Best Solar Companies of 2024

Learn what to consider when selecting a company, how to think about solar costs and what to expect during and after the solar panel installation process. If you’re curious about saving money investing in the future of renewable energy production this guide is for you.

Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels work by harnessing the power of the sun and converting it into usable electricity. The three most common types of solar PV panels — monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film — are made of silicon cells, which easily absorb photons from the sun.

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, any excess energy your system generates during the day can be fed into the grid and credited to your account through net metering. At night, your system can draw energy from the grid to power devices and appliances in your home.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team analyzed data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Energy Information Administration, Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency and elsewhere. See our full methodology for more details on how we calculated each state’s Solar Score.

Here’s a breakdown of the factors we used to calculate each state’s Solar Score. See how your state compares with others on residential electricity price, solar installation costs, solar potential and solar-friendly policies.

Not every household benefits from solar panels in the same way. High levels of sunshine and minimal shading are ideal for maximum energy production. The other big factor is your roof. Here's what else to think about before you make the commitment:

• How much sunlight your roof gets: Solar panels need regular exposure to sunlight to produce the most energy possible. If there's a lot of shade around your house — lots of tall trees or buildings, for instance — your solar panels won't be as efficient.
• Your household's energy consumption: Look over your past electricity bills to understand your monthly energy consumption patterns. If you finance solar panels (many homeowners do), it might not be worth it if the loan payments for your solar panels are more expensive than your existing electricity bill.
• The condition of your roof: Solar panels can last for 25 years or more, so your roof needs to last at least that long. It's a good idea to replace your roof before installing solar panels. Otherwise, you'll have to spend thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall them again in the future.

  Devin in California said it cost $5,000 to remove the panels and reinstall them again when they needed to replace their roof.

• Your roof's angle, pitch and size: Generally, a roof pitch of 25 to 45 degrees is best in the United States. Roofs that face south, southeast or southwest are typically the best angle for solar panels.
• How much space you have: Average dimensions of a solar panel are roughly 5.5 feet by 3.25 feet. Ideally, your roof is big enough to fit the number of panels required to meet your energy needs. Some homeowners install smaller systems that produce around 80% of the power they need.

The average home solar system costs $23,879. To calculate a more personalized number you’ll want to look at the average cost per watt in your state. Think about how much it costs to go solar the way you shop for a car.

In 2023, the average home solar system costs $23,879 before the 30% federal solar tax credit.

Just like car manufacturers use miles per gallon (MPG) to show how fuel-efficient their vehicles are, solar panels are measured by their cost per watt to show how much energy you get for each dollar you spend.

A scenario where you would pay a higher total cost but get a cheaper cost per watt typically involves purchasing solar panels in bulk (or investing in a large commercial system).

How much can you save by going solar?

On average, the estimated net savings after going solar ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 over 25 years. Solar panels save most people money over time. Solar panels should pay for themselves in savings within about 11 1/2 years.

The amount you can save will largely depend on how much your average electricity costs are. Installing solar panels can eliminate your electricity bill and you may even be able to make money each month by selling power back to your utility company. If you finance your solar panels, your savings will look a little different once you factor in interest and fees.

» EXPLORE:Where solar savings go the furthest

Most installers offer a variety of payment and financing options, including cash purchases, loans, solar leases or power purchase agreements.

You can pay for your system upfront, but most people finance solar panels. A solar loan works a lot like any other type of loan — there's an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time (with interest).

Homeowners can also get a home equity loan. Home equity loans usually have lower interest rates, but you may need to have your house appraised. The tax credit is not available for people who lease their solar systems or enter a power purchase agreement (PPA).

If you're considering a solar loan, lease or PPA, always ask:

• Is there a down payment?
• How much will I pay per month?
• When will monthly payments increase, and by how much?

Taking advantage of solar incentives and tax credits

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) reduces your total solar installation costs by up to 30%. The solar ITC represents a dollar-for-dollar reduction in avoided tax payments worth 30% of your system cost, including labor and permit fees. The ITC is nonrefundable, so any unused portion rolls over into future tax years.

For example, if your new system costs $18,000, you may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $5,400.

The primary benefit of going solar is the reduced cost of electricity. Most homeowners see significant savings on monthly bills even while making payments on the system. For example, a solar customer in Nevada said their bill went from over $300 per month to about $100, and that includes all their financing payments and connection fees. Solar panels can also increase your home’s value by 4.1%.

But the high upfront cost and ongoing maintenance can be a drawback. "Based on my experience, people often overlook, when buying/installing solar panels, the importance of proper installation and maintenance of the panels," Matthews said.

Going solar is a smart idea for many homeowners. Despite the high upfront costs, "the energy savings can offset the initial investment with a great (return on investment)," according to Warren Matthews, co-founder and head editor at Helius Hub.

Like a lot of solar customers, Donald in Illinois told us they "went solar to save money, and to help keep our power bill down, and to also help our environment." It's a win-win.

Pros and cons of solar power

Breaking down the pros and cons of going solar can help you get a better idea of what will work best for your home.

