The 5 Best Solar Companies of 2024
Although solar panels are still on the pricey side, they’re beginning to come down in cost, and their quality is increasing. One of the advantages of solar energy is a reduced carbon footprint, but installing solar panels is a job for a specialist—an average building contractor typically isn’t well versed in installing or repairing solar panels.
Homeowners often have a general idea of what they’d like to accomplish by installing a solar energy system, as well as the main benefits of solar electricity, but not understanding the technical aspects behind going solar can keep them from realizing their dreams. That’s where the best solar companies come in. They can give homeowners accurate estimates of the installation cost, explain how much power the new panels will generate, and even detail how much a solar array is likely to reduce their utility bills. Homeowners will want to learn what to look for when shopping for residential solar companies and find out why the following solar companies earned a spot in this lineup.
- BEST OVERALL: SunPower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Tesla
- BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE: Momentum Solar
- BEST REPAIR SERVICES: Palmetto
- ALSO CONSIDER: Freedom Forever
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Type of Panels | Service Area | Payment Options | Guarantee | Customer Support | |
| SunPower | Maxeon monocrystalline | 50 states and Washington, D.C. | Buy, finance, lease | 25-year complete system warranty | Phone |
| Tesla | Tesla monocrystalline | 50 states and Washington, D.C. | Buy, finance | 25-year performance guarantee, 10-year comprehensive warranty | Live chat, email |
| Momentum Solar | Monocrystalline (various manufacturers) | 12 states | Buy, finance, lease | 25-year equipment and labor warranty | Phone, email |
| Palmetto | Q-Cells or REC monocrystalline | 19 states and Washington, D.C. | Buy, finance | 25-year product warranty | Live chat, phone, email |
| Freedom Forever | Not listed | 34 states and Washington, D.C. | Buy, finance, lease | 25-year production guarantee | Phone, email |
Our Top Picks
We extensively researched dozens of solar companies that offer multistate solar installation services. The following companies were chosen for this roundup based on various aspects, including their service area, the type of solar panels they install, whether they offer financing, and client satisfaction.
Best Overall
SunPower
Why It Made the Cut: SunPower has the most efficient solar panels in the industry and installs solar panel systems in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
SunPower leads the industry in solar panel efficiency—the company’s monocrystalline panels are rated at up to 22.8 percent efficiency, which is the highest in the market. High-efficiency panels can convert more sunlight into electricity than lower-efficiency panels, which means homeowners can get more energy output with fewer panels.
Homeowners will likely see a SunPower branch in their area when performing an online search for “solar companies near me,” since the company installs solar panels in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. SunPower offers in-person and virtual consultations, and customers can visualize their own solar array in less than a minute using the company’s interactive online design studio feature. This is a perk for homeowners—especially those who aren’t sure what a solar panel system will look like on their property. Customers can also use SunPower’s estimation service that calculates their likely energy savings. Customer service options are somewhat limited—customers can reach a representative by phone, but there are no digital options for those who prefer to go this route.
SunPower equipment is certified bronze by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, which indicates a high standard of sustainability. This can be an additional benefit for eco-conscious homeowners who want to decrease their environmental footprint as much as possible. Finally, SunPower’s panels have a sleek design with built-in microinverters, which increase efficiency—if one panel is shaded, the rest will still function and produce power for the home since each panel operates independently of the others.
Specs
- Type of panels: Maxeon monocrystalline
- Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Payment options: Buy, finance, lease
- Guarantee: 25-year complete system warranty
- Customer support: Phone
Pros
- High 22.8 percent efficiency rate
- Sustainable Cradle to Cradle–certified equipment
- Interactive online design studio feature
- Sleek solar panel design with built-in microinverters
Cons
- Customer service only available by phone
SunPower is a 2024 recipient of BobVila.com’s Home Improvement Hero designation.
Home Improvement Heroes recognizes the best companies homeowners could call for a problem, project, or service. Our editorial team used a rigorous process to evaluate based on availability, skills, range of services, cost, customer reviews, guarantees, refund policy, customer support, and more. We then independently reviewed each company and hired some for our projects for consideration. See the full list of honorees.
Best Bang for the Buck
Tesla
Why It Made the Cut: Tesla manufactures, sells, and installs monocrystalline solar panels and glass solar shingles—and offers a price-match guarantee to help customers get the best deal.
Tesla might be primarily known for its electric vehicles, but the company also produces solar panels and solar shingles to help homeowners live more sustainably. These panels are also among the most affordable in the industry thanks to Tesla’s price-match guarantee. If a customer gets a lower quote from another company, Tesla will match that price. To take advantage of the guarantee, customers must be able to produce a recent quote for a system of comparable size with an inverter and a minimum 10-year warranty.
