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By
Brian Church
Brian Church
Contributor
Brian is a writer, NABCEP PV associate and outdoor enthusiast living in Denver, Colorado. As a freelancer, Brian has written hundreds of articles to help individuals, businesses and our planet benefit from solar power and sustainable energy systems.
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Reviewed By
Shannon Ullman
Shannon Ullman
Editor
Shannon is a freelance editor for Newsweek Vault. She has previously worked as an editor in the B2B space, primarily focusing on cryptocurrency and finance tools for small businesses. She does freelance review writing in the health space as a hobby. Some of her bylines can be found on sites like Business Insider and Shape.
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With fast-paced industry growth for over 15 years, great solar companies can now be found in nearly every nook and corner of the United States. However, finding the absolute best company for your installation can be challenging, especially if it is your first time considering a solar panel system.
To help you purchase the ideal renewable energy system for your home, here is a look at a few of the best solar panel companies in the US and everything you need to consider before choosing your solar installer.
Our Methodology
Our research is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of personal finance services and products that best suit your needs. To help you in the decision-making process, our expert contributors compare common preferences and potential pain points, such as affordability, accessibility, and credibility.
Our Picks
- Best National Installer: SunPower
- Best Energy Partner: Palmetto Solar
- Best Equipment Choices: Green Home Systems
- Best in the Northeast: Venture Solar
- Best Growing Solar Company: Elevation Solar
- Best Second Opinion: Your Local Solar Installer
6 Best Solar Energy Companies of 2024
Best National Installer
SunPower
Vault Verified
Founded In
1985
Offerings
Residential solar panels, batteries, leases, loans and PPAs
Service Area
All 50 States
Why We Chose It
SunPower was already one of the largest and most trusted solar companies in the US when it acquired Blue Raven in 2021, a decision that would give the brand even more capability and credibility. Following the sale of its commercial and utility division in 2022, SunPower is now laser-focused on delivering great experiences exclusively for homeowners, with proven results seen in great customer reviews throughout many US markets.
Pros
- High-quality solar panels made in the United States
- 25-year comprehensive warranty period for system performance
- Strong reputation and history of customer satisfaction
Cons
- Typically, higher project costs than other installers
- Range of project timelines in different service areas
- Some after-sales service concerns among a large pool of customers
Best Second Opinion
Your Local Solar Installer
Founded In
Various
Offerings
Various
Service Area
Your State or Region Exclusively
Why We Chose It
As is the case for a lot of home upgrades, the best company for your solar installation may be a local business that only serves your area, state or region. Due to the diverse nature of solar energy policies and regulations across the country, as well as the demand for local system maintenance and support, regional, small and mid-size solar companies are often some of the best partners for homeowners seeking long-term power solutions.
Pros
- Local experts may give the most accurate forecast of system costs and value
- Increased likelihood of a streamlined installation process with knowledge of local codes
- Generally quicker maintenance response support and the empowerment of local economies
Cons
- May not have the margins to offer low prices similar to national providers
- Some risk of folding in the dynamic solar industry without strong financial support
- Typically, fewer product and buying options compared to larger companies
Best Energy Partner
Palmetto Solar
Vault Verified
Founded In
2011
Offerings
Residential solar installations, financing and lease options
Service Area
AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NV, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA
Why We Chose It
Although Palmetto Solar doesn’t quite cover all of the United States, the company has been growing thoughtfully and sustainably for over 15 years, with customer satisfaction a clear goal along the way. Headquartered in the Carolinas and serving some of the largest solar markets in the country, Palmetto’s unique and focused approach to residential energy improvements makes it one of the best solar companies to partner with today.
