installation team contracted by the solar company to do the project.
Our Top Solar Company Picks
SunPower
Best High-Efficiency System
ADT Solar
Best Solar Warranty
Sunrun
Best Solar Panel Leasing
Blue Raven
Most Reputable
Green Home Systems
Best Solar Roofs
Elevation
Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Palmetto
Best Customer Support
Tesla Solar
Best Solar Tech
Freedom Solar Power
Most Complete Warranty
Understanding Differences in Solar Companies
Here are some of the key differences you should compare when shopping for a solar company:
- Solar panel quality: Solar customers can choose between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. The companies with the highest-efficiency panels use monocrystalline.
- Installation process and services: Some companies offer a completely streamlined installation process, including in-house design, installation, and whole-home energy audits. Other companies use third-party installers.
- Cost and financing: Every solar company on this list offers full purchase and loan financing options. Some also offer leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). A full purchase or solar loan qualifies you for the federal solar tax credit and other cost-saving incentives. A lease or PPA reduces how much you pay up-front, but the solar company still owns the panels so you canโt qualify for incentives.
- Warranty options: Each company on this list offers 25-year manufacturer warranties along with workmanship warranties, though some companiesโ workmanship warranties are only 10 years. The coverage specifics vary by installer.
- Service area: Sunpower and Tesla are available 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.
Are Solar Panels Worth It?
Despite their high initial costs, solar panels are worth the investment in the long term. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), more than 3 million homes have converted to solar energy, with a million installations taking place in the last two years. Homeowners have discovered that solar energy provides several benefits, including long-term cost savings and a boost in home value.
With a solar system, you gain energy independence from external electricity sources and have added protection from unforeseen disruptions in the power supply. In addition, federal and state solar incentives help reduce installation costs, resulting in a better return on investment.
Solar Incentives and Rebates
Solar incentives, credits, and rebates offer additional savings on solar panel costs. The federal government offers a 30% federal tax credit. Some solar companies assist customers with finding and applying for solar incentives.
Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) to view your areaโs available incentives.
Did you know?
When we surveyed 1,000 homeowners about installing solar panels, we learned that 78.4% took advantage of solar incentives. Of these respondents, 75.3% said the incentives they used were easy to access.
Solar incentives, credits, and rebates offer additional savings on solar panel costs. The federal government offers a 30% federal tax credit. Some solar companies assist customers with finding and applying for solar incentives.
We surveyed 1,000 homeowners about their experiences installing solar panels. Most respondents (78.4%) took advantage of solar incentives to reduce their overall costs. Of these respondents, 75.3% said the incentives they used were easy to access. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) to view your areaโs available incentives.
Solar Payment Options
You can choose from various solar financing options to fit your budget. Many companies offer two or more payment choices. A full purchase or loan is the most cost-effective option. Both options qualify you for solar tax credits and other incentives that reduce your up-front investment.
Compare the most common plan options below:
- Full purchase: A full cash purchase gives you full system ownership, qualifying you for any tax incentives and rebates.
- Solar loan: This option requires smaller monthly payments for a set time frame and grants your full ownership.
- Solar lease: Homeowners lease the system from the solar provider and make monthly payments for its use.
- Power purchase agreement (PPA): With this financial option, the solar company retains system ownership and only charges you for the solar energy you use each month.
We recommend choosing a cash payment or loan to save the most money on your new solar system. A solar lease or PPA is only beneficial if you have no interest in owning your own solar system.
Solar Company Warranty Options
Warranties can differ based on each companyโs products. If the company works with several manufacturers, 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:
- Manufacturerโs 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 systemโs 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 coverage throughout your systemโs lifetime.
How Do I Find The Best Solar Company in My State?
Solar company available varies between each provider. While some companies offer nationwide availability, others focus on a smaller service area. Use our tools below to discover which solar companies service your area.
Solar company availability sometimes changes from state to state, and even ZIP code to ZIP code. Use our free tool below to learn which solar companies service your state.
Solar Panel Equipment & Efficiency
Solar panel equipment plays a major role in your systemโs performance and energy savings. Most homeowners choose rooftop installations to position their panels closer to the sun for optimal performance. You can add additional system upgrades, such as solar batteries, to extend your systemโs functionality. In addition, investing in high-efficiency solar panels will help maximize your energy production.
Solar Panel Equipment
Below is an overview of typical rooftop solar installations and system upgrades:
- Traditional solar panels: Monocrystalline solar panels are the most common. These offer the best efficiency and power output but are the most expensive. Polycrystalline panels are more affordable but less efficient, so you must buy more panels to power your home.
- Solar shingles and roofing: Solar shingles and roofing attach directly to your shingles or tiles and provide the same structural protection as traditional roofing. They offer a sleek, integrated design at a much higher price than traditional panels. For example, the Tesla Solar roof costs more than its traditional solar panels.
- Solar batteries: Most homeowners add solar batteries to use for backup power and to make the most of their systemโs energy production. Batteries store excess solar energy you can use when the power grid is down, keeping your home running during a grid outage. You should consider a solar battery if you experience frequent outages or have medical equipment that requires power.
- 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.
Solar Panel Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency refers to the percentage of the sunโs energy that a solar panel can convert into usable electricity. The higher the efficiency rate, the better the energy conversion and production. Solar panelsโ efficiency has improved significantly in recent years, with high-efficiency solar panels reaching rates of nearly 25%. We recommend focusing on solar panels with over 20% efficiency to get the most out of your system.