Customers can choose between purchasing their system outright or using Tesla financing, which is offered in 24 states. However, Tesla doesn’t offer solar leasing, so homeowners looking for this option will need to go elsewhere. Homeowners who choose Tesla can select traditional solar panels or opt for sleek solar shingles that replace their existing roofing materials. These shingles are made from glass solar tiles and architectural-grade steel shingles for durability as well as energy production.
Homeowners who are interested in Tesla for their solar roof can get an instant online quote from the Tesla website by entering their address and average energy bill cost. They will then receive an estimate for installation as well as estimated monthly savings if the customer installs solar panels or shingles.
Specs
- Type of panels: Tesla monocrystalline
- Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Payment options: Buy, finance
- Guarantee: 25-year performance guarantee, 10-year comprehensive warranty
- Customer support: Live chat, email
Pros
- Traditional solar panels and sleek solar tiles available
- Generous price-match guarantee
- Instant online quotes available
Cons
- Solar leasing not available
- Financing not available in all states
Best Customer Service
Momentum Solar
Why It Made the Cut: Momentum Solar offers white-glove service to customers, from concept to installation, taking the frustration out of the solar panel installation process.
Homeowners who choose Momentum for their solar panel installation will enjoy top-notch customer service through the company’s streamlined “concierge” service. This service means customers will work with one representative for the entire solar installation process, from drafting the design to installation and permit acquisition, which can improve the experience and minimize frustration. Representatives will even take care of signing up customers for tax rebates and other incentives so they can maximize the financial benefits of going solar.
Momentum Solar has a relatively limited service area of just 12 states, which means it won’t be an option for all homeowners, and of those 12 states only five have battery storage available. However, those who do reside in the service area can enjoy additional perks like buying, financing, and leasing options, as well as a 25-year warranty on equipment and installation.
Momentum’s website lacks certain information such as the types of panels, payment plans, and warranties available, so customers will need to call and speak to a representative to get answers to some of their questions. However, customers can choose between several tier 1 solar panel options from a variety of manufacturers, which isn’t an option with some other solar panel companies. These types of solar panels are noted for their durability, so customers can feel confident that their solar panel installation will continue running for years to come.
Specs
- Type of panels: Monocrystalline (various manufacturers)
- Service area: 12 states
- Payment options: Buy, finance, lease
- Guarantee: 25-year equipment and labor warranty
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- Streamlined “concierge” service offered
- Tier 1 solar panels available from various manufacturers
- All paperwork and permits handled on behalf of the customer
Cons
- Relatively small service area covering 12 states
- Somewhat limited information available online
- Battery storage not available for all customers
Best Repair Services
Palmetto
Why It Made the Cut: Palmetto offers solar panel repair and maintenance services through the Palmetto Protect plan, so customers can use the same company for all their solar panel needs.
In addition to solar panel installation, Palmetto offers extensive solar panel maintenance services to ensure the efficiency and functionality of customers’ solar arrays. These services are offered through the Palmetto Protect plan and include maintenance, repair, panel removal and reinstallation, and even pest abatement related to the customer’s solar panel installation. Going with Palmetto means customers can work with one company rather than several for all their solar needs.
Palmetto offers a 95 percent performance guarantee to customers, but the guarantee is only available as an add-on purchase and isn’t included with all solar panel installations. Some customers may find the additional cost worth it (Palmetto will credit customers if their panels go below a certain efficiency), while others may find this plan is not within their budget. Customers have several options to contact a Palmetto representative: live chat, phone, or email. This range of options gives customers the freedom to choose their preferred contact method when they have questions.
Specs
- Type of panels: Q-Cells or REC monocrystalline
- Service area: 19 states and Washington, D.C.
- Payment options: Buy, finance
- Guarantee: 25-year product warranty
- Customer support: Live chat, phone, email
Pros
- Extensive panel maintenance services available
- Convenient customer support through live chat, phone, and email
Cons
- Performance guarantee only available as add-on purchase
Also Consider
Freedom Forever
Why It Made the Cut: Freedom Forever will reimburse customers with a check if their solar panels produce less energy than promised through its 25-year power production guarantee.
With a relatively large service area of 34 states and Washington, D.C., Freedom Forever is worth consideration for homeowners looking to install solar panels. The company has a generous 25-year energy production guarantee that will reimburse the customer if their solar energy system produces less energy than promised. This guarantee can help assure homeowners that they’re getting a high-quality system that will reliably produce energy for a quarter of a century.
