Solar energyis one of the most innovative industries paving the future. Luckily,solar energy systemshave become more cost-effective and accessible over the past few years, meaning you can participate in eliminating carbon emissions and changing the world for the better throughrenewable energy.
There are manysolar companiesin the United States, and all of them offer something different for eachhomeowner. However, these companies also offer a lot of technical information that might be difficult or confusing to follow. That is why we have compiled this detailed and easy-to-understand guide on thebestsolar companiesto meet yourenergy needs.
The Top Solar Installation Companies
Consider these top solar installation companies if you’re thinking about going solar:
Momentum Solar
Fast Facts:
- State Availability:11 (available in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada,New Jersey,New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas)
- Warranty Options:25-yearworkmanshipand equipment warranty
- Panel Options:Monocrystalline (various manufacturers)
What We Like:
Momentum Solar is available in fewer states than other companies on this list, but that is because it has purposely limited its availability to states with well-establishednet-meteringprograms. When you enroll in a net-metering program, autility companytracks the surplus energy yoursolar panels produceand subtracts that metered amount from your power bill.
In addition to helping you get involved in a clear-cut and establishednet-meteringprogram, the company operates in states with additional solarrebatesandincentiveprograms. Momentum’s limited availability allows it to focus more on service and quality than othersolar installation companies. It also providessolar panelsfrom various manufacturers to fit your specific solar needs.
Momentum Solar also offers the highest warranty options with a combination of 25-yearworkmanshipand equipment warranty. To add further convenience to yoursolar installation, Momentum conducts virtual consultation via Zoom. You will also provide a copy of your power bill, which shows your last 12 months of power usage so that Momentum can maximize your savings.
What Homeowner Reviews Say
We analyzed the 100 most recent customer Google reviews for Momentum Solar at its headquarters in South Plainfield, New Jersey. We found that Momentum had overall positive reviews, with approximately 81% featuring four stars or more.
Many customers praise Momentum Solar for its thoroughness and transparency, while the few critical reviews point to spam calls and other aggressive sales tactics.
Read More:Momentum Solar Review
SunPower
Fast Facts:
- State Availability:50
- Warranty Options:25-year system and labor warranty
- Panel Options:Monocrystalline (Maxeon)
What We Like:
SunPoweris one of the founders of the residentialsolar industry and one of the first solar panel companies. It holds the most experience of any company on this list. Founded in 1985,SunPowerhas pioneered thesolar energymarket with an above-average combination system-and-labor warranty. The company also utilizesSunPowerDesign Studio, a software that lets you see howSunPowerdesigns a custom solar system created specifically for your home.
SunPowerofferssolar panelsfrom its own manufacturing company, Maxeon Solar Technologies. This means that your solar system is fully integrated and designed to work together—from manufacturing to installation and monitoring.
What Homeowner Reviews Say
The 100 most recent Googlecustomer reviewsforSunPower’s headquarters in San Jose, California, are overwhelmingly positive. Only 5% of reviews are less than four stars and were critical. However, these reviews call attention toSunPower’s high leasing rates or scheduling difficulties.
其他评论提到需要很长时间等待aSunPowersolar system up and running, but they find the savings and easy monitoring through the mySunPower Monitoring App worth the wait.
Read More:Sunpower Solar Review
Get your quote from Sunpower today.
Blue Raven Solar
Fast Facts:
- State Availability:22(available in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington)
- Warranty Options:25-year manufacturer warranty
- Panel Options:Monocrystalline (various manufacturers)
What We Like:
Blue Raven Solar understands that switching to solar is a long-term investment. And while many other solar installation companies partner with a lending institution, Blue Raven offers in-house financing through its BluePower Plus program. With this program, Blue Raven pays for the first 18 months for eligible customers with no money down, depending on your credit score.
Because the company relies on manufacturer warranties, your warranty may differ based on the manufacturer that Blue Raven uses in your zip code. However, you can most likely expect a25-year warrantyonsolar panels.
Blue Raven also provides a slick, user-friendly website to make solar more approachable. For example, its SmartStart program allows you to speak directly to an expert or calculate your savings with various supplementary materials to help you learn more aboutrenewable energy.
What Homeowner Reviews Say
We analyzed the 100 most recent Google reviews for Blue Raven’s Charlotte, North Carolina, location and found 89% had a positive experience with Blue Raven Solar. Many customers praise the provider for its BluePower Plus financing program and its timelyinstallation process. The few negative reviews mention aggressive sales tactics and the feeling that Blue Raven is overpriced.
Get your quote from Blue Raven today.
Sunrun
Fast Facts:
- State Availability:20, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico (available inArizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin)
- Warranty Options:25-yearworkmanshipand product warranty
- Panel Options:Monocrystalline (various manufacturers)
What We Like:
Building a new home or installing a new roof is the perfect time to invest in a solar system.Sunrunfeatures perks for both commercial and residential home builders. For example, the company helps install a solar system for new constructions through its BuilderChoice New Homes Program.
