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The Best Commercial Solar Companies of 2024

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Author Image Written by Tamara Jude Updated 11/05/2024

Solar power has become increasingly popular among businesses seeking to enhance their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. We’ve compiled a list of the best commercial solar companies, including Freedom Solar, Green Home Systems, and Tesla after evaluating 100 providers and analyzing 1,000 customer reviews. These top national solar companies possess advanced technology and industry expertise to fulfill any organization’s clean energy needs. For home solar panels, see our guide on the best home solar panels.

Compare Solar Companies

Quickly compare top-rated solar installation companies in the table below. 

Company Star Rating BBB Rating Location Presence Link
4.4
A+ 18 States GET QUOTE
4.2
A+ 10 States GET QUOTE
4.4
A+ 6 States GET QUOTE
4.5
A+ 20 States GET QUOTE
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3 Best Commercial Solar Companies of 2024

Most Reputable: Blue Raven Solar
Best Northeast Regional Installer: Venture Solar
Best East Coast Installer: Solar Energy World
Best Solar Panel Leasing: Sunrun

Our Top Commercial Solar Company Picks

Blue Raven Solar

Most Reputable
4.4
  • Payment options: Full purchase, loan
  • State availability: 22 states covered

Blue Raven has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. It has won awards for its team and CEO, and customer reviews report great customer service and prompt installations. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy.

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

Venture Solar

4.2

Venture Solar specializes in installing systems that are perfectly symmetrical and have no visible wiring or mounting devices. This design provides a simple, stylish look tailored to your roof’s appearance. Additionally, Venture offers comprehensive financing options similar to Sunrun, making solar energy more accessible to homeowners.

How We Scored Venture Solar

Venture earned 4.2 out of 5 stars. It gained most of its points due to its flexible financing options paired with an in-house financing department. It also provides plenty of solar services to match most customers’ wants and needs, though it lost points for lacking roofing services, energy audits, and EV charger installations. 

  • Solar Equipment and Services (16 out of 25 points): Venture offers solar panel and battery installation with active monitoring. The company lost points in this category because it doesn’t provide EV chargers, solar roof installation services, energy audits, and roof repairs.
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (25 out of 25 points): The company features excellent warranty perks with 25 years on labor, products, and performance. It also includes roof leak protection. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Venture has a great reputation. It features high ratings on its BBB profile with an accreditation and no active issues like lawsuits.
  • Financing Options (14 out of 15 points): Venture provides financing options through an in-house financing team and works with every payment method except PPAs. 
  • Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): The company holds only eight years of experience in the solar industry.
  • State Availability (7 out of 10 points): Venture has a limited service area of only three states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides transparent information about its financing options online Includes remote monitoring Includes a 25-year roof and system warranty with all panel systems Cons Requires your phone number to submit an online quote Reviews mention mixed experiences with customer support Doesn’t work with power purchase agreement

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Venture offers a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers workmanship, products, and power output. 

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease

State Availability

Available in: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.

Reputation and Reviews

Venture has an A+ rating and accreditation on its BBB profile. According to customer reviews, the company provides high-quality workmanship on its solar panel systems and good customer support. However, some customers have raised concerns about the pricing and quoting process. They found it confusing to determine the total cost of their system and experienced frequent back-and-forth over pricing.

Some customers also noted that Venture focuses on premium products, leading to higher pricing even when unnecessary. We found several Reddit threads discussing Venture where other solar customers and installers mentioned similar experiences.

Solar Energy World

4.4

Solar Energy World (SEW) is one of the most robust and well-regarded solar installation companies. It boasts several impressive features, such as its 30-year manufacturer’s warranty. Its service area is limited, and it doesn’t offer energy auditing services. We like that SEW discloses what solar panels it primarily works with and that the panels are from trusted, quality brands such as Qcells and Silfab.

Roughly 11% of our surveyed solar users purchased their system from Solar Energy World.

How We Scored Solar Energy World

SEW scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company received many points because of its warranty, which is longer than most other solar companies’ warranties. SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): The company is an ideal option for many basic solar products and services, such as solar panels and battery installation. It lost points because it doesn’t install EV chargers or perform energy audits.
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): SEW’s manufacturer and labor warranties are standout features, but the company doesn’t include any production guarantees with its work. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (15 out of 15 points): The company’s reputation is one of the best, with high BBB and Google Reviews ratings. We also found no active alerts or lawsuits.
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): SEW offers all possible solar payment options but doesn’t provide an in-house financing department. 
  • Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points): The company has been in business since 2009, so it received most of the points in this category.
  • State Availability (6 out of 10 points): SEW limits its service area to eight East Coast states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Features an extensive solar product catalog with trusted brands Includes free active monitoring Hires NABCEP-certified installers and designers Cons Reviews mention communication issues with staff Warranty coverage varies by solar panel brand Doesn’t offer a power production guarantee

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all purchased solar panels and inverters. However, coverage varies by brand, and the company doesn’t guarantee them with every panel option. 

