Top 10 Solar Panel Companies for Homeowners
By Sheila Morgan | Published: 2023-10-27 | Category: Solar Panel Companies
About Solar Panel Companies
Solar panel companies design, sell, install, and sometimes maintain photovoltaic systems for residential and commercial properties, enabling users to generate their own electricity from sunlight. These services often include system monitoring and financing options.
How We Evaluated
Providers were assessed based on their service offerings, geographic availability, customer satisfaction reports, warranty terms, and financing flexibility. Scores reflect a synthesis of publicly available data and industry reputation.
Rating Criteria
- → Warranty Quality
- → Service Offerings
- → Customer Satisfaction
- → Geographic Coverage
- → Financing Options
The Best Solar Panel Companies
Trinity Solar
Visit Website →One of the largest privately-held residential solar installers, primarily serving the Northeast US.
Target Audience
Residential
Service Offerings
Solar Panel Installation
Full-service solar installation for homes.
- Handles consultation, design, permitting, installation
Financing Options
Offers various ways to pay for solar.
- Purchase
- Loan options
- Solar PPA
- Lease options
Scorecard (Overall: 3.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Quote-based
Provides custom quotes with multiple financing plans.
Pros
- + Long company history and experience
- + Wide range of financing options including PPA and lease
- + Strong presence in the Northeast
- + Often receives positive customer service feedback
Cons
- - Limited geographic coverage, focused mainly on Northeastern states
- - Warranty details may vary depending on financing and equipment
Verdict
"A reliable and experienced choice with flexible financing, particularly suitable for homeowners in the Northeastern US."
Freedom Forever
Visit Website →Residential solar installer known for its 25-year production guarantee, ensuring system performance.
Target Audience
Residential
Service Offerings
Solar Panel Installation
Designs and installs home solar energy systems.
- Utilizes various panel and inverter brands
25-Year Production Guarantee
Guarantees the system will produce the electricity promised in the contract for 25 years.
- Covers system performance, parts, and labor for repair
- Will compensate for energy shortfall if guarantee is not met
Financing Options
Offers options for purchase and loans.
- Partners with various lenders
Scorecard (Overall: 3.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Quote-based
Custom pricing based on system size and home specifics.
Pros
- + Strong 25-year production guarantee provides performance assurance
- + Covers system, labor, and performance
- + Wide network of independent authorized dealers
- + Fast installation timeline claims
Cons
- - Customer service experiences can vary depending on the local dealer
- - Heavy reliance on dealer network can lead to inconsistent experiences
- - Production guarantee has specific conditions and calculation methods
Verdict
"A compelling choice for homeowners prioritizing a long-term production guarantee for peace of mind on system output."
Elevation
Visit Website →Focuses on whole-home energy solutions, combining solar with energy efficiency upgrades.
Target Audience
Residential
Service Offerings
Solar Panel Installation
Installs residential solar systems.
- Often paired with energy efficiency measures
Energy Efficiency Audits & Upgrades
Provides home energy audits and implements efficiency improvements.
- Air sealing
- Insulation
- Smart thermostats
- Energy monitoring
Curb Energy Monitoring
Advanced home energy monitoring system.
- Real-time energy usage tracking
- Identifies energy waste
Scorecard (Overall: 3.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Quote-based
Quotes typically include both solar and efficiency measures. Financing options available.
Pros
- + Holistic approach combining solar and energy efficiency
- + Potential for greater overall energy savings
- + Advanced energy monitoring technology
- + Focuses on reducing consumption before sizing solar
Cons
- - More complex offering than just solar panels
- - Geographic availability is limited
- - May be more expensive upfront due to combined services
Verdict
"Best for homeowners seeking a comprehensive energy overhaul, not just solar panels, to maximize savings and efficiency."
Palmetto Solar
Visit Website →A technology-focused solar company offering streamlined processes and strong customer support.
Target Audience
Residential
Service Offerings
Solar Panel Installation
Residential solar energy systems with integrated tech platform.
