Solar Energy World (SEW) was founded as an independently owned company in 2009 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast Corporation in 2024. It primarily serves the East Coast and stands out for its customized solar solutions, professional installation, and ongoing maintenance, all tailored to meet its customers’ unique energy needs.
We conducted an in-depth review of Solar Energy World’s products, warranties, and customer feedback and compared it to top solar providers nationwide. Keep reading to learn if Solar Energy World is the right fit for your home.
Key Takeaways
- Solar Energy World stands out for offering a comprehensive 30-year Triple Platinum Warranty on all solar panels and inverters, which is longer than most providers’ typical 20-25-year warranties and includes free removal and reinstallation if a new roof is needed within 10 years.
- The company serves homeowners in seven East Coast states, offering two financing options with either $0 down PPA/Solar Lease or outright system purchase.
- Solar Energy World uses high-quality equipment from top manufacturers, including Silfab Solar, LONGi Solar, Q Cells, and Enphase inverters, while providing real-time solar monitoring at no additional cost.
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What Do We Think of Solar Energy World?
Though Solar Energy World has impressive features, its service area is limited, and it doesn’t provide energy auditing services. The company scores highly on its warranty, which is longer than that of most solar companies. Solar Energy World offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all of its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties. It provides multiple financing options and rates well with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- When evaluating Solar Energy World or any solar installer, This Old House Magazine recommends getting at least three bids—five is better for a full picture of options and prices—from companies referred by friends, neighbors, or tradespeople you trust. Bids should include the federal tax credit and any available local incentives, which you can verify at dsireusa.org. Also check that you’re getting all-black monocrystalline panels with a hidden racking system, and make sure the panels carry a warranty of at least 25 years.
Compare Solar Energy World to Other Solar Providers
See how Solar Energy World compares to other solar companies.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Warranties |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
A+ | 25 years | ||
A+ | 25–30 years | ||
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
A+ | 25-year product and workmanship, 10-year roof penetration | ||
A+ | 25-year product warranty, lifetime workmanship warranty |
What Are the Solar Panel Options and Services?
Solar Energy World provides rooftop and ground-mounted solar installations, serving homeowners in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The company employs an in-house installation team, including a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)-certified solar designer/installer and a licensed master electrician, to oversee the process.
The company offers high-efficiency solar panels from top manufacturers, including Silfab Solar, LONGi Solar, and Q Cells. Solar Energy World uses inverters from Enphase and Tesla Solar for energy conversion, helping you achieve reliable system performance.
Solar Energy World has two battery storage options to enhance your solar system: the Tesla Powerwall and the FranklinWH aPower2. These batteries allow you to store excess energy and use it during outages, keeping your home powered when needed.
You also receive real-time solar panel monitoring at no additional cost. You can track your power generation online and view system performance by day, week, month, or over the system’s lifetime.
What Does the Warranty Include?
Solar Energy World offers a comprehensive 30-year Triple Platinum Warranty, including a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all solar panels and inverters—longer than most panels’ typical 20–25-year warranties. If the manufacturer goes out of business, the company will replace components with suitable alternatives.
The warranty covers labor costs for service-related issues and free site visits and is fully transferrable to subsequent homeowners. Additional benefits include free removal and reinstallation if a new roof is needed within 10 years and repairs for rodent damage if critter guards are installed. The warranty also covers roof mount leak repairs and supersedes other warranties.
Solar Energy World offers a First-Year Energy Production Guarantee as part of the warranty. If your system does not produce at least 90% of the estimated production within its first year, the company will reimburse you double the difference in output.
How Does the Installation Process Work?
Solar Energy World follows a six-step installation process:
- Solar panel cost/benefit analysis: Your installation team will provide a free solar analysis with information about solar energy, solar panel rebates and incentives, and payment options.
- Solar panel site assessment: A certified solar technician will visit your home to confirm measurements and energy savings. They will ensure they have the proper permits for the project.
- Solar panel installation: Installation typically takes two to three days, depending on system size.
- Solar panel system inspection: The installation company sets up the final inspection with the appropriate municipality and/or utility company, then ensures you’re connected to the grid.
- Solar rebates and incentives: The installation crew completes your solar tax credit and rebate paperwork to ensure you get all available financial support.
- Monitoring and support: Solar Energy World remotely monitors your solar system and will alert you and schedule service if there’s an issue.
What Happens During a Site Assessment
- During a This Old House solar project, the installation team evaluated three key factors before approving a roof for solar: orientation (facing south or within 15 degrees of solar south), roof pitch (ideally between 30 and 45 degrees to maximize sun exposure and shed snow in winter), and obstructions like trees that could cast shade on the panels. As one installer explained, “Shade is not good for solar,” making an unobstructed southern exposure essential for optimal energy production.
