If you’re considering solar, you’re probably looking for a way to lower your electric bills, reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, and make your home more energy efficient. But choosing the right solar company is not always simple. Installation quality, financing, warranties, and long-term support can vary widely from one provider to the next.
Many homeowners spend between $10,000 and $30,000 on a solar energy system, depending on location, system size, equipment, and installation complexity. The best solar companies stand out for their reliability, equipment quality, financing flexibility, and long-term value.
- Best for Financing: Sunrun, Blue Raven Solar, Momentum Solar
Best for Warranties: Freedom Solar Power, Blue Raven Solar, Trinity Solar
Best for Customer Support: Palmetto Solar, Earthlight Technologies, Sunrun
Best for In-House Installation: Freedom Solar Power, Momentum Solar, - Trinity Solar
As you compare solar companies, pay close attention to warranty coverage, service model, financing terms, and customer reviews in your area. It’s also smart to get quotes from multiple installers so you can compare pricing, equipment, and long-term value side by side.
What’s Changed for Solar Power in 2026?
- Solar is still a smart option for many homeowners, but the savings math is more location-dependent. Changes to local utility rates, net metering rules, and incentives mean solar value can vary more than it used to.
- Home batteries matter more now. In many markets, pairing solar with battery storage can make the system more useful and improve the payoff, especially where sending power back to the grid is less valuable.
- More homeowners are choosing leases and power purchase agreements. That can lower upfront costs, though it also makes it important to compare long-term terms carefully.
- Some solar companies are under more pressure than before. Higher customer-acquisition costs and policy uncertainty have made this a more competitive year, so company stability and service quality matter even more when choosing an installer.
- “Cheapest quote” is not the best shortcut anymore. Homeowners should pay closer attention to warranty terms, battery options, financing structure, and whether the installer is likely to be around for the long haul. This is a reasonable takeaway from the tougher market conditions reported by industry sources.
- Solar demand has not disappeared, but the market is less simple than it was a few years ago. The strongest homeowner message in 2026 is to compare quotes carefully and evaluate the full package, not just panel price.
Best Brands at a Glance
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- 10-year warranty on workmanship
- Theft or damage coverage included
- Full services for all customers, regardless of financial plan
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- 2-year productivity guarantee with free upgrade option
- 25-year warranty
- Batteries available
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- Warranties offered for 25 years and up
- Battery back-ups available
- Financing available with no upfront costs
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- Premium products from brands like Tesla and Maxeon
- In-house technicians
- 25-year warranties
Top Solar Companies
Sunrun
- Average Cost: $15,000 to $30,000
Homeowners who want flexible financing, broad availability, and a well-established solar-and-battery provider.
What We Love
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.
We rated Sunrun 4.6 stars because of its national reach, flexible financing options, and strong battery integration, though some homeowners may prefer a more local, less sales-driven experience.
Good Fit If: You want lease or PPA options and like the idea of bundling solar with battery storage.
Not Ideal For: Homeowners who strongly prefer a smaller local installer or want the simplest ownership-first buying experience.
Cost Information
Homeowners can expect a Sunrun solar system to cost around $30,000 before incentives for a typical 7.5 kW setup, though prices vary by system size, equipment, and location.
- Average System Cost: $25,000 to $35,000+
- Smaller Systems (5 kW): Around $18,000 to $22,000
- Larger Systems (10+ kW with batteries): $35,000 to $45,000+
Best Solar Option
Sunrun stands out most for its flexible solar-plus-storage packages paired with lease and PPA options. That makes it one of the strongest choices for homeowners who want backup-power potential without committing to a full cash purchase.
Blue Raven Solar
- Average Cost: $19,000 to $25,000
Homeowners who want an easy, streamlined path to owning a solar system with low upfront cost.
What We Love
Blue Raven Solar guarantees their panels’ productivity, even going so far as to offer customers a free upgrade option if their panels fail to produce as expected. That’s in addition to their 25-year manufacturer warranty, making them a reliable option with safeholds in place.
We rated Blue Raven Solar 4.5 stars because of its streamlined buying process, strong financing appeal, and homeowner-friendly approach, though its footprint and battery positioning are not as strong as some larger competitors.
Good Fit If: You want a straightforward buying experience and value in-house financing.
Not Ideal For: Homeowners who want the broadest service footprint or a more battery-centric solar strategy.
Cost Information
The average cost of a Blue Raven Solar system is $19,000 to $25,000, or about $3.67 per watt for a 5 kW setup.
- Standard Systems (5 kW): $19,000 to $25,000
- Larger Systems (8–10 kW): $30,000 to $38,000+
Best Solar Option
Blue Raven’s standout offering is its ownership-focused solar package with low-upfront financing. It works especially well for buyers who want a cleaner path to system ownership rather than a lease-style arrangement.