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA

State Availability

Available in: Washington, D.C, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia

Reputation and Reviews

The company landed on Solar Power World’s 2023 Top Solar Contractors List in the No. 10 spot.

The BBB accredits SEW, and the company holds an A+ rating. Former customers praise the company for its professionalism, assistance with applying for financial incentives, and smooth installation process. However, some reported discrepancies in finances and scheduling.

Sunrun

Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.5
  • Payment options: Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA
  • State availability: 20 states covered plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

Sunrun offers four financing options, including unique leasing options tailored for homeowners who don’t want system ownership. Prepaid and leased systems get a 25-year warranty that includes 25 years of system service and maintenance plus ongoing monitoring and theft insurance.

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.

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.


Understanding Differences in Commercial Solar Companies

Here are some of the key differences you should compare when shopping for a commercial solar company:

  • Commercial experience: Though every company on this list offers commercial solar services, not all of them provide service for commercial and industrial (C&I) property owners. Commercial solar panel systems have different requirements than residential solar energy systems. Confirm any company you hire has the proper licensing and certification to install commercial solar panel systems; requirements vary depending on local legislation.
  • Cost and financing: Every solar company on this list offers full purchase and loan financing options. Some offer leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), which can be a good option for business owners primarily interested in generating clean energy and saving on energy bills. 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, making you unable to qualify for incentives. Depending on the contract terms, a lease and PPA may have no up-front cost at all, but they’re not the best option for maximizing your long-term investment. 
  • Installation process and services: Some companies offer a completely streamlined installation process, including in-house design, installation, and energy audits. Other companies use third-party installers, which means quality can vary by your location.
  • Service area: Tesla is available in all 50 states. Other solar installers have a more limited commercial service area. Confirm the provider you’re interested in services your business’ address.
  • Solar panel quality: Customers can usually choose between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. The companies with the highest-efficiency panels use monocrystalline. 
  • Warranty options: Some companies have 25-year manufacturer and workmanship warranties, but other companies’ workmanship warranties are only 10 years. The coverage specifics vary by the installer.

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

Yes, solar panels are worth it for business owners. Here are some of the best benefits solar energy provides:

  • Cost savings: Though going solar is a big investment, it can lead to substantial long-term savings. Solar energy systems generate electricity that can offset or even eliminate the need to purchase power from the grid. You can significantly lower your electricity bills by reducing your reliance on traditional energy sources. Moreover, solar panels typically last 25–35 years, providing decades of renewable energy.
  • Energy independence: Generating your business’s electricity means you’re less reliant on external energy sources and not as vulnerable to power outages or fluctuations in electricity prices. This gives you greater control over your energy consumption and protects you from unforeseen disruptions in the power supply.
  • Property value: Solar panels increase your property’s value by roughly $15,000. Potential buyers are attracted to reduced energy costs and environmental benefits, giving you a competitive advantage in the real estate market.
  • Renewable energy: Solar panels are a clean and renewable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy doesn’t emit greenhouse gasses or contribute to air pollution. Investing in solar panels allows you to impact the environment positively.
  • Return on investment (ROI): Many states have government incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, and net-metering programs, to encourage the adoption of renewable energy. These incentives can significantly reduce the cost of installing solar panels and improve your ROI. Traditional electricity costs are rising while solar panel prices are decreasing. We found that most homeowners’ solar systems pay for themselves within six to 10 years.

What To Expect During a Commercial Solar Installation

Solar panel installation may seem like a lot to juggle between your typical day-to-today business tasks and goals. However, most solar companies provide a hands-free experience for commercial installation. Based on our conversations with various installers, here’s a general overview of what you can expect from this process:

  1. Initial consultation: You’ll meet with a company representative to assess your property’s suitability for solar 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 assessment: The company rep will review your roof’s structural integrity, available space, slope, and shading. This helps determine the best location for your solar panels. 
  3. Design and permitting: The rep will design a solar system to fit your needs, and you can choose your panels, inverter, and add-on accessories. You’ll receive a finalized, detailed quote for all costs. 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: The solar company may use 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. Most installations take one to two days, but complicated projects will take longer.
  5. Final inspection: After the installation, your solar company 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 permission to operate (PTO). Your installer will connect the system to the grid and get final approval from the utility company for activation.

How To Choose a Commercial Solar Company

Choosing a commercial solar company involves thorough research and evaluation to ensure a reliable and satisfactory experience. Start by researching reputable companies with industry experience and positive customer reviews. Schedule consultations to assess their expertise and evaluate proposals that include system specifications, financing options, and warranties. Verify references, licenses, and credentials and review contracts and agreements. We recommend repeating this process with at least three solar installation companies so you can confidently choose a solar company that meets your company’s needs.


