Where to Buy Solar Panels

The 4 best places to buy solar panels

There are four primary types of retailers where you can shop for solar panels: solar companies like Sunlux and Project Solar, e-commerce websites like Amazon, home improvement stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot, and big-box stores like Costco and Sam’s Club.

The best option depends on whether you’re doing a DIY solar project or need professional installation. We’ve explained the pros and cons of each type of solar panel retailer below.

1. Solar companies

As soon as you start Googling solar options, you’ll probably see ads for solar companies pop up on your social media feeds. Companies like Sunlux and Elevation not only sell solar panels, but they’ll also help you figure out how many panels you need, install them and provide follow-up maintenance. Going with a solar company is ideal if you want a company to handle your solar project for you.

The downside of going with solar companies is that costs can vary and pricing isn’t typically transparent. To get a quote, you’ll have to contact the company and talk to representatives, who will do an on-site assessment of your home to determine your estimate. Sales tactics can sometimes feel aggressive, especially if you’re gathering quotes from multiple installers.

“There are dealer fees that are often not mentioned during the sales process, and some sales reps significantly mark up the price per watt for their commission,” said Neil Gallagher, co-founder of Brighterway Solar, a solar construction and contracting firm.

» LEARN: 7 Steps to Going Solar

2. Online retailers

Many online retailers, including Amazon, sell solar panels and kits. Shopping online may appeal to buyers who already understand the equipment they need and plan to install the system themselves.

Online retailers typically offer competitive prices and a wide selection of panels, inverters and mounting equipment. However, there’s no professional guidance during the purchasing process, which can make it difficult to determine which components are compatible or appropriate for your system.

Because of this, buying solar panels online is generally best suited for DIY projects or smaller off-grid setups like cabins, sheds or RV systems.

3. Home improvement stores

Home improvement retailers such as The Home Depot and Lowe's sometimes sell solar kits, panels and related equipment. These stores can be convenient for DIYers who want to purchase components locally rather than waiting for them to ship.

DIY solar kits are intended for small, off-grid uses. For full-home solar, you’ll need professional help to ensure your home is up to code.

If you need several panels or specialized equipment, the store may still need to order them, but shopping locally can make it easier to return or exchange products if something isn’t compatible with your setup. If you have a store credit card, you may also earn rewards or promotional financing on your purchase.

Some stores also connect homeowners with professional installers. For example, The Home Depot offers solar consultations and installation services through partner providers, allowing customers to start the process online or in store. However, most solar products sold through home improvement stores are intended for DIY projects rather than complete residential installations.

4. Big-box stores

Some warehouse clubs and big-box retailers have experimented with solar partnerships in the past. For example, Costco previously partnered with solar installer Sunrun and offered member perks like a Costco Shop Card and additional warranty coverage. However, that partnership ended in 2024.

Today, most warehouse clubs do not operate full solar installation programs. Instead, they may sell solar equipment or small solar kits online, which are generally better suited for off-grid or DIY projects.

Because these retailers don’t usually provide installation services, homeowners interested in full-home solar systems typically work directly with solar installers or local contractors.

How to vet solar panel sellers

When vetting retailers and companies that sell solar panels, compare costs across sellers and, if you’re going with a pro, get multiple quotes. “Make sure any quotes received are from a reputable company, and anything extra promised is in writing,” said Gallagher.

Here’s a checklist for vetting solar panel sellers:

• Confirm the installer holds the required state or local contractor licenses.
• Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to protect against accidents during installation.
• Verify that the seller is an authorized dealer or installer for the brands they offer.
• Authorized partners are more likely to honor manufacturer warranties and have proper training.
• Look for panels and equipment certified by recognized standards organizations, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). These certifications indicate the equipment has been tested for safety and performance.

Keep an eye out for the following red flags:

• High-pressure sales tactics that push you to sign immediately
• Quotes that seem dramatically cheaper than competitors
• Promises of incentives or savings that aren’t clearly documented

What to consider when purchasing solar panels

Where you should buy your solar panels depends on a lot of factors. Here are some things to keep in mind before shopping around.

Permits and engineering evaluations

Before making any plans, check your local regulations on solar installation and determine what permits you may need. A solar company, professional installer or contractor can often help with this step.

Additionally, if you’re planning to install rooftop panels, you’ll need to have an engineer or installer determine if your roof can handle the weight of a solar system. They’ll also check integrity, roof orientation and whether shading from trees or nearby buildings could affect solar production.

Type and number of solar panels

The three main types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film, though monocrystalline panels are the most common choice for residential systems because they’re efficient and space-efficient.

You’ll also need to determine how many solar panels you need. On average, a 2,000-square-foot home will need about 19 solar panels, but the exact amount you’ll need depends on factors like your electricity use and roof size.

You can use an online solar calculator, like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator, to help estimate your ideal system size and output.

Inverters and monitoring systems

Aside from the panels themselves, you’ll need to purchase some other equipment, like an inverter that converts solar energy into usable electricity and monitoring software to track system performance. If you want to back up extra power, you may also need solar batteries. 

An easy way to ensure you get everything you need is to purchase a solar kit instead of individual panels and equipment — or go with a solar company or professional installer. Our installation guide can help you get your solar energy system up and running.

Buying vs. leasing or financing

If you don’t want to pay the full cost upfront, many solar installers offer financing options that spread payments over time. Some homeowners also choose to lease solar panels or enter power purchase agreements (PPAs), which allow them to use solar energy without owning the system. However, leasing typically means you won’t qualify for certain tax incentives available to system owners.

» MORE: Best Residential Solar Panels

FAQ