Pros
- A vertically integrated network of solar experts across the country
- Customer-first mission with a deep history and long-term vision in residential solar
- A growing energy company employing sustainable business practices
Cons
- Installations and services not available in every state
- Limited offerings and product options, with variation in markets
- A small history of customer complaints with the Better Business Bureau
Best Equipment Choices
Green Home Systems
Vault Verified
Founded In
2017
Offerings
Home solar panels, batteries and backup generators, commercial and industrial solar
Service Area
AZ, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, MN, MO, MT, NV, NM, NC, PA, SC, TX, WI, WY
Why We Chose It
Rapidly growing and expanding into new sales territories every year, Green Home Systems intelligently leverages local pros and homeowner empowerment to create great solar experiences in nearly two dozen states. As a solar energy company with multiple product options for panels, inverters and batteries listed directly on its website, Green Home Systems offers a straightforward buying and installation process that has generated primarily positive customer experiences in the last seven years.
Pros
- Diverse solar equipment choices for optimized system design
- Network of over 1,000 certified installers across 21 states
- 25-year warranty on solar panels and workmanship
Cons
- Not available for customers in all 50 states
- Subcontracting techniques can lead to less quality control
- A mix of 5-star and 1-star reviews for most customer experiences
Best in the Northeast
Venture Solar
Vault Verified
Founded In
2015
Offerings
Home solar panels, batteries, financing, leases, commercial solar
Service Area
CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NJ, NH, NY, PA, RI
Why We Chose It
Headquartered in New York City, Venture Solar is one of the best regional solar companies in the US, with over 10,000 installations dotting homes along the densely-populated East Coast. Offering personalized service and a history of timely installations, Venture Solar may be a great option if you are looking for a mid-size company with a winning reputation in the Northeast.
Pros
- Localized expertise with the resources of a large company
- Flexible payment options and dedicated service in every state
- Very strong customer service ratings across the web
Cons
- Sales limited to only a handful of states and utility service areas within those states
- Varied pricing and sales experiences across different coverage areas
- Some customers report poor after-sales service with difficulty reaching company representatives
Best Growing Solar Company
Elevation Solar
Vault Verified
Founded In
2014
Offerings
Home solar installations, battery storage and energy-efficiency upgrades
Service Area
AZ, CA, FL, NV, TX
Why We Chose It
After growing to prominence in the sunniest state in America, Arizona’s Elevation Solar has gained significant attention and market share in the early 2020s with expansion into four major states and the acquisition of a smart home energy monitoring company. As Elevation continues to branch out into new territories and invest in itself, the company’s unique energy efficiency solution offerings may set it apart from other providers for homeowners seeking major property upgrades.
Pros
- Total home package including energy efficiency improvements
- History of good customer experiences and speedy project timelines
- Personalized recommendations and financing options from localized experts
Cons
- Very limited service area in only five states, though growing rapidly
- Many instances of poor post-sales support have been reported
- Comparatively limited solar energy equipment options to some installers
Why Would You Go Solar?
- High Energy Bills. The number one reason people go solar today is to reduce their monthly energy bills. When you install solar panels on your roof or property, the excess electricity produced is shared with the grid, which can result in significant bill credits on your monthly utility statements. So, although going solar requires a payment or lease, the value of solar lies in energy bill reductions, and purchased systems often “pay for themselves” over time.
- Environmental Goals. Financial savings aside, environmental goals are also a strong motive to go solar for many homeowners, businesses and governments alike. According to PV Magazine, a typical US home can offset approximately the same amount of carbon dioxide as over 180 mature trees every year. To help homeowners achieve these environmental benefits, many city and state governments offer green energy programs and rebates to help improve local air quality through financial incentives.
- Backup Power Source. With solar panels and integrated battery storage, you can create a self-sustaining power system on your property to run as much of your life as possible using the green energy produced and stored onsite. Most importantly, a battery backup can be used to power your home’s critical devices in the event of a local power outage, while grid-tied solar panels alone will be disconnected for safety reasons.
- Electricity Anywhere. If you are looking for the best way to create an off-grid power system, solar energy is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to do so. Beyond the ability to power your primary residence, solar panels and battery systems are also great solutions for remote properties, recreational vehicles, boats, disaster recovery and more.
