The 11 Best Solar Companies of June 2023

If you want to make the switch to solar energy, some of our top recommendations for solar installers are SunPower, Sunrun, ADT Solar and Blue Raven Solar. 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.

When looking for a solar company, some of the most important considerations are cost and financing options, company trustworthiness, and services offered.

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.

Here are our top picks for the best and most reputable solar companies in 2023:

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.

SunPower offers customers several financing options to choose from. Customers can pay for their solar system using a cash purchase, a loan, a lease or a power purchase agreement (PPA).

SunPower is available in all 50 states.

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.

Sunrun offers solar, backup battery and EV charger installations. 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.

ADT Solar earned 4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. It was the most popular provider in our solar survey — 239 out of 1,000 respondents reported choosing ADT Solar to complete their home installation. We like that ADT offers 24/7 customer service and has a mobile app for easy system monitoring.

Based on our survey, most ADT Solar customers were quoted between $15,000 to $20,000 for a complete solar energy system, but some respondents reported totals closer to $25,000.

ADT offers solar installation, backup battery installation and system monitoring.

ADT solar systems can be purchased using either cash or a loan.

ADT currently services 23 states: Arizona, Arkansas, 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.

ADT's website also says it is "coming soon" to seven additional states: Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and West Virginia.

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.

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 solar panels can be purchased using cash or by taking out a loan.

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.

Elevation earned 4.4 out of 5 stars under our review standards. If you’re looking for a company that can integrate renewable energy across your entire home, Elevation may be a good option. It will design a solar system for your home that incorporates monocrystalline solar panels, microinverters, EV chargers and solar batteries — everything you need for a home fully powered by renewable energy.

Elevation offers solar and backup battery installations, energy efficiency audits and system monitoring.

Elevation solar systems can be purchased using either cash or a loan

Elevation currently only services Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and Texas.

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.

Freedom Solar offers solar panel and backup battery installations, home generators, off-grid solar power systems and system monitoring. It also has system de-installation and reinstallation to complete roof remodels or repairs.

Although Freedom Solar does not install EV chargers, it will help you connect your EV charger 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.

Green Home Systems earned 4 out of 5 stars based on our review standards. If you’re looking for the widest selection of clean energy brands and products, Green Home Systems has you covered. It offers a range of rooftop solar products, including the latest in solar technology like solar shingles and solar tiles. Plus, Green Home allows you to choose from multiple energy storage and panel manufacturers, including Enphase, SolarEdge and LONGi.

Green Home Systems offers: solar panels, solar roofing, backup battery and EV charger installations, backup generators, energy efficiency audits and system monitoring.

Green Home Systems allows customers to purchase solar equipment using cash purchases or loans.

Green Home Systems services 10 states: California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wyoming.

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.

Palmetto offers solar installation, backup battery and 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.

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 installs solar panels and backup batteries.

Momentum caters to a variety of financial needs by offering cash purchases, loans, leases and PPAs.

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.

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.

Solar Energy World offers the following financing options: Cash purchases, leases and PPAs.

Solar Energy World services nine states and territories: Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Florida and Washington, D.C.

We rated Tesla 4.3 out of 5 stars based on our review standards. Tesla is an innovator in the renewable energy field, and its low-profile solar panels are designed for aesthetics. 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.

Compare our top-rated solar panel installation brands using the chart below:

Provider

Avg. Cost of a 10-kW System

BBB rating

Compare Quotes

SunPower

$15,000–$20,000+

A+

Get Quote

Sunrun

$15,000–$20,000

A-

Get Quote

ADT Solar

$15,000–$20,000

A+

Get Quote

Blue Raven Solar

$15,000–$20,000+

A

Get Quote

Elevation

$10,000–$15,000+

A+

Get Quote

Freedom Solar

$25,000–$30,000

A+

Get Quote

Green Home Systems

$20,000–$25,000

A+

Get Quote

Palmetto Solar

$15,000–$20,000

A+

Get Quote

Momentum Solar

$20,000–$25,000

A+

Get Quote

Solar Energy World

$25,000

A+

Get Quote

Tesla Energy

$25,000–$30,000

A+

See More

*Note: Pricing data is based on responses to our March 2023 solar cost survey of 1,000 homeowners with solar systems.

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:

Every solar panel system is different. Multiple factors can determine how much you’ll pay to go solar, including your home's location, the size of your roof, how much sunlight your roof receives, your panel brand, the solar installer and more.

Based on our March 2023 poll of 1,000 homeowners with solar panels, the average solar system costs between $15,001 and $20,000.

To get a personalized cost estimate, start with our solar calculator or request quotes from solar installers near you.

Find A Solar Panel Installer in Your State

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

If you are a U.S. resident, you are eligible to claim the federal tax credit when you install solar panels and solar accessories like backup batteries. This credit, which applies to federal taxes you owe, is worth 30% of the total cost of your solar system. Currently, the credit is scheduled to decrease to 26% in 2033 and drop to 22% in 2034 before expiring in 2035.

So if your solar panel system costs $20,000, your tax credit would be worth $6,000. If you don't owe that much in federal taxes the year you file, you can roll over the credit for up to five years.

Most states offer additional incentives and tax credits for going solar. Make sure to ask your local solar contractor about incentives in your state and how to apply.

As of January 2023, the average cost of electricity in the U.S. is 16.8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the highest ever reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you have a solar system that generates enough electricity to meet your household's needs, you can avoid paying your full utility bills for however long your solar system is functioning. In turn, you can use these savings to pay off your system.

For example, say your solar array costs $20,000. Based on the average U.S. monthly energy bill (adjusted annually for inflation), you could pay off your system in 12 years just using the average amount you’d save on energy bills. Considering most solar panels have a minimum lifetime of 25 years, you would enjoy at least 13 years of free electricity after you’ve paid off your entire system.

The average U.S. household uses 10,632 kWh of energy annually, which equals $1,786 in energy bills every year. With a $20,000 system, you’d be saving a total of roughly $24,647 over the lifetime of your panels if your system offsets your energy consumption entirely, or around $13,488 if it offsets 75%. However, your return on investment when going solar could be even higher if any of the following apply:

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.

We closely evaluated seven crucial factors according to our solar panel installation company methodology to rank the best providers in the industry. Based on a 100-point scale, we came up with each provider's score out of five stars. Here's how we assessed each company:

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.