Updated: January 15, 2024

Best Solar Installation Companies | 2024

Discover the Best Solar Installation Companies and
Power your Future

Discover the Best Solar Installation Companies and Power your Future

Solar energy has skyrocketed in popularity recently, and many homeowners have begun installing solar panels in recent years. To assist you in identifying the most suitable solar installation company, we have compiled this comprehensive guide featuring our top picks for the year.

Disclosure: We may earn a commission for quotes accepted by consumers, but this doesn’t affect the authenticity of our review process.

10 Best Solar Installation Companies In the US

SunPower

Why We Picked Up

SunPower installs some of the highest efficiency panels in the solar industry and is an ideal option, especially when roof space is limited. Although it doesn’t offer residential solar PPAs, it d... View Moreoes have $0 financing and offers solar leasing plans.In addition, it offers an industry-leading 25-year warranty to protect your solar energy investment. SunPower consistently gets high solar reviews from customers and is one of the best solar power companies in the United States, with some of the best solar panels.

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States Covered

Financing

$0 down solar loans, solar leases

Warranty

25 years

Why We Picked Up

SunPower installs some of the highest efficiency panels in the sola ... View More r industry and is an ideal option, especially when roof space is limited. Although it doesn’t offer residential solar PPAs, it does have $0 financing and offers solar leasing plans.In addition, it offers an industry-leading 25-year warranty to protect your solar energy investment. SunPower consistently gets high solar reviews from customers and is one of the best solar power companies in the United States, with some of the best solar panels.

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Pros

High-quality solar panels
excellent customer services
long warranties
available in many states

Cons

May cost more than lower-quality solar panels
doesn’t offer residential solar PPAs

ADT Solar

Why We Picked Up

ADT is a trusted name in home security and now serves the residential solar energy market. It offers industry-leading warranties, expanding its service area to inclu... View Morede more states.

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States Covered

Financing

Solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs

Warranty

25 years

Why We Picked Up

ADT is a trusted name in home secur ... View More ity and now serves the residential solar energy market. It offers industry-leading warranties, expanding its service area to include more states.

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Pros

25-year labor warranty
operates in many states
offers reasonable financing options

Cons

Mixed customer service reviews

Blue Raven

Why We Picked Up

Blue Raven is a good choice for homeowners who demand reasonable service and do not want a solar lease or PPA. It is available in many states and offers $0 down sola... View Morer loans with no payments for 18 months, so it has very flexible solar financing options. Blue Raven is an excellent option for switching to renewable energy.

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States Covered

Financing

$0 down financing, no payments for 18 months, no solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs)

Warranty

25 years

Why We Picked Up

Blue Raven is a good choice for hom ... View More eowners who demand reasonable service and do not want a solar lease or PPA. It is available in many states and offers $0 down solar loans with no payments for 18 months, so it has very flexible solar financing options. Blue Raven is an excellent option for switching to renewable energy.

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Pros

Good customer service
Many positive customer reviews
uses Sunpower solar panels

Cons

No solar leases or PPAs
Shorter labor warranty than some competitors

Momentum Solar

Why We Picked Up

Momentum Solar offers many different ownership models and financing options. It also installs high-quality solar energy equipment. Its service area is relatively sma... View Morell, so they may not operate in your area. Because the labor warranty varies by location, get clarity on this before making a final decision.

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States Covered

Financing

Solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs

Warranty

25 years

Why We Picked Up

Momentum Solar offers many differen ... View More t ownership models and financing options. It also installs high-quality solar energy equipment. Its service area is relatively small, so they may not operate in your area. Because the labor warranty varies by location, get clarity on this before making a final decision.

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Pros

Uses Enphase microinverters
provides financing options

Cons

Only operates in some states
may use aggressive sales tactics

Palmetto Solar

Why We Picked Up

Palmetto Solar offers numerous financing options and ownership models, has good customer service, and installs high-quality solar panels and equipment. However, its ... View Morelabor warranty is limited unless you sign up for a protection plan for your solar equipment.

