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.

 

Compare Solar Companies

Star Rating Superlative Location Presence BBB Rating Link
SunPower
Best High-Efficiency System 50 States A+
ADT Solar
Best Solar Warranty 23 States A+
Sunrun
Best Solar Panel Leasing 20 States A+
Blue Raven
Most Reputable 22 States A+
Green Home Systems
Best Solar Roofs 10 States A+
Elevation
Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades 5 States A+
Palmetto
Best Customer Support 24 States A+
Tesla Solar
Best Solar Tech 50 States NR
SunPower
Logo SunPower
Star Rating
Superlative Best High-Efficiency System
Location Presence 50 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
ADT Solar
Logo ADT Solar
Star Rating
Superlative Best Solar Warranty
Location Presence 23 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
Sunrun
Logo Sunrun
Star Rating
Superlative Best Solar Panel Leasing
Location Presence 20 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
Blue Raven
Logo Blue Raven
Star Rating
Superlative Most Reputable
Location Presence 22 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
Green Home Systems
Logo Green Home Systems
Star Rating
Superlative Best Solar Roofs
Location Presence 10 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
Elevation
Logo Elevation
Star Rating
Superlative Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Location Presence 5 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
Palmetto
Logo Palmetto
Star Rating
Superlative Best Customer Support
Location Presence 24 States
BBB Rating A+
Get Quote
Tesla Solar
Logo Tesla Solar
Star Rating
Superlative Best Solar Tech
Location Presence 50 States
BBB Rating NR
Get Quote

*BBB ratings are accurate as of June 2023.

Compare Solar Companies

Company
Star Rating
Superlative
Location Presence
BBB Rating
Best High-Efficiency System
50 States
A+
Best Solar Warranty
23 States
A+
Best Solar Panel Leasing
20 States
A+
Most Reputable
22 States
A+
Best Solar Roofs
10 States
A+
Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades
5 States
A+
Best Customer Support
24 States
A+
Best Solar Tech
50 States
NR

*BBB ratings are accurate as of June 2023.


 

8 Best Solar Companies of May 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:

 


 

Major Differences in Solar Companies

  • 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.

 


 

Our Top Solar Company Picks

SunPower Best High-Efficiency System
4.8
  • Why we chose it: SunPower offers the most energy-efficient and high-performing solar systems available. It is one of the few companies to use in-house system components, creating a streamlined system designed to perform better.  
  • Payment Options: Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA 
  • State Availability: 50 states, but varies by ZIP code
Pros and Cons
Pros Builds customized, high-efficiency solar systems to suit each home Offers an extensive coverage area throughout the country Sells energy storage and EV charger add-ons Cons Limits solar equipment options due to in-house product exclusivity More expensive than other companies, according to some customer reviews
Warranty and Financing

SunPower backs its solar products with an all-inclusive 25-year warranty covering all solar system components, additional equipment add-ons, workmanship, and a production guarantee of 92% power output.

Reputation and Awards

SunPower received PV Magazine’s 2019 Sustainability Award for “outstanding sustainability leadership in the solar industry.” In 2022, SunPower received the Good Housekeeping’s 2022 Home Renovation Award in the Biggest Energy Savers category. The company was recognized for its innovative SunVault energy storage system.

SunPower currently holds an A+ rating and is accredited with the BBB. Based on our team’s review analysis, we discovered that customers were pleased with their SunPower system performance. However, we noticed a pattern of complaints about higher-than-average installation costs and communication issues with third-party installers.

Areas of Coverage

50 states, but varies by ZIP code

Learn more: SunPower Review

 


 

ADT Solar Best Solar Warranty
4.6
  • Why we chose it: ADT Solar offers the most comprehensive coverage with 25-year warranties on labor, panels, and inverters, plus a power production guarantee. This comprehensive coverage keeps your investment protected for the next  25 years or longer. 
  • Payment Options: Full purchase, loan
  • State Availability: 23 states covered
Pros and Cons
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
Warranty and Financing

ADT Solar backs its installations with a 25-year comprehensive warranty covering power production, panel, inverter, and labor warranty.

Reputation and Awards

ADT Solar is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating. When checking company reviews, we found that customers praised the company for its efficient installations but raised concerns about poor customer support and an increase in automated calls from ADT Security.

