1. Our top picks
  2. Benefits of Solar Power for Homeowners
  3. Things to Consider
  4. Comparsion Table
  5. SunPower
  6. Momentum
  7. ADT Solar
  8. Palmetto
  9. Tesla
  10. GAF Energy
  11. Trinity Solar
  12. Blue Raven
  13. Sunrun
  14. Elevation
  15. Final Words

Switching to solar energy is a significant investment, and working with a reliable and reputable solar company is essential. With our guide, we aim to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information to help you make an informed decision, along site some helpful tips. By considering the factors we have outlined, you can select the best provider for your home and start enjoying the benefits of solar energy.

Summary of Our Top Picks

sunpower

Editor's pick

SunPower

Available in 50 states, with the most efficient solar panels on the market with a 25-year warranty covering system and components.

palmetto solar

runner up

Palmetto

They offer many services, and they have plans which include active monitoring and remote troubleshooting. Their service area covers 24 states.

momentum solar

2nd runner up

Momentum Solar

Offers various solar financing plans and provides top-rated solar panels and energy storage systems. Their service area covers 11 states.

Benefits of Solar Power for Homeowners

Solar panels provide several benefits to a home besides generating electric power. They can:

  • Increase the value of a home
  • Provide energy independence
  • Help you save money on electricity bills and protect you against rising energy costs
  • Provide a reliable source of energy even during power outages
  • Reduce carbon footprint
best solar companies

Aside from providing power to your home, solar panels can increase the value of your property. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a medium-sized home can have an average increase of $18,324 in value. Moreover, homes with solar panels sell about 20 percent faster on average. However, several factors, such as your region, local electricity prices, state incentives, and the age of the solar system, can impact your specific case. For a custom quote, consult with your local solar expert.

Best Solar Panel Installation Companies Full Comparsion Table

SunPower

Editors Choice

Momentum

ADT

Palmetto

Tesla

GAF Energy's

Trinity

Blue Raven

Sunrun

Elevation

iMemories
Legacybox
Southtree
Costco digitizing
Costco digitizing
Costco digitizing
Kodak digitizing
Kodak digitizing
Kodak digitizing
Kodak digitizing

Website Link

Service areas

50 states

11 states

21 states

24 states

50 states

16 states

9 states

22 states

22 states

5 states

Financing options

Full purchase, loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs)

Full purchase, loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs)

Full purchase,
Loans

Full purchase,
Loans

Full purchase,
Loan

n/a

Full purchase, loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs)

Full purchase,
Loan

Full purchase, loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs)

Full purchase,
Loan

Panels offered

Maxeon

Hyundai, LG, LONGi, Q Cells, REC, Trina

Panasonic

LG, Silfab, Yingli

Tesla

Timberline Solar (shingles)

Q Cells

Canadian solar, Trina

LG

LG, Q Cells, REC

Warranties

25-year warranty on manufacturer, workmanship and power production

25-year warranty on solar system

25-year warranty on manufacturer, workmanship and power production

25-year warranty on manufacturer and workmanship

25-year performance warranty

25 years warranty on equipment and 5 years on workmanship

25 years of product warranty and 10 years of workmanship warranty

10-year warranty

25-year product and workmanship warranty

BBB Rating

A+

A+

A+

A+

N/A

N/A

A+

A+

A-

A+

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Things to Consider When Choosing a Solar Company

Choosing a reliable solar panel installation company can be a complex process. To make it simple, it’s crucial to consider some basic but key factors. Our compiled list of critical factors can help you make an informed decision by streamlining your research and narrowing down your options.

By taking into account the outlined factors, you can confidently select a solar panel installation company that aligns with your requirements. It’s important to take time to research, compare companies and choose the one that best fits your home and budget, without feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options available.

Evaluating the Cost of Solar Energy

While switching to solar energy can offer long-term savings, it’s vital to evaluate the associated costs before making the transition. High-quality solar power systems may come with a higher price tag, and finding the right financing option is essential to make it affordable.

Financing options such as loans or leases qualify you for solar incentives and tax credits, which can reduce the installation fees and increase the return on investment. It’s also essential to consider the type of warranty offered by solar companies to protect your solar system. Understanding the different types of warranties available will help you make an informed decision when purchasing a solar energy system.

When searching for a solar company, consider the financing, incentive, and warranty options that best suit your requirements. By evaluating these factors, you can confidently select a solar company that provides solutions that meet your specific needs.

Options for Financing Your Solar Energy System

Before choosing a solar company, it’s essential to consider the financing options they offer. There are different financing options available for solar installation, such as:

  • Full purchases
  • Solar loans
  • Solar leases
  • Power purchase agreements (PPAs)

Therefore, it’s essential to assess which financing option is the best fit for your needs and budget. Our comparison of the various financing plans offered by most solar companies can help you make an informed decision. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can choose a financing plan that aligns with your financial goals and preferences.