Trinity Solar
- Average Cost: $15,000 to $25,000
Homeowners in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic who want a full-service solar company that can also handle roofing needs.
What We Love
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 upwards of 100,000 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.
We rated Trinity Solar 4.4 stars because of its in-house installation model, strong regional presence, and ability to handle roofing alongside solar, though it is best suited to homeowners in its service areas.
Good Fit If: You want one company to manage solar, roofing, and ongoing support.
Not Ideal For: Homeowners outside Trinity’s service area or those prioritizing a highly localized boutique installer.
Cost Information
Homeowners interested in Trinity Solar can expect to pay between $15,000 and $25,000 for a complete solar system, depending on system size, panel efficiency, and location.
- Standard Panels: $15,000 to $20,000
- Premium or High-Efficiency Systems: $20,000 to $25,000+
Best Solar Option
Trinity Solar stands out for full-service installations that can often be paired with roofing work. That bundled approach can make the process easier for homeowners tackling both projects at once.
Freedom Solar Power
- Average Cost: $15,000 to $30,000
Homeowners who want premium solar equipment, strong warranties, and a more quality-first installation experience.
What We Love
Freedom Solar Power offers quality and long-term value. Their use of premium Maxeon panels and Tesla batteries, paired with certified in-house crews, ensures dependable performance. Homeowners also benefit from a 25-year workmanship warranty and attentive customer service. While upfront costs may be higher, the focus on efficiency and durability often means fewer repairs and greater energy savings over time.
We rated Freedom Solar Power 4.4 stars because of its premium equipment, strong warranties, and quality-first installation approach, though its pricing and market reach may be less appealing for more budget-focused shoppers.
Good Fit If: You are willing to pay a bit more for better equipment, battery options, and stronger warranty coverage.
Not Ideal For: Homeowners who want the lowest upfront price or lease- and PPA-heavy financing choices.
Cost Information
Freedom Solar systems typically cost between $15,000 and $30,000, depending on the equipment chosen and system size. The national average for a 6 kW system to power a 1,500-square-foot home is about $18,180 before incentives. Solar battery installation adds another $9,000 to $19,000 on average.
- Maxeon Solar Panels (premium): $24,000 to $30,000 for a 6 kW system
- Qcells Solar Panels (mid-range): $16,800 to $20,000 for a 6 kW system
- Enphase IQ Solar Storage: $11,000 to $15,000
- ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger: $1,500 to $3,000
Important Notes:
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Freedom Solar does not publish pricing online; homeowners must request a quote for precise costs.
Best Solar Option
Freedom Solar Power’s best offering is its premium solar setup built around high-end equipment and battery-ready designs. It is a stronger fit for shoppers who care more about long-term performance and equipment quality than entry-level pricing.
Earthlight Technologies
- Average Cost: $20,000 to $40,000
Homeowners in its service areas who want a regional installer with broader home-energy expertise beyond just panels.
What We Love
Earthlight Technologies stands out for its commitment to delivering complete, homeowner-focused energy solutions. Their team emphasizes clear communication and responsive service, making the solar installation process simple and stress-free. With robust warranties, homeowners can feel confident in the long-term value of their investment.
We rated Earthlight Technologies 4.3 stars because of its regional expertise, broader home-energy capabilities, and customized service model, though it lacks the scale and name recognition of larger national brands.
Good Fit If: Your project may involve solar plus roofing, electrical work, EV charging, or a more customized installation.
Not Ideal For: Homeowners who want a large national brand or service outside its coverage area.
Cost Information
Earthlight Technologies offers customized solar solutions, with prices depending on home size, panel count, and installation complexity. On average, homeowners pay between $20,000 and $40,000, though costs can range from $16,000 to $70,000 before incentives.
- Homes under 1,200 sq. ft. (~12 panels): $16,000 to $30,000
- Homes around 2,500 sq. ft. (~25 panels): $31,000 to $50,000
- Homes over 3,000 sq. ft. (~40 panels): $51,000 to $70,000
Cost per Watt: Average of $3.18 per watt, consistent with national solar pricing.
Best Solar Option
Earthlight stands out for customized solar installations that can be paired with broader home-energy upgrades. That makes it more compelling than a standard solar-only installer for homeowners with more complex project needs.
Momentum
- Average Cost: $20,000 to $25,000
Homeowners who want a full-service installer with multiple financing options and a more guided sales process.
What We Love
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.
We rated Momentum Solar 4.2 stars because of its full-service installation model and wide range of financing options, though mixed customer-service feedback keeps it from ranking higher.
Good Fit If: You like having purchase, loan, lease, and PPA options under one roof.
Not Ideal For: Homeowners who want transparent online pricing or the most consistent service reputation.
Cost Information
Momentum Solar systems typically cost between $15,000 and $35,000 before incentives, with most homeowners paying around $20,000 to $25,000 for an average installation. Prices vary by state, system size, and whether you choose to add battery storage.
