Best Solar Companies of 2025

Top overall
Sunlux
4.0(580)
Value
Project Solar
4.7(78)
Customer service
Freedom Solar Power
4.4(303)
Financing options
Blue Raven Solar
4.6(265)
DIY projects
ShopSolar
4.8(191)

Updated May 06, 2025

By: Kathryn Parkman

+2 more

Edited by: Cassidy McCants

Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

Best Solar Companies of 2025

Based on thousands of verified customer reviews, equipment selection, payment options and system performance guarantees, Sunlux is the top solar company in 2025. Project Solar stands out for having the most transparent pricing structure, and Freedom Solar Power is best for those who want a more personalized customer service experience throughout the installation process.

Our 5 picks for the best solar companies

Best overall: Sunlux
Best for value: Project Solar
Best for customer service: Freedom Solar Power
Best for financing options: Blue Raven Solar
Best for DIY and off-grid systems: ShopSolar

We compared popular solar companies on customer satisfaction ratings, warranties, payment options and other factors. Sunlux has great reviews but somewhat limited availability. Project Solar, Freedom Solar Power and Blue Raven Solar are worth considering for professional installation — compare quotes to find the best deal in your area. Start with ShopSolar if you already know what you need for a DIY or off-grid project.

Companies may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or influence evaluations. Our publishing policy ensures that the journalistic content and user reviews on ConsumerAffairs remain independent of commercial influences.

» READ MORE: Full methodology

Customer rating	Our pick for	Max. panel efficiency	Panel warranty	Year founded	Availability
4.0 580 reviews 580 reviews	Top overall	19.7%	25 years	2012	California and Texas	Get Started
4.7 78 reviews 78 reviews	Value	20.9%	25 years	2016	Most states	Learn more
4.4 303 reviews 303 reviews	Customer service	22.8%	25 years	2007	Some states	Get Started
4.6 265 reviews 265 reviews	Financing options	Varies	25 years	2014	Some states	Learn More
4.8 191 reviews 191 reviews	DIY projects	Varies	Varies	2018	Nationwide	Learn more

Learn more about solar energy

Best overall

Sunlux

4.0

580 reviews

Max. panel efficiency: 19.7%
Panel warranty: 25 years
Payment options: Cash, loan and lease
Year founded: 2012

Get Started Read Reviews

Best value

Project Solar

4.7

78 reviews

Max. panel efficiency: 20.9%
Panel warranty: 25 years
Payment options: Cash, loan
Year founded: 2016

Read Reviews

2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner

Freedom Solar Power

4.4

303 reviews

Max. panel efficiency: 22.8%
Panel warranty: 25 years
Payment options: Cash, loan
Year founded: 2007

Get Started Read Reviews

2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner

Blue Raven Solar

4.6

265 reviews

Max. panel efficiency: Varies
Panel warranty: 25 years
Payment options: Cash, loan, lease
Year founded: 2014

Learn More Read Reviews

Best for DIY projects

ShopSolar

4.8

191 reviews

Max. panel efficiency: Varies
Panel warranty: Varies
Payment options: Cash, loan
Year founded: 2018

Read Reviews

Best solar companies by city

Solar Energy Companies Buyers Guide

Jump into our guides and start learning

In this guide

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

See our top picks

A complete guide to going solar

We’ve heard from over 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy, and they don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations. Here’s what to consider when selecting a solar company, how to think about solar costs and what to expect during and after the installation.

Key insights

Solar panels typically cost $18,000 to $43,000. On the bright side, you can finance or lease a system with minimal upfront costs.

Jump to insight

Though more expensive, high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) panels are worth it if you have a small roof. They generate more electricity and require less space.

Jump to insight

The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best financial incentive for most homeowners going solar.

Jump to insight

Systems usually pay for themselves in about 9.5 years, and the average homeowner can avoid $62,219 in total utility costs over 25 years.

Jump to insight

How much do solar panels cost?

A typical 8-kilowatt (kW) solar panel costs $22,712 before any financial incentives. When the full federal solar tax credit is factored in, that price effectively drops to $15,898. How much you actually pay depends on the size of your system, where you live and if you also want a solar energy storage battery. On the high end, we talked to a solar customer in Massachusetts who paid around $50,000 for a system and a solar customer in Hawaii who spent $100,000.

On average, homeowners with solar panels avoid $62,219 in total utility costs over 25 years.