Company Service Area

It’s important to note that not all solar panel companies offer services in all 50 states. Therefore, when selecting a solar panel provider, it’s crucial to look for companies that offer services in your area and have local branches with good customer service ratings. While there may be many options to choose from, narrowing down to providers that meet these criteria can help ensure a positive experience and a successful solar panel installation.

If you’re considering going solar, you can get a free solar estimate quote online from multiple sources to help you determine the cost and potential savings of a solar panel installation for your home or business. These estimates take into account your energy usage, location, and property size and provide information on the number of solar panels needed and the potential return on investment.

The online solar estimate tools may also offer financing and payment options available, such as solar loans or leases, and identify potential solar incentives and tax credits in your area.

To help you find the right company, we have compiled a list of popular solar companies that offer free quotes.


1) SunPower

sunpower

Editors Rating:

4.7 /5

What we like

  • Nationwide availability
  • In-house production of solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicle chargers
  • 25-year all-inclusive warranty

What we don't like

  • Limited to selling only SunPower products
  • Higher cost compared to other companies

SunPower stands out as a top solar company for its focus on energy efficiency and in-house manufacturing process. Unlike other solar companies, SunPower makes all its components in-house, resulting in a cohesive solar energy system that maximizes efficiency.

SunPower offers four different solar panel options, along with electric vehicle (EV) chargers, to customize your system based on your needs. Additionally, its SunVault energy storage system allows customers to store excess energy for use overnight or during power outages. With the mySunPower monitoring app, customers can easily monitor their system’s performance, track energy consumption, and control their stored energy usage.

In terms of warranty coverage, SunPower offers a comprehensive 25-year warranty that covers all solar system components, including storage or charging add-ons and any required maintenance. In addition, although SunPower’s solar panels may come at a higher cost than competitors, they boast some of the highest energy efficiency ratings on the market. Overall, SunPower is a reliable choice for homeowners investing in a long-lasting, energy-efficient solar system.

Warranty: All-inclusive 25-year warranty that covers the entire system and workmanship.

Financing options: Full purchase, Loan, Lease.


2) Momentum Solar

momentum solar

Editors Rating:

4.5 /5

What we like

  • Mobile app for system monitoring
  • Seven solar panel brands
  • Customer rewards through a referral program
  • Prioritizes enrollment in government solar programs
  • Wide variety of financing plans
  • Excellent selection of solar panels and storage systems

What we don't like

  • No online quotes or pricing information
  • Not available nationwide

Momentum Solar is a top solar provider that offers a start-to-finish process for its customers. With its focus on accessible and practical clean energy solutions, Momentum has limited its service area to states with favorable net metering programs and solar incentives to ensure customers get a speedy return on their investment.

Momentum handles everything in-house, including financing, design, and installation. Its website provides an informative blog that educates homeowners about solar energy systems, and the company offers a wide range of panel options and design choices to customize the installation process. Momentum also provides support for government rebate programs and offers an interactive mobile tracking app to keep customers informed about their installation progress, energy usage, and system health.

Momentum Solar offers 25-year warranties for product and workmanship coverage to protect its customers’ investment. The company has an A+ rating from BBB and operates in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Warranty: All-inclusive 25-year warranty.

Financing options: Cash payments, loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs).


3) ADT Solar

adt solar

Editors Rating:

4.0 /5

What we like

  • Self-monitoring through Enphase MyEnlighten
  • 25-year warranty covering power production, panel, inverter, and labor
  • Two financing options are available

What we don't like

  • Only available in 21 states
  • No up-front pricing information is available online

ADT Solar, formerly known as Sunpro Solar, offers top-notch protection and extended warranty coverage for its solar energy systems. ADT Solar’s warranty covers labor, solar panels, and inverters, plus it provides a 25-year power production guarantee to ensure that its customers receive the best value from their investment. Furthermore, the company guarantees to match any price for equal products and benefits and will pay you $0.10 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) if your production level falls short.

ADT Solar acquired Sunpro Solar in 2021, which allowed the company to expand its footprint in the solar energy market. Moreover, the company also owns Buildpro, an in-house roofing company that can ensure that your home’s roofing is optimal for a solar panel installation.

ADT Solar’s Enphase MyEnlighten mobile app enables customers to monitor their system’s energy production remotely. The app provides data on the energy generated by the system, energy consumption, and overall system performance.

Warranty: 25-year warranty.

Financing options: Full purchase, loan.