What To Expect During a Solar Installation
After choosing your solar provider, youโll meet with a representative to begin the installation process. Weโve created this general overview of what you can expect from this process based on our conversations with various installers.
- Initial consultation: A company representative will assess your propertyโs solar potential and determine energy needs. Many companies offer in-person or virtual consultations. Youโll need your most current utility bill available to help determine your average energy usage.
- Site survey: The company rep will review your roofโs structural integrity, available space, slope, and shading. This helps determine the best location for your solar panels.
- Design and permitting: The rep will design a solar system to fit your needs with panel, component, and add-on accessory options. Youโll receive a finalized, detailed quote to approve. Most installers handle all necessary permitting and paperwork. The permitting process varies between areas but typically takes two to four weeks to complete. We recommend getting an estimated timeline for the entire installation process.
- Installation day: The solar company may use its own in-house staff or third-party installers. To help avoid communication issues, we recommend asking for your projectโs main point of contact. Most installations take one to two days, sometimes longer for complicated jobs.
- Final inspection: Your solar company will coordinate with local officials for final activation approval. All installations must meet local codes and match the approved project designs. This process could take two to four weeks and depends on all partiesโ availability.
- Activation: Once all parties approve, your system will receive permission to operate (PTO). Your installer will connect the system to the grid and get final approval from the utility company for activation.
The Solar Quote Process
When deciding on a solar company, we recommend getting solar quotes from at least three different companies. Schedule consultations to assess each companyโs expertise and compare system specifications, installation costs, financing options, and warranties. Verify references, licenses, and credentials.
We also recommend gauging company reputation through customer reviews. Check each companyโs ratings and customer feedback on trusted review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. Look for indications that a company is responsive to questions and concerns and provides good communication throughout the installation process.
Other Companies We Reviewed
Although these companies arenโt on our list, they still serve as excellent options for home solar installations:
- LGCY Power: LGCY Power one of the best guided solar consultations available and offers detailed online articles covering the solar installation process. The company also partners with Sunrun, one of our picks for top solar companies.
- Momentum Solar: Momentum Solar keeps its customers informed throughout the installation process with timely updates during every step. The company also uses an in-house installation team to provide quick and high-quality installations.
- Trinity Solar: Trinity Solar has serviced the Northeast for over 28 years. The companyโs in-house staff carries solar certification from some of the solar industryโs most prestigious programs.
Other Home Resources
Weโve listed additional homeowner resources below:
- Best Gutter Guards
- Best Homeowners Insurance
- Best Home Warranty Companies
- Best Moving Companies
- Best Window Brands
Our Conclusion
Based on our research, SunPower is our top rated solar company due to its highly efficient systems, and streamlined technology. If system protection is your priority, ADT Solar offers the most comprehensive warranty coverage to protect your solar investment. Homeowners looking for excellent solar savings without committing to system ownership should consider Sunrun as their solar panel installation company.
Consider your energy needs, budget, and local climate to determine the best solar energy company for your home. We recommend getting multiple free quotes to compare costs, services, and warranty options.
FAQ About Solar Energy Companies
What are the disadvantages of solar energy?
The two main disadvantages of solar energy are the high initial cost and the dependence on weather conditions. Though solar panels are more affordable than ever, installing a solar energy system is still expensive. Additionally, the amount of energy a solar system generates can be affected by weather conditions such as clouds or storms, reducing the systemโs overall efficiency and output.
How does solar energy benefit the environment?
Solar power is a renewable resource and prevents the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity, reducing the amount of pollution in the environment. Switching to renewable energy helps to reduce your carbon footprint and creates access to unlimited clean energy solutions.
Which is better: Sunrun or SunPower?
When comparing Sunrun vs SunPower, the better option will depend on your needs. SunPower uses high-quality Maxeon panels paired and custom components to create high-performingย solar systems. Sunrun offers unique leasing financing options that offer the savings of solar energy without buying your own system. If excellent solar technology is a priority, choose SunPower.ย If youโre interested in energy savings without system ownership, Sunrun might be the better option for your home.ย
How much energy would solar panels produce?
Most residential solar panels produce between 250 and 400 watts of power. The higher the wattage, the more power your home receives. A solar installer will analyze your current electricity usage and determine the number of solar panels for your home. Use this calculator from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to determine your solar panel size based on your energy usage.
Are solar panels covered by homeowners insurance?
Yes, solar panels are covered under most homeowners insurance policies. This protection extends to damage caused by fire, wind, lighting, or other physical damage. Check your policy for complete details on your full coverage.ย
Do solar panels actually increase home value?
Yes, solar panels can increase home value thanks to the boost in energy efficiency and lower electric bills. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), each $1 saved on monthly energy bills increases home value by $20. For example, a home that saves $500 per year with solar energy increases its property value by $10,000.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels last around 25โ35 years with proper care and maintenance. Itโs essential to hire a reputable installer and perform basic maintenance to prolong your panelsโ life span.
How easy is it to go off-grid for solar?
Going off-grid is considerably harder than investing in a traditional grid-tied system. The cost of an off-grid system is much higher investment than a typical residential system, averaging b between $45,000โ$65,000. They require more detailed planning for daily energy consumption to account for adequate energy storage needs. Unless your home is too far for traditional electric company power connections, we recommend sticking with a grid-tied solar system for your home.ย
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is 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, weโve 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.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
