Consider a world powered by an energy source that is not only abundant and clean, but also dependable and affordable. That is the solar energy promise. As we move toward a more sustainable future, solar panel installation companies are at the forefront of this change, trying to make solar electricity available to both homeowners and businesses. This article will walk you through the ins and outs of the top 15 solar panel installation firms in the United States. We’ll look at their unique offerings, explain the benefits and drawbacks of hiring an installation company, and arm you with the information you need to make an informed decision. So buckle up and join me on this solar-powered adventure.
One of the first considerations you’ll need to make when going solar is whether to engage a professional installation firm or not. While there are benefits to working with experts, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Let’s look at both sides of the debate.
On the plus side, professional solar panel installation companies provide a lot of expertise, ensuring that your system is properly built and installed. This is critical since good installation can make a significant difference in the performance and lifespan of your system. Furthermore, these companies typically provide warranties on their work, giving you peace of mind that any issues will be addressed.
Not to mention, professional installers are familiar with local permitting processes and safety regulations, ensuring that your solar project meets all necessary specifications. They also do the hard lifting, so you don’t have to worry about scaling your roof or dealing with complicated wiring.
However, there are some disadvantages to hiring a solar panel installation company. One of the biggest issues is cost; hiring a professional can be more expensive than a DIY solar panel system, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Furthermore, some installation companies may offer a limited selection of solar panels or systems, which may limit your options when it comes to finding the perfect fit for your home or business.
Finally, the decision to hire a solar panel installation company will be based on your personal needs, preferences, and budget. That is why it is critical to conduct research on various firms and evaluate their products in order to make the best informed decision possible. That’s where this article comes in: we’ll walk you through 15 of the best solar panel installation companies in the United States, including both US-born companies and branches of other international solar panel companies that operate in the US.
It’s critical to have a clear set of criteria in mind while you research different solar panel installation companies to assist you make the best pick. In this section, we’ll go over the essential elements to consider when comparing firms, as well as provide some insight into the various solar panel technologies available.
First and foremost, consider each company’s service offerings. Some suppliers operate on a national scale, while others concentrate on certain regions or states. It’s critical to choose a firm that services your area, and if you’re looking at many houses, a company with larger coverage may be more handy. Consider the variety of products and services provided by each company. Is there a diverse range of solar panels, inverters, and batteries available? Do they offer installation, maintenance, and monitoring? A company that provides all-inclusive solutions can make your switch to solar much easier.
Warranties are another important factor to consider. High-quality solar panel installation firms will usually provide warranties on their materials and workmanship, which can provide you with additional peace of mind. Look for providers who offer excellent warranties that cover both the panels and the installation. Financing alternatives can also have an impact on your decision. Some businesses provide flexible financing options such as leases, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Examine your alternatives and decide which one best suits your financial condition.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of customer reviews. Hearing about other people’s experiences with a company can provide you with crucial insight regarding their professionalism, dependability, and job quality. Look for companies who have a track record of satisfied consumers and a good industry reputation. Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to reveal the top 15 solar panel installation firms in the United States.
In this section, we’ll dive into the solar panel installation industry leaders, providing additional insights into what sets them apart and why they can be good choices for your solar project.
SunPower distinguishes itself as a leading solar provider with its comprehensive reach across all 50 states, setting it apart from many competitors. This reach is further augmented by SunPower’s unique ownership and management of its own manufacturing facility, which enables the company to ensure consistent quality and reliability in their solar equipment. Customers can purchase or lease solar energy systems from SunPower, and whichever they choose, a robust 25-year warranty covering both the system equipment and its installation underscores their purchase. Furthermore, SunPower’s deep industry experience – over three decades – positions it as a veteran company that truly understands solar.
One of SunPower’s flagship offerings is their solar panels, which boast efficiency ratings ranging from an impressive 20.9% to 22.8%, figures that are among the highest in the industry. These figures not only speak to the superior performance of SunPower’s products, but also their dedication to offering the best to their clients. If you have an electric vehicle, the plus side is that Sunpower also installs EV charging stations. However, SunPower’s top-of-the-line offerings and extensive experience do come at a premium, with average costs being higher than those of other installers. It’s also worth mentioning that despite SunPower’s generally commendable customer service, some customers have reported experiencing delays in service when requiring repairs for broken systems.