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States Covered

Financing

Solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs

Warranty

25 years

Why We Picked Up

Palmetto Solar offers numerous fina ... View More ncing options and ownership models, has good customer service, and installs high-quality solar panels and equipment. However, its labor warranty is limited unless you sign up for a protection plan for your solar equipment.

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Pros

Known for excellent customer service
Offers a variety of solar financing options, including leases and PPAs

Cons

Has services available in select states

Sunlux

Why We Picked Up

Sunlux offers excellent customer service, an industry-leading 25-year labor warranty, and battery energy storage. Unfortunately, its service area is small and only i... View Morencludes parts of California and Texas, but Sunlux is one of the best-rated solar companies in those states. It services Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego, California, but not Northern parts of the state, like the San Franciso or the Bay Area. Also, it serves Austin and San Antonio, Texas.

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States Covered

Financing

Solar loans, solar leases, pre-paid leases, and PPAs

Warranty

25 years

Why We Picked Up

Sunlux offers excellent customer se ... View More rvice, an industry-leading 25-year labor warranty, and battery energy storage. Unfortunately, its service area is small and only includes parts of California and Texas, but Sunlux is one of the best-rated solar companies in those states. It services Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego, California, but not Northern parts of the state, like the San Franciso or the Bay Area. Also, it serves Austin and San Antonio, Texas.

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Pros

Excellent customer service
industry-leading warranties

Cons

Only services two states

Sunnova

Why We Picked Up

Sunnova offers an impressive 25-year labor warranty to protect your solar investment, as well as $0 down financing. It operates in many states, but its consumer revi... View Moreews are somewhat mixed.

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States Covered

Financing

$0 down financing, solar leases

Warranty

25 years

Why We Picked Up

Sunnova offers an impressive 25-yea ... View More r labor warranty to protect your solar investment, as well as $0 down financing. It operates in many states, but its consumer reviews are somewhat mixed.

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Pros

Excellent warranties
$0 down financing

Cons

Mixed customer service reviews

Sunrun

Why We Picked Up

Sunrun operates in many states, offers $0 down financing, and also installs home electric vehicle chargers. If you buy a system from them, be aware that the standard... View More labor warranty only covers your solar panel system for two years unless you extend it.

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States Covered

Financing

$0 solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs

Warranty

2 years

Why We Picked Up

Sunrun operates in many states, off ... View More ers $0 down financing, and also installs home electric vehicle chargers. If you buy a system from them, be aware that the standard labor warranty only covers your solar panel system for two years unless you extend it.

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Pros

Installs EV chargers

Cons

Mixed customer service reviews
short labor warranty unless extended

Tesla

Why We Picked Up

Tesla shines in the solar market by offering sleek solar energy panels,roof tiles, solar battery storage options, and a price-match guarantee. Therefore, it is consi... View Moredered by many homeowners as an ideal choice. However, it doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs, which appeal to homeowners who can’t take advantage of the federal solar tax credit. Its warranties are also shorter than some of our other top picks.

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States Covered

Financing

Warranty

10 years

Why We Picked Up

Tesla shines in the solar market by ... View More offering sleek solar energy panels,roof tiles, solar battery storage options, and a price-match guarantee. Therefore, it is considered by many homeowners as an ideal choice. However, it doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs, which appeal to homeowners who can’t take advantage of the federal solar tax credit. Its warranties are also shorter than some of our other top picks.

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Pros

Uses sleek, high-quality equipment
offers a price match guarantee
installs Tesla solar roof tiles

Cons

Shorter warranties than some solar installation companies
doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs

Trinity

Why We Picked Up

Trinity has been in business since 2004, which is a long time for a residential solar installation company. It also offers various ownership options, including solar... View More leases and loans. However, it provides relatively short labor warranties and operates only in the Northeast and Florida.