- Uses software for efficient quoting and design
- Offers various equipment brands
Palmetto Protect
Customer support and system monitoring service.
- Active system monitoring
- Customer support access
- Tiered protection plans available
Financing
Provides options for purchase, loan, and potentially lease/PPA.
- Assists with finding financing solutions
Scorecard (Overall: 4.0 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Quote-based
Custom quotes based on energy needs and system design.
Pros
- + Technology-driven approach for efficiency
- + Good customer support reputation
- + Offers tiered protection and monitoring plans
- + Expanding geographic footprint
Cons
- - May rely on certified partners for installation in some areas
- - Protection plans may involve additional costs
Verdict
"A solid option for homeowners who appreciate a tech-forward approach and dedicated customer support platform."
Blue Raven Solar
Visit Website →Known for its innovative BluePower+ financing plan and customer focus, now part of SunPower.
Target Audience
Residential
Service Offerings
Solar Panel Installation
Residential solar installations using high-quality panels.
- In-house installation teams
- Focus on Tier-1 monocrystalline panels
BluePower+ Financing
Unique financing model combining benefits of lease and loan.
- 18 months of free solar power
- Standard loan payments after initial period
- System ownership
Warranties
Offers standard manufacturer warranties plus production guarantee.
- 25-year manufacturer warranty
- 10-year workmanship warranty
- 2-year productivity guarantee
Scorecard (Overall: 3.8 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Quote-based
Emphasis on their BluePower+ loan product; standard purchase options likely available.
Pros
- + Highly rated for customer satisfaction
- + Innovative BluePower+ financing option
- + Uses in-house installation crews
- + Now backed by SunPower
Cons
- - Limited geographic coverage compared to national players
- - Warranty package is good but not as comprehensive as SunPower's own offering
- - Productivity guarantee is only 2 years
Verdict
"Excellent choice for customer-centric service and innovative financing, especially appealing for those who qualify for BluePower+."
Momentum Solar
Visit Website →A large, fast-growing residential solar installer focused on providing a concierge-level customer experience.
Target Audience
Residential
Service Offerings
Solar Panel Installation
Full-service residential solar installation.
- Handles design, permitting, and installation
- Uses various high-quality panel and inverter brands
Financing Options
Offers purchase, loan, PPA, and lease options.
- Flexible financing to suit different customer needs
Customer Service Focus
Emphasizes a dedicated point of contact throughout the process.
- Concierge service model
Scorecard (Overall: 4.0 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Quote-based
Provides customized quotes with various financing options.
Pros
- + Strong focus on customer experience
- + Wide range of financing options available
- + Uses quality equipment
- + Rapidly expanding service area
Cons
- - Service area still more limited than national giants like Sunrun
- - Relatively newer compared to some competitors like SunPower
Verdict
"A good choice for homeowners prioritizing customer service and flexible financing in their service areas."
ADT Solar
Visit Website →Previously Sunpro Solar, now backed by ADT, offering solar and battery installations with strong warranty packages.
Target Audience
Residential
Service Offerings
Solar Panel Installation
Installation of residential solar panel systems.
- Uses reputable panel brands
- Professional installation teams
Battery Storage
Offers home battery solutions, often featuring Enphase.
- Backup power capability
- Energy independence
ADT Guarantee
Comprehensive warranty package.
- 25-year labor guarantee
- 25-year power production guarantee
- 25-year panel module performance guarantee
- 25-year Enphase microinverter warranty
Scorecard (Overall: 4.0 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Quote-based
Offers purchase and loan options.
Pros
- + Strong 25-year warranties covering labor, production, and equipment
- + Backed by the reputable ADT brand
- + Experienced installer (as Sunpro)
- + Offers quality equipment
Cons
- - Integration with ADT is still relatively new
- - Primarily focused on purchase/loan, fewer lease/PPA options
- - Some reports of aggressive sales tactics (common in industry)
Verdict
"A strong contender for those seeking robust warranty protection and the reassurance of a well-known parent company."