Areas of Coverage
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia

Learn more: ADT Solar Review

 


 

Sunrun Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.4
  • Why we chose it: Sunrun offers unique leasing options tailored for homeowners who don’t want system ownership. Prepaid and leased systems include 25 years of system servicing, plus ongoing monitoring and theft insurance. 
  • Payment Options: Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA
  • State Availability: 20 states covered plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
Pros and Cons
Pros Provides system monitoring that signals issues with your system Offers diverse financing options to suit various budgets Provides EV and solar battery solutions Cons Requires added costs for the same coverage plans as leased and prepaid customers Solar and battery availability varies by state
Warranty and Financing

Sunrun backs its systems with a 10-year comprehensive warranty which includes product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage.

Reputation and Awards

The company earned DroneDeploy’s 2022 Guardian of Safety Award for incorporating drone technology in its site assessments. In 2021 and 2022, Sunrun was recognized by Comparably with 14 awards. Its accolades include Best CEOs for Diversity 2022, Best Company Culture 2021, and Best Company for Women two years in a row.

Sunrun currently holds an A+ rating with BBB and is accredited. Customers praised the comprehensive coverage for leased systems but complained about delayed installations, poor customer service, and poor communication with project managers.

Areas of Coverage
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Vermont
  • Wisconsin
  • Puerto Rico
  • Washington, D.C.

Learn more: Sunrun Review

 


 

Blue Raven Most Reputable
4.4
  • Why we chose it: Blue Raven has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy. 
  • Payment Options: Full purchase, loan
  • State Availability: 22 states covered
Pros and Cons
Pros Offers SunPower’s high-efficiency panels and storage options Provides a unique in-house financing option which includes 18 months of free solar energy Recognized as one of the most reputable solar companies in the industry Cons Offers one of the shortest production guarantees among our reviewed companies Provides services in less than half the country
Warranty and Financing

A Blue Raven Solar system comes with a 25-year warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.

Reputation and Awards

Blue Raven Solar strives to achieve rewarding experiences for its customers and employees. The solar company won awards in back-to-back years at the Comparably’s Brand Awards, a site known for its comprehensive company culture and reputation reviews. Comparably recognized Blue Raven for Best Operations Team 2022, Best Sales Team 2022, Best Product & Design Team 2022, Best Places to Work in Salt Lake City 2022, and Best Company Outlook 2022. The 2021 wins include Best Company for Diversity 2021, Best CEO 2021, Best Company Work-Life Balance, and Best Career Growth 2021. Blue Raven Solar ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA in 2021.

The company is accredited with the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. We noted that customers praised the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation but warned of poor communication after projects were completed.

Areas of Coverage
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington

Learn more: Blue Raven Solar Review

 


 

Green Home Systems Best Solar Roofs
4.6
  • Why we chose it: Green Home Systems offers a wide selection of name-brand rooftop panels and more inconspicuous solar roofing options. Its catalog also includes several battery and backup generator selections that provide additional protection during emergencies. 
  • Payment Options: Full purchase, loan
  • State Availability: 10 states covered
Pros and Cons
Pros Offers solar batteries and backup generator selections Provides a large selection of solar panels to customize your system Sells traditional panel systems plus advanced solar roofing options Cons Covers a limited service area of 10 states Has less than 10 years of solar business experience
Warranty and Financing

Green Home Systems includes a 25-year product warranty and performance guarantee for its solar panels. Customers receive a 25-year power output warranty, 25-year component warranty, 10-year, 110-mph wind warranty with solar shingles. For solar tiles, you’ll receive a 25-year solar tile power output warranty, a 10-year component warranty, and a 10-year, 110-mph wind warranty.

Reputation and Awards

With just five years in the solar industry, Green Home Systems is one of the youngest companies in this review. It prides itself on offering American-made solar products and accessories. Green Home Systems holds multiple certifications with SolarEdge and Enphase. The company also maintains a partnership with LG Solar as Platinum installers.

Green Home Systems holds an A+ rating and is accredited with the BBB. When reading reviewers, we learned that homeowners appreciated the company’s accurate quotes and clear communication through the installation process but called out the overwhelming telemarketing calls.

Areas of Coverage
  • California
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Wyoming

 


 

Elevation Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades
4.6
  • Why we chose it: Along with solar panels, Elevation provides full-home energy audits and upgrades to improve your energy efficiency and long-term savings. It is one of the few companies to complete both audits and upgrades with its own in-house staff. 
  • Payment Options: Full purchase, loan
  • State Availability: 5 states covered
Pros and Cons
Pros Provides a full suite of home efficiency upgrades and solutions Offers full-home assessment for energy efficiency improvements Sells active energy monitoring for the entire home Cons Only provides coverage in five states Has issues with delayed installations and failed final activations, per some online reviews
Warranty and Financing

Elevation backs its solar systems with 25-year warranties for product and workmanship coverage.

