Our top rated solar companies are SunPower, Freedom Solar, and Palmetto. Get a quote on your solar installation today.
- Warranty: 25 years
- Cost: $24,000–$36,000
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Our top rated solar companies are SunPower, Freedom Solar, and Palmetto. Get a quote on your solar installation today.
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Faith Wakefield is a writer based in North Carolina. She holds economics and English degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, and her work has been featured on EcoWatch, The World Economic Forum and Today’s Homeowner. In her free time, she loves to binge-watch personal finance videos on YouTube, collect books and spend time in nature.
Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.
Karsten Neumeister is an experienced energy professional with subject-matter expertise in energy policy and the solar and retail energy industries. He is currently the Communications Manager for the Retail Energy Advancement League and has prior experience writing and editing content for EcoWatch. Before EcoWatch, Karsten worked for Solar Alternatives, curating content, advocating for local renewable energy policy and assisting the solar engineering and installation teams. Throughout his career, his work has been featured on various outlets including NPR, SEIA, Bankrate, PV Mag and the World Economic Forum.
If you want to make the switch to solar energy, some of our top recommendations for the best solar companies are SunPower, Freedom Solar, and Palmetto. However, every provider in this guide to the best solar companies offers a unique experience, and the best fit for you will depend on your personal needs and wants in going solar.
We at the Guides Home Team conducted surveys, spoke with industry experts, interviewed solar company representatives and evaluated each company based on our detailed solar methodology to come up with our top list of providers. Read on to learn more.
See our list of top solar providers based on in-depth research.
Select the provider that best fits your needs.
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your home.
Company | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
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4.8
|
$24,000–$36,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
4.2
|
$25,000–$30,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
4.7
|
$20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
4.3
|
$20,000–$25,000 | A- | GET QUOTE | |
3.8
|
$20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
4.4
|
$20,000–$22,500 | A | GET QUOTE | |
4.2
|
$25,000–$27,500 | A+ | GET QUOTE |
Company | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
4.8
|
$24,000–$36,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
4.2
|
$25,000–$30,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
4.7
|
$20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
4.3
|
$20,000–$25,000 | A- | GET QUOTE | |
3.8
|
$20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | |
4.4
|
$20,000–$22,500 | A | GET QUOTE | |
4.2
|
$25,000–$27,500 | A+ | GET QUOTE |
Here are our top picks for the best and most reputable solar companies in 2024:
SunPower earned 4.8 out of 5 stars in our rating system and has over 30 years of experience in the solar industry, the most out of any provider on our list. SunPower utilizes over 850 dealers to provide installation services nationwide. The company also offers in-house solar loan financing.
Some customers report that, although expensive, SunPower offers best-in-class service, warranties and solar panel efficiency. SunPower typically charges between $3 and $4.50 per watt for solar installations, according to Sanah Sadaruddin, the public relations manager at the company.
SunPower offers solar, backup battery and electric vehicle (EV) charger installations. Customers also have access to SunPower’s mobile app and system monitoring.
Customers can pay for their solar system using a cash purchase, loan, lease or power purchase agreement (PPA).
SunPower is available in all 50 states.
Positive reviews frequently mentioned SunPower’s fast installation, consistent communication and energy savings.
“Installation was done in two days and the crew was thorough throughout. [SunPower] would explain any questions I asked. Communication was continual during the process and everyone I spoke with was helpful. Looking forward to having our power supplied in a reliable manner.” —Ron C. via the BBB
“This was probably the smartest choice I have made in purchasing my home. Simple process — the only thing I did was secure my pets during installation and kick back and wait to save a ton of money. If you have concerns just reach out to your SunPower team and let them handle your concern. Bottom line, keep paying your utility company or generate your own power along with a big tax break.” —Fred B. via the BBB
Customers who left negative reviews reported delays when requesting repairs or getting in touch with customer service.