4) Palmetto Solar

palmetto solar

Editors Rating:

4.0 /5

What we like

  • Additional protection plan with active monitoring and discounts
  • Online tool for calculating solar savings
  • 25-year output warranty for solar panels

What we don't like

  • No financing information on the website
  • Additional monthly fee for active monitoring

Palmetto Solar makes it onto our list of the top solar companies because it prioritizes customer understanding and support throughout the complex process of investing in solar. The company offers excellent customer service, including a Peace of Mind Protection Plan with real-time monitoring and responsive support. Palmetto sets itself apart with its unique subscription model, Palmetto Protect, which provides proactive monitoring and tiered support. 

Although some upper tiers of the subscription may only be useful in extreme cases, the company offers a small fee for customers to have extra peace of mind. Solar panels are usually low-maintenance systems that customers can monitor using apps from the installer, such as Palmetto’s. Additionally, Palmetto boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Warranty: Palmetto offers a 25-year manufacturer and workmanship warranty. Additionally, an optional Peace of Mind Protection Plan is available.

Financing options: Customers have the option to make full purchase or take out loans for their solar purchase.


5) Tesla Solar

tesla solar

Editors Rating:

4.5 /5

What we like

  • Provides quick and easy online quotes
  • The company provides 24/7 solar panel monitoring through their mobile app
  • Tesla offers a 25-year performance guarantee to protect solar panels and ensure their efficiency for a long time.

What we don't like

  • Tesla limits their system size to four options, which may not provide the flexibility that some customers need for their energy needs.
  • The company does not offer installation in all ZIP codes, which may limit the availability of its services for some potential customers.

Tesla stands out from many solar companies by offering nationwide service in all 50 states. The company manufactures and installs its own high-quality solar panels, which are nearly invisible and blend seamlessly into your roofline. With an online solar panel estimation tool, you can get an accurate estimate for your home’s solar potential in under a minute using your address and average electric bill.

In addition to its traditional solar systems, Tesla also provides a solar roof option, replacing your current roof with tiles that generate solar energy. They also offer a solar battery, the Tesla Powerwall, which stores excess energy generated by the panels for later use.

Originally founded as a subsidiary of Tesla, Inc. in 2003, Tesla Energy has expanded its solar technology offerings to include solar panels, the Tesla Solar Roof, and the Tesla Inverter. In addition, the Tesla Powerwall is one of the most popular solar batteries on the market.

Warranty: Tesla provides a 25-year performance warranty.

Financing options: Customers can choose from full purchases or loan.


6) GAF Energy’s Timberline Solar

gaf energy

Editors Rating:

4.5 /5

What we like

  • Sleeker and subtler look than traditional solar panels.
  • Available in multiple states and more locations to follow.
  • Provides

What we don't like

  • Relatively new technology may lead to concerns about reliability and longevity.
  • Not suitable for all roofing types
  • Not as widely available as traditional solar panels.
  • Installation costs may be higher than traditional solar panels.

Currently, most residential solar customers have solar panels attached to racks bolted onto their roofs. GAF Energy aims to change that with their new product, Timberline Solar shingles, which serves as a solar roofing solution. The shingles are installed with nails instead of bolts and are put in place at the same time and by the same team as a new roof. As a result, the shingles sit flush to the roof, offering a sleeker look and potentially reducing the risk of leaks compared to traditional solar panels.

GAF Energy’s Timberline Solar shingles are available in 16 states, and more locations are set to follow. This solar shingle product can make the decision to switch to solar energy more accessible by bundling it with a new roof purchase. Additionally, for those who are not fond of the look of traditional solar panels, the Timberline Solar shingles offer a subtler aesthetic. Furthermore, you can enjoy the benefits of a solar roof without paying a high markup, which is typically associated with other solar roofing options like the Tesla solar roof.

Warranty:  The Timberline Solar shingle comes with the following warranties:

  • 25-year coverage against manufacturing defects that cause leaks.
  • 25-year warranty for solar power output.
  • 15-year warranty against wind damage caused by winds up to 130mph

7) Trinity Solar

trinity solar

Editors Rating:

4.1 /5

What we like

  • They provide additional home services such as roofing and electrical assistance
  • Four payment options are available
  • The business is family-owned

What we don't like

  • The limited service area of just nine states
  • The workmanship warranty only covers five years, which is shorter than the industry standard

With 28 years of experience, Trinity Solar is a family-owned and -operated solar company with a reputation as a veteran in the industry. It started as a heating and air company in 1994 and expanded to solar in 2004. Since then, the company has completed nearly 80,000 solar installations, providing high-quality solar systems with Q Cells panels and solar storage options from Generac or Tesla. Trinity Solar handles all installations in-house to ensure top-quality service.