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States Covered

Financing

Offers solar loans; solar leases; and PPAs

Warranty

5 years

Why We Picked Up

Trinity has been in business since ... View More 2004, which is a long time for a residential solar installation company. It also offers various ownership options, including solar leases and loans. However, it provides relatively short labor warranties and operates only in the Northeast and Florida.

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Pros

Installing solar since 2004

Cons

Shorter labor warranty than most solar installation companies

Compare Top Solar Installation Companies

Top Feature	State Availability	BBB Rating	Panel Offered	Warranty	Financing
Uses high-quality SunPower equipment, known for excellent customer service, excellent online consumer reviews	50	A+	Sunpower	25 years	$0 down financing, solar leases
Provides a ‘25 year’ labor warranty, offers $0 down financing, and operates in many states	27	A-	LG	25 years	Solar loans, solar leases and PPAs
Usees high-quality Sunpower products, strong customer service, excellent solar financing options	21	A+	Sunpower	25 years	$0 down financing, no payments for 18 months, no solar leases or PPAs
Uses Enphase microinverters, financing options	10	A+	Tier 1, often Hanhwa Q CELLS	25 years	Solar loans, solar leases and PPAs
Good customer service, Offers $0 financing options including PPAs and solar leases, uses quality solar equipment, starting to install EV chargers	25	A+	Hanhwa Q CELLS, REC Alpha	25 years	Solar loans, solar leases and PPAs
Offers $0 financing options, provides a 25-year warranty on solar equipment, and labor, Platinum production plans guarantee solar system output for 25 years, installs EV chargers, Excellent customer service	2	A+	Hanhwa Q Cells QPeak Duo, Panasonic Hit	25 years	Solar loans, solar leases, pre-paid leases, and PPAs
Offers $0 financing, mixed customer service reviews, 25-year warranty, operates in 37 states and territoriesI, installs EV chargers	34	Not BBB accredited	Variety of Tier 1 products	25 years	$0 down financing, solar leases
Offers $0 financing options including PPAs and solar leases, installs EV chargers, offers the Protection Plus warranty for 20 years, mixed consumer reviews	21	A-	A variety of manufacturers	2 years	$0 solar loans, solar leases and PPAs
Has high quality solar equipment, installs Tesla Powerwall 2 solar batteries, offers a price-match guarantee, offers Tesla solar roof tiles	50	A+	Tesla	10 years	Offers solar loans, does not offer PPAs or solar leases
One of the largest privately-owned solar companies, Has been installing solar systems since 2004	9	A+	Hanhwa Q Cells	5 years	Offers solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs

How To Choose The Best Solar Installation Company

There are many factors you need to consider while buying an HVAC product. And, the best way to do it is by evaluating the best-rated HVAC brands in the following categories:

Good customer service is essential when finding the best solar installers in your area and having a positive installation experience. Read consumer reviews of solar companies to gain insights into this.

Choose solar companies with excellent customer reviews and few complaints. Poorly installed solar projects might not pass inspection or can even cause roof leaks.

Choose a company with labor warranties as they are also critical because most solar equipment already includes warranties for defects, but they don’t provide the labor to swap out faulty parts. Labor and service warranties can vary between 2 and 25 years, but longer ones are better.

Although the price of the solar system is a critical component, other factors are essential from a financial standpoint. For example, a solar loan's interest rate will significantly impact your payments. Likewise, more extended warranties can eliminate future repair costs.

Important Points To Remember While Taking Up Solar Installation

There are many factors you need to consider while buying an HVAC product. And, the best way to do it is by evaluating the best-rated HVAC brands in the following categories:

Before choosing a solar panel system installer, it’s helpful to get at least three quotes and to read through online reviews.

Look for a solar installer that estimates future utility bill savings accurately. Note if customer reviews mention that they have smaller electric bill savings than forecasted because this can lead to disappointment.