My system has not been fully working for a year now. Looking at the charts, an inverter stopped functioning last July. I reported the issue in January as that was the first time I looked at the monitoring. [SunPower has made] several trips here in the last several months and still tells me the replacement unit is waiting to arrive. The service so far has been absolutely horrible.” —Joshua Q. via the BBB
Freedom Solar Power earned 4.2 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. It is a certified SunPower dealer and installs other high-quality products like the Tesla Powerwall battery. Plus, Freedom Solar installs off-grid solar power systems to help you become fully energy independent without worrying about outages.
Freedom Solar also offers additional services that other solar companies don’t, including home generators and system de-installation and reinstallation for roof repairs. Although Freedom Solar does not install EV chargers, it will help you connect your station to your solar panels.
Freedom Solar offers two financing options for customers interested in going solar: cash payment and loan.
Freedom Solar currently services Colorado, Florida, Texas, Virginia and North Carolina.
Happy customers of Freedom Solar praised the company’s fast and friendly service and energy savings.
“I had a fantastic experience with Freedom Solar Power. [My system has] been up and running for about two years now and I have already avoided [energy] rate increases that other residents are facing. The installation crew was professional and left my house clean. Couldn’t be happier with my system and the savings!” —Nick W. via the BBB
“My wife and I just recently purchased solar panels from Freedom Solar. The experience was fast, easy and overall great. Our salesman took the time to explain everything under the sun about solar. He answered all of our questions — I would recommend him to anyone looking for solar panels.” —Ryan S. via the BBB
Some unhappy customers were frustrated when their panels underperformed.
“This business is selling a product that doesn’t produce what was guaranteed. [Freedom Solar] sold me solar panels that were supposed to save me money. Since I got [solar panels] installed, my average [energy] bill [is] 25% to 100% more. I feel like I was scammed, lied to and ripped off. [Freedom Solar] gave me the average that the panels are supposed to produce in my contract, but then tell me it means nothing.” —Jeffrey A. via the BBB
Palmetto Solar earned a 4.7 out of 5 stars under our methodology because of its wide range of services, excellent customer reputation and below-average cost. Palmetto Solar also extends solid protection plans for its panels, offering an advanced service monitoring program for $8 per month that provides you with a monthly system review.
Palmetto Solar typically costs between $2.55 and $3.23 per watt with all costs included, according to Cory O’Brien, digital marketing director at Palmetto. This price is lower than the industry standard of $3.50 per watt.
In addition to solar panel and battery installations, Palmetto offers EV charger installations, energy efficiency audits and system monitoring.
Palmetto offers a wide variety of financing options to meet the unique needs of its customers. These include cash purchases, loans, leases or PPAs.
Palmetto solar is available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia.
Positive reviews of Palmetto referred to the company’s personalized experience and quality customer service
“A Palmetto salesperson helped design my system to my specific needs and everything happened smoothly. I didn’t have to do anything as [Palmetto] handled all permits, the homeowners association and the energy company. There was a delay between installation and when the system actually got turned on, but it refunded any money I paid during that period. It also [set up] my solar panels in just a few hours.” —Bryan T. via the BBB
Negative reviews mention delays in activation or post-installation difficulties:
Palmetto installed my panels in Dec. 2022 and everything was fine —[Palmetto] just needed to have it inspected. However, [Palmetto] will not call the permit office to schedule a final inspection. I have sent multiple emails and called. More than one month has gone by and I’m still waiting. Now [Palmetto] is not responding at all. The permit office even left Palmetto a voicemail [with] no response, so I can’t use the system.”—Dennis M. via the BBB
Sunrun earned 4.3 out of 5 stars based on our methodology and is our pick for solar leases. Sunrun offers both a prepaid and monthly solar lease option, so you can either pay upfront and lock in 25 years of solar savings or pay month by month. You can finance your solar panels with the company’s BrightAdvantage solar loan program, which requires no upfront costs.
We also like that Sunrun offers a wide range of solar services, including EV chargers and backup batteries. Customers also have access to system monitoring.
Sunrun offers three financing options: cash purchase, loan or lease.
Sunrun’s current service area covers 22 states and territories: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
Sunrun does not install solar batteries in Wisconsin.