Types of Solar Equipment
When you go solar, the equipment you choose to install will be critical to the lifetime value of your system. When talking to the best solar companies in your area about a potential installation, there are three main pieces of equipment with which you should be fairly familiar.
- Solar Panels. Most reputable solar installers carry high-quality panels with similar efficiencies, capacities and warranty coverage periods. Though some products are marginally better or more expensive than others, in general, solar panels are among the most reliable and least consequential parts of a solar energy system today. Solar shingles (also known as solar tiles) are an alternative to traditional solar panels that also function as a protective roofing material.
- Inverter Systems. For the electricity produced by your solar panels to power your home, the energy must be converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). In a typical home solar energy system, this is performed by either one central string inverter or many microinverters attached to each solar panel. Considering the pros and cons of these two inverter technologies, it is often helpful to entertain proposals with both string and microinverter systems from solar energy companies in your area (if possible) to determine the best solution for your property.
- Solar Batteries. Third, batteries are an optional feature of grid-tied home solar installations that enable energy storage and temporary “off-grid” functionality. With equipment prices trending downward and growing public interest in energy storage, solar batteries are forecasted for sustained popularity growth through the end of the decade. Those purchasing whole-home solar batteries today may qualify for several incentives and grid-services programs to help recover the installation expenses.
What to Consider When Choosing a Solar Company
When evaluating the solar companies in your area, there are a few key attributes that can be weighed to differentiate your options. During solar assessments with company representatives, be sure to note the following to help guide your decision-making:
- Years in Business
- Certifications and Structure
- Expected Installation Experience
- Purchasing Options and Partnerships
- Customer Service, After-Sales Care and Warranty Coverage
Years in Business
First and foremost, longevity quite literally goes a long way for solar companies, as businesses that have been around for longer are more likely to be there for the duration of your system’s lifetime. While you may be able to get a better deal with a growing company looking to boost its portfolio, established businesses are generally less risky than new names in the volatile solar industry. Keeping in mind that the competitive, modern solar marketplace is only a few decades old, any company that has survived for over five years may be viewed as highly credible in 2024.
Certifications and Structure
Besides years of experience, industry certifications and business structure are a great way to distinguish high-quality solar energy companies from the rest of the pack. Most importantly, a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification is a sure sign of a reputable contractor and is even required in some states for a solar business to obtain a license. Before you sign a solar contract, you should also know precisely who will be installing your panels to determine if the labor will be performed in-house or subcontracted to a third party.
Expected Installation Experience
When evaluating solar companies in your area, it is very important to look beyond the product you are purchasing and consider how your installation will play out. While in discussion with solar company representatives, be sure to ask questions about project timelines and consider only working with companies that can give a firm answer on your estimated interconnection dates. Despite the fact that solar installations usually only take a day or two, most project timelines will fall anywhere from two to six months from contract to grid interconnection.
Purchasing Options and Partnerships
If you are not in the market for an outright cash system purchase and are not sure what the best way to go solar may be, it can be helpful to work with a company that offers multiple buying options. By talking to an expert about your specific property, energy demand and budget, you can narrow down whether solar financing or leasing makes more sense financially. Even further, solar companies that are able to offer multiple financing options can help you discover the best-case scenario for your energy cash flow and long-term savings.
Customer Service, After-Sales Care and Warranty Coverage
Solar energy is a long-term solution for both people and the planet, so when purchasing panels and sifting through your options, after-sales care should be one of your leading priorities. Whenever parts fail (whether expected, malfunctioning or damaged) proactive and responsive solar energy companies can ensure more long-term value in your investment by minimizing system downtime and replacing the equipment as soon as possible. Besides the panels’ performance, you may also have the best experience with a company that includes labor in warranty coverage and offers long workmanship guarantees.
