Best Solar Companies in Phoenix, AZ

We compared 39 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Best overall
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,303)
    • Value
      Project Solar
      4.6(79)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.8(202)
    +2 more
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Solar Companies in Phoenix, AZ

    Based on recent reviews from verified customers, equipment options and warranty terms, Sunrun is the best solar company in Phoenix. Project Solar stands out for its competitive pricing structure, and ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment for do-it-yourself projects.

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    Our top 3 solar company picks for Phoenix

    1. Best overall: Sunrun
    2. Our pick for value: Project Solar
    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

    2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner

    Sunrun

    Sunrun
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007

    Happy Sunrun customers consistently tell us about smooth installations and significant savings on electric bills. We also like that Sunrun’s leasing program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment.

    Pros

    • Easy to get started
    • Custom solar designs
    • Daily system monitoring
    • Smart technology
    • Free maintenance plans available

    Cons

    • Some customer service complaints
    • Occasional installation delays

    Most customers pay upfront, finance or lease. 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 repairs.

    Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, plus roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.

    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
    Our pick for value

    Project Solar

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

    Project Solar appeals to budget-conscious homeowners who want a less sales-heavy approach. Its salespeople don’t work on commissions. Instead, they can focus on a simple, streamlined customer experience. The company’s solar systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Q-Cell, Jinko and Enphase.

    We also appreciate the price transparency. As of this publication, full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt. Anything over 13 kilowatts is a flat rate.

    In general, people really like that reps are knowledgeable and able to answer their questions. Project Solar also gets excellent feedback about pricing.

    Pros

    • Roof-leak warranty
    • Transparent pricing
    • No prepayment penalties
    • Pro or DIY installations
    • Transparent pricing

    Cons

    • Less equipment options
    • Subcontracted installers

    For DIY projects, customers can pay cash or finance through a third party. They can also pay with a home equity loan or line of credit. Project Solar partners with solar loan lenders to offer two financing options for professional installation:

    • Option A: Loans have higher interest rates but shorter terms. Option A is best if you can pay the loan off quickly, which saves on interest in the long run.
    • Option B: Loans have lower interest rates with longer terms. Option B is ideal for homeowners who want predictable monthly expenses and plan to stay in their current house for at least 20 more years.

    Project Solar provides two main warranties: a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. It also has an 84% production guarantee for 25 years and provides reimbursements if production levels are not met during this time.

    The manufacturer's warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship of the solar panels, inverters and other equipment. The workmanship warranty covers installation issues (like faulty wiring or improper mounting) if you get a full-service installation. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.

    Our pick for DIY projects

    ShopSolar

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

    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.

    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.

    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

    » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

    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.

    ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.

    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

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

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      Phoenix solar buyers guide

      Ready to go solar? Here’s what Phoenix residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel 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 $2.04.

      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 $7,156 to $20,445 in Arizona. Prices in Phoenix are comparable, ranging from $7,148 to $20,422 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 $2.04. The average Arizona household needs a system with a capacity of 7 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 10.97 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, residents with solar panels can avoid $32,649 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 also 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. Joseph in Peoria told us some reps exaggerate potential cost savings. Additionally, lots of shading (like trees or tall buildings above your roof) could make your solar system less efficient.

      Still, 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.

      » 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.

      • 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. 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 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.

      » GREENEST STATES: Arizona ranked 42nd

      Solar incentives in Phoenix

      Take advantage of available solar incentives in Arizona if you can. Check DSIRE for the most comprehensive source of information about solar incentives and policies.

      • 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.

      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.

      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. Project Solar
      3. ShopSolar

      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. City of Phoenix, "Planning & Development Department Fee Schedule." Accessed May 15, 2025.
      2. Phoenix Solar Panel Systems, "Solar Panel Scams." Accessed May 15, 2025.
      3. DSIRE, "Arizona Programs." Accessed May 15, 2025.
      4. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Arizona." Accessed May 15, 2025.
      5. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Phoenix, AZ." Accessed May 15, 2025.
      6. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Arizona Solar." Accessed May 15, 2025.
      7. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Arizona, 2024." Accessed May 15, 2025.
      8. United States Environmental Protection Agency, "Solar for All." Accessed May 15, 2025.
      9. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), "Solar Licensing Database." Accessed May 15, 2025.
      10. Arizona State Legislature, "33-1816: Solar energy devices; reasonable restrictions; fees and costs." Accessed May 15, 2025.

      Not sure how to choose?

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