Tesla Energy
Visit Website →Offers integrated solar panel and Solar Roof systems with Powerwall battery storage, known for sleek aesthetics and tech integration.
Target Audience
Residential, Commercial
Service Offerings
Solar Panels
Standard solar panel installations.
- Uses various panel manufacturers
- Sleek, low-profile design
Solar Roof
Solar generating roof tiles that replace traditional roofing materials.
- Integrated solar generation and roofing
- Durable tempered glass tiles
Powerwall
Home battery system for energy storage and backup power.
- 13.5 kWh usable capacity
- Seamless backup transition
- Load shifting capabilities
Scorecard (Overall: 3.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Quote-based
Often competitive pricing, particularly when ordering online. Offers purchase and loan options.
Pros
- + Integrated ecosystem (Panels/Roof + Powerwall)
- + Competitive pricing, especially for online standard configurations
- + Sleek aesthetics and brand recognition
- + Powerwall is a leading battery solution
Cons
- - Customer service is frequently criticized for responsiveness
- - Limited panel brand choice compared to others
- - Solar Roof installation is complex and can face delays
Verdict
"Best for tech-savvy homeowners valuing aesthetics and a tightly integrated solar + storage system, particularly the Powerwall."
Sunrun
Visit Website →One of the largest residential solar installers in the US, primarily focused on solar lease and PPA agreements.
Target Audience
Residential
Service Offerings
Solar Panel Installation
Offers solar panel systems often bundled with battery storage.
- Professional installation
- Brightbox battery storage
- System monitoring
Financing Options
Specializes in solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
- Monthly lease option
- Prepaid lease option
- PPA option
- Full purchase option available
Protection & Maintenance
Includes monitoring, maintenance, repairs, and insurance with lease/PPA plans.
- 10-year workmanship warranty
- Manufacturer warranties on panels/inverters (typically 25 years)
- Comprehensive coverage with lease/PPA
Scorecard (Overall: 4.2 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Quote-based
Strong emphasis on $0-down lease and PPA options; purchase and loan options also available.
Pros
- + Largest residential installer with wide availability
- + Excellent financing options, especially leases/PPAs
- + Comprehensive protection and maintenance included with leases/PPAs
- + Offers battery storage solutions
Cons
- - Customer service reviews can be mixed
- - Lease/PPA focus may not suit those seeking ownership benefits
- - Warranty details differ significantly between purchase and lease/PPA
Verdict
"Ideal for customers prioritizing low upfront costs via lease or PPA options and seeking wide service availability."
View Top Ranked Provider
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SunPower
Visit Website →A long-standing leader known for high-efficiency panels and comprehensive warranty coverage.
Target Audience
Residential, Commercial
Service Offerings
Solar Panel Installation
Installation of high-efficiency Maxeon solar panels.
- Turnkey installation service
- Integrated SunVault storage solutions
- System monitoring app
Complete Confidence Warranty
Covers panels, microinverters, and racking for 25 years, including labor.
- 25-year performance guarantee
- 25-year product warranty
- 25-year labor warranty
Scorecard (Overall: 4.6 / 5.0)
Pricing Model
Quote-based
Offers direct purchase, loan, lease, and PPA options through financing partners.
Pros
- + Industry-leading panel efficiency
- + Comprehensive 25-year warranty covering parts, labor, and performance
- + Vertically integrated (designs and manufactures panels)
- + Multiple financing options
Cons
- - Often higher upfront cost compared to competitors
- - May use certified local installers rather than direct employees everywhere
Verdict
"Best for homeowners seeking top-tier panel efficiency and the most comprehensive warranty."
Final Recommendation
The solar panel installation market offers numerous options, varying in panel quality, warranty coverage, financing flexibility, and geographic reach. Top providers like SunPower excel with premium products and warranties, while others like Sunrun lead in lease/PPA options and national coverage. Evaluating individual needs regarding budget, ownership preference, and desired warranty is crucial.