Sunrun customers who left positive reviews wrote about responsive customer service and friendly employees.
“My solar system was connected last week and I couldn’t be happier with the company and its employees. Everyone I dealt with was courteous, efficient and professional. The whole process was so easy. [Sunrun] handled the necessary paperwork, installation and scheduled all of the required inspections. I recommended Sunrun to friends, relatives and neighbors without hesitation. It’s nice to know there are companies that place a priority on customer care, [and] Sunrun is a wonderful example.” —Viola U. via the BBB
“I’m very happy with my rep that helped throughout the whole process and really liked being able to get answers quickly through a text. Also, I like how [Sunrun] broke down the entire program and helped us understand our arrangement plan.” —Dan Y. via the BBB
Unhappy Sunrun customers reported that customer service was slow to respond and resolve system issues.
“Sunrun has a terrible response time with resolving issues. I am approaching one month with no solar service and have not received notification the problem will be resolved anytime soon. Meanwhile, my utility bill doubled and I still have to pay the monthly lease for a service I am not getting. I wish [Sunrun] would arrive and take [its] equipment so I could join a solar company that is more efficient. I have gone through customer service three times and I still have not heard back in three business days!” —Christoper C. via the BBB
Momentum Solar earned 3.8 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. It is our pick for solar system customization, offering products from seven different manufacturers. Momentum also helps its customers apply for government solar incentives and only operates in states with robust net-metering programs and solar rebates.
Momentum lost points because it does not offer a blanket warranty covering the production of the system.
Momentum caters to a variety of financial needs by offering cash purchases, loans, leases and PPAs. It installs both solar panels and backup batteries.
Momentum installs solar in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Momentum does not install solar backup batteries in Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada or Pennsylvania.
Positive Momentum Solar reviews mentioned the company’s quick installation and energy savings.
“This year, I made an excellent choice when I decided to go with Momentum Solar for my panel installation. [The technicians] arrived on schedule and had everything set up in no time. Right away, it was evident [Momentum] would help me slash my energy costs significantly.” —Irene H. via the BBB
“Not so long ago, the installers showed up in the morning and finished the task in a few hours — it was amazing how quiet they were on my rooftop. I was thrilled when I saw that my electricity use went down instantly.” —Kathryn W. via the BBB
Some negative reviews mentioned being told conflicting information from customer service reps, causing delays and confusion.
“[Momentum] installed my system, [which] has been in an error state more times than it has been producing. Customer service needs to be improved. Internal communication seems to be an issue at this company as different teams are not updated with the most recent information. I do not recommend Momentum Solar.” —Akash M. via the BBB
We rated Blue Raven 4.4 out of 5 stars, and it is our pick for solar financing. Blue Raven offers two unique financing programs, BluePower+ and SmartStart. Both programs are designed to help you start saving money on your electric bills sooner, rather than having to wait until your panels are fully paid off. Customers can either choose one of Blue Raven’s loan options or pay for their system in cash.
BlueRaven’s customer ratings average over 4 stars on the BBB and Google Reviews. However, some customers on these platforms noted that the company employs aggressive sales tactics.
Blue Raven offers solar and backup battery installations, plus solar equipment monitoring.
Blue Raven currently services 21 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
Some Blue Raven Solar customers praised the company’s reasonable pricing and attentive customer service and installers.
“We looked at quite a few [solar installers]. While we wanted the best pricing, we also wanted a quality system. We settled on Blue Raven because of the quality of work, fine customer service and programs that help make going solar affordable. We also referred a family member and they chose Blue Raven as well!” —Arthur G. via the BBB
“There is no other service like Blue Raven Solar. We had a bit of a rocky start with a missed appointment from one of its technicians, but [the company] worked hard to make it right for the rest of the project. The process is a bit long, but well worth it for the savings. [Blue Raven] coordinated with our electrical company and city inspector to make sure everything was taken care of. We are very pleased with the look of the panels and can not wait to sit back and enjoy the savings and help change the environment for the future” —Michelle R. via the BBB
Negative reviews of Blue Raven Solar mentioned delays during the installation process.