“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 solar company in Tampa, Florida, explained. Most installers price systems based on wattage. This “cost per watt” represents the price of each unit watt of electricity your solar panels will generate. Similar to how miles per gallon tells you how fuel-efficient a vehicle is, cost per watt shows how much energy generation you get per dollar. As of publishing, the average cost per watt is $2.84.

Average solar panel costs by state

	Typical installation cost*	Average cost per watt	Estimated payback period**	25-year savings***
Alabama	$37,475	$3.14	10.5 years	$42,252
Alaska	$23,088	$2.41	12.6 years	$29,737
Arizona	$19,440	$2.06	6.9 years	$65,970
Arkansas	$29,877	$2.36	11.8 years	$44,741
California	$18,105	$2.32	3.9 years	$108,915
Colorado	$28,088	$2.82	8.9 years	$39,344
Connecticut	$26,670	$2.74	6 years	$79,390
Delaware	$25,274	$2.3	8.8 years	$61,442
Florida	$24,403	$2.14	9 years	$50,000
Georgia	$30,494	$2.59	10.1 years	$45,038
Hawaii	$27,680	$3.42	2.7 years	$122,119
Idaho	$28,944	$2.46	11.9 years	$36,949
Illinois	$31,068	$2.88	9.4 years	$57,382
Indiana	$34,131	$3.13	10.8 years	$62,208
Iowa	$31,793	$3.16	10.6 years	$55,871
Kansas	$32,167	$3.03	10.8 years	$60,551
Kentucky	$31,313	$2.73	11.2 years	$42,146
Louisiana	$32,142	$2.45	12.2 years	$29,318
Maine	$29,267	$3.1	8.8 years	$65,297
Maryland	$28,504	$2.71	8.4 years	$69,077
Massachusetts	$27,158	$3.08	5.8 years	$92,499
Michigan	$30,902	$3.13	9.6 years	$53,052
Minnesota	$31,209	$2.98	9.9 years	$54,092
Mississippi	$36,110	$2.63	10.1 years	$34,539
Missouri	$31,842	$2.85	11.6 years	$63,348
Montana	$32,116	$2.6	11.7 years	$41,487
Nebraska	$20,787	$2.24	11.6 years	$52,449
Nevada	$20,768	$2.18	6.9 years	$69,323
New Hampshire	$29,870	$3.15	8.8 years	$35,806
New Jersey	$25,623	$2.63	8.5 years	$64,962
New Mexico	$24,571	$2.83	8.1 years	$43,093
New York	$27,291	$2.82	7.4 years	$71,770
North Carolina	$26,829	$2.26	11.9 years	$45,388
North Dakota	$33,275	$2.91	13.4 years	$65,178
Ohio	$29,127	$2.59	9.1 years	$53,812
Oklahoma	$26,900	$2.32	9.8 years	$43,701
Oregon	$28,965	$2.65	11.7 years	$35,464
Pennsylvania	$28,679	$2.63	9.4 years	$61,682
Rhode Island	$29,061	$3.26	5.7 years	$77,796
South Carolina	$26,548	$2.52	10.8 years	$51,366
South Dakota	$24,115	$2.79	10 years	$53,388
Tennessee	$39,120	$3.44	11.8 years	$39,124
Texas	$21,672	$2.08	8.9 years	$52,762
Utah	$29,158	$2.59	12.9 years	$31,768
Vermont	$25,375	$2.86	5.6 years	$98,684
Virginia	$31,427	$2.84	10.4 years	$46,993
Washington	$32,964	$2.62	17 years	$31,108
Washington, D.C.	$20,400	$2.93	9.3 years	$50,435
West Virginia	$28,737	$3.12	10.4 years	$55,554
Wisconsin	$31,806	$2.99	8.8 years	$56,047
Wyoming	$43,165	$3.55	11.1 years	$46,147

*Before the 30% federal tax credit (ITC) or other financial incentives; **How long it takes to break even on solar panel installation costs with cash purchase; ***Total utility power costs avoided over 25 years

How to pay for solar panels

You can pay for your system upfront, but most people finance solar panels. A solar loan works like any other type of loan — there's an application and approval process, and you pay the loan back over time (with interest). Alternatively, solar leases and power purchase agreements are good options if you don’t want to take on debt.

A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

Look at past utility bills to understand your monthly energy consumption patterns. If you finance solar panels, it might not be worth it if the loan payments are more expensive than your existing electricity bill.

Be sure to look for state-level rebates as well. Some regions now give extra incentives for adding battery storage or adopting certain equipment standards, which can tilt the math in favor of ownership.

» SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

Taking advantage of the federal solar tax credit

The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best financial incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels. The ITC reduces your federal income tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels, including labor and permit fees.

For example, let’s say you spend $10,000 installing solar panels. The ITC is worth $3,000. If in the year your system becomes operational, you owe $5,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces your tax bill to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year.

Don’t get confused
A tax credit decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income. You won’t automatically get a check for 30% of what your system costs. However, you can get a refund check if the credit reduces your tax liability to the point where you overpaid during the year.

What to consider before going solar

Not every household benefits from solar panels in the same way. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

Is going solar worth it for me?

Solar is worth it for a lot of homeowners. Systems usually pay for themselves in about 9.5 years, and the average homeowner can avoid $62,219 in total utility costs over 25 years. How much money solar saves you depends on electricity costs in your area. In states that offer full-retail net metering credits, adding a battery mainly provides backup power rather than extra savings, so factor that into your payback calculations.

Since going solar, Lowell in Oklahoma said his average monthly electric bill went from $125 to about $15. Another solar customer, Rosineia in Massachusetts, told us she saves around $1,000 per year.

In the worst-case scenario, you spend thousands on midtier equipment from a company with no follow-up support, like Brenda in Missouri. “I am still not sure if it is working correctly, as I only saved $6.66 last month,” Brenda told us. “Why would anyone pay $52,000 for a system and get less than a $10 return each month?”

Solar energy pros and cons

Despite the high upfront costs, the energy savings over time can deliver a strong return on investment. However, for buyers, there are costs beyond the initial investment, like maintenance of the panels.

You can clean your panels yourself, or hire a professional once or twice a year to keep performance optimal. Otherwise, dirt, debris and other substances accumulate on panels over time, reducing their effectiveness.

Breaking down the pros and cons can help you get a better idea of whether or not solar is worth it for your home.

Pros

Lower monthly energy bills
Energy independence
Reduced carbon footprint
Government incentives
Increased home value

Cons

High initial cost
Can't move with you
Not a one-size-fits-all solution
Some ongoing maintenance

Is my house a good candidate for solar panels?

For best results, you need plenty of sunlight and a strong roof that faces the right direction.

What is the condition of my roof? Considering panels last about 25 years, it could be smart to replace your roof before going solar. Otherwise, you might have to spend thousands removing the panels, fixing your roof and reinstalling them. For instance, when Gwen in California had to re-roof her house, it cost $5,790 to temporarily uninstall and reinstall the panels.
What is my roof's angle, pitch and size? Roofs that face south, southeast or southwest are typically the best angle for solar panels, and a roof pitch of 25 to 45 degrees is best. The 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.
How much sunlight does my roof get? Lots of shade around your house — lots of tall trees or buildings, for instance — and your solar panels won't be as efficient. Solar panels still work on cloudy days, but the electricity generation drops by about 10% to 25%. Direct sunlight definitely boosts energy output.

Pro tip
If you have older electrical appliances, upgrade those before investing in solar panels. Getting your electrical loads as low as possible means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall.
» MORE: How to save energy at home

What are the best states for going solar?

See how your state compares with others on residential electricity prices, solar installation costs, solar potential and solar-friendly policies.

» EXPLORE: Where solar savings go the furthest

How to choose a solar company

If you’re ready to go solar, look out for pushy sales reps who make big promises. Here's how to narrow down your options and find a reputable company that can provide ongoing service at a competitive price.

1. Read reviews

Read lots of solar company reviews and look for patterns of complaints related to bad customer service, misleading sales practices and issues with repairs and warranties.

2. Compare quotes

It’s always worth it to compare a few quotes. The price difference between one company and another can be thousands of dollars. Some solar companies have a lot more overhead due to marketing efforts, and that cost is passed on to the consumer.

3. Check licenses and certifications

Reputable solar companies are often associated with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) or are certified by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (SRCC).

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.

5. Pay attention to the warranty

The best installers always offer warranties and service guarantees. They're also readily available for maintenance, system checks or addressing any concerns you might have after your solar system is installed.

Panels usually come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers their performance for 25 years. Solar inverters are also a common source of maintenance issues, so check your warranty for that too. A typical solar inverter warranty lasts between 10 and 25 years.

If you add battery storage, confirm the battery's warranty length and performance guarantees. Some states are rolling out battery-specific incentives that require minimum warranty periods to qualify for rebates.