Freedom Forever has limited information online about its solar panels, which can make it hard for potential customers to compare solar companies. However, the company offers numerous financing options through third-party companies and states that customers can get a solar loan approved even with a low credit score. This could be very appealing for those with less-than-ideal credit who are concerned about how they will pay for a solar energy system on their property.
Specs
- Type of panels: Not listed
- Service area: 34 states and Washington, D.C.
- Payment options: Buy, finance, lease
- Guarantee: 25-year production guarantee
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- Generous 25-year energy production guarantee
- Financing possible for customers with poor credit
Cons
- Limited solar panel information
Our Verdict
While any of the solar companies that earned a spot on this lineup are good choices for installing solar panels, our top pick, SunPower, ticks all the boxes with its nationwide service area, financing options, and 25-year complete warranty. Homeowners looking for the best deal on solar panels will want to consider Tesla, which offers a generous price-match guarantee if customers can provide a comparable quote for less.
How We Chose the Best Solar Companies
We looked at dozens of solar companies to find the top picks. We considered various factors, including a company’s coverage area, customer satisfaction, and whether it offered a comprehensive warranty. The best solar power companies that made this list all offer monocrystalline panels, which are the most efficient on the market, meaning customers will receive a better return on investment. We also looked for companies with flexible financing options to make this investment more digestible.
What to Consider When Choosing a Solar Company
For the best power-generating results, solar power systems should be installed where they receive plenty of direct sunlight. But this factor varies depending on the home’s location, whether the yard has large trees, and the type and efficiency of the panels. Before choosing the best solar company, it pays for homeowners to consider vital factors that will affect both efficiency and cost.
Service Area
Many solar installation companies are located in larger metropolises. Still, with the growing popularity of this energy-saving product, more and more companies are setting up shop in rural areas. The service area of companies will vary, but many will consider anywhere within a 30-minute commute from its home office to be in its area. Those living outside the company’s service area may pay an additional travel fee to have the company come out and install a solar array.
Home Location and Roof Type
When a homeowner chooses to install solar panels, location is critical. In regions in the far northern U.S., short winter days may not provide sufficient sunlight to balance out the cost of having a solar array installed. Before moving forward with the project, homeowners will want to determine whether solar panels are worth it when taking into account their home’s location.
Location isn’t limited to the general area; it also pertains to whether tall trees or buildings will block the sun’s rays for a substantial part of the day. In addition, roof type is a consideration. A roof with a slope that faces south is optimal for the installation of solar panels, but the roof structure on some homes may not be structurally sound enough to support a solar array. The installer may need to modify the roof or install the panels on a freestanding ground unit rather than on the roof.
Type of Panels
Solar panels all generate electricity, but they do so in different ways. The two main types of solar panels are photovoltaic and thermal, and within those categories are a few more (or less) common varieties.
- Photovoltaic: The most common solar panel installed today, photovoltaic panels incorporate solar cells that convert sunlight to electrical power. Those looking to power a large percentage of their home’s energy needs will typically have photovoltaic panels installed.
- Thermal: Not as common but still useful, solar thermal panels incorporate mirrors that reflect and concentrate the sun’s rays to create electricity. Thermal solar technology is more likely to be used for small energy purposes, such as powering a solar floodlight.
- Monocrystalline: Produced from a single (mono) silicon crystal, these panels are dark black in color. They’re long lasting and compact, but they’re among the most expensive. They come with efficiency ratings of 20 to 25 percent (see “Efficiency and Performance” below). They are considered to be among the best solar panels for home use.
- Polycrystalline: These solar panels are less expensive because they’re made from silicon fragments rather than a large silicon crystal. They’re more affordable than monocrystalline but not as efficient, ranging in efficiency from about 15 to 17 percent.
- PERC: The acronym stands for Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell, and it’s a new technology that improves the efficiency of monocrystalline panels. The highest efficiency of all, PERC panels can be up to 5 percent more efficient than traditional monocrystalline panels.
- Thin-film: Not quite as efficient as other types of panels, thin-film panels do not contain pricey crystalline silicon, which makes them more affordable. Depending on the quality of the individual panel, efficiency will typically range from 6 to 15 percent.
On-Grid vs. Off-Grid
Homeowners can install a stand-alone, off-grid solar array or an on-grid (also known as a grid-tie) array. Both come with a few benefits and considerations.
An off-grid solar array is the best choice for those who want to be completely energy independent. It allows the user to generate all their electricity, and if a storm results in a municipal power outage, an off-grid system will continue to operate.