The Best Solar Companies (October 2024 Guide): Expert Reviewed
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Our top pick for best solar company is Palmetto Solar due to its high-efficiency solar panels, all-inclusive warranty, and positive customer reviews.
Switching to solar power can substantially reduce your electricity bills and power grid dependency. But it is a big investment, so you want to choose a company that will provide you with the best products and services, both now and through the years.
We’ve researched and reviewed 68 leading solar panel companies nationwide, interviewed industry experts, surveyed 2,000 solar customers, and spent more than 770 hours analyzing product specifications and warranties to find the best in the business. We selected Freedom Solar, Blue Raven Solar, and Palmetto as our top three choices for solar installation companies, with Freedom Solar getting our top vote. See how we compared these companies and other top-rated providers in our review.
Key Takeaways
- Carefully review a solar company’s efficiency rating, warranty coverage, customer reviews, financing options, state availability, and equipment selection before making your choice.
- You can greatly reduce your solar panel cost by taking advantage of solar incentives, tax credits, net metering programs, and local rebates.
- Most homeowners pay for their system in full, but you can reap solar energy benefits sooner by financing your system using a solar loan, solar lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA).
Best Solar Companies of 2024
Our team evaluated 68 U.S. solar companies based on reputation, solar services, payment options, state availability, and warranty coverage. Here are our picks for the best solar companies:
Compare the Best Solar Companies
Based on our methodology, we chose Freedom Solar and Blue Raven as our top two providers due to their solar panel selections, additional service options, and positive online reputations across review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews. These companies also offer some of the most comprehensive warranties and service selections available.
| Company | Star Rating | Warranties | Payment Options | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10–25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 10–25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25–30 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 10–25 years | Full purchase, loan | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25 years | Full purchase, loan | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE | ||
| 25 years | Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA | GET QUOTE |
What Should You Know About Going Solar?
You should know about the best payment options to maximize your investment and which solar incentives you’re eligible for to avoid scammers or untrustworthy companies when going solar.
How much does a solar panel system cost?
The national average solar energy system costs between $17,430 and $23,870.
The cost of your solar panel system varies based on several factors, including the system size, whether it’s installed on or around your home, the installation complexity, and your selected solar panel type. Changes in a company’s technology will also affect the price, as will your region.
We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to closely compare your options.
What are solar incentives?
Solar incentives, such as tax credits and rebates, help you maximize your return on investment by putting money back in your pocket. For example, the federal government provides a 30% federal solar tax credit that allows you to reduce your federal taxes by up to 30% of what you paid for your solar panel installation. Some solar companies assist you with finding and applying for solar incentives you’re eligible for.
We also suggest you visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) to view your area’s state and local incentives.
We recently surveyed 1,000 solar customers about their experiences applying for solar incentives. Nearly 75% said they had taken advantage of solar incentives, 64% said they used the federal tax credit, 32% said they used a net metering program, and 30% said they got a local rebate.
What solar energy terms should I know?
There are a lot of solar energy terms you should know, such as active monitoring and inverter. Here’s a quick breakdown of key terms and their meanings.
- Active monitoring: Active monitoring means tracking and analyzing various performance metrics for your solar energy system, such as electricity production, system health, and environmental conditions. This continuous monitoring helps you to detect issues promptly, optimize system efficiency, and get proactive maintenance to ensure reliable and optimal operation.
- Inverter: This is a component that converts the direct current (DC) power your solar system gets from the sun into the alternating current (AC) power that runs your home.
- Solar panel efficiency rating: This indicates the percentage of sunlight that solar panels convert to usable electricity. The higher the efficiency rating, the better the energy production. Note that 100% efficiency isn’t scientifically possible. Most solar panels have efficiency ratings between 15% and 22%.
- Solar battery backup: A solar battery backup system stores excess energy generated by solar panels, enabling you to use that stored energy when the sun isn’t shining, such as at night or during power outages. This product allows for greater energy independence and resilience against grid failures. According to our survey data, most homeowners purchase two batteries to go with their system.
How do I pay for solar panels?