ADT Solar, formerly known as Sunpro Solar, has grown rapidly in recent years as a result of its emphasis on client happiness and quality installations. ADT Solar retains solid partnerships with some of the most dependable and reputable solar brands in the industry, including Qcells, Enphase Platinum Installer, Silfab Solar, Tesla Powerwall, and Canadian Solar. The company stands behind its offerings with a comprehensive 25-year warranty that covers everything from panels and microinverters to power production guarantee (yes, they will compensate you for the difference between your actual annual production and the guaranteed annual production if the system does not produce the guaranteed annual production). This commitment to quality extends to the flexibility in purchasing options they offer their customers — allowing them to buy, finance, or lease their systems, catering to different financial needs and circumstances.
In addition to its core solar offerings, ADT Solar provides auxiliary services that aim to make the solar transition smoother for its clients. This includes roofing services to swiftly handle roof issues, including repairs and installation for different roofing materials, handled by their roofing company Buildpro. Currently operating in 23 states, their reach is continually growing.
ADT Solar is also noteworthy for its emphasis on sustainability and transparency. The company is openly committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, which they report regularly. However, potential clients should note that some customers have reported longer wait times when contacting customer service. Also, unlike some other solar providers, ADT Solar does not install EV charging stations or conduct energy efficiency audits, which might be a consideration for those looking for a comprehensive suite of energy solutions.
Blue Raven Solar, a proud subsidiary of the solar industry powerhouse SunPower Solar, carries forward the tradition of high-quality equipment and extensive customer options that its parent company is renowned for. In its independent capacity, Blue Raven Solar was already recognized as a leading installation company, and it continues to uphold that standard under new ownership. The company exclusively uses highly efficient monocrystalline solar panels and components from respected manufacturers like Sunpower, Canadian Solar and Trina.
Across 21 states, Blue Raven Solar has established its presence with a team of dedicated installers who prioritize client satisfaction. While they don’t offer solar leasing or power purchase agreement (PPA) solutions, the company has an innovative financing program, BluePowerPlus+, to help ease the financial burden of installation for its customers. One highlight of this program is that it doesn’t require customers to make a payment on their installation for the first 18 months, significantly reducing the initial cost of going solar. Smart Smart is another solar financing option that provides stable monthly solar payments for five years, and like the BluePower Plus+ loan, it also provides 18 months with no solar payments.
Moreover, Blue Raven Solar has an appealing referral program, which rewards customers from $500 up to $1,500 per referral after their third one. They also provide a unique two-year productivity guarantee that promises to meet your electrical demands, and if they fail to do so, BlueRaven commits to upgrading your system at no extra cost. Despite these positives, potential customers should be aware of reported aggressive sales tactics and the absence of EV charging station installation services.
Green Home Systems stands out in the industry due to its vast range of rooftop solar products, which include the latest advancements in solar technology like solar shingles and solar tiles. This variety ensures that every customer can find a solution that meets their specific needs and preferences.
The company provides flexibility not just in products but also in its choice of energy storage and leading American-made solar panels from well-known brands including Panasonic, LG Solar, QCells, LONGi, URE. Green Home Systems also places a high value on aesthetics, ensuring that your solar installation not only functions well but also matches the overall architecture of your home.
This diversified offering, coupled with financing options that include $0 down payment for qualifying customers, makes Green Home Systems a highly attractive choice for prospective solar users. Despite these advantages, potential customers should note that Green Home Systems currently operates in 21 states.
Taking an innovative approach to solar installation, Elevation Solar treats each project as an opportunity to enhance the energy efficiency of an entire home, rather than focusing solely on installing solar panels. This whole-home energy-saving project method ensures that every aspect of a home’s energy usage is optimized for efficiency, thus maximizing the benefits of solar power.
Elevation Solar guarantees the quality of their installations with a comprehensive 25-year product and workmanship warranty, further backed by a comprehensive active monitoring service known as Curb. This ensures that your solar system performs optimally at all times and any potential issues are identified promptly.
They also offer a range of energy efficiency solutions for the whole home, not just for your solar panels. However, they only service 5 states — Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada or Texas— and their customer service is not available 24/7, which might be a disadvantage for some customers who prefer online consultations or need assistance outside of regular business hours.
Momentum Solar partners with a range of panel and component suppliers to provide tailored solar energy systems that meet the unique needs of each customer. Their approach is holistic, guiding you through the entire process and helping you enroll in solar incentive programs to qualify for a solar system with no upfront costs.
To cater to various customer budgets, Momentum Solar offers a range of financing options, making solar energy more accessible. They also provide a 25-year warranty for their equipment and installation workmanship, demonstrating their confidence in the quality of their products and services.
Momentum Solar’s offering is further diversified by its partnership with Enphase, allowing them to provide solar battery storage solutions. They also offer a selection of seven top-tier solar panel brands, enabling better customization to meet individual preferences and requirements. However, potential clients should note that they only operate in 11 states and that their battery storage system is only available in 5 states.
