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With the freshly updated 30% federal tax credit, a decrease of over 40% in the cost of solar panels, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, and annual growth of solar installations of an astonishing 24%, there hasn’t been a better time to install solar panels. Commercial Solar
With such an increase in demand comes an equally overwhelming increase in solar panel installers. So, how do you choose the best solar panel installation company? We’ve done the research and narrowed down your options to a handful of top solar companies nationwide.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the solar companies methodology for the ratings below.
Flexible financing with zero down payment
Out of all solar panel installation companies, SunPower made it to the top of our list. SunPower is the longest-standing U.S. solar panel installation company and boasts some of the highest-quality solar panel technology on the market.
SunPower has 40 years of experience providing solar panels to homeowners—more than competitors. Solar panels created by SunPower are some of the most productive panels on the market, coming in at nearly 23% efficiency. You can choose between four solar panel models if you decide to hire SunPower to install your panels.
SunPower is a pioneer in the solar industry, having acquired over 1,000 patents for its solar technology. The company also offers a mobile app for seeing your solar panel system’s production, battery storage, grid energy and home energy consumption in real-time. It helps customers make educated choices about their energy usage and production.
SunPower offers a 25-year complete system warranty that covers your solar panels, hardware, mounting equipment, rack, inverters, monitoring and labor and several financing options to help with your purchase.
It’s hard not to recognize the Tesla brand. As a major company in the tech industry, Tesla also offers solar panel installations across the U.S. We chose Tesla because of its widespread availability, competitive pricing and unique products.
Learn more: Tesla Solar review
Tesla offers price matching to compete with other solar panel installers. The company also sells solar roofing, which replaces your traditional roof with solar panel technology without the bulky solar panels.
Tesla products come with a 25-year panel performance warranty for a minimum of 80% capacity, meaning Tesla will repair or replace your panels if they perform under this capacity. Additionally, you’ll get a 10-year comprehensive warranty for your solar panels, inverter, roof mounting, leaks and Powerwall.
Previously known as Sunpro Solar, ADT Solar joined ADT Home Security in 2021. The company specializes in installing solar panels, microinverters and battery storage systems. We selected ADT Solar because of its high-quality solar panels and online resources for those looking to invest in solar panels.
Learn more: ADT Solar review
ADT Solar is your go-to solar company if you’re looking to install the ultimate smart home technology. The company focuses on developing smart home automation solutions so that you can manage your home’s energy consumption using real-time data.
ADT offers a 25-year limited workmanship warranty, two 25-year panel manufacturer warranties covering the product and performance, a 25-year Enphase microinverter warranty and a 25-year power production guarantee.
Blue Raven Solar earned its way onto our list largely in part because of its unique financing options and its Refer Your Friend program. For the first referral, you receive $500. Second referrals earn you $1,000, third referrals earn you $1,500 and any additional referrals after the third earn you an extra $1,500 each.
Learn more: Blue Raven Solar review
Blue Raven Solar has a financing product called BluePower Plus+, which is a conglomeration of several financing options. BluePower Plus+ combines elements of a third-party solar lease and solar ownership so that you can better afford your solar panels.
Unlike those who lose their eligibility for the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit when they decide to lease a solar panel system, customers who choose Blue Raven Solar can receive free solar power for the first 18 months while still benefiting from the income tax credit.
In addition, Blue Ravel Solar recently launched another in-house solar lease called SmartStart, which extends the initial 18-month BluePower Plus+ to a whopping five years.
Every solar panel system installed by Blue Raven Solar comes with a 25-year performance warranty from the manufacturer. Blue Raven Solar also offers a 10-year workmanship warranty as well as a two-year production guarantee.
Palmetto Solar runs an in-house business for designing, installing and maintaining your solar energy system. The company carries a wide selection of premium solar panel systems from top solar manufacturers and runs its own monitoring systems with its basic, free plan and an essential plan, which comes at a monthly cost. On top of this, Palmetto Solar has a PPA plan for those who prefer to lease vs. buy solar panels.
Learn more: Palmetto Solar review
Palmetto Solar offers an in-house LightReach energy plan in the company’s all-in-one Palmetto App. You can also easily log in and pay your bills, monitor your solar energy production and usage and contact customer service through the personalized solar dashboard.
On Grid Solar System The company offers a 25-year Palmetto Protect plan and a 90% system production guarantee.