Best Solar Companies

• Momentum Solar: Best Standard Warranty
• Blue Raven Solar: Best Financing Options
• Qcells: Best for Efficiency
• Elevation Solar: Best for Energy-Efficient Upgrades
• Sunrun: Best for Solar Leases and PPAs
• Palmetto Solar: Best Customer Service Options
• SunLux: Best Warranty Options
• Trinity Solar: Best Roof and Solar Option
• Tesla: Best for Aesthetics

We considered two dozen solar companies (from installers to direct manufacturers) to come up with our list. We took into account factors such as warranty length and details, years in business and standings in our solar survey to help determine this ranking.

Momentum Solar

4.5

Get Started

From Participating Partners

Best For

Best Standard Warranty

Warranty

25-year warranty for equipment and workmanship, 5-year roof penetration warranty

Blue Raven Solar

4.2

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From Participating Partners

Best For

Best Financing Options

Warranty

25-year equipment warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty

Qcells

4.0

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From Participating Partners

Best For

Best for Efficiency

Warranty

Up to 30 year product and performance warranty

Elevation Solar

4.0

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From Participating Partners

Best For

Best for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Warranty

25 years on panels and labor, 10 years for roof penetration

Sunrun

3.9

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From Participating Partners

Best For

Best for Solar Leases and PPAs

Warranty

10-year workmanship guarantee, 10-year roof penetration warranty, panel warranty varies by manufacturer

Palmetto Solar

3.8

Get Started

From Participating Partners

Best For

Best Customer Service Options

Warranty

25-year panel warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty

SunLux

3.8

Get Started

From Participating Partners

Best For

Best Warranty Options

Warranty

25-year comprehensive warranty

Trinity Solar

3.8

Get Started

From Participating Partners

Best For

Best Roof and Solar Option

Warranty

25-year equipment warranty, 10 year labor warranty

Tesla

3.7

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From Participating Partners

Best For

Best for Aesthetics

Warranty

25-year panel performance warranty, 10-year comprehensive warranty

COMPANY	FORBES HOME RATING	BEST FOR	WARRANTY	LEARN MORE
Momentum Solar	4.5	Best Standard Warranty	25-year warranty for equipment and workmanship, 5-year roof penetration warranty	Get Started From Participating Partners
Blue Raven Solar	4.2	Best Financing Options	25-year equipment warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty	Get Started From Participating Partners
Qcells	4.0	Best for Efficiency	Up to 30 year product and performance warranty	Get Started From Participating Partners
Elevation Solar	4.0	Best for Energy-Efficient Upgrades	25 years on panels and labor, 10 years for roof penetration	Get Started From Participating Partners
Sunrun	3.9	Best for Solar Leases and PPAs	10-year workmanship guarantee, 10-year roof penetration warranty, panel warranty varies by manufacturer	Get Started From Participating Partners
Palmetto Solar	3.8	Best Customer Service Options	25-year panel warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty	Get Started From Participating Partners
SunLux	3.8	Best Warranty Options	25-year comprehensive warranty	Get Started From Participating Partners
Trinity Solar	3.8	Best Roof and Solar Option	25-year equipment warranty, 10 year labor warranty	Get Started From Participating Partners
Tesla	3.7	Best for Aesthetics	25-year panel performance warranty, 10-year comprehensive warranty	Get Started From Participating Partners

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On average, solar panels cost around $23,000 for an average, 8 kW solar system, without any incentives. However, the price you’ll pay will depend on many factors, most largely the size of your system. Solar systems cost $2.62 to $3.23 per watt, so it’s wise to estimate how large of a system you’d need to get the closest solar panel cost estimate. To get an even more customized picture, you should reach out to several solar companies for quotes.

SOLAR SYSTEM SIZE	AVERAGE COST RANGE*
5kW	$13,100 - $16,150
6kW	$15,720 - $19,380
7kW	$18,340 - $22,610
8kW	$20,960 - $25,840
9kW	$23,580 - $29,070
10kW	$26,200 - $32,300

* Before incentives

See More See Less

When we asked solar customers how much they paid for their systems, the answers were largely split. The most common cost ranges were between $10,000 and $30,000, which made up around 60% of respondents.

