sunlux
Max. panel efficiency: 19.7%
Panel warranty
: 25 years
Workmanship warranty: 25 years
Payment options
: Cash, loan and lease
SunPower
Max. panel efficiency:19.7%
Panel warranty: 25 years
Workmanship warranty:25 years
Payment options: Cash, loan and lease
Freedom Solar Power
Max. panel efficiency:19.7%
Panel warranty: 25 years
Workmanship warranty:25 years
Payment options: Cash, loan and lease
Sunrun
Max. panel efficiency:19.7%
Workmanship warranty:10 years
Panel warranty: 10 years
Payment options: Cash, loan and lease
Max. panel efficiency:19.7%
Workmanship warranty:25 years
Panel warranty: 25 years
Payment options: Cash, loan and lease
EnergyPal
Max. panel efficiency:19.7%
Workmanship warranty:25 years
Panel warranty: 25 years
Payment options: Cash, loan and lease
Our editor’s top solar company picks
- Best overall: Sunlux
- Best for monitoring app: SunPower
- Best for long-term savings: Freedom Solar Power
- Best for financing options: Sunrun
- Best for value: Momentum Solar
- Best for DIY and off-grid systems: Energy Pal
Our research team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment quality, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Top picks may be Authorized Partners who compensate us. This does not affect our recommendations or influence evaluations but may impact the order in which solar companies appear. Read our full methodology for all the details on how we make recommendations.
Key insights
- Compare your options: Getting proposals from at least three or four solar companies lets you evaluate pricing, financing terms, equipment options and overall company fit.
- Price isn’t everything: Cost is important, but so is equipment quality, customer service, transparent pricing and robust warranties. The cheapest option might not be the best long-term solution.
- Location matters: National installers have a broader reach, but local and regional companies often have better knowledge of the regulations and incentives in your area.
How to pick a solar company
Here’s how to narrow down your options and find a reputable solar energy company that can provide ongoing service at a competitive price.
1. Do your research
It’s worth considering all your local options. Read lots of reviews and check for any complaints filed against the company.
For instance, Carol in California said she did an “enormous amount of research” to find a solar installer. “The installer that we liked the most has a Ph.D. in physics, and that’s why we picked him,” Carol told us.
Carol was smart to interview multiple installers before making a final decision. This is your chance to ask preliminary questions.
Look out for pushy sales reps when you start these conversations. Unhappy solar customers often tell us about sales reps making false promises, particularly around rebates, credits and savings.
» BUYER BEWARE: Solar panel scams
2. Compare a few quotes
“The price of a system will depend on your electricity usage; there’s not a fixed price but more of a range,” Neil Gallagher, who owns a company in Tampa, Florida, told us. “Since COVID, the price of materials has gone up due to supply chain issues, mostly foreign panels. The cost of labor has also increased.”
There’s also more to consider than just price. Megan in Texas got four quotes before going with Sunpro (now part of ADT Solar). She said it wasn’t the cheapest but was a better fit for her needs.
“Momentum Solar was the cheapest, but did not offer some of the perks I was inclined to take,” she said.
3. Check licenses and certifications
Before you hire anyone, request their license number and any credentials they claim to have. You should also check that the company has liability insurance, especially since technicians will be on your roof.
For credentials, reputable solar companies often have affiliations with organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) or are certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).
Check if the company is a member of industry associations, such as the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) or local solar industry groups. Membership in these often requires adherence to certain standards and practices.
4. Ask about solar panel efficiency
When comparing solar panels, look for reliability, efficiency and durability. Higher-efficiency solar panels are more expensive but generate more electricity and require less space. Depending on where you live, the panels might need to be tough enough to withstand harsh weather conditions like hail, wind and snow.
Solar panels last 25 to 30 years.
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are the most common types of solar panels for residential installations. There are pros and cons to each — compare monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels for more information.
5. Pay attention to the warranty and fine print
Once you’re satisfied with the proposal and financing method, it’s time to sign a contract. This contract should detail the installation process, system specifications, warranty information and other terms.
Some unhappy solar customers told us they felt trapped in contracts or felt they were penalized unfairly for changes or breaches in the contract. Some had issues with early termination fees. Reading the contract carefully and asking questions about anything you’re not sure you understand helps reduce the likelihood of this happening to you.
Understanding solar warranties
Look for solar panel and inverter manufacturers and installers that stand by their service and products. The best local solar energy installers always offer warranties and service guarantees. They’re also typically readily available for maintenance, system checks or addressing any concerns you might have after your system is installed.
Panels typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers the panel’s performance and materials. A good warranty should cover at least 25 years for panels. In some states, you need at least that to qualify for certain renewable energy incentives.
Solar inverters are also a common source of maintenance issues, so check your warranty for the inverter you choose. A typical warranty for a solar inverter lasts between 10 and 25 years.
Types of solar equipment
You most likely need several other pieces of hardware, including wiring that connects the panels to the inverter and the wiring that connects the inverter to your home’s electrical system. You may also choose to install a battery to store electricity for use at night or during power outages.
It’s not just about picking the best solar panels. A solar array is made up of many different components. Think about how your whole system will work together.
- Inverters turn sunlight into usable energy. The solar inverter is what converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your home or business.
- Solar batteries store that sunny day for a rainy one. If you want to store the energy produced by your solar panels for use later, you need to install solar batteries. This is especially useful if you live in an area with frequent power outages or if you want to use solar energy when the sun is not shining. If you get a battery, you’ll also need a charge controller. Solar generators are another option to get a sustainable source of backup electricity.
- Mounting and tracking systems maximize sun exposure. This is what attaches the solar panels to your roof or another location on your property. The mounting system needs to be sturdy and weather-resistant.
- Monitoring lets you keep track of your system through an app. Monitoring apps provide real-time data on the performance of your solar panels. You get an alert if there’s a drop in performance. Some advanced monitoring systems let your solar installation company access performance data remotely, which facilitates quick repairs.
What to know about solar installations
“The sign-up part was easy and straightforward,” Anthony in Texas said. “The hard part was the installation part. That took longer than expected. They were still running into some of those supply chain issues last year, which a lot of people were.”
We’ve talked to other solar customers with similar stories. It’s important to understand the installation process to know what you should expect.
- Initial consultation: When you start contacting solar installers for quotes, some may show you satellite images of your home at different times of the day. They use these pictures to demonstrate which sides of your home get the most sunlight.
- Site assessment: The installer often conducts a physical or remote (using satellite imagery) assessment of your property. They evaluate your roof’s orientation, size, shading and condition. These assessments provide an overview of your property’s overall solar potential.
- Design and permitting: The installer then designs a solar system for your property and provides a detailed proposal based on the site assessment and your energy needs. This proposal should include the system size (in kilowatts), estimated energy production, cost, potential savings and return on investment.
- Panel installation: After you secure your permits, your solar company begins the installation process. Local installers often have in-depth knowledge of local building codes and practices that help ensure smooth installation. This process typically takes a few days but can vary based on the system’s size and complexity.
- Final inspection: Once the system is installed, it needs to be inspected by local authorities and the utility company (if grid-tied) to ensure it meets all regulations. After inspections, the system can be commissioned, and you can start generating solar power.