Palmetto Solar stands out in the solar installation market due to its dedication to maintaining the quality of service even after the installation is completed. They work towards establishing long-term relationships with their customers by offering various monitoring and maintenance agreements post-installation, ensuring that your solar system continues to perform optimally for years to come.
Palmetto Solar installs solar panels from the market leader QCells, and provides the full range of system components, including battery storage. Recently, Palmetto Solar has added solar panels with 25-year product and performance warranties to its offering, reinforcing their commitment to providing high-quality, durable products. They offer a unique tiered protection plan for their solar panel systems and back their panels with 25-year workmanship, product, and performance warranties, providing you peace of mind.
Palmetto Solar provides a wide range of solar services to 25 states, including roof leak detection and repair, solar panel cleaning, three levels of monitoring and servicing, a powerful mobile app, and a variety of payment and financing plans. However, they do not provide 24/7 customer support, which might be a drawback for some customers.
Tesla has revolutionized solar power with their groundbreaking designs that include traditional solar panels and innovative solar roofing shingles, available in 40 states. These shingles are designed to blend seamlessly with the aesthetics of your home, generating solar energy without compromising on looks. Even with their standard solar panels, Tesla maintains a minimalist, low-profile aesthetic, enhancing the appearance of your home while increasing its energy efficiency. Each installation also includes Tesla’s state-of-the-art Powerwall storage and inverter system for optimal performance. They also offer 24/7 mobile monitoring to keep track of your energy production in real time. While alternative solar roof manufacturers have emerged, Tesla says that if you find a lower price within two weeks of your installation, they will match it.
However, Tesla’s offerings do come with a few considerations. The company offers pre-set packages of panel arrays with different energy-production levels. In other words, customers cannot customize the configuration of the panel arrays and must choose from the available pre-determined options. Despite this, Tesla offers options for solar panels and roofs through partnerships with third-party installers, and stands by their products with a 25-year performance warranty and 12.5 years of inverter coverage, proving their dedication to customer satisfaction and product quality.
Trinity Solar, a family-run business, has made a name for itself as a trusted solar solution provider on the East Coast. With a geographical footprint that spans 9 states from Florida to Massachusetts, they’ve carved out a unique niche for themselves as specialists in East Coast solar needs. They collaborate with a range of manufacturers, including QCells, Tesla, Generac, and SolarEdge, enabling them to construct an optimized solar energy system for the unique environmental conditions of the Eastern US. Trinity Solar stands out for its customer-friendly financial solutions that include financing and zero-down solar leasing, along with a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) option.
With a generous referral program, customers have the opportunity to benefit from advocating Trinity’s services. When you add a battery backup to your solar system, you can even select what to energize in the event of a power outage. The battery is quiet, low-maintenance, and seamless. Despite offering robust 25-year warranties on solar panels and a five-year installation coverage, Trinity’s inverter warranties have a shorter 12-year lifespan. However, customers do have the option to extend this warranty to a more comprehensive 25-year coverage, thereby securing their investment for the long term.
Freedom Solar Power specializes in residential solar panel installations, including Spanish tile, standing seam metal, corrugated, and flat roofs. They provide pre-construction consultancy and collaborate closely with builders/contractors to ensure the seamless integration of solar panels into new structures. They also offer ground-mounted solar energy systems and solar carports, and every installation includes premium SunPower solar technology. Their services are backed by the Complete Freedom warranty, which covers 25 years of performance, 25 years of product, and 25 years of workmanship.
Freedom Solar provides residential battery backup systems in addition to solar panel installations to ensure uninterrupted power supply. They offer solar battery backup power systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall, as well as household generators, such as Kohler Generators, to give reliable backup power during outages. As a SunPower Master Dealer, they are authorized to install SunPower panels, demonstrating their industry knowledge and reputation. Freedom Solar is a trusted provider of residential solar solutions due to their wide variety of services and commitment to excellence. However, they only serve 5 states, with a focus on the southern United States.
Sunrun is widely regarded as one of the most reputable solar installation firms in the United States. Despite bad customer reviews and being perceived as more expensive than competitors, the company offers a comprehensive solar installation process that includes inverters, backup batteries, home energy monitoring, and even EV chargers.
Despite the conflicting opinions from customers, Sunrun collaborates with respected firms such as LG, LONGi, and Tesla to ensure the availability of high-quality products. Sunrun, which operates in 20 states, provides a 25-year warranty, which is industry standard, as well as a 10-year warranty to cover any roof damage experienced during installation. Customers who buy solar arrays should rely on the warranties given by the panel manufacturers.