As with most home projects, your unique price will vary based on unique factors such as:

• Type of solar panel: Premium solar panels may cost more than more standard panels, but with higher efficiency, they may save you money in the long run. Similarly, lower-profile solar panels may cost more, but have a higher return on investment (ROI) when selling your home compared to bulkier models. All of these cost factors are worth considering and discussing with a solar expert.
• Number of solar panels: The size of your home, your energy needs and goals and other factors will determine how many solar panels you should install on your home, another area where a solar expert can help. That said, the more solar panels you add, the higher the upfront cost and the higher maintenance will likely be.
• Labor and permitting: Labor costs can vary by installer, which is one of the reasons why it’s so important to get multiple quotes. Permit costs will vary depending on where you live, but you won’t have much control over them. Permits for solar panel installations are typically a few hundred dollars. We’ve seen labor and permit cost estimates anywhere from 7% to 25% of your total solar cost, so expect this to vary. However, according to our research, the average solar installation labor cost is around 55 cents per watt.
• Batteries and other equipment: Battery storage, electric vehicle chargers and other solar add-ons can help increase the usefulness of your solar power, but they can also increase your costs. For instance, the average cost of a solar battery is around $13,000 with installation costs and before tax credits.
• Payment method: Paying for your solar panels outright will likely cost the least in the long run but comes with the highest upfront costs. Loans can help keep upfront costs manageable but increase your total costs. As for leases and PPA programs, these will typically cost the least, but you won’t be able to take advantage of some of the biggest pros of solar, like tax credits, incentives and ROI on your home.

Other Home Projects That May Be Needed for Solar

Sometimes solar projects aren’t just about the panels. You may face additional tasks to make the most of your panels. A few examples include:

• Tree trimming or removal: If trees are blocking the sun and obstructing your solar panels, experts may recommend trimming them or removing them entirely. Tree trimming can range from around $100 for a small job to hundreds of dollars for major trimming jobs spanning multiple trees. As for removal, you’ll typically pay hundreds of dollars, or even upwards of $1,000 to remove a large tree. Be sure to factor in these costs when considering your larger solar project.
• Roof replacement or repair: You won’t be able to install solar panels on a badly damaged roof, so you might need to make some repairs or even perform a full replacement before adding solar panels. Small roofing repairs can cost a few hundred dollars, while full roof replacement can cost $11,500 for an average-size roof.

Solar panels can be a big investment, so you’ll want to give some serious consideration to how you’ll pay for them. Paying for solar outright, applying for loans or opting for some kind of lease all have their pros and cons.

Cash

If you have the upfront money, you can pay for solar panels out of pocket. This method will cost the most initially, but you won’t need to worry about paying interest and other fees. By owning your solar system, you’ll also be able to take advantage of the federal solar Investment Tax Credit and any other incentives that require ownership.

Solar Loans

Solar loans are a common path to solar system ownership for many. Many installers can offer you in-house financing, or you may be able to or have to opt for a third-party lender. We recommend shopping around for the best rate and payment terms. For instance, some solar companies will offer 0% interest for a time so you can start earning money with your solar panels before needing to pay it back.

Solar loan APRs will vary depending on a lot of factors, including your downpayment (if you make one), your loan term, your solar system size and more. The range for interest rates can be vast—for instance, in our research we saw rates from 4% to nearly 40%, making it wise to shop around.

You may also opt for a different type of loan if you want to ensure you can claim the entirety of the solar tax credit. We always recommend speaking with a solar expert and a tax expert before agreeing to any loan to ensure you’re getting the best loan type, payment terms and APR for you.

Solar Leases

With solar leases, you’ll typically pay a monthly fee for use of solar panels a company will install on your home for a set period. You won’t own these panels, so you won’t be able to benefit from federal solar incentives or most local ones, but you also won’t have to maintain the panels. They also won’t typically stay on your home if you move, so you won’t benefit from any potential ROI. However, leased solar panels may still help you pay lower utility bills.

Solar PPAs are a type of solar lease you’ll sometimes see, but instead of paying a monthly fee for panels, you’ll pay by kWh of energy the panels produce.

Going solar can be worthwhile for many households, but it depends on a few factors. You’ll need to ensure you can afford a solar system that is big enough to account for your required energy needs. If you can replace your monthly energy costs, or greatly reduce them, then your system will begin to pay for itself, making your system worth it.