The company is committed to providing reliable, experienced, and effective customer service by keeping its service area limited to nine Northeast states. This enables it to remain invested in its community and serve customers with a community-oriented approach. Trinity Solar offers an excellent referral program that contributes to charitable organizations. For example, the company contributes $100 to a charity of the customer’s choice when a referral sits with a Trinity consultant and $1,000 to that charity if the referral installs solar with Trinity.

By partnering with Trinity Solar, customers can invest in their homes and communities while enjoying the benefits of solar energy. With Trinity Solar’s extensive experience, top-quality service, and community-oriented approach, it is a reliable and trustworthy choice for those looking to switch to solar energy.

Warranty: In terms of warranty, there is 25 years warranty on equipment and 5 years on workmanship.

Financing options: Customers can choose from full purchase, loan, lease, PPA.


8) Blue Raven Solar

blue raven solar company

Editors Rating:

4.2 /5

What we like

  • Offers innovative financing for budget-conscious homeowners
  • Competitive prices
  • Recently acquired by SunPower
  • With a BluePower Plus+ loan, the first 18 months are free

What we don't like

  • Limited services to only 22 stats
  • They don’t offer solar leases or PPAs

Blue Raven Solar is one of the fast-growing solar companies that has developed an innovative solar financing plan to address the biggest barrier to entry for most homeowners, which is the cost of Solar. Its solar loan, BluePower Plus+, provides qualifying customers with a free solar system for the first 18 months with no upfront costs. This financing program sets Blue Raven Solar apart from other solar providers, making it an excellent option for homeowners who want to enjoy hassle-free and cost-effective access to solar energy.

Blue Raven Solar offers reliable systems with a 25-year warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee. If your system doesn’t meet its energy production estimates, the company will upgrade it for free. Blue Raven Solar is committed to providing quality systems and service to its customers, which has contributed to its reputation as a leading solar provider in the industry.

Warranty: Offers 25 years of product warranty and 10 years of workmanship warranty.

Financing options: Customers can choose from full purchase and loan.


9) Sunrun Solar

sunrun

Editors Rating:

4.0 /5

What we like

  • You can choose from two solar lease options
  • Theft and damage to leased and prepaid products have coverage
  • Customers service support through online chat

What we don't like

  • The website does not provide in-depth information about the products and services offered by the company.
  • Solar and battery availability may differ by state.

Sunrun offers custom solar systems designed according to specific factors like home size, roof area, sunlight exposure, and slope. After a thorough assessment, the company determines the exact system size and the number of batteries you will need. Sunrun then calculates the cost and energy usage of the system and explains any available government incentives.

Sunrun has been a trailblazer in the solar industry by offering leasing programs, which made solar power more accessible to homeowners. The company has two leasing options: a monthly payment plan, similar to other solar companies, and a prepaid lease that comes with 25 years of service, free monitoring, and maintenance. However, if you choose to lease solar panels from a provider, you will not qualify for federal and state tax credits or reimbursement programs.

Sunrun also offers a comprehensive service package that includes a bumper-to-bumper system warranty, free equipment replacement and repairs for 10 years, proactive monitoring, and an insurance policy on your panels.

Warranty: 10 years warranty.

Financing options: With Sunrun, customers can choose from full purchase, lease, loan and PPA.


10) Elevation Solar

elevation solar company

Editors Rating:

3.7 /5

What we like

  • Solar panels systems have a 25-year warranty
  • Free Consultation

What we don't like

  • Available only in five stats
  • No pricing info on their website

Elevation Solar is a fast-growing rooftop solar business is last on our ranking list because it currently covers only five states. Elevation Solar is dedicated to providing homeowners with a comprehensive energy efficiency experience in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. The company offers a wide range of solar panel options, including battery storage solutions and EV charging stations.

Elevation Solar acquired Curb Energy in 2020, allowing the company to offer smart energy monitoring technology to its customers. This technology can help homeowners create an Elevated Home that reduces overall energy needs while producing new, clean energy of its own.

In addition to its solar products, Elevation Solar has received multiple awards for its dedication to energy efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Warranty: 25 years for both product and workmanship warranty.

Financing Options: Full purchase and Loan.


Final Words

When it comes to selecting a solar company, it’s essential to take into account the range of services, coverage areas, and customer support that each provider offers. Although SunPower secured the top spot on our list, it’s vital to note that the optimal solar company for your needs will depend on your location, budget, and energy demands. Conduct thorough research and choose a company that can meet your specific requirements and preferences.

While not all companies on this list provide complimentary consultations, they do offer a free estimate. It’s always best to contact multiple solar companies to find the one that suits you best.

Written by Abdo

Abdo is a Zoopy writer who loves spending his free time outdoors, camping, and enjoying the peace that nature brings. He also enjoys fixing things - he's particularly good with electronics. His favorite movie is I Am Legend, and he's fascinated by survival gear and safety.

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