» BUYER BEWARE: Solar panel scams

What to know about panels and other solar equipment

The most common residential photovoltaic (PV) panels — monocrystalline and polycrystalline — are made of silicon cells, which easily absorb photons from the sun. But 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.

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.
Mounting and tracking systems maximize sun exposure. This attaches the solar panels to your roof or another location on your property. The mounting system needs to be sturdy and weather-resistant.
Inverters turn sunlight into usable energy. The solar inverter 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.
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.

How do solar installations work?

Understanding the installation process is important to knowing what you should expect.

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.
Site assessment: The installer often conducts a physical or remote (using satellite imagery) assessment of your property. The installer evaluates your roof's orientation, size, shading and condition. These assessments provide an overview of your property's overall solar potential.
System design: 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.
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.
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.

FAQ

How do solar panels work?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work by harnessing the power of the sun and converting it into usable electricity. The most common types of residential solar PV panels — monocrystalline and polycrystalline — 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.

Solar panels still work on cloudy days, but the electricity generation drops by about 10% to 25%. Direct sunlight definitely boosts energy output.

How many solar panels do I need to power my house?

The average American household ends up needing 15 to 30 panels to fully power a home. How many solar panels you need depends on your energy usage, roof and solar panels' efficiency. To figure out your energy usage, check your utility bill for "kWh used." To get your monthly average, look at bills for the past year, add up the stated kWh used and divide by 12.

In general, the output of one residential solar panel is anywhere from 100 watts to 500 watts, depending on the capacity of the equipment and operating conditions. Most panels on homes are rated to output between 250 watts and 450 watts, meaning they produce 250 to 450 watt-hours of electricity for each hour they are exposed to direct sunlight.

For example, if your household uses 1,000 kWh per month, and you install panels that each generate 400 watts under optimal conditions, you'll need about 21 panels to meet your energy needs. Here's the math:

1,000 kWh per month divided by 30 days = 33.3 kWh per day
33.3 kWh per day divided by 5 hours of effective sunlight per day = 6.7 kW solar system
6.7 kW divided by 0.4 kW (400-watt panel) = 16.75 panels

However, this doesn’t account for system losses, shading or seasonal changes, so installers typically recommend adding 10% to 30% more capacity, bringing you to about 21 panels.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

What solar options are available for small businesses?

Businesses, local governments and nonprofits of all sizes can benefit from commercial solar panel installation. Solar carports, ground-mounted systems and solar thermal energy systems are also options. The biggest difference between commercial and residential solar panels comes down to scale, financing options and tax incentives.

Do I need a solar battery?

A solar battery is not always necessary, but it can provide significant benefits. Solar batteries store excess energy generated during the day for use when your panels aren't producing electricity, such as at night or during power outages. They are particularly useful if you want energy independence, live in an area with frequent grid outages or don't have net metering options with your utility company. However, they do add to the overall cost of your solar system.

How long does it take to install solar panels?

Installation times depend on a range of factors, especially seasonality and supply chain issues. The actual installation might take only a day, but it takes time to design, plan and activate the system. Dan in California said it took a few weeks; Shahida in New York said it took a year.

What is Tier 1 solar company?

A Tier 1 solar company makes its own panels and has done so for at least five years with a track record of reliable products. This label often means it's a stable business that invests in research and manufacturing.

Get expert advice on solar companies

How do solar panels help reduce my carbon footprint?

Robert Kaufmann

Professor, environmental science, Boston University

Solar panels generate electricity without using fossil fuels (e.g., coal, oil or natural gas). Burning fossil fuels is the largest source of anthropogenic sulfur emissions. As such, solar panels reduce carbon emissions, which reduces one’s carbon footprint.

Best Solar Companies of 2025

Best Solar Companies of 2025

Our 5 picks for the best solar companies

Solar Energy Companies Buyers Guide

A complete guide to going solar

How much do solar panels cost?

Average solar panel costs by state

How to pay for solar panels

Taking advantage of the federal solar tax credit

Don’t get confused

What to consider before going solar

Is going solar worth it for me?

Solar energy pros and cons

Pros

Cons

Is my house a good candidate for solar panels?

Pro tip

What are the best states for going solar?

How to choose a solar company

1. Read reviews

2. Compare quotes

3. Check licenses and certifications

4. Ask about solar panel efficiency

5. Pay attention to the warranty

What to know about panels and other solar equipment

How do solar installations work?

FAQ

Get expert advice on solar companies

Methodology

Selection process

Read solar company reviews

Want your company to be on this guide?