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Best Solar Companies in Phoenix, AZ

We compared 39 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

  • Top overall
    Sunrun
    4.3(3,230)
  • Flexible financing options
    Elevation
    1.3(111)
  • DIY projects
    ShopSolar
    4.7(188)

Best Solar Companies in Phoenix, AZ

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By: Kathryn Parkman
+2 more
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Edited by: Cassidy McCants
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Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

Our top 3 solar company picks for Phoenix

  1. Best overall: Sunrun
  2. Flexible financing options: Elevation
  3. Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. 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 the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

The best solar companies in Phoenix

Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Phoenicians’ energy needs, considering the hot desert climate.

2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner
Sunrun
Sunrun
4.3
3,230 reviews
Max. panel efficiency
22%
Panel warranty
Varies
Payment options
Cash, loan, lease
Year founded
2007
Get Started Read Reviews

We’ve talked to more than 2,000 Sunrun customers from across the country. Over a recent 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 Sunrun’s leasing program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment.

  • “Everything was smooth and the team was really on top of my installation. If I had any questions, they answered it. So far going solar has been good. The system has been turned on for a few months, so we're still seeing the effect of it. But we're happy with it.” — Felicia in Phoenix
  • “Our experience with the Sunrun representative was good. That was why we signed up with them. They were good about the installation and they were clean. I didn't even know they put it on. So far, going solar has been good, especially living here in Arizona with the heat. It's helped out with my bills a lot.” — Orlando in Phoenix

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

Sunrun is a leader in residential solar, battery storage and energy services in the United States. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG. You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart.

  • 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.
  • Lease terms: 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 25 years, with free maintenance and repairs during that time.

Pros

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

Cons

  • Some customer service complaints
  • Occasional installation delays
1x Award Winner
Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
Our pick for financing options
Elevation
Elevation
1.3
111 reviews
Max. panel efficiency
Varies
Panel warranty
25+ years (product and labor)
Payment options
Cash, loan
Year founded
2014
Read Reviews

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.

  • “So glad I chose this company for my insulation. They went above and beyond to make sure any issues or concerns were taken care of. They were extremely professional, so kudos to Diana. She educated me on the energy report and should see my bill reduced.” — Kayla in Phoenix
  • “Signing up with them was good. James, the rep, was very honest and he tried to resolve all our questions. Also, their price was better than other providers. The installation was good but they should have walked through everything with us. … So that's the only thing I feel not satisfied with but I would tell neighbors to go to Elevation.” — Rose in Phoenix

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 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 has 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
  • Quick and efficient installations
  • Free consultation
  • Several trusted brand partners
  • Good warranty coverage

Cons

  • Some communication issues
  • Limited price transparency
Our pick for DIY projects
ShopSolar
ShopSolar
4.7
188 reviews
Max. panel efficiency
Varies
Panel warranty
Varies
Payment options
Cash, loan
Year founded
2018
Read Reviews

ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy equipment for do-it-yourself projects on homes, RVs and outbuildings. The online retailer has a nice selection of equipment and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

  • “Finding what I needed was easy. I use my Titan Solar Generator daily. I have it in an RV and I run the air conditioner for six to eight hours. Also, customer support was great. We had trouble with the chargers and we've had two that went bad. They covered them all. Also, one of the charges that were in the cigarette lighter went bad. They covered that as well. They were very attentive to that.” — James in Phoenix
  • “I was really amazed with their shipping. The solar panels were packed that you could take a sledgehammer to that package and it wouldn't affect the solar panels. They really did a great job. They were extremely helpful. The salesman that I talked to helped me decide what would be the best for my scenario and for my home size. ” — Barbara in Avondale

Some customers experienced problems with their purchases, such as damaged or faulty equipment. ShopSolar generally resolved these issues with refunds or replacements. The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar doesn’t provide professional installation services. So, it’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

» 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

  • Huge selection of solar equipment
  • 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 Phoenix

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in Phoenix 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

Solar Companies in Phoenix Buyers Guide

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In this guide

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

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ShopSolar logo
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Phoenix solar buyers guide

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

Key insights

“Cost per watt” is like the “price per square foot” when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes. In Phoenix, the average cost per watt is $2.18.

Jump to insight

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

Jump to insight

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.

Jump to insight

Solar panel costs in Phoenix

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,560 to $21,600 in Arizona. Prices in Phoenix are comparable, ranging from $7,618 to $21,767 on average.

Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. Nationally, costs per watt range from $2.50 to $5. In Phoenix, the average cost per watt is $2.18. 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 Phoenix

Is solar worth it in Phoenix?

Solar panels are generally worth it in Arizona if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. Arizona has some of the highest potential for solar energy of all states, and Phoenix gets significant sunshine year-round.

The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 6.9 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, residents with solar panels can avoid $65,970 in total utility costs over 25 years.

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

Judy in Phoenix initially went solar for environmental reasons rather than cost savings. Since having the panels, she has become more mindful of their electricity usage, taking advantage of nonpeak hours. Judy has been happy with the rate she pays for electricity, preferring her new setup over dealing with Arizona Public Service. (APS is a “pain in the butt,” according to Judy.)

But it doesn’t work out for everyone in Grand Canyon State. Lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — could make your solar system less efficient. 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.

As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering.

» 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 Phoenix

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 as well as an electrician's license. You can verify these through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) has a National Solar Licensing Database with the latest licensing, certification and other requirements impacting the solar industry. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
  • Read reviews: Research the company's track record and 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. Companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Phoenix are better at navigating the local regulations, permits and available financial incentives.
  • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? Then, carefully review the proposal. 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. Eligible homeowners can also borrow against home equity to pay for a solar panel system.

Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment. 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.

  • 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 Phoenix go solar, the cumulative reduction in air pollution can be significant.

» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Arizona ranked fourth in 2024

Solar incentives in Phoenix

Take advantage of available solar incentives in Arizona if you can.

  • State tax credit: Homeowners in Arizona may claim 25% of their total solar system costs, up to $1,000, on their 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 a limit of $5,000 per device.
  • Property tax exemption: Arizona state property tax exempts solar technology and devices. For property tax assessment, solar technology adds no taxable value. Property owners must provide their county assessor with documentation of purchase and installation, along with costs to qualify.

Federal tax credit 

You should also use the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC). It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

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

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 $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000.

Additional solar incentives

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

Phoenix solar FAQ

How does net metering work in Phoenix?

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 offset your electricity bill for months when your solar panels don’t produce enough energy.

Arizona uses “net billing,” a system similar to net metering in which customers are compensated for supplying excess power to the grid. This is different from net metering in the sense that under net metering, customers are compensated at the retail rate, while under net billing, this rate is reduced.

» GREENEST STATES: Arizona ranked 42nd in 2024

Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Phoenix?

Yes. To install solar panels on one- and two-family homes, you must submit two sets of legible plans and documents for review, adhering to specified sizes and requirements. For eligible projects, you can use the SolarAPP+ online portal for expedited approval.

Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

No. HOAs in Arizona are not permitted to unreasonably restrict solar energy systems.

Can I get solar panels for free in Phoenix?

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

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.

Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Phoenix

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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix 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. Sunrun
  2. Elevation
  3. ShopSolar

Not sure how to choose?

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    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 Phoenix, 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 State Legislature, "33-1816: Solar energy devices; reasonable restrictions; fees and costs." Accessed Aug 6. 2024.
    9. Phoenix Solar Panel Systems, "Solar Panel Scams." Accessed Aug. 14, 2024.

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