If you cannot take advantage of the federal solar tax credit, getting a solar lease or PPA might be a good idea. If so, look for a company that offers this ownership model.

Remember that the lowest price isn’t always the best deal because customer service, solar financing interest rates, equipment quality, and warranties vary between solar contractors.

Benefits Of Solar Energy

Installing solar panels on a sunny roof can significantly lower your energy bills, especially if net metering is available in your area.
If you purchase a solar system in 2024, you may qualify for a 26% federal solar tax credit. Speak with a tax expert to ensure you have a sufficient tax liability to take advantage of it.
Determine if an additional state, local, or utility incentives are available that can further reduce the cost of your home solar system. The DSIRE database is an excellent place to start.
Because solar energy is clean power, you can significantly lower your carbon footprint while protecting the environment.
If you finance your system, your solar loan payments will likely be less than your utility bill savings. That means you can save immediately, even before you pay off the system.
Installing a solar panel system can boost the resale value of your home and make it more attractive to home buyers.
The Tesla Powerwall 2 is the most popular residential storage battery on the market. This wall-mounted lithium-ion battery has a sleek appearance
Most popular residential storage battery on the market. This wall-mounted lithium-ion battery has a sleek appearance
Storage battsery on the market. This wall-mounted lithium-ion battery has a sleek appearance

Bottom Line

If you have a sunny roof and select a quality solar installer, solar energy is an excellent investment that will pay for itself in savings. Researching and picking one of the best solar energy companies that serve your area is critical.

Our Methodology

It can be challenging to determine whether a company that claims to provide excellent services and genuine solar products is truthful. Therefore, we research, compare, and analyze the products, services, and consumer reviews of various solar companies. We intend to help you increase your chances of getting the solar panels that suit your unique needs through this process.

Hence, we evaluate providers on the following factors -

Quality of products: Solar panels are designed to usually perform for 25-30 years or longer in some cases. So we assess quality by comparing factors such as covering equipment performance, warranty, strength, and the manufacturer's reputation.

Licenses: We see if the company has the necessary licenses and qualifications to perform installation work.

Cost: We examine the costs associated with the services provided. The pricing covers monthly/annual expenses, payment options, and customer discounts. We compare the packages to the industry average to determine if the packages are cost-effective.

Transparency: We check if the company provides details of CEOs and installers and revert to its clients regularly.

Competitiveness: We look out if the company provides extra services, benefits, or package options that make it stand out from others in the industry.

Sarah Lozanova

Author

Sarah Lozanova is an renewable energy journalist and copywriter and is the author of Humane Home: Easy Steps for Sustainable & Green Living. Her renewable energy experience includes residential and commercial solar energy installations and utility-scale wind farms. She also taught green business classes to graduate students at Unity College and holds an MBA in sustainable management from the Presidio Graduate School.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the commonly asked questions:

How much does solar panel installation cost?

The average solar system costs about $2.77 per watt, including all the equipment. Therefore, a 6-kilowatt solar system costs around $17,000 before incentives. However, adding solar storage batteries will significantly increase the cost.

How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels are designed to last for 25 to 30 years. However, solar panel efficiency declines over time, so they will likely still work after 30 years but not produce as much energy as they do when they are new. Yet, some solar modules age better than others. For example, SunPower solar panels have one of the highest power production guarantees in the industry and still produce a lot of power at the end of their 25-year warranty period.

On what types of roofs can solar panels be installed?

Solar installers can mount the panels on many different types of roofs. Although standing seam metal roofs are one of the best materials, asphalt shingle roofs also work very well. However, slate and wood roofs can be very challenging. Also, some homeowners install solar panels on a garage roof or outbuilding if the home roof is not ideal.

Does going solar affect my home insurance?

We recommend checking with your homeowners’ insurance to ensure your solar panels are covered, but they usually are. However, you might want to increase the coverage on your plan so that the dollar amount is high enough to cover the added value of the solar system if the unexpected occurs.