Reputation and Awards

Elevation has focused on providing a complete energy-efficiency experience for homeowners. The company received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Home Performance with Energy Star: Partner of the Year award in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Elevation was named the 2019 Innovator of the Year by the Phoenix Business Journal’s Arizona Corporate Excellence (ACE) Awards. In 2020, the company received a Silver Stevie Award in the Customer Satisfaction Strategy category at the 14th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Elevation holds accreditation with the BBB and maintains an A+ rating. Our review analyses revealed that homeowners appreciated the efficient solar equipment and efficiency upgrades but voiced concern over failed final inspections and installation process delays

Areas of Coverage
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Florida
  • Nevada
  • Texas

Learn more: Elevation Review

 


 

Palmetto Best Customer Support
4.4
  • Why we chose it: Palmetto has a wide range of solar services, from comprehensive protection plans to pest abatement. Besides offering the most efficient residential solar panels on the market, Palmetto has a 25-year system performance warranty and ongoing customer support via its app.
  • Payment Options: Full purchase, loan
  • State Availability: 21 states covered plus Washington, D.C.
Pros and Cons
Pros Offers a tiered protection plan for system protections Provides an online solar savings calculator to estimate potential savings Gives access to customer support via email, chat, and phone Cons Limits its active monitoring services to three years Services less than half of the country
Warranty and Financing

Palmetto’s warranty protection includes a 25-year panel warranty, 12-year inverter warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty, and five-year roof penetration warranty.

Reputation and Awards

Palmetto Solar received the Most Forward-Thinking Contractor award in the 2022 edition of Solar Power World. That same year, Inc. recognized the company with a Power Partner Award. Palmetto also aims to provide solar energy to underserved communities with its Get Solar, Give Solar program.

Palmetto Solar holds accreditation with the BBB and has an A+ rating. While reading online reviews, we noticed that homeowners praised Palmetto for its dedicated installation managers and quality systems but mentioned very long waiting periods for permitting, plus installation delays.

Areas of Coverage
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington, D.C.

Learn more: Palmetto Solar Review

 


 

Tesla Solar Best Solar Tech
4
  • Why we chose it: Available nationwide, Tesla is one of the few solar companies to provide potential customers with an up-front solar quote on its website. The company is also responsible for the Powerwall, one of the industry’s most popular solar batteries.
  • Payment Options: Full purchase, loan (in select areas)
  • State Availability: 50 states, but installation may be limited in some ZIP codes.
Pros and Cons
Pros Provides transparent online quotes with full pricing details Offers up to 10 Tesla Powerwalls with each installation Sells solar roofing options that replace your entire roof Cons Lacks customization options, limiting system size to four options Only offers third-party installation services
Warranty and Financing

Tesla offers a 25-year performance warranty on its system and a 10-year comprehensive warranty covering product and workmanship.

Reputation and Awards

Tesla Energy began in 2003 as a subsidiary of Tesla, Inc., a leader in automotive manufacturing and electric vehicle technology. The company introduced the Tesla Powerwall, one of the market’s most popular solar batteries. Tesla Energy grew its solar technology to include solar panels, the Tesla Solar Roof, and the Tesla Inverter.

Tesla is rated as NR on the BBB while its company profile is being upgraded. The company does not hold accreditation with the organization. We noted that Tesla customers praised the company for the panel and Powerwall performances but disliked the constant issues with scheduling repairs and servicing.

Areas of Coverage

50 states, but installation may be limited in some ZIP codes.

Learn more: Tesla Solar Review

 


 

Our Conclusion

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. 

 


 

Solar Incentives and Payment Options

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.

OptionPurchaseLoanLeasePPA
OwnershipHomeownerHomeownerSolar companySolar company
Purchase optionPurchase in fullPurchase and financePay set monthly payments for installed solar panelsPay monthly payments based on energy generated by the system
Up-front paymentFull system costAs low as $0 downAs low as $0None

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.


 

Solar Panel Equipment

  • 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 Offerings

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.

 


 

What To Expect During a Solar Installation

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.

 


 

FAQ About Solar Energy Companies

Find A Solar Installation Company in Your State

 


 

How Do I Find The Best Solar Company in My State?

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.

 


 

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, 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.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.