Write a review
  3. Homeowners
  4. Going Solar
  5. Best Solar Companies

Best Solar Companies in Chandler, Arizona

We compared 17 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Elevation
      2.4(111)
    • Sunrun
      4.3(2,958)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Elevation logo
    Sunrun logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Find a Solar Energy partner near you.

      Author pictureAuthor pictureAuthor picture
      Author picture
      By:
      Author picture
      Edited by:
      Author picture
      Fact-checked by:

      Best Solar Companies in Chandler, Arizona

      Our top solar company picks for Chandler

      1. Best overall: Elevation
      2. Our pick for solar leases: Sunrun
      3. Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      To choose the best solar companies for this guide, we compared popular options on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read our full methodology for more details on how we make solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,536,144 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      Compare our top 3 solar companies

      Find a Solar Energy partner near you.

      The best solar companies in Chandler

      Our goal is to highlight solar companies that are best equipped to meet most Chandlerites’ energy needs, considering the hot desert climate.

      Our top pick overall

      Elevation

      2.4
      111 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      25+ years (product and labor)
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2014

      Elevation has an in-house team that completes the installation and provides ongoing support if you run into any issues. We like that the Curb monitoring app connects to your home's electrical system to give you real-time data about your system. It also lets you remotely turn your smart devices on and off to stop waste and maximize efficiency.

      • “My sales rep was really great. The company had awesome communication. They only took 28 days to get installed on to my roof with my solar system. It was a great experience and like how they used DocuSign!” — Dee in Chandler
      • “Definitely will give Elevation a five-star rating. Everything was explained very well and they were very thorough walking me through the next steps in the process.” — Monica in Chandler
      • “They're always prompt on on responding to my questions.” — Philip in Chandler

      Customers occasionally experience installation delays due to equipment upgrades, local permitting and supply chain issues.

      Elevation specializes in both grid-tied and off-grid solar power systems. Installers use equipment from Panasonic, Qcells, LG, REC and other top names in the solar industry. Systems incorporate either Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell batteries.

      • Services: Consultations, system design, installation and ongoing maintenance, as well as services to reduce your home's overall energy consumption, like air sealing, insulation and duct sealing, are available.
      • Warranty information: Elevation provides a lifetime workmanship warranty on solar systems and a 10-year workmanship warranty for roof penetrations. Solar equipment, including panels and batteries, comes with individual manufacturer's warranties.
      • Payment options: You can pay cash or finance. Elevation partners with various lenders to offer solar loans with competitive interest rates and flexible terms.

      Pros

      • Helpful reps
      • Free consultations
      • Useful monitoring app
      • Good warranty coverage

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Occasional installation delays
      Our pick for solar leases

      Sunrun

      4.3
      2,958 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Panel warranty
      10-25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2007

      We’ve talked to more than 2,000 Sunrun customers. Over a two-year period, 77% were satisfied with their installations and 73% were satisfied with the technology. Many tell us about significant savings on electric bills and would highly recommend the company to others. We also like that the leasing plan lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment.

      • “I looked into half a dozen different companies and Sunrun is the best deal for what I wanted.” — Stanley in Apache Junction

      Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms, so make sure you read the fine print carefully.

      Sunrun is a leading provider of residential solar, battery storage and energy services in the United States. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

      • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
      • Warranty information: Sunrun offers a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
      • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan. With leases, there’s no initial charge for panels, equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last for 25 years and include free maintenance and repairs.

      Pros

      • Reliable systems
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Some customer service complaints
      • Occasional installation delays

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

      • “The customer service was very good. They definitely did their thing and did a great job.” — Evan in Chandler

      Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      • Services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific needs and energy requirements. While the company doesn't offer direct installation services, resources and support for do-it-yourself installation, including online courses, guides and videos, are available.
      • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
      • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.

      Pros

      • Great for RVs and outbuildings
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      How we chose the best solar companies in Chandler, Arizona

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in Chandler based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Chandler solar panel buyers guide

      Here’s what Chandler residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on costs and ways to save with local and federal incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar installation costs $7,797 to $22,276 in Chandler.