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

Solar company availability changes from state to state and even ZIP code to ZIP code. Use our free tool to discover which solar companies service your state. Remember to confirm that each solar company performs commercial solar panel installation. 

Find a Solar Installation Company in Your State


Solar Payment Options

Business owners can choose from various solar financing options. Many solar companies offer two or more payment choices. Typical financing options include cash payments, solar loans, solar leases, or PPAs. 

Full purchases or loans are the most cost-effective options. Both qualify you for solar tax credits and other incentives that reduce your up-front investment. “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. 

Leasing offers the least financial benefits and the lowest return on investment. If your business goals involve cutting long-term energy costs and providing more eco-friendliness to your community, leasing is an accessible financial solution.

Here is a rundown of the most common financing options:

  • Full purchase: A cash purchase is the most cost-effective option. It gives you full system ownership to qualify for tax incentives and rebates. Additionally, you avoid additional costs due to interest rates. 
  • Solar loan: This option is great for business owners who don’t have access to large amounts of capital. A solar loan still makes you the system owner, so you can increase your property’s value and use tax incentives to lower costs. Be aware you’ll pay more long term than you would with a full purchase due to interest rates. 
  • Solar lease: This is a contract with a solar company to install a solar energy system with minimal up-front costs. You rent the system to use its energy and save on electricity bills. You don’t own the system and can’t use any incentives or rebates. 
  • PPA: A PPA is a financial agreement where your local utility company deals with permitting and installing a solar energy system on your property at little to no cost. The utility company then sells the power generated to you at a fixed rate lower than the retail rate. Again, you don’t own the system, so your property value doesn’t increase and you don’t qualify for solar incentives.

Solar Incentives and Rebates

Solar incentives, credits, and rebates offer additional savings. The federal tax credit allows you to claim 30% of your solar installation costs on your federal taxes, reducing the amount you owe. Some solar companies assist customers with finding and applying for additional solar incentives.

We surveyed 1,000 homeowners about their experiences installing solar panels. Most respondents (78.4%) used solar incentives to reduce their overall costs. Solar incentives are just as beneficial to business owners. 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 area’s available incentives.


Solar Company Warranty Options

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 might 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, but some limit their workmanship warranties to 10 years. We recommend finding a company that provides 25-year warranties for coverage throughout your system’s lifetime. This makes for a more secure investment.


Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panel efficiency refers to the percentage of the sun’s energy that a solar panel can convert into usable electricity. This rate is determined by photovoltaic cell efficiency (cell type and design) and total panel efficiency based on cell type, layout, and size. However, efficiency can be affected by various factors such as weather, dust, and temperature.

Solar panels’ efficiency has improved significantly in recent years, with high-efficiency solar panels reaching rates of nearly 25%. We recommend solar panels with over 20% efficiency to get the most out of your system. 

Explore our guide to the most efficient solar panels for more information.


How To Get a Solar Quote

Getting a solar quote involves researching and comparing companies to find the best fit for your solar project. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Research solar companies in your area. Use our online resources to find a list of reputable solar companies.
  2. Check each company’s ratings and customer feedback on popular review sites such as the BBB. Look for indications that a company is responsive to questions and concerns and provides good communication throughout the installation process.
  3. Request quotes from at least three solar companies. Ask for a detailed quote that includes the cost of equipment, installation, and warranties.
  4. Compare the quotes and choose the best option for your needs. Consider factors such as service area, reputation, warranty coverage, and customer service ratings.
  5. Ask questions about the installation process and who will install the system. Find out if the company uses its crew or subcontractors and what oversight it has over the subcontractors.
  6. Factor in any local or statewide incentives into your final installation costs.

Our Conclusion

Freedom Solar Power is our top choice for commercial solar installations due to its transparent online quotes. Freedom Solar Power is the best option for business owners who want a seamless, aesthetically pleasing solar panel system. 


FAQ About Commercial Solar Energy Companies

Which company is the largest solar panel provider?

NextEra Energy, Inc. is the largest commercial solar provider, with over 30 large-scale solar projects across 49 states and Canada. The company operates over 2,000 megawatts of solar energy in an effort to move the U.S. toward clean energy independence.

How efficient are commercial solar panels?

Commercial solar panels provide the same efficiency rates as residential solar panels, with most monocrystalline panels producing around 20%–25%. 

What are the maintenance requirements for commercial solar panels?

Commercial solar panels require minimal maintenance, but we recommend routine cleaning, preventive inspections, and periodic damage checks to ensure optimal performance. Some solar panel installers offer maintenance as part of your purchase, while others offer service plans for a separate fee. These service plans typically cover regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure your system performs optimally.


Our Rating Methodology

We are 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.