This program is designed for code compliance credit and features a dedicated team to handle all complicated paperwork required to interconnect with local utilities. It also works with your roofers to subcontract the labor and activate the system before permission to operate (PTO).
What Homeowner Reviews Say
While analyzing the 100 most recent Google reviews forSunrun’s San Francisco and Austin locations, we noted thatSunrun’s customer experience is mixed. Sixty-four reviews were critical of the company and often called attention to the difficulty of getting in touch with the company.
Other reviews notedSunrunwas highly detail-oriented and made an excellent option for new roof installations paired with solar.
Get your quote from Sunrun today.
Palmetto Solar
Fast Facts:
- State Availability:24 and Washington, D.C. (available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.)
- Warranty Options:25-year manufacturer warranty
- Panel Options:Monocrystalline (Q-Cells)
What We Like:
Palmetto Solar offers the optional Palmetto Peace of Mind Plan. This $12-per-month plan includes active monitoring of panels and discounts on various services, such as panel cleaning or battery services. In addition to this plan, Palmetto provides 25-year manufacturer warranties for high-quality Q-Cells monocrystalline solar panels.
For further convenience and clarity with yoursolar panelinvestment, the company offers The Palmetto App. This smartphone app lets you track your system’s performance by day, week, and month, as well as set goals for spending and enjoy one-clickcustomer support.
What Homeowner Reviews Say
We analyzed the 100 most recent Google reviews for Palmetto Solar’s headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina, and found that customers generally had a positive experience. More than 70% of customers mention that Palmetto helps them cut back on theirelectricity billsand found the customer service staff helpful, patient, and kind.
More critical reviews pointed out long waiting periods to activate a Palmetto system, sometimes as long as six months. This time frame is longer than the average (three months) forsolar panel installationand activation.
Tesla Solar
Fast Facts:
- State Availability:50
- Warranty Options:25-year performance guarantee
- Panel Options:Monocrystalline (Hanwha)
What We Like:
任中最大的一个名字ewable energy, Tesla provides innovative solar energy products. Namely, it offers its solar shingles to make a solar roof. Solar shingles are panels that mimic the appearance of roof shingles instead of a distracting mounting system installed atop your roof. Solar shingles are low-profile and have more aesthetically pleasing designs.
TeslaSolar services all 50 states. However, its service areas vary according to the zip code. We recommend you check withTeslato see what options are available for your home.
What Homeowner Reviews Say
In analyzing the 100 most recent Googlecustomer reviewsforTeslafrom its headquarters in Palo Alto,California, we noticed that customers had mixed experiences withTesla’scustomer support. Approximately 47% stated issues with reaching the company and feeling misguided by its promises.
More positive reviews mention the quality ofTesla’s products, namely itssolar roofsandPowerwallbackup battery.
Read More:Tesla Solar Panels Review
ADT Solar
Fast Facts:
- State Availability:23 (available in 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, and Virginia)
- Warranty Options:25-year Power Production Guarantee
- Panel Options:Monocrystalline (LG)
What We Like:
ADT Solar partners with electronics industry giant LG to offer high-quality, efficient solar panels backed by a comprehensive warranty. In short, ADT Solar’s warranty is four warranties rolled into one. It includes a 25-year labor warranty, a 25-year energy production guarantee, a 25-year solar panel manufacturer warranty, and a 25-year Enphase microinverter warranty.
ADT Solar also provides freehome-energyaudits, and it connects you with roof replacement experts if any roofing needs arise. In addition, the company promises that if anothersolar companyoffers comparable products and benefits for less than ADT Solar’s price, it will refund the difference and then some.
What Homeowner Reviews Say
When analyzing the 100 most recent Google reviews from ADT Solar’s Tampa branch, we found that 82% of customers were positive about ADT Solar’s installation and customer service. Many noted the company’s professionalism. Furthermore, customers said that ADT Solar fixed it with little to no hassle if something was wrong.
The few complaints focused on how long and noisy theinstallation processwas or that theirelectricity billdid not decrease as much as expected.
Get your quote from ADT Solar today.
Our Recommendation
Working toward energy independence is a long-term project that requires various products and services. We find that Momentum Solar offers an excellent crossroads betweensolar productsand installation services. Though it features less availability than othersolar installation companies, Momentum provides excellent services integrated with establishednet-meteringprograms, high-quality solar energy systems, and a comprehensive warranty.
SunPoweralso features a limited availability, but its status as asolar energypioneer and in-house panel manufacturer should put the company on your radar. Finally, Blue Raven Solar features more locations than our other top choices, and it is the best option if you are looking for a clear and established financing program.
Before you go solar, we recommend you get quotes from three differentsolar installersin your area to compare offerings. Use our tool below to get started on your solar journey.
Compare Top Solar Companies
什么期望从你的太阳能装置收集tion
Eachsolar installationrequires a home inspection, which helps thesolar installerknow what rigging system is required and what kind of panels,inverters,energy storage systems, and other vital components you will need. Overall, the purpose of the solar inspection is to ensure all the details are right for yoursolar panelsto work for the next 25 to 30 years.