How Much Money You Can Save Going Solar

How much money you can save annually by going solar will vary a lot depending on the size of your system, how efficient it is, the weather in your area and your energy costs, just to name a few factors. Generally, it’s estimated that you can save between $100 and $125 per month on your energy bills by going solar, but that’s not a guarantee and will vary month to month and by household.

The Department of Energy shares helpful resources for all the considerations you’ll need to take into account when planning your solar cost savings. As the agency notes, it’s wise to ask any solar company you’re considering to help you calculate how much you can save, but we’d also recommend getting several opinions and looking into local energy costs and other factors to check their work before diving in.

How to Determine If You Should Go Solar

Going solar can be a great choice for many, but a better choice for some. Here are some factors that can make solar a bit more of a solid investment:

• You live in a particularly sunny area: Solar panels will still produce some electricity on cloudy days, but they’ll work much better on a sunny day. If you live in an area that gets plentiful sunshine, solar may be all the more appealing for you.
• Your area has good solar incentives: Some states, counties and cities can make solar more appealing thanks to incentives like waiving sales tax or property tax increases thanks to solar. If net metering is common in your area, this can also be a plus in favor of adding solar to your home.
• Your roof is in good shape: If your roof has extensive damage, you’ll need to perform some repairs before or during solar installation. If you can skip these repairs, it can make solar cheaper and be more likely that your roof will stay in good shape under your solar panels.
• Your home has unobstructed views of the sky: Solar panels should have unshaded, unobstructed views of the sun, so if you have obstacles in your home’s way, it can pose a challenge, Some, like trees, can be helped, but if you live in a very dense area with lots of shade from other homes or buildings, solar can be less enticing. However, solar experts can help you find the best angle and placement for your panels, so it’s always worth asking.
• You can afford the upfront costs: Solar ownership can be the most beneficial for many homeowners, but it can often come with upfront costs. If you can swing a downpayment or installation fees, then solar can be a good choice. However, even if you can’t, you still have options, as many companies offer zero-down loans with delays in interest accruing.

One of the biggest perks of solar panels is that you can take advantage of the federal solar tax credit, along with any local incentives. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they work:

Federal Investment Tax Credit for Solar

The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to get 30% of your total solar system cost back as a one-time tax credit. That means if your total solar cost is $30,000, you’d get $9,000 back in tax credits.

There are a few things to note here: This tax credit can only be applied the year that you install the system and start operating it. You can also only claim the full credit if it’s less than what you owe in taxes–you can also roll over any remaining credit until it runs out as long as the policy remains active. You also need to own your system, not lease it, to qualify.

It’s also worth knowing this timeline—the credit is currently worth 30% of the installed system costs through 2032. It is set to reduce to 26% in 2033, and then lower to 22% in 2034 and then expire. Note that as of this writing, current legislation is being considered that would potentially end this credit early, so keep that in mind.

Net Metering

Net metering involves selling any excess energy your solar panels produce that your home doesn’t need back to the grid for credits. Typically, this will look like a credit back on your future energy bills, but every utility company and/or local jurisdiction handles it a bit differently. The solar company you work with should be well-versed on this subject, but we always recommend doing your own research.

Other Common Incentives

Solar experts in your area will be in the know about any solar incentives you may qualify for in your state, county or city. Some of the most common incentives include the elimination of sales taxes on the purchase of solar equipment and the elimination of property tax increases solely due to solar additions. These are subject to change and may require certain paperwork to ensure you qualify, so be sure to stay in the loop and ask plenty of questions to ensure you get the most for your money.

With so many solar companies out there, choosing the right one can be tricky. We recommend keeping the following factors in mind to help make the best decision for your home’s energy needs.

Check Reviews and Seek Out Referrals

Online reviews are only part of the picture, but they can help you find solar companies with the best reputation. Look not only at star ratings but also the volume of reviews and how the company responds to reviews both negative and positive.

Similarly, ask friends and neighbors for any referrals they can give you for companies they may have worked with or know about. Word of mouth from those you trust can be one of the best ways to find reputable solar installers. Bonus: Some solar companies have referral programs, which may help you both save.

Check their Credentials

Qualified solar companies often have licenses and certifications that can help ease your mind, such as being certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. We recommend asking about any certifications your company holds and only considering vetted installers.