Solar State Incentives and Solar Tax Credits
When you purchase a solar energy system, you may be eligible for several programs, incentives, tax credits and rebates with availability depending on where you live in the United States. While the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (RCEC) may be redeemed at up to 30% of the costs of going solar, many state and city governments also offer unique solar incentives to local residents.
Reputable solar energy companies in your service area should be aware of all the programs for which you are eligible. However, if you would like to discover your local incentives independently, there are many available resources to do so, including the comprehensive NC Clean Energy Technology Center Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®.
Beyond tax credits and rebates, the lifetime value of your solar energy system may also be largely dependent on what sort of utility energy metering and buy-back programs are available in your area. While some states require utility companies to pay retail (or near-retail) prices for solar electricity shared with the grid, there are instances in which going solar may not be worth it financially without a local net metering program.
Other Solar Company Alternatives
In addition to the solar energy companies highlighted above, there are several other large names in the industry that may be able to help you save money with green energy generation. So before we wrap up, here is a quick glance at three more names you may recognize selling solar in 2024.
Tesla Solar
Electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla has had its hands in the residential solar industry for many years, with various offerings, branding and customer satisfaction ratings along the way. In 2024, Tesla’s solar division is alive and well, and the company offers its own proprietary hardware, including the Powerwall, a popular home storage battery. For most customers, Tesla will not be the cheapest or quickest choice, but the business’s technology, name recognition and large service area make it a viable option for many homeowners today.
Freedom Forever
One of the largest and fastest-growing solar companies in the US, Freedom Forever is another well-equipped solar company with a nearly-national footprint. Actively installing solar energy systems in over 30 states, Freedom Forever has options for most homeowners, including batteries, microinverters and other custom system components. With rapid business growth, however, Freedom Forever has experienced some apparent quality control issues that can be seen in local reviews across the country.
Sunrun
Finally, SunRun is another well-known name in the solar industry that has a history of both good and bad customer experiences. While the company offers nearly every kind of solar energy solution to a very wide service area, many customers report expensive bids from Sunrun and less-than-stellar post-purchase experiences.
Is Going Solar Worth It?
Although it will be different for every person, in most circ*mstances, yes, going solar is worth it to save money on energy expenses with green technology.
If you own a home and have enough viable rough roof space to host a solar panel system, you may be able to reduce your utility electricity bills for over 20 years—resulting in massive long-term savings when weighed against your total solar investment. In other scenarios, a solar lease or power purchase agreement may also help you unlock immediate savings with solar.
To determine if solar energy is worth it for your particular property, it is best to seek consultations from multiple companies so that you can attain the most accurate projections for your system’s total costs, expected performance, and energy bill savings. For going solar to be worth it, working with one of today’s best solar companies can help ensure that there will be no expensive surprises after you sign your contract or agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most reputable solar company?
In the constantly evolving solar industry, only a handful of national companies have managed to outlast the competition and may claim the title of the most reputable solar company. Today, this may include SunPower, Palmetto and any of the other solar energy companies we mention in this guide.
Who is the biggest solar company in the US?
Grossing an annual revenue upwards of $20 billion, NextEra is the largest energy company in the US with a large catalog of solar, wind and other related products. While NextEra focuses on commercial and utility-scale solar installations, the biggest company in the US that also offers residential solar services is Tesla, whose clean energy revenue exceeded its EV revenue for the first time ever in late 2023.
Who is the best company to buy solar panels from?
The best company to buy solar panels from is the one that you feel will give you the best lifetime value on your purchase. When you are buying solar panels, exploring all of your options with multiple companies can help ensure the best possible experience. Although you may be tempted to weigh bids against each other strictly by price, it is important to remember that solar energy is a long-term commitment and the cheapest option is very unlikely to be the best choice.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
Brian Church
Contributor
Brian is a writer, NABCEP PV associate and outdoor enthusiast living in Denver, Colorado. As a freelancer, Brian has written hundreds of articles to help individuals, businesses and our planet benefit from solar power and sustainable energy systems.
Read more articles by Brian Church