An extra step you can take to streamline the solar inspection process is reaching out to your local government to vet an installer before having them come to your home.Astrawatt Solar’s director of marketing, Tyler Adams, says:
“Your county government can tell you if a solar installer is licensed and is in good standing with the local government.”He also recommends contacting your local utility company about going solar. “Many local utility companies will provide homeowners with a list of questions to ask a solar installer.Any good solar installer will be able to answer those questions and can use those as a guide for what to expect as you convert your home to using solar energy.”
Solar installationinspections tend to follow these steps:
- Roof inspection:The company takes roof measurements to check the fit and dimension of the solar power system. It identifies any existing roof obstructions and discusses modifications to the proposed layout based on these findings. In addition, roof damage, including broken tiles and wornshingles, are photographed.
- Attic inspection:Asolar installerchecks your attic for accessibility, as well as the truss layout.
- Electrical inspection:Thesolar companyevaluates your home’s current electrical system. Using these findings, the company creates a utility interconnection plan. It also notes the locations of electrical conduits and disconnecting means.
- Internet inspection:一个安装程序可能会问关于你的互联网接入determine if performance monitoring hardware should be installed.
Benefits of Installing Solar Panels
Solar panelsare an energy-efficient step you can take to help your home, your family, your community, and the earth itself. There are various benefits to installingsolar panels:
- Save money on yourenergy bills:Solar panelsaim to help lower your energy costs. A solar system may eliminate yourelectricity billsdepending on your energy usage.
- Earntax credits:Another majorincentivetosolar panelsistax creditsandrebates.Rebatesvary according to your state, so we encourage you to use theStateIncentivesfor Renewables & Efficiency Databaseto see what specificrebatesand statetax credits在你的邮政编码。你也可以利用of the 30%federal solartax credit, the solar investmenttax credit(ITC).If your on-grid system generates excess energy, you may earn solarrenewable energycertificates(SRECs),which allow you to earn money by giving energy back to the power grid and your community.
- Increase your home’s value:Based on theNationalRenewable EnergyLaboratory(NREL) findings, every dollar saved on energy through a solar system increases home value by $20. Your home receives a 20-to-1 return on its value fromsolar panels. Therefore, a solar energy system is not just an investment for yourenergy billsbut your property value, too.
- Save the environment:It’s no secret that solar energy leads the charge for energy-efficient renewable energy. Not only do you reduce your carbon footprint and help your community move away from fossil fuels, but you also improve public health. Coal and natural gas plants produce air and water pollution harmful to human health, and solar produces clean energy.
How Much Does a Solar Installation Cost?
Various factors influencesolar panelcosts. TheSolar EnergyIndustries Association(SEIA) estimates the average cost for a typical 6-kilowatt (kW, or 6,000 watts) residential rooftop solar system isaround $18,000before any federaltax creditsor localincentives.*
Solar Panel Pricing
Thetype of solar panelyou order will influence your total price. For example, the average cost for monocrystallinesolar panelsis $1 to $1.50 per watt, so a standard 6 kW system costs $6,000 to $9,000. On the other hand, the average cost for polycrystallinesolar panelsis $0.90 to $1 per watt, making it $5,400 to $6,000 total.
Type of Panel |
Cost Per Watt |
Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
Monocrystalline |
$1—$1.50 |
$6,000–$9,000 |
Polycrystalline |
$0.90–$1 |
$5,400–$6,000 |
Thin-film |
$1–$1.50 |
$6,000–$9,000 |
其他成本因素
Below are some other factors to consider when determining how much a solar system might cost you.
- Labor:The labor used forinstallation costsbetween 100% and 200% of the cost of thesolar panel systemitself. For example, if you purchase a 6 kW monocrystallinesolar panel systemfor $9,000, asolar installation companywill likely charge approximately $18,000 to $27,000 for the system and the installation. The smaller a project your installation is, the lower the cost and vice versa.
- Additional equipment:Residential solar systems sometimes require a battery to store energy and aninverterto convert your photovoltaic (PV)solar panels’ variable direct current (DC) output into alternating current (AC). Mostsolar companieswill include aninverterinto a solar system’s design. However, if you request additional components or a specific brand ofsolar batteryandinverter, such as aTeslaPowerwall, they come at a premium.
- Payment option:The type of payment option you use for your solar system also influences the total cost of your system over time. Purchasing the systemup-frontis the most cost-effective option. However, you may also opt for asolar loanor othersolar financing options. Less cost-effective options include asolar leaseor entering apower purchase agreement(PPA).You don’t own the system with these options and instead pay to rent the equipment from a solar provider.
*Estimates are from a 2019 report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Chose the Top Solar Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens ofsolar panelsandsolar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on eachsolar installeror manufacturer’s services and products on several significant factors. Factors include the types of solar panelsthey offer and their quality,customer supportnetwork, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits forhomeowners,such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.
Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined how eachsolar companypersonalizes itssolar panel installationfor each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
We evaluated each provider based on their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.