      Jump to insight

      Federal and local financial incentives make solar more affordable. You can also lease a system with little upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      While solar itself is not a scam, dishonest practices in the industry have led some residents to be overcharged or misled about potential benefits.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Chandler

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,560 to $21,600 in Arizona. Prices in Chandler are comparable, ranging from $7,797 to $22,276 on average.

      Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. Nationally, costs per watt range from $2.50 to $5. In Chandler, the average cost per watt is $2.23. The average Arizona household needs a system with a capacity of 9.2 kW to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on your household energy use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Chandler

      Is solar worth it in Chandler?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Arizona if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment.

      Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 7 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, Arizona homeowners with solar panels can avoid $59,661 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      But it doesn’t work out for everyone in the Grand Canyon State. Arizona averages 7 to 8 peak sun hours each day. However, lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — could make your solar system less efficient.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. Use NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is another free solar savings estimator. With electricity costs continuing to rise, many homeowners find it’s financially worth it in the long run.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Chandler

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Arizona have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: In Arizona, solar PV installers need a general contractor's license and an electrician's license. You can verify these through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Beware of scams: One of the most common solar scams involves fake solar companies selling systems without any intention of really installing them. The other one is falsely claiming to be affiliated with state agencies.
      • Read reviews: Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if the system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt; you also aren’t responsible for system maintenance.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease 

      Going solar in Maricopa County

      The environmental impact of a single homeowner installing solar panels may be relatively small, but when enough people in a city like Chandler go solar, cumulative reduction in air pollution can be significant.

      » GREENEST STATES: Arizona ranked 42nd in 2024

      Solar incentives in Chandler

      The federal solar investment tax credit reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. 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 $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      You can combine the following solar incentives in Arizona with the federal solar tax credit.

      • State tax credit: You can claim 25% of your total solar system costs, up to $1,000, on your state taxes. Leased systems and PPAs are not eligible.
      • Sales tax exemption: Arizona has a 100% state sales tax exemption on the purchase and installation of solar energy devices (up to $5,000 per device).
      • Property tax exemption: Solar equipment adds no taxable value for property tax assessment. In other words, your property taxes won’t increase just because solar panels increase your home value.

      Additional solar incentives

      Check DSIRE for the most comprehensive source of information about solar incentives and policies in Arizona.

      Chandler solar FAQ

      How does net metering work in Chandler?

      Net metering lets you draw power from the grid when your solar panels aren’t producing enough, and in return, you can send excess energy back to the grid for credit. These credits can then be used to offset your electricity bill when your solar panels are not producing enough energy.

      Arizona has a system called net billing for solar energy customers. This is different from net metering, where customers would get paid the full retail price for their extra electricity. Net billing pays a lower rate, which means customers earn less for the excess power they produce.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      No, homeowners associations in Arizona are not permitted to unreasonably restrict solar energy systems.

      Can I get solar panels for free in Chandler?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Chandler. You can lease or enter a power purchase agreement with minimal upfront costs. There is usually a low ongoing monthly fee. In general, beware of deals that sound too good to be true.

      How does a power purchase agreement work?

      A third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      How long do solar panel installations take in Chandler?

      Installation times depend on a range of factors, especially seasonality and supply chain issues. The actual installation might take only a day, but it sometimes takes months to design, plan and activate the system.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Chandler

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Chandler, Arizona. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Chandler customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks: 

      1. Elevation
      2. Sunrun
      3. ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

      Get buying tips about Solar Companies in Chandler delivered to your inbox.

        By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

        Thanks for subscribing.

        You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

        Read Chandler solar company reviews

        Sort
        • Best Rated
        • Most Reviewed
        • Highest Rated
        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, "Arizona Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Arizona." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Chandler, AZ." Accessed July 22, 2024.
        4. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Arizona Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Arizona, 2024." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Solar for All.” Accessed Aug. 13, 2024.
        7. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed Aug. 29, 2024.
        8. Arizona Legislature, "33-1816: Solar energy devices; reasonable restrictions; fees and costs”." Accessed Aug 6. 2024.

        Want your company to be on this guide?

        Yes, continue
        Comparing

        ×