Best Solar Companies (December 2024 Guide): Expert Reviewed
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Our top pick for best solar company is Sunrun.
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 Blue Raven, Venture Solar, and Solar Energy World as our top three choices for solar installation companies. 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:
- Most Reputable Installer: Blue Raven
- Best Northeast Installer: Venture Solar
- Best East Coast Installer: Solar Energy World
- Best Solar Panel Leasing: Sunrun
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.
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?
First, ensure the installer you’re interested in provides high-quality, monocrystalline solar panels to maximize your solar investment. Also, check that it offers at least a 25-year product warranty and holds the proper certifications to operate in your area.
Here are the key qualities to look out for as you search for a solar company:
- Certification: Solar installers may have certifications from specific solar panel and inverter manufacturers. Verify these certifications by checking the official websites of the respective manufacturers. You should also check that the installer is certified by the NABCEP.
- Cost and financing: Every solar company in our review offers full purchase and loan financing options. Some also provide leases and PPAs. A full purchase or 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 can’t qualify for incentives. We recommend you pursue only full purchases and solar loans because of this limitation.
- 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, which can make communication and warranty issues more complicated. You should prioritize companies with in-house installers before considering providers that use third-party contractors.
- Solar panel quality: Customers can usually choose between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient, so you should consider companies that specialize in these panels.
- Warranty options: Each company on our list offers 25-year manufacturer warranties, but some companies’ workmanship warranties are only 10 years. The coverage specifics vary by the installer. A good general rule is to seek out companies offering baseline 25-year product warranties.
Our Top Solar Company Picks
Blue Raven Solar
Venture Solar
Solar Energy World
Sunrun
*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.
What Should You Know About Solar Panel Equipment and Efficiency?
The solar equipment you choose plays a major role in your system’s performance and energy savings. Investing in high-efficiency solar panels helps maximize your savings because the more efficient your panels are, the more energy they can convert into electricity to power your home. That means you can rely on solar power for more hours in the day, decreasing your dependency on the power grid and the money you’d have to pay a utility company.
Solar Panel Equipment
Below is an overview of typical installation options and upgrades.
- Traditional solar panels: Monocrystalline solar panels are the most common among homeowners. These panels offer the best efficiency and power output but are the most expensive. Polycrystalline panels cost slightly less but are also less efficient, so you must buy more panels to power your home.
- Solar shingles and roofing: Solar shingles and roofing provide the same structural protection as traditional roofing while also powering your home with solar energy. 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 coming in at roughly $38,400 for a standard-sized system.
- Solar batteries: Most homeowners add solar batteries to their systems to maximize energy production and store backup power. You can use this stored energy when the power grid is down to keep your home running. We recommend considering a solar battery if you experience frequent outages or have medical equipment that requires power.
- EV 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.
Quick Tip
- Solar panels’ efficiency has improved significantly in recent years, with high-efficiency solar panels reaching rates of nearly 25%. We recommend focusing on solar panels with more than 20% efficiency to get the most out of your system.
How Do You Avoid Solar Scams?
All companies on our list are legitimate, reputable options, but not all providers are trustworthy. Here are some tips for avoiding solar scams as you navigate the solar panel system buying process:
- Avoid individuals offering “free” solar panels: If you encounter a salesperson who claims you can receive free solar panels, this is a misleading sales tactic that is most likely trying to get you to lease a system.
- Don’t agree to pay up-front: Deposits are standard, but never pay in full until your system is installed, functioning properly, and has passed inspections.
- Purchase your system if possible: Scammers may highlight low costs by leasing the system, but you need to own your system to benefit from most solar incentives such as the federal solar tax credit. Paying in full typically provides the most long-term savings and helps you avoid untrustworthy providers.
- Read reviews: It’s important to conduct thorough research on each company you’re considering by checking third-party online reviews. Be cautious of any service provider with widespread negative reviews, complaints, or legal issues.
- Watch for aggressive sales tactics: High-pressure sales tactics, unsolicited calls, and door-to-door pitches are all warning signs of pushy salespeople who aim to persuade you to make impulsive decisions.
What Should You Expect During a Solar Installation?
You’ll typically meet with a representative to begin the installation process after you choose a solar provider. Here’s what to expect from this process based on our conversations with various installers.
Initial Consultation
A company representative will assess your property’s solar potential and determine your energy needs. Many companies offer in-person or virtual consultations. You’ll need your most recent utility bill to help determine your average energy usage. We recommend analyzing bills from several months to get the most accurate estimate.
Site Survey
The company representative will review your roof’s 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 panels, components, and add-on accessory options. You’ll receive a finalized, detailed quote to approve. Most installers handle all necessary permitting and paperwork. The permitting process varies among 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 an in-house staff or third-party installers. To help avoid communication issues, we recommend asking for your project’s main point of contact. The majority of our survey respondents said their solar installation took one full day to complete, though yours may take longer depending on project scope and complexity.
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 parties’ availability.
Activation
Your system will receive permission to operate (PTO) once all parties approve the installation. The longest part of the installation is activation because you have to wait for local utilities to come out and put in a new meter. According to Matt Johnson, co-owner of Namaste Solar, “That’s something that can take a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how backed up the utility is”. Your installer will connect the system to the grid and get final approval from the utility company for activation.
Which Solar Panel Installation Company Should You Choose?
Blue Raven Solar is our top-rated solar company due to its productivity guarantee.
Consider your energy needs, budget, and local climate to determine the best solar energy company for you. 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 system’s overall efficiency and output.
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. You can also use this calculator from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to determine your solar panel size based on your energy usage.
Does homeowners insurance cover solar panels?
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.
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 a much higher investment than a typical residential system, averaging between $45,000 and $65,000. They require more detailed planning for daily energy consumption to account for adequate energy storage needs. We recommend sticking with a grid-tied solar system unless your home is too far from traditional electric company power connections.
Which brand has the best quality solar panels?
Momentum Solar offers some of the most efficient and best performing solar panels, with efficiency rates reaching 22.8%, higher than the average of 15%-22%.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. We have researched solar companies for hundreds of hours, including deep-diving into each provider’s website. We obtain warranty information through the website or by calling and interviewing customer service representatives. We analyze this warranty and weigh its coverage with industry standards. We also analyze each provider’s product selection specifications to determine if they can disclose any partnerships or information on their products.
We ensure each provider follows the steps most solar installation companies should provide, such as in-home estimates and permitting, to offer quality solar panel installation. We also check to see if the companies are certified with NABCEP or if they partner with local, third-party contractors. We analyze recent customer reviews through popular review sites like the BBB and Google Reviews to gain further insight into what it is realistically like to interact with each provider’s customer support staff and installers. We then synthesize this information to add to your rating scale.
We cross-check all of our findings through surveys with thousands of residential solar energy customers and interviews with experts in the industry. We then have another industry expert fact-check our articles. From all this information and research, we 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 team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