“I had a new roof installed and prior to having the roof installed, my contractor contacted Blue Raven to remove and reinstall. Well, it’s been about 3 months of rescheduling so they finally came out to install it back but the problem now is that the system is still not working and I contacted them to have someone come out and look at the system and have been put off another 2 weeks. They had no problem collecting the money for the removal and reinstallation. Will not recommend this company.” –Donald via BBB
Solar Energy World earned 4.2 out of 5 stars according to our review standards, and is our pick for sustainability initiatives. For every completed solar installation, Solar Energy World donates to the GivePower Foundation, a nonprofit that increases accessibility to clean, safe drinking water in water-scarce regions through solar-powered projects.
Solar Energy World offers solar and backup battery installations and system monitoring. It offers the following financing options: cash purchases, leases and PPAs.
Solar Energy World services seven states and territories: Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida and Washington, D.C.
Some Solar Energy World customers liked the company’s seamless installation, knowledgeable staff and quick response to issues.
“I’ve had Solar Energy World solar panels for almost a year now. [The panels] have performed beyond expectations. The installation process was seamless and easy. Everyone at Solar Energy, from the salesperson, electrician and panel installers, was knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend Solar Energy World.” —Michael H. via the BBB
“I just recently had my solar panels installed. The initial interaction with my sales representative was very positive — he was very informative and helpful. The installation went great as well. I had an issue with circuit breakers tripping after the installation. The installers came out immediately and identified the problem, which was due to the builder’s faulty electrical connections. I contacted the electrician as recommended and my system is running smoothly. I would highly recommend Solar Energy World.” —Yvette J. via the BBB
Unhappy reviewers criticized Solar Energy World’s slow installation times and lack of communication.
“This company took over six months to install my solar [system]. [Solar Energy World] 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. Worst of all, [Solar Energy World] took money from me to upgrade my electric panel, then refused to perform the service. [It] took nearly $1,000 from me and refused to refund it back after rejecting the service. The installation took so long that I am now paying for large energy bills on top of my loan.” —Kelly via the BBB
Tesla is an innovator in the renewable energy field, and its low-profile solar panels are designed for aesthetics. We rated the company 4.3 out of 5 stars based on our review standards. Tesla’s solar products are popular among consumers — it was the third most popular choice for solar installation among respondents to our solar survey.
We like that Tesla offers an instant online estimate tool on its website, a feature that no other solar company on our list has. However, we didn’t rank Tesla higher on our list due to long installation waitlists.
Tesla offers traditional solar panels, solar roofing shingles, EV charging stations and backup battery installations. You can also use the Tesla app to take advantage of system monitoring and 24/7 customer support.
Tesla offers the following financing options: cash purchases, loans, leases or PPAs.
Tesla installs solar panels in every state except Alaska.
Tesla Energy customers liked their sleek system design, friendly installation crew and energy bill savings.
“I met with over a dozen companies before deciding to go with Tesla Solar. Oh my goodness, did I make the right choice! To begin with, its presentation was unlike any other company I interviewed — it really impressed me. I’m overjoyed to have gorgeous black solar panels on my roof! The solar panel installation was painless, and the installation crew was extremely friendly and professional.” —Vance A. via the BBB
“A neighbor referred me to this firm as I had no idea where to start. Being retired, I was concerned about saving money. The system that was built for me was able to save me 50% of my monthly electricity costs. Every dollar counts at my age so I am more than happy to accept those savings.” —Amirat N. via the BBB
Some unhappy customers were dissatisfied with Tesla’s slow response when issues arose.
“Inverter failed less than one month after activation, after waiting about five months to activate the system. Now I have to wait one month [or more] for a technician to replace it. Meanwhile, I’m paying the full power bill and loan. Why did I choose Tesla Solar? The name, cost and it is less likely to go out of business. Would I do it in hindsight? Absolutely not at this moment.” —Darrin D. via the BBB
The availability of our top rated solar companies can vary by location, so we have put together lists of the top providers in a number of states and cities to help you find the best options near you. Find your state or city using the tools below to discover the top providers and learn about money-saving local incentives.