Solar Energy World, founded in 2009, is a highly rated and award-winning regional solar panel installation company that serves both residential and commercial property owners in 8 states: Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, and Washington DC. Solar Energy World is the region’s fastest-growing independently owned solar installation firm, with an outstanding reputation and sustained growth. They provide a comprehensive choice of solar panel and solar battery brands, having formed solid ties with manufacturers all around the world, including the United States and Canada.
Solar Energy World only uses the greatest quality solar equipment on the market, cooperating with renowned manufacturers such as Silfab Solar, LONGi Solar, and QCells for solar panels and Solaredge, Enphase, and Fronius for solar inverters. To ensure client satisfaction, Solar Energy World offers comprehensive installation warranties that correspond to the warranty periods offered by panel and inverter manufacturers, which typically range from 20 to 25 years and cover all solar panel and solar energy equipment installed.
GAF Energy, an affiliate of North America’s leading roofing manufacturer, GAF, has harnessed its in-depth roofing expertise to design and produce the DecoTech® Solar System. This innovative solution integrates solar panels directly into the roof, creating a sleek and aesthetic design that enhances the home’s appearance while also safeguarding it from the elements. This unique collaboration between GAF Energy and its parent company guarantees a one-stop solution for both solar installation and roofing needs, managed by industry experts.
Prioritizing aesthetics alongside functionality, GAF Energy’s roof-integrated solar products are built with a keen eye for design and superior water-shedding capabilities. These solar roofs, admired for their low-profile and precision-crafted design, are a beautiful addition to any home. The installation process is handled by GAF-certified roofing contractors, professionals renowned globally for their roofing expertise. It’s important to note, though, that these contractors, while enrolled in the GAF factory certified contractor programs, are independent and are not employees of GAF or GAF Energy. This ensures that customers receive not only the best products but also benefit from top-tier, specialized installation services. Consequently, GAF Energy’s solar solutions are as remarkable in performance as they are in appearance.
Energy Pal caters to a diverse range of customer needs by offering multiple solar packages, including options for solar panels alone, partial home backup, and whole home backup with off-grid capabilities. While EnergyPal doesn’t manufacture its panels, it provides customers with assurance regarding their quality by offering a 25-year equipment warranty and rate hike protection. Furthermore, EnergyPal includes an energy monitoring device and a dedicated app to help customers keep track of their energy usage.
The company excels at creating customized plans that align with the specific energy needs of each customer. Their consultants work closely with customers, assisting them in comparing solar panels and energy storage devices from various manufacturers to design a comprehensive package. EnergyPal also handles all aspects of the installation process, including site assessment, engineering plans, permit submission, and utility applications. Although EnergyPal operates in 30 states across the USA, Washington D.C., and Canada, it offers competitive pricing and extends special discounts to military members and first responders.
Titan Solar Power offers a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to solar installation. The process starts with an initial consultation, during which potential customers discuss their home’s energy needs and expectations for solar. Following this, a home inspection is performed to gather necessary measurements and assess the suitability of the home for a solar system. Once the design of the system is approved by the customer, Titan Solar pulls the necessary permits and schedules the installation date.
Although the installation process is typically completed in a day, some customers have reported longer time frames and gaps between workdays. Despite this, the company remains committed to ensuring that each system is commissioned properly, enabling the panels to begin producing energy effectively. However, Titan Solar Power has received mixed reviews for its customer service, with some customers citing lack of communication and poor follow-up. It’s worth noting that the company outsources much of its work to third-party installers, which may contribute to the variability in customer service experiences.
We uncovered a broad selection of solar panel installation companies, each with unique services, innovative solutions, and a commitment to customer happiness. There is no shortage of options for homeowners and companies wishing to switch to solar energy, ranging from industry stalwarts like SunPower and Tesla to rising stars like Freedom Solar Power.
Consider aspects such as service locations, product offers, warranties, financing options, and customer reviews to help you make the right decision for your solar project. Each company we’ve examined has its own set of advantages, and by taking your individual wants and preferences into account, you’ll be well-equipped to select the solar panel installation company that’s right for you.
As you begin your solar journey, you will not only benefit from lower energy bills and increased energy independence, but you will also be helping the environment by embracing clean, renewable energy. So, harness the power of the sun and join the growing number of people around the world who are using solar energy to power their homes and businesses.
Most home installations range from $5,000 to $35,000, with a fully-equipped system costing an average of $16,000, depending on the kind, model, and other factors. This does not include any tax credits or other incentives, nor does it assess the cost savings when you cease paying for electricity.
Solar panels should be cleaned at least once or twice a year, depending on the amount of dirt, dust, and debris in the area. A buildup of filth or particles will reduce the efficiency of your system.
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