Here's how to narrow down your options and find a reputable solar energy company that can provide ongoing service at a competitive price.

1. Do your research

It's worth considering all your local options. Read lots of reviews and check for any complaints filed against the company.

For instance, Carol in California said she did an "enormous amount of research" to find a solar installer. "The installer that we liked the most has a Ph.D. in physics, and that's why we picked him," Carol told us.

Look out for pushy sales reps when you start these conversations. Unhappy solar customers often tell us about sales reps making false promises, particularly around rebates, credits and savings. 

» BUYER BEWARE: Solar panel scams

2. Compare a few quotes

"The price of a system will depend on your electricity usage; there's not a fixed price but more of a range," Neil Gallagher, who owns a company in Tampa, Florida, told us. "Since COVID, the price of materials has gone up due to supply chain issues, mostly foreign panels. The cost of labor has also increased."

There's also more to consider than just price. Megan in Texas got four quotes before going with Sunpro (now part of ADT Solar). She said it wasn't the cheapest but was a better fit for her needs.

"Momentum Solar was the cheapest, but did not offer some of the perks I was inclined to take," she said.

3. Check licenses and certifications

Before you hire anyone, request their license number and any credentials they claim to have. You should also check that the company has liability insurance, especially since technicians will be on your roof.

For credentials, reputable solar companies often have affiliations with organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) or are certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).

Check if the company is a member of industry associations, such as the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) or local solar industry groups. Membership in these often requires adherence to certain standards and practices.

4. Ask about solar panel efficiency

When comparing solar panels, look for reliability, efficiency and durability. Higher-efficiency solar panels are more expensive but generate more electricity and require less space. Depending on where you live, the panels might need to be tough enough to withstand harsh weather conditions like hail, wind and snow.

Solar panels last 25 to 30 years.

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are the most common types of solar panels for residential installations. There are pros and cons to each — compare monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels for more information.

5. Pay attention to the warranty and fine print

Once you're satisfied with the proposal and financing method, it's time to sign a contract. This contract should detail the solar installation process, solar system specifications, warranty information and other terms.

Some unhappy solar customers told us they felt trapped in contracts or felt they were penalized unfairly for changes or breaches in the contract. Some had issues with early termination fees. Reading the contract carefully and asking questions about anything you’re not sure you understand helps reduce the likelihood of this happening to you.

Look for solar panel and inverter manufacturers and installers that stand by their service and products. The best local solar energy installers always offer warranties and service guarantees. They're also typically readily available for maintenance, system checks or addressing any concerns you might have after your solar system is installed.

Panels typically come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers the panel's performance and materials. A good warranty should cover at least 25 years for panels. In some states, you need at least that to qualify for certain renewable energy incentives.

Solar inverters are also a common source of maintenance issues, so check your warranty for the inverter you choose. A typical warranty for a solar inverter lasts between 10 and 25 years.

You most likely need several other pieces of hardware, including wiring that connects the panels to the inverter and the wiring that connects the inverter to your home's electrical system. You may also choose to install a battery to store electricity for use at night or during power outages.

It's not just about picking the best solar panels. A solar array is made up of many different components. Think about how your whole system will work together.

• Inverters turn sunlight into usable energy. The solar inverter is what converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your home or business.
• Solar batteries store that sunny day for a rainy one. If you want to store the energy produced by your solar panels for use later, you need to install solar batteries. This is especially useful if you live in an area with frequent power outages or if you want to use solar energy when the sun is not shining. If you get a battery, you'll also need a charge controller. Solar generators are another option to get a sustainable source of backup electricity.
• Mounting and tracking systems maximize sun exposure. This is what attaches the solar panels to your roof or another location on your property. The mounting system needs to be sturdy and weather-resistant.
• Monitoring lets you keep track of your system through an app. Monitoring apps provide real-time data on the performance of your solar panels. You get an alert if there's a drop in performance. Some advanced monitoring systems let your solar installation company access performance data remotely, which facilitates quick repairs.

» LEARN MORE: How much do solar batteries cost?

It's important to understand the installation process to know what you should expect.

1. Initial consultation: When you start contacting solar installers for quotes, some may show you satellite images of your home at different times of the day. They use these pictures to demonstrate which sides of your home get the most sunlight.
2. Site assessment: The installer often conducts a physical or remote (using satellite imagery) assessment of your property. They evaluate your roof's orientation, size, shading and condition. These assessments provide an overview of your property's overall solar potential.
3. Design and permitting: The installer then designs a solar system for your property and provides a detailed proposal based on the site assessment and your energy needs. This proposal should include the system size (in kilowatts), estimated energy production, cost, potential savings and return on investment.
4. Panel installation: After you secure your permits, your solar company begins the installation process. Local installers often have in-depth knowledge of local building codes and practices that help ensure smooth installation. This process typically takes a few days but can vary based on the system's size and complexity.
5. Final inspection: Once the solar system is installed, it needs to be inspected by local authorities and the utility company (if grid-tied) to ensure it meets all regulations. After inspections, the system can be commissioned, and you can start generating solar power.