Look into Services

Do you need roofing repairs along with your solar installation? Need a company with in-house financing? These are great things to look for on company websites and to ask about. Cementing your must-have services early and filtering out any companies that don’t offer them right away can help save you time and frustration down the line. Similarly, it may sound obvious, but be sure the companies you’re considering install in your specific area and on your home type.

Get Multiple Quotes and Opinions

As with most services, we recommend comparison shopping when it comes to solar panels. Get quotes from multiple companies to assess things like panel type, costs, loan terms and more. Remember that comparing all of these won’t necessarily be apples to apples (for instance, one company may suggest higher-efficiency panels, but fewer panels than another company that suggests a larger system with lower efficiency), so be sure to take a holistic view.

Similarly, you should ask about the estimated payback period for the panels, i.e., how long it will take for the panels to save you enough money that they pay for themselves. Compare these between companies, but take it with a grain of salt. After all, panels may run into issues, the weather may take a turn for the cloudy or it may just generally take longer than the companies hope it will, so it’s good to get a wide estimate from a few companies.

Ask Plenty of Questions

While you’re meeting with different companies to comparison-shop, you should also be asking plenty of questions, both to vet the companies and to get a better understanding of the process. Below are examples of questions to get you started:

• What brands and types of panels do you offer?
• Do you sell solar battery storage as well?
• Do you handle roof repairs in-house or through a third party?
• How does financing work?
• How long does the installation process take?
• Can you walk me through the next steps and what installation days may look like?
• Will you file for permits or will I? How about any local incentives?

The company rep’s answer to these questions and more will help you get a sense for their knowledge of solar as well as their communication style, both of which are important for any company you work with.

At a high level, solar panels take power from the sun’s rays and convert them into energy to power your home. At a little deeper level, solar installers will add photovoltaic (PV) panels on and around your home to capture the sun’s rays as best they can. The PV cells on the panel will absorb the sun’s energy and create electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the cell.

From there, components will convert the direct-current (DC) electricity produced by modules and convert it to the alternating current (AC) electricity that your home can use to power your devices and electricity.

Solar Panel Installation Process

When you meet with a solar installer, a representative should walk you through the company’s specific design and installation process, but below, we’ll give you a high-level overview of how solar installation typically works.

1. Research solar installation companies and get multiple quotes: This process can help you get a sense for each company’s options and reputation and general expectations for how much power a solar installation can produce on your home. We suggest vetting at least three solar companies, depending on the availability in your area. Be sure to ask plenty of questions about their process and solar generally.
2. Pick a solar installer and finalize your design: A good solar company should help you create a custom design within your budget. They’ll help set your expectations on how much electricity your home needs, what your panels can produce and what you can save as well as how long installation might cost.
3. File for permits and ensure you qualify for incentives: Ask your chosen company if you should be filing the paperwork for permits and incentives and be sure you have everything you need to file for the ITC come tax season. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s SolarTRACE tool can help you set expectations for permitting timelines near you.
4. The solar company will make final assessments: By now, the solar company should have made sure your roof is in good condition for solar panels and made or arranged for any necessary repairs. If you need to clear or trim trees, they also should have noted that by this stage.
5. It’s time for installation: The company should schedule a date for installation to start and let you know how long it will take. Typically solar installation takes just a few days from start to finish, although larger systems may take longer, and smaller systems can be even quicker.

We conducted a survey of 1,000 solar customers who have installed systems in the last five years to get a better understanding of how homeowners feel about their systems, how the installation process went and more. Below are some of the biggest insights we learned from the survey:

• A majority of respondents (64%) said they installed panels primarily to save on energy bills. As for how that’s paid off, 67% of our respondents said they save more than $50 per month, with 15% saying that they saved $120 or more monthly on their bills.
• People seem generally happy with how their panels hold up and how they operate, with 31% of respondents rating the reliability and durability of their panels as a 10 out of 10 and 87% saying they were satisfied.
• Many have already paid off their solar panels (24%), and a similar number seemed to have a fairly short expected payback period of two to three years.
• A majority of respondents, 57%, said they’ve never had to repair their panels.

To help calculate the best solar company ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 24 solar companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including years in business, panel variety offered, the results of our NPS survey and more.

You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates solar companies in our detailed methodology page.