Best Solar Installation Companies in 2024
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Solar energy is one of the most innovative industries paving the future. Not only does it help you reduce your environmental impact, but it also saves you money on your electric bills and boosts your home value.
There are many solar companies to choose from, and you may not be sure where to start. We carefully researched more than 20 of the best solar companies to see how they compared on product selection and performance, price, customer service, availability, financing options, and warranties. We also read more than 100 customer reviews for each provider to see what real customers had to say about doing business with the company. Here are the seven solar providers that came out on top.
Top Solar Companies of 2024
Consider these top solar installation companies if you’re thinking about going solar:
- Sunpower: Most Experienced
- Sunrun: Best for Home Builders
- Blue Raven Solar: Best In-House Financing
- Palmetto Solar: Most Protection
- Momentum Solar: Best for Guided Services
- Tesla Solar: Most Aesthetic
Compare Solar Installation Companies
| Star Rating | Location Presence | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower |  | 50 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Sunrun |  | 21 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Blue Raven Solar |  | 18 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Palmetto Solar |  | 20 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Momentum Solar |  | 11 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Tesla Solar |  | 50 States | A+ | Get Quote |
| Blue Raven Solar | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 18 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Palmetto Solar | |
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| Logo |
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 20 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Momentum Solar | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 11 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Tesla Solar | |
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| Logo |
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 50 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
Our Top Solar Installation Company Picks
What to Expect From Your Solar Installation Inspection
Each solar installation requires a home inspection, which helps the solar installer know what rigging system is required and what kind of panels, inverters, energy storage systems, and other vital components you will need. Overall, the purpose of the solar inspection is to ensure all the details are right for your home’s solar panels to work for the next 25 to 30 years.
An extra step you can take to streamline the solar inspection process is reaching out to your local government to vet an installer before having them come to your home. Astrawatt Solar’s director of marketing, Tyler Adams, says:
“Your county government can tell you if a solar installer is licensed and is in good standing with the local government.” He also recommends contacting your local utility company about going solar. “Many local utility companies will provide homeowners with a list of questions to ask a solar installer. Any good solar installer will be able to answer those questions and can use those as a guide for what to expect as you convert your home to using solar energy.”
Solar installation inspections tend to follow these steps:
- Roof inspection: The company takes roof measurements to check the fit and dimension of the solar power system. It identifies any existing roof obstructions and discusses modifications to the proposed layout based on these findings. In addition, roof damage, including broken tiles and worn shingles, are photographed.
- Attic inspection: A solar installer checks your attic for accessibility, as well as the truss layout.
- Electrical inspection: The solar company evaluates your home’s current electrical system. Using these findings, the company creates a utility interconnection plan. It also notes the locations of electrical conduits and disconnecting means.
- Internet inspection: An installer may ask about your internet access to determine if performance monitoring hardware should be installed.
Benefits of Installing Solar Panels
Solar panels help your home and the environment in numerous ways. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Save money on your energy bills: Solar panels help to lower your energy costs. A solar system may even eliminate your utility bills, depending on your energy usage.
- Earn tax credits: Another major incentive to solar panels is tax credits and rebates. Rebates vary according to your state, so we encourage you to use the State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency Database to see what specific rebates and state tax credits are in your zip code. You may also take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit, the solar investment tax credit (ITC). If your on-grid system generates excess energy, you may earn solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs), which allow you to earn money by giving energy back to the power grid and your community.
- Increase your home’s value: Based on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) findings, every dollar saved on energy through a solar system increases home value by $20. Your home receives a 20-to-1 return on its value from solar panels. Therefore, a solar energy system is not just an investment for your energy bills but your property value, too.
- Save the environment: It’s no secret that solar energy leads the charge for energy-efficient renewable energy. Not only do you reduce your carbon footprint and help your community move away from fossil fuels, but you also improve public health. Coal and natural gas plants produce air and water pollution harmful to human health, and solar produces clean energy.
How Much Does a Solar Installation Cost?
Various factors influence solar panel costs. EnergySage estimates the average cost for a typical 6-kilowatt (kW, or 6,000 watts) residential rooftop solar system is approximately $16,600. After factoring in the 30% federal tax credit, that’s roughly $12,300 before applying any other solar incentives.