The Consumer Affairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks.

To choose our six top picks for buyers with different priorities (like off-grid systems), as well as our top overall solar company, we used a weighted scoring system that took into account verified reviews and specific company offerings. The weightings for each pick were:

• Top pick overall: Installation and setup satisfaction rate: 15%; Price satisfaction rate: 10%; Savings satisfaction rate: 15%; Contract and terms satisfaction rate: 10%; Customer service satisfaction rate: 10%; Online and app satisfaction rate: 5%; Solar battery satisfaction rate: 5%; Maintenance satisfaction rate: 5%; Warranty: 5%; Performance guarantee: 5%; Payment options: 5%; Monitoring capabilities: 5%; Qualifications and certifications: 5%.
• Top pick for value: Installation and setup satisfaction rate: 5%; Price satisfaction rate: 25%; Savings satisfaction rate: 30%; Contract and terms satisfaction rate: 10%; Online and app satisfaction rate: 5%; Solar battery satisfaction rate: 5%; Maintenance satisfaction rate: 5%; Warranty: 10%; Payment options: 5%.
• Top pick for long-term savings: Installation and setup satisfaction rate: 10%; Price satisfaction rate: 10%; Savings satisfaction rate: 40% Contract and terms satisfaction rate: 5%; Customer service: 5%; Online and app satisfaction rate: 5%; Solar battery satisfaction rate: 5%; Maintenance satisfaction rate:; 5%; Warranty: 5%; Performance guarantee: 10%.
• Top pick for warranty coverage: Installation and setup satisfaction rate: 5%; Price satisfaction rate: 10%; Savings satisfaction rate: 5%; Contract and terms satisfaction rate: 10%; Customer service: 5%; Online and app satisfaction rate: 5%; Solar battery satisfaction rate: 5%; Maintenance satisfaction rate: 10%; Warranty: 35%; Performance guarantee: 10%.
• Top pick for financing options: Installation and setup satisfaction rate: 10%; Price satisfaction rate: 15%; Savings satisfaction rate: 5%; Contract and terms satisfaction rate: 10%; Customer service:5%; Online and app satisfaction rate: 5%; Solar battery satisfaction rate: 5%; Maintenance satisfaction rate: 5%; Warranty: 10%; Payment options: 30%.
• Top pick for off-grid systems: Installation and setup satisfaction rate: 10%; Price satisfaction rate: 10%; Savings satisfaction rate: 10%; Contract and terms satisfaction rate: 5%; Customer service: 5%; Online and app satisfaction rate:15%; Solar battery satisfaction rate: 30%; Maintenance satisfaction rate: 10%; Warranty: 5%.

Our process for scoring each company was entirely statistical, based on an analysis of thousands of verified customer reviews and the most important real-world factors. This is how we did it:

• Conducted sentence-by-sentence sentiment analysis of thousands of reviews on our site from March 27, 2020, to March 27, 2024, to identify the aspects that people care about most solar companies. We then decoded the reviews and star ratings to calculate the percentage of reviewers who are “happy” or “satisfied” with each aspect for each company, which we refer to as the “satisfaction rating” for that aspect. For solar energy companies these aspects include:
  • Installation and setup
  • Price
  • Savings
  • Contract and terms
  • Customer service
  • Online and app experience
  • Storage batteries
  • Maintenance


• Carefully selected the most important offerings consumers should consider before choosing researched offerings at each company. For solar panels, these features included:
  • Warranty: A long warranty is important. We compared both product and craftsmanship warranties available from our top picks. All of our top picks have warranties of at least 25 years.
  • Performance guarantee: A performance guarantee offers protection, assurance and financial predictability to the buyer. It also reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in its product.
  • Payment options: We outlined how many payment options each company offers and what types (e.g., loans, leasing options or in-house financing)
  • Monitoring capability: We gave preference to companies that offer real-time monitoring, regular maintenance services and solid after-sales support.
  • Qualifications and certifications: Companies earned points for having certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), certifications from the Solar Energy Industries Association, accreditation from the Better Business Bureau and Green Building certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).


• Calculated a normalized score ranging from 0 to 5 for each aspect and offering. The company with the best satisfaction rating or feature value was assigned a score of 10, and other company scores were based on their relation to the maximum satisfaction rating or best feature. For example, Blue Raven Solar has a 100% savings satisfaction rating, so it received a score of 10 for this aspect. Freedom Solar Power had a 92% satisfaction rating, so it scored a 9.2 for this aspect.


• Created a unique percentage system to reflect how buyers with different priorities might weigh the importance of each aspect. We then added these weighted scores together to get a final score in that category for each company. Not all aspects or features were always factored into every score. You can review the weightings above.

The company with the highest score in each category’s uniquely weighted formula was given the “Our pick for” designation. In some cases where a single company received the top score across multiple categories, a company with the next-highest score was named the winner.