What Payment Options Are Available for Solar Energy World?
Solar Energy World offers two solar financing options: $0 Down PPA/Solar Lease and outright purchasing the solar panel system.
With the $0 Down Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), you pay no upfront costs for solar panels and installation. The company states that with approved credit, you can have the solar power system installed and start paying at least 20% less than your current monthly electric bill. You only pay for the electricity generated by the panels, which is sold to you at a locked-in rate lower than your utility company charges. With this option, the solar payback period—the time it takes to recover the initial investment—is longer due to ongoing electricity payments and the loss of solar incentives like tax credits and rebates.
Watch the Fine Print
- This Old House experts caution that with lease and power purchase agreements, “you have to be careful about the fine print in the terms of that contract.” Specifically, you should understand what happens at the end of the lease or PPA term. When you own the system outright, “there’s no end, I just own it,” but with a lease or PPA, the contract terms dictate your options—which could include purchasing the system, renewing the agreement, or having the panels removed.
If you purchase the solar system outright, you make an upfront investment but save on energy costs as soon as the system is operational. By purchasing, you become the system owner and qualify for available solar incentives, including tax credits and rebates. This option generally offers better long-term savings and a shorter solar payback period.
- Keep in mind that the typical solar payback period is 5 to 8 years, according to This Old House experts. That means if you’re planning to move in the near term, purchasing a system outright may not make financial sense. The ideal candidate for a solar purchase is a homeowner with a relatively new roof—less than 10 years old—who plans to stay in the home long enough to recoup the investment and enjoy years of reduced energy costs beyond the payback window.
What Are the Incentives and Rebates Available?
Solar Energy World will work with you to understand and apply for multiple solar incentives, including the following:
- Up to 30% federal tax credit on system costs
- State and local solar energy rebate programs
- Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) revenue
- Net metering programs
Available incentives and credits vary by state. To learn more about available credits in Solar Energy World’s coverage area, read our reviews below:
- Florida solar incentives
- Maryland solar incentives
- New Jersey solar incentives
- Pennsylvania solar incentives
- Virginia solar incentives
Pro Tip
- As the experts on Ask This Old House have explained, when you purchase a solar system outright, “you’re going to get all those rebates, all the renewable energy credits” and “everything goes to you.” The second-best option is a solar loan, which means “the asset is still yours, but you’re getting financing for it from a third party.” With a lease or power purchase agreement, however, you don’t own the asset—and that distinction matters significantly for long-term savings.
Solar Energy World Reviews
Solar Energy World is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating* with the organization. Customers consistently highlight the company’s professionalism, help with applying for financial incentives, and smooth installation process. Some customers, however, reported financial and timeline discrepancies with the company.
Here’s a sample of Solar Energy World’s BBB customer reviews:
“Super easy process. They take care of everything including HomeOwners approval process. Installers were respectful, friendly, and communicative. I would highly recommend!” — Barry F. via BBB
“I’ve had solar installed for approximately 3 years. Overall I have been very satisfied with the installation and performance. However, I recently noticed my inverter was not communicating. Solar Energy World service manager, Natalie W*****, informed me that the issue is that my inverter uses a 3G modem. This modem is now obsolete and I would need a new one installed, to the tune of $599… and it can only be installed by them or my warranty is void.” — Gary S. via BBB
“We were very pleased with the professional, but friendly attitude everyone at this company had during our solar install project. From the salesman, to the office personnel, to the installation employees–each of them was polite, helpful, and competent. I highly recommend this company.” — Trina H. via BBB
“This company took over 6 months to install my solar. They lied to me the whole time about permitting and timelines, broke multiple electrical components of my brand new circuit breaker, and then charged me to fix it.” — Kelly via BBB
*BBB rating is current as of March 2025.
Our Conclusion
Solar Energy World is a reputable, high-quality solar provider. Its comprehensive 30-year warranty, selection of several top solar panel brands, and multiple financing options make it an appealing choice for homeowners. However, its availability is limited to six states, restricting access for many potential customers.
FAQs About Solar Energy World
How long has Solar Energy World been in business?
Solar Energy World has been in business since 2009.
Who is the most reputable solar company?
The most reputable solar companies include Blue Raven Solar, Venture Solar, Sunrun, Palmetto Solar, Momentum Solar, and Tesla Solar.
Is it possible to rely entirely on solar energy in the United States?
Many energy experts say it’s technically and financially possible to rely entirely on solar power in suitable locations.
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 team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.