Solar Panel Pricing
The type of solar panel you order influences your total price. For example, the average cost for monocrystalline solar panels is $1 to $1.50 per watt, so a standard 6 kW system costs $6,000 to $9,000. The average cost for polycrystalline solar panels is $0.90 to $1 per watt, making it $5,400 to $6,000 total.
Type of Panel | Cost Per Watt | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Monocrystalline |
$1—$1.50 |
$6,000–$9,000 |
|
Polycrystalline |
$0.90–$1 |
$5,400–$6,000 |
|
Thin-film |
$1–$1.50 |
$6,000–$9,000 |
Other Cost Factors
Below are some other factors to consider when determining how much a solar system might cost.
- Labor: Expect labor fees to be around 25% of the system cost. For example, if you purchase a monocrystalline solar system for $10,000, your labor costs will be around $2,500.
- Additional equipment: Residential solar systems sometimes require a battery to store energy and an inverter to convert your photovoltaic (PV) solar panels’ variable direct current (DC) output into alternating current (AC). Most solar companies include an inverter in your solar system’s design. Requesting dditional components or a specific brand of solar battery and inverter, such as a Tesla Powerwall solar battery, costs more.
- Payment option: The type of payment option you use for your solar system also influences the total cost of your system over time. Purchasing the system up-front is the most cost-effective option. However, you may also opt for a solar loan or other solar financing options. Less cost-effective options include a solar lease or entering a power purchase agreement (PPA). You don’t own the system with these options and instead pay to rent the equipment from a solar provider.
How Do I Get a Solar Quote?
We went through the quote process with each provider on our list to see what the experience was at each company. All installers except for Blue Raven Solar, Palmetto Solar, and Tesla include a Get a Quote option in the top right corner of their webiste’s homepage. Clicking this link takes you to a form to fill out with information about your home. Most forms ask for basic contact information, location, and home size. Providers ask for your location and home size to gauge how suitable your home is for a solar system. Some providers ask for more detailed home information, such as how shaded your roof is. The online quote process takes just a few minutes.
The remaining companies have a clearly listed phone number at the top of the home page you can call to get a quote. Tesla also features the option to get a free virtual consultation in which you can discuss your project and get a quote. When we called Blue Raven Solar, we were asked for similar information, such as location and roof size and orientation in regard to the sun. We were given a quote in less than 10 minutes over the phone.
Our Recommendation
Working toward energy independence is a long-term project that requires various products and services. It’s important to assess your specific needs and priorities to choose the best solar installer for your home.
We recommend SunPower as one of our top companies due to its experience and high-efficiency systems. We also like Momentum, which provides excellent services integrated with established net-metering programs, high-quality solar energy systems, and a comprehensive warranty. Finally, Blue Raven Solar has more locations than our other top choices and is the best option if you’re looking for a clear and established financing program.
We recommend getting quotes from at least three solar installers in your area to compare offerings. Use our tool below to get started.
Best Solar Companies FAQ
How long do solar panels last?
On average, solar panels tend to last between 25 and 30 years.
On what types of roofs can solar panels be installed?
Solar panels can be installed on almost any type of roof. Panels are attached to your roof with a racking system. Your solar installer will recommend the racking system that is most appropriate for your property based on your roofing material and design.
Do backup batteries make money like a solar system does?
Because electricity rate structures incentivize giving energy back to the power grid and not battery storage in a home, backup batteries do not help you earn money like solar panels do.
Does going solar affect my insurance?
A report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) states that most solar systems should be covered as part of a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider before you install your solar energy system, so you can know how the change may influence your coverage.
What is the process to get my system permitted?
The process to get your system permitted varies based on location, as it’s handled by local municipalities. However, you shouldn’t need to file any local permits yourself unless you do a do-it-yourself (DIY) installation. If you hire a professional installation team, your solar energy company should handle all the permitting. “60 days is a pretty good average from the contract-signing to installation,” says Tyler Tucker, the chief development officer of Astrawatt Solar. He adds that this process may take longer if your solar installation requires HOA approval.
Other Helpful Solar Guides
- Best Solar Panels for Homes
- What Is the Cost of Solar?
- Guide to the Types of Solar Panels
- Federal Solar Tax Credit for Homeowners
How We Chose the Top Solar Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services and products on several significant factors. Factors include the types of solar panels they offer and their quality, customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits for homeowners, such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.
Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
We evaluated each provider based on their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.
Read more: Our Methodology
