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Best Solar Companies of 2026

Which solar company should you choose?
Here are our top picks for 2026.

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.

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

Top Solar Companies

We’ve narrowed down the competition to our pick of the best solar brands of 2026. These brands have been vetted by our team and examined for their pricing, packages, and customer satisfaction. We also looked at the models they offer and came up with a detailed list of pros and cons for each brand.

Best For:
Homeowners who want flexible financing, broad availability, and a well-established solar-and-battery provider.

Sunrun

4.6/5
Modernize RatingThis rating was determined by the Modernize Editorial Team based on factors such as customer reviews, product quality, warranties, company reputation, and service coverage. Our ratings are editorially independent and are not influenced by our advertising or partnership relationships.

Average Cost

$15,000 to $30,000

Best For:
Homeowners who want an easy, streamlined path to owning a solar system with low upfront cost.

Blue Raven Solar

4.5/5
Modernize RatingThis rating was determined by the Modernize Editorial Team based on factors such as customer reviews, product quality, warranties, company reputation, and service coverage. Our ratings are editorially independent and are not influenced by our advertising or partnership relationships.

Average Cost

$19,000 to $25,000

Best For:
Homeowners in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic who want a full-service solar company that can also handle roofing needs.

Trinity Solar

4.4/5
Modernize RatingThis rating was determined by the Modernize Editorial Team based on factors such as customer reviews, product quality, warranties, company reputation, and service coverage. Our ratings are editorially independent and are not influenced by our advertising or partnership relationships.

Average Cost

$15,000 to $25,000

Best For:
Homeowners who want premium solar equipment, strong warranties, and a more quality-first installation experience.

Freedom Solar Power

4.4/5
Modernize RatingThis rating was determined by the Modernize Editorial Team based on factors such as customer reviews, product quality, warranties, company reputation, and service coverage. Our ratings are editorially independent and are not influenced by our advertising or partnership relationships.

Average Cost

$15,000 to $30,000

Best For:
Homeowners in its service areas who want a regional installer with broader home-energy expertise beyond just panels.

Earthlight Technologies

4.3/5
Modernize RatingThis rating was determined by the Modernize Editorial Team based on factors such as customer reviews, product quality, warranties, company reputation, and service coverage. Our ratings are editorially independent and are not influenced by our advertising or partnership relationships.

Average Cost

$20,000 to $40,000

Best For:
Homeowners who want a full-service installer with multiple financing options and a more guided sales process.

Momentum

4.2/5
Modernize RatingThis rating was determined by the Modernize Editorial Team based on factors such as customer reviews, product quality, warranties, company reputation, and service coverage. Our ratings are editorially independent and are not influenced by our advertising or partnership relationships.

Average Cost

$20,000 to $25,000

Best For:
Homeowners who want a widely available national solar brand with flexible financing and long-term support options.

Palmetto Solar

4.2/5
Modernize RatingThis rating was determined by the Modernize Editorial Team based on factors such as customer reviews, product quality, warranties, company reputation, and service coverage. Our ratings are editorially independent and are not influenced by our advertising or partnership relationships.

Average Cost

$13,000 to $23,000

Best For:
Homeowners in SolGen Power markets who want solar plus storage and are willing to vet the company carefully.

SolGen Power

4.1/5
Modernize RatingThis rating was determined by the Modernize Editorial Team based on factors such as customer reviews, product quality, warranties, company reputation, and service coverage. Our ratings are editorially independent and are not influenced by our advertising or partnership relationships.

Average Cost

$10,000 to $30,000

Best For:
Homeowners in its service area who want a regional solar installer with local market familiarity.

Solera Energy

4/5
Modernize RatingThis rating was determined by the Modernize Editorial Team based on factors such as customer reviews, product quality, warranties, company reputation, and service coverage. Our ratings are editorially independent and are not influenced by our advertising or partnership relationships.

Average Cost

$15,000 to $25,000

How We Chose Companies and Key Factors Used to Rank Brands

To build this list, we looked at the factors that matter most to homeowners when comparing solar companies: equipment quality, financing options, battery and storage offerings, service area, warranty coverage, company stability, and the overall customer experience. We also considered how well each brand serves different types of buyers, from homeowners focused on low upfront costs to those prioritizing premium equipment or long-term support.

Ranking Factor Why It Matters
Financing Options Solar is a major investment, so strong loan, lease, and PPA options can make a company more accessible to more homeowners.
Equipment Quality Higher-quality panels, inverters, and batteries can improve performance, efficiency, and long-term value.
Battery and Storage Options Battery backup is becoming a bigger part of the solar value proposition, especially in areas with weaker net metering or outage concerns.
Warranty Coverage Strong product, performance, and workmanship warranties can help protect homeowners after installation.
Installer Model Some homeowners prefer companies with in-house installation teams, while others are comfortable with contractor networks.
Service Area A great solar company is only helpful if it actually serves your market and understands local permitting, incentives, and utility rules.
Customer Experience Clear communication, realistic timelines, and responsive service all shape how smooth the project feels from quote to installation.
Company Stability Because solar systems are long-term investments, homeowners should feel confident the company will still be around to support warranties and service needs.
Overall Value The best company is not always the cheapest. We looked at the full package of price, equipment, financing, service, and support.