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
Albuquerque | Atlanta | Bakersfield | Chicago | Dallas | Washington D.C. | Denver | Honolulu | Houston | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Sacramento | San Diego | San Francisco | Tucson
When looking for a solar company, some of the most important considerations are cost and financing options, company trustworthiness, and services offered.
Look for a company that offers your preferred financing method and an "all-in" system cost of around $3.50 or less per watt.
Consider companies with many years of experience and good customer reviews on the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google.
Check if the company offers extra services or equipment you might need, like energy audits, solar batteries or EV chargers.
The entire solar installation process can take a few months (or more if there are delays), and the process may look slightly different depending on the solar company. Once you’ve chosen a solar provider, here’s what to expect next:
When researching solar companies, how do you know what to watch out for?
To determine if a company is reputable, Roger Horowitz, director of Go Solar Programs at Solar United Neighbors, recommends that customers make sure to check companies' online reviews and ask for local references. He also recommends comparing quotes and warranties from at least three providers.
Horowitz warns customers: “Watch out for high-pressure sales tactics from companies that don't want you to have time to check references or reviews. In particular, non-reputable companies tend to emphasize ‘special programs’ available for a ‘limited time.’”
At the end of the day, you won’t regret doing your research and taking the time to make the right decision. You can learn more about how to spot solar scams on Solar United Neighbors’ website.
The top-rated solar company on our list is SunPower. SunPower has over 30 years of experience in the industry and has high customer reviews across multiple platforms, so we consider it to be a reputable company based on our solar review standards.
The average U.S. household needs 15 to 20 solar panels to generate enough photovoltaic (PV) energy to meet its needs. However, your household’s average energy usage will largely determine how many solar panels you need.
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most common type of panel for residential installations. Monocrystalline panels are slightly more expensive than polycrystalline solar panels but are also more efficient.
According to our research, the average household in the U.S. can save over $20,000 in energy bills over the lifetime of their solar panels, which is typically 25 years. However, factors like the cost of energy where you live, solar incentives in your state and how much sunlight your roof receives can increase (or decrease) your savings.
According to our 2023 surveys of 2,000 homeowners with solar systems, Blue Raven had the cheapest average cost for an 8 kW solar system at around $20,000–$22,500. However, several other companies on our list had an average cost of $20,000–$25,000 for an 8 kW installation, including Sunrun, Palmetto and Momentum.
Solar panels do not generate electricity at night. However, if you have a solar battery, you can store the energy your panels generate during the day to use at night.
Monocrystalline solar panels are considered the longest-lasting, with an average lifespan of 25 to 40 years. Monocrystalline panels are also the most common type of panel for residential solar installations.
No state currently offers free solar panels. However, there are many solar incentives and rebates available through federal, governments, local governments and utility companies that lower the cost of solar panels. Additionally, many solar companies offer $0 down financing on solar loans.
We closely evaluate solar installation companies with a focus on the factors most important to homeowners like you. We based our solar company methodology on input from multiple homeowner surveys, discussions with industry experts and research into the renewable energy market. Our review process involves assessing each company on the following criteria, which we then use to calculate a rating out of 5 stars.
Faith Wakefield is a writer based in North Carolina. She holds economics and English degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, and her work has been featured on EcoWatch, The World Economic Forum and Today’s Homeowner. In her free time, she loves to binge-watch personal finance videos on YouTube, collect books and spend time in nature.
Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.
Karsten Neumeister is an experienced energy professional with subject-matter expertise in energy policy and the solar and retail energy industries. He is currently the Communications Manager for the Retail Energy Advancement League and has prior experience writing and editing content for EcoWatch. Before EcoWatch, Karsten worked for Solar Alternatives, curating content, advocating for local renewable energy policy and assisting the solar engineering and installation teams. Throughout his career, his work has been featured on various outlets including NPR, SEIA, Bankrate, PV Mag and the World Economic Forum.
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