- California: $16,000 to $32,000 (battery add-on: $10,000 to $16,000)
- Florida: $14,000 to $28,000 (battery add-on: $9,500 to $15,000)
- Texas: $15,000 to $30,000 (battery add-on: $10,000 to $15,000)
- New York: $18,000 to $35,000 (battery add-on: $11,000 to $17,000)
- Nevada: $15,000 to $29,000 (battery add-on: $9,000 to $14,000)
- Arizona: $14,500 to $28,500 (battery add-on: $9,000 to $13,500)
Financing Options: Momentum Solar offers direct purchase, solar loans, and lease agreements, including options with little or no upfront cost.
Best Solar Option
Momentum’s standout offering is its full-service solar package with multiple financing paths under one roof. It gives homeowners more flexibility when comparing purchase, loan, lease, and PPA structures.
Palmetto Solar
- Average Cost: $13,000 to $23,000
Homeowners who want a widely available national solar brand with flexible financing and long-term support options.
What We Love
Palmetto Solar is known for its transparency in pricing and commitment to customer support, with a mobile app that provides real-time monitoring and energy savings tips. Their nationwide coverage makes them accessible to a broad range of customers looking for reliable solar solutions.
We rated Palmetto Solar 4.2 stars because of its broad availability, flexible financing, and protection-plan options, though its contractor-network model may not appeal to homeowners who prefer fully in-house installation.
Good Fit If: You like the convenience of a national platform and want solar with optional protection and monitoring plans.
Not Ideal For: Homeowners who strongly prefer fully in-house installation teams or are wary of more mixed customer-review trends.
Cost Information
Palmetto Solar systems typically cost between $13,000 and $23,000, though prices vary by system size, location, and installer. After federal tax credits, homeowners can generally expect to pay between $12,000 and $30,000.
- Smaller Homes (~1,500 sq. ft.): Around $16,500 before incentives
- Average Systems: $13,000 to $23,000 depending on region and energy needs
- Larger Homes / Higher Usage: $25,000 to $30,000+
Important Notes:
- Palmetto does not publish pricing online — homeowners need an in-person consultation for an exact estimate.
- Installation is carried out by local certified contractors, so labor and permitting fees may differ by region.
Best Solar Option
Palmetto stands out for solar packages that include monitoring and protection-plan add-ons. That extra layer of support helps differentiate it from installers that focus more narrowly on installation alone.
SolGen Power
- Average Cost: $10,000 to $30,000
Homeowners in SolGen Power markets who want solar plus storage and are willing to vet the company carefully.
What We Love
As one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation, SolGen Power offers solar panels that can be used anywhere. They also offer custom designs, engineering, and installation to help ensure the panels are suitable with the aesthetic of your home.
We rated SolGen Power 4.1 stars because of its solar-plus-storage offerings and financing availability, though its reputation signals and overall polish feel less consistent than higher-ranked competitors.
Good Fit If: You are comparison shopping aggressively and want to see whether SolGen can beat larger providers on a custom quote.
Not Ideal For: Homeowners who want the strongest reputation signals, the cleanest buying process, or the most confidence in long-term brand stability.
Cost Information
SolGen Power systems range from $10,000 to $30,000+, with final pricing depending on system size, panel type, and installation design. Their wide range reflects the variety of options they offer, including roof, ground, and building-mounted solar.
- Smaller Systems: $10,000 to $18,000
- Mid-Sized Systems: $19,000 to $25,000
- Large or Custom Systems: $26,000 to $30,000+
Financing Options: $0-down financing available, with flexible payment plans to fit homeowner budgets.
Best Solar Option
SolGen Power’s strongest offering is its solar-plus-storage setup with battery-ready configurations. It is one of the clearer options for homeowners who want to compare solar and backup-power capability together.
Solera Energy
- Average Cost: $15,000 to $25,000
Homeowners in its service area who want a regional solar installer with local market familiarity.
What We Love
Solera Energy offers a free consultation, which 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, making for a hands-off process for customers.
We rated Solera Energy 4.0 stars because of its regional market knowledge and local-service appeal, though it does not match the product depth or brand strength of the companies above it.
Good Fit If: You value working with a regional provider that understands incentives and installation realities in its markets.
Not Ideal For: Homeowners who want a nationally recognized brand or broader financing and product variety.
Cost Information
Solera Energy systems generally cost between $15,000 and $25,000, depending on system size and household energy needs. Pricing typically includes panels, inverters, and installation.
- Smaller Systems: $15,000 to $18,000
- Mid-Sized Systems: $19,000 to $22,000
- Larger Systems: $23,000 to $25,000+
Best Solar Option
Solera Energy stands out for regionally tailored residential solar installations rather than a one-size-fits-all national model. Its offering is strongest when local market familiarity matters as much as the system itself.