There are several options for solar financing that can fit most budgets. Many companies offer two or more payment choices. A full purchase or loan is typically the most cost-effective option. “When you lease solar panels, you miss out on the substantial federal tax credit because it instead goes to the leasing company,” explains 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.”
Johnson adds that leasing your panels could also make 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.
Here is a list of the most common payment options:
- Full purchase: A full cash purchase gives you full system ownership, qualifying you for all tax incentives and rebates.
- Solar loan: This option requires smaller monthly payments for a set time frame and grants you full ownership.
- Solar lease: Homeowners lease the system from the solar provider and make monthly payments for its use. Check out our guide to solar leasing to determine if this option is worth it.
- Power purchase agreement (PPA): The solar company retains system ownership and only charges you for the solar energy you use each month.
According to our recent survey of solar customers, 49% chose to pay in full upfront, 23% got a loan, 11% leased, and 17% financed through a PPA.
What warranties come with solar panels?
Warranties can differ based on each company’s products. You could have multiple warranties for one system if the company works with several manufacturers. Alternatively, a solar provider could offer all-inclusive warranty coverage for its in-house products, making the claims process much easier.
The top companies offer 25-year warranties in most cases, but some limit their workmanship warranty to 10 years. We recommend finding a company that provides 25-year warranties for coverage throughout your system’s lifetime.
Here are the three most common warranties and what they cover:
- 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.
What Should You Look for in a Solar Company?
Our Top Solar Company Picks
Sunrun
Palmetto
Solar Energy World
Blue Raven Solar
Freedom Solar Power
Momentum
Best Installation Process
Venture Solar
Tesla Solar
*BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2024.
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.
Other Companies We Reviewed
The following companies didn’t make our list but are still worth considering.
- LGCY Power: LGCY Power provides one of the best guided solar consultations and offers detailed online articles covering the solar installation process. The company also partners with Sunrun, one of our picks for top solar companies.
- Trinity Solar: Trinity Solar has served the Northeast for more than 28 years. The company’s in-house staff is certified by some of the solar industry’s most prestigious programs.
- Elevation: Elevation takes a holistic approach to solar energy by offering entire home energy upgrades. The company provides solar systems, batteries, and energy audits to help you save on energy costs. The company also sells Curb Energy Monitoring devices to track energy usage and control smart devices in your home.
- Green Home Systems (GHS): GHS installs high-efficiency solar panels and solar shingles that blend in with your roof. We like the company’s solar roofing system because it’s a competitive option compared to Tesla’s solar roof.
Some companies didn’t make our list because we don’t recommend them to everyone. For example, Solar Is Freedom has limited services compared to other providers, and Vision Solar recently announced bankruptcy amid two lawsuits. We feel confident the providers suggested in our guide have solid bankability and top-tier service options.
Are Solar Panels Worth It?
Though expensive to install, solar panels are worth the investment for most users. They offer several benefits, including long-term cost savings and increased home value. Going solar also allows you to rely less on external electricity sources and gain protection from unforeseen disruptions in the power supply. Federal and state solar incentives help reduce initial installation costs, resulting in a better return on investment.
More than 3 million homes have reaped these benefits by converting to solar energy, with one million installations taking place in the last two years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Roughly 96% of solar customers we surveyed said they felt making the switch to solar power was worth it, and 82% said their installation increased their property value.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
Most U.S. homes require around a 10-kilowatt (kW) system, which costs an average of $31,460 before applying solar incentives. A 10-kW system is generally a large enough system to power a 2,000-square-foot house. You can greatly reduce your solar panel costs by applying for solar incentives, such as the federal tax credit, net metering, or local rebates. The federal solar tax credit alone allows you to recoup up to 30% of what you paid for your system on your income taxes. The average payback period, meaning the time it takes for your energy savings to be equal to your investment, is eight to nine years.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
The Department of Energy says that quality solar panels last 30–35 years if well-maintained. Most come with a warranty of 25–30 years. Technically, your panels can last far longer, though energy production will likely decline, so they won’t generate as much electricity to power your home as they once did.
How Do I Find The Best Solar Company in My State?
Some companies are available nationwide, while others have smaller service areas. Use our tool below to find which solar companies service your area.