Best Solar Companies of 2025

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. 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.

How much do solar panels cost?

In 2024, the average home solar system costs $22,712 before the 30% federal solar tax credit.

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

A typical 8-kilowatt (kW) solar panel system costs $22,712 before any financial incentives. However, with solar leases and financing plans, installations can cost almost nothing upfront.

Think about how much it costs to go solar the way you shop for a car. 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.

Overall, solar photovoltaic (PV) panel prices are steadily going down year over year. 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 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 it back over time (with interest).

Alternatively, solar leases and power purchase agreements are a good option if you have limited savings and 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.

In some states, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs let you finance through payments made to your property taxes. This can significantly increase tax bills and lead to foreclosure if unpaid. It also puts a lien on your house, which takes precedence over your mortgage and can complicate selling your home.

» 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 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 a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, getting a refund check is possible if the ITC credit reduces your taxes 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. For best results, you need plenty of sunlight and a strong roof that faces the right direction. The other big factor is your roof. Here's what else to consider before you commit.

Is your house a good candidate for solar panels?

• What is the condition of my 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.
• How much energy does my household use? 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.
• What is my 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 roof space do I have? 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. Some homeowners install smaller systems that produce around 80% of the power they need.
• How much sunlight does my roof get? 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. Solar panels still work on cloudy days, but the electricity generation drops to about 10% to 25% compared to sunny weather. Direct sunlight definitely boosts energy output.

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

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 solar company reviews and check for any complaints filed against the company. 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."

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).

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. Quality solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years, but the efficiency of solar panels decreases a bit each year.

5. Pay attention to the warranty

The best local solar energy 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 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.

How do solar installations work?

Understanding the installation process is important 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. 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.
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.

Is going solar worth it?

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. "Based on my experience, people often overlook, when buying/installing solar panels, the importance of proper installation and maintenance of the panels," Matthews said.

Solar panels save most people money over time. On average, solar panels pay for themselves in savings within about 9.5 years. Over 25 years, the average homeowner with solar panels avoids $62,202 in total utility costs.

Solar power pros and cons

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