How to Choose a Solar Company

Finding the right solar installer is about more than comparing the lowest quote. A strong company should offer clear pricing, realistic expectations, and a system design that makes sense for your home and energy goals.

  1. Compare at least three quotes. Looking at multiple offers can help you understand pricing, financing, and equipment differences.
  2. Ask whether the company uses in-house installers or third-party crews. This can affect consistency, accountability, and service quality.
  3. Review the warranty closely. Look at workmanship coverage in addition to panel and inverter warranties.
  4. Compare financing terms, not just monthly payments. A lower monthly number can still cost more over time depending on the loan, lease, or PPA terms.
  5. Find out whether battery storage is available. For some homeowners, pairing solar with a battery may improve long-term value and backup power capability.
  6. Ask who handles permits, inspections, and utility interconnection. A good installer should manage the process and explain the timeline clearly.
  7. Read recent customer reviews with a critical eye. Look for patterns in communication, installation delays, billing issues, and post-installation support.
  8. Choose based on fit, not just size. The best solar company for your home depends on your budget, location, roof condition, and financing needs.

Common Dealbreakers for Solar Companies

Even an appealing quote can come with red flags. Before signing a contract, homeowners should watch for warning signs that may point to poor service, weak support, or a bad long-term fit.

  1. Vague pricing or incomplete proposals. If a quote does not clearly explain system size, equipment, financing terms, and estimated savings, that is a problem.
  2. High-pressure sales tactics. Homeowners should be wary of companies pushing same-day signatures or making overly aggressive savings claims.
  3. Weak or confusing warranty language. If workmanship or service coverage is hard to understand, future support may be frustrating.
  4. Poor communication during the quote process. Slow responses early on can be a sign of bigger service issues later.
  5. No clear explanation of who installs the system. Homeowners should know whether work is handled in-house or by subcontractors.
  6. Unclear financing details. A company should be upfront about rates, escalators, fees, ownership structure, and long-term obligations.
  7. Overpromising on timelines or savings. Installation schedules, utility approvals, and energy production all vary, so overly certain claims can be a red flag.
  8. Mixed reputation around post-installation service. Sales may be smooth, but support after the system is turned on matters just as much.

Additional Factors to Consider With Solar Power

Solar is not one-size-fits-all. Beyond the company itself, homeowners should think about how well solar fits their home, budget, and long-term plans.

  1. Your roof condition. If your roof is near the end of its lifespan, it may make more sense to replace it before installing solar panels.
  2. Your local utility rules. Net metering, buyback rates, and interconnection policies can have a major effect on savings.
  3. Your energy usage. Homes with higher electric bills often see a stronger financial case for solar.
  4. Battery backup needs. If resilience and outage protection matter to you, solar plus storage may be worth considering.
  5. Whether you plan to move soon. Solar can still add value, but the timeline for payback matters more if you may sell the home in the near future.
  6. HOA and permitting requirements. Some neighborhoods or municipalities may have added rules that affect timing and design.
  7. Tree cover and roof orientation. Shade and roof angle can reduce output and affect whether solar is worthwhile.

Questions to Ask Before Signing a Solar Contract

Asking a few smart questions upfront can help homeowners avoid surprises later and choose a company with more confidence.

  1. Who will install the system, and is the work done in-house or by subcontractors?
  2. What equipment brands are included in the proposal?
  3. What warranties are included for panels, inverters, batteries, and workmanship?
  4. What happens if my installation is delayed by permitting or utility approval?
  5. How are estimated savings calculated?
  6. Will the company help monitor performance after installation?
  7. What service support is available if something stops working?
  8. Are there any cancellation fees, escalators, or transfer requirements in the contract?

Solar Financing Options at a Glance

The right financing structure depends on your budget, savings goals, and whether you want to own the system or lower your upfront costs.

Financing Option Best For Main Tradeoff
Cash Purchase Homeowners who want the strongest long-term savings and full system ownership Highest upfront cost
Solar Loan Homeowners who want ownership without paying the full cost upfront Monthly payments and financing charges
Solar Lease Homeowners who want lower upfront costs and predictable payments You do not own the system
Power Purchase Agreement Homeowners who want little or no upfront cost and prefer paying for production Long-term contract terms can be more complex

Modernize Review Hub

Ready to take the next step? Visit the Modernize Review Hub to explore vetted solar installers, compare detailed brand reviews, and get the insights you need to choose with confidence.

Other Brands to Consider

While these are the top-ranked solar providers in the U.S., it’s worth exploring additional options. Tesla Solar is known for its integrated panels and battery storage, offering a streamlined home energy system. Regional providers like Solar Optimum may also appeal to homeowners seeking solar, battery, and roofing services. Comparing national and regional companies can help you find the right fit for your home’s energy needs.

Frequently Asked Questions