Just a few decades ago, solar panel companies were still trying to get a strong foothold in the American economy as a valid source of clean, affordable energy. And in those early days, let’s be honest: solar panels weren’t all that affordable for the average homeowner. However, today’s best solar companies offer top-notch products at a much more reasonable price, and with tax incentives and rebates, installing solar panels on your home is a quite feasible option.
Over time, the best solar companies have created a quasi-monopoly, with smaller brands being acquired by the larger brands. However, it’s important to remember that these companies are merging because they offer the same or similar products, good customer service, and the same sort of installation techniques. They are also merging to cover more states and deliver different types of panels. When you search for one particular company online, don’t be surprised if another pops up thanks to those acquisitions – for instance, Third Sun Solar LLC was recently acquired by Kokosing International, while CleanCapital made a recent purchase of BQ Energy.
Top Solar Companies
- 10-year warranty on workmanship, theft or damage coverage
- Full service for all customers regardless of financing plan
Sunrun
States of Operation: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, IL, MD, MA, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, PA, RI, SC, TX, VT, WI, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C.
With 15 years of experience, this fastest-growing solar panel company is also the largest in the nation. Sunrun offers strategic national partnerships to help ensure customer service in far-flung locales, some of the best financing options in the industry, and top-notch equipment. In fact, a recent partnership with Ford created the Home Integration System, one that allows a home to be powered by the F-150 Lightning in the event of a power outage.
- 25-year warranty, all-inclusive, on workmanship and entire system
- Battery storage system
- All proprietary equipment produced in-house
SunPower
States of Operation: All 50 states
SunPower has more than 30 years of experience in the industry, and over that time their designs, solar panel offerings, and customer service have evolved to the highest level, keeping them strongly in the game with younger upstarts. Their panels offer a sleek, minimalist design. There is a robust back-up power storage option, a design studio that makes online estimates easy, and virtual consultations that make it clear the company is interested in clean energy in every possible way.
- Direct purchase or leasing options
- Full-service installation from start to finish
- 25-year warranties
Titan Solar
States of Operation: CA, AR, NV, NM, TX, CO, IL, MO, AL, FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, NJ
A company with a decidedly Christian foundation, Titan Solar (often simply known as Titan) partners with other solar companies and dealers for a broader reach among states; therefore, you will wind up with a local contractor, not a nationwide contracting team. That can provide a more personal feel and better customer service.
- 25-year warranty on workmanship and products
- Four financing options
Momentum
States of Operation: CA, CT, FL, GA, MA, NV, NJ, NY, PA, and TX
Momentum handles the entire process from start to finish, so you can have your solar panels installed by doing little more than figuring out financing and setting up a date for installation. After the estimate, the company drafts the blueprints, files paperwork, handles installation and ongoing maintenance, and offers replacements when necessary. All-inclusive monitoring and protection services help ensure the panels stay safe and working well. There is just one point of contact via the concierge service, which streamlines your experience.
- Full project management
- 25-year warranty
Posigen
States of Operation: LA, NY, NJ, CT, PA, MS, FL
With no income or credit requirement, fixed monthly payments and maintenance and insurance included in the lease of solar panels, Posigen is poised to bring solar to everyone. They even offer ways to make solar work more efficiently through free energy audits and upgrades for the entire home. The premium options are standard with Posigen, and the unique solar shingles are protected by a 25-year warranty.
- Solid warranty options
- Battery back-ups
- Several financing options
Trinity Solar
States of Operation: CT, DE, FL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA, RI
Currently available in nine states, Trinity Solar is one of the largest privately-held solar companies in the nation. With almost 30 years in business, the company boasts at least 77,000 installations. In addition to solar panels and installation, the company offers excellent financing options and battery backups with a warranty of up to 25 years.
- Strong customer service
- 25-year warranty on most systems
Orbit Energy
States of Operation: DE, PA, MD, NJ, FL
Orbit Energy and Power offers much more than solar with options for plumbing, water treatment, heating and cooling, and general home improvement. The solar panels come with standard 25-year warranties and are expected to last between 25 and 35 years. Ground mount as well as home-mounted units are available. The company offers a blog that explains solar and other points in-depth, affordable financing solutions and integration of systems throughout the home.
- 25-year warranties
SolGen Power
States of Operation: AZ, ID, OH, KY, TX, OR, WA
As one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation, SolGen Power offers solar panels that can be used anywhere, from your rooftop to the top of your backyard shed to large farms and businesses with ground-mounted arrays. The company offers zero-down financing options as well as long-term warranties on their panels. Custom designs, engineering, and installation help ensure the panels are suitable with the aesthetic of your home.
- Two-year guarantee on productivity
- 25-year manufacturer warranty
Blue Raven Solar
States of Operation: CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MS, NC, NV, OH, OR, SC, TX, UT, and VA
Available in 17 states, Blue Raven Solar offers excellent financing with 18 months of no interest, and estimates that you can pay off a third of the installation and panels within that 18 month window. The website is easy to use, with an online estimator tool that helps you figure out how much you’ll save. Some people have complained about mix-ups with permits for the work, so be sure to double-check the permit situation before installation begins.
- Project customization and design
Solera Energy
States of Operation: MO, AR
Based in Springfield, Missouri, Solera Energy provides residential solar and battery storage in addition to commercial and industrial options. The company has been in business for 12 years and currently focuses only on Missouri and Arkansas. A free consultation includes an initial site visit, where engineers determine what solar panels you need and design an appropriate setup. Permits, financing, installation, and monitoring are all handled by the company, so you can be hands-off with your panels.
