Best Solar Companies of 2026: Honest Reviews & Comparison

How We Evaluated Solar Companies

SolarProGuide evaluated the top solar installation companies in the US using a standardized methodology based on five weighted criteria. Our team analyzed thousands of customer reviews from the Better Business Bureau, Google, Yelp, and solar-specific forums; reviewed published warranty documentation; mystery-shopped quotes across 12 cities; and conducted interviews with former employees and industry analysts.

Our five evaluation criteria and their weights:

• Price & Value (25%): Price per watt installed compared to regional benchmarks, dealer fees, and total cost of ownership.
• Equipment Quality (20%): Panel efficiency, tier-1 manufacturer status, inverter technology, and monitoring capabilities.
• Warranty Depth (25%): Workmanship warranty length, who backs it, equipment warranty coverage, and production guarantees.
• Customer Satisfaction (20%): BBB rating, Google review score, complaint resolution rate, and installation timeline reliability.
• Financial Stability (10%): Years in operation, publicly traded vs. private, industry financial health indicators.

We do not accept payment from solar companies for placement or ratings. Our reviews are independent. We update our evaluations quarterly — this edition reflects data through March 2026.

Want to estimate costs for your home first? Use our Solar Cost Calculator for a free personalized estimate.

Best Solar Companies at a Glance

Here is our summary comparison of the top national solar installers in 2026. Detailed reviews of each company follow below.

Sunrun Review 2026

Sunrun is the largest residential solar installer in the United States by installed volume, with operations in 22+ states and the District of Columbia. Founded in 2007 and publicly traded (NASDAQ: RUN), Sunrun has installed solar on over 900,000 homes and reported $2.4 billion in revenue in 2025.

What Sunrun does well: Sunrun's primary competitive advantage is its financing ecosystem. They offer cash purchase, solar loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) — giving homeowners more financial flexibility than most competitors. Their Sunrun Brightbox battery storage product integrates well with their monitoring platform, and they have one of the most established operations for managing systems over a 20–25 year period.

Equipment: Sunrun installs panels from multiple tier-1 manufacturers including LG, Q CELLS, and Canadian Solar. They typically use SolarEdge or Enphase microinverter systems. Panel and inverter selection varies by market.

Pricing: Sunrun's pricing runs 10–15% above the national average for cash and loan purchases. Their lease and PPA products are priced competitively within that category. On a $25,000 benchmark system, expect Sunrun quotes to run $27,000–$29,000 for an owned system.

Warranty: 10-year workmanship warranty on installations; manufacturer warranty coverage for equipment (25 years for panels). The Brightbox battery system carries its own separate warranty.

Customer satisfaction: BBB A+ rating. Google reviews average 3.9/5 nationally, with significant variation by market. Common complaints: long wait times from contract signing to installation (6–14 weeks), and difficulty reaching customer service for post-installation issues. Common praise: smooth financing process and professional installation crews.

Bottom line: Sunrun is a solid, reliable choice — especially for homeowners who want a lease or PPA with no upfront cost. For cash or loan buyers, you can likely find better pricing with a local installer. Our rating: 4.2/5

Tesla Solar / SolarCity Review 2026

Tesla Solar (formerly SolarCity, acquired by Tesla in 2016) is simultaneously one of the most recognized and most misunderstood solar brands in the US. Tesla operates its solar business with a direct-to-consumer model — no commissioned sales reps, no door-to-door pitches — which keeps costs low but makes the experience more self-directed than other installers.

What Tesla Solar does well: Price. Tesla's solar panel pricing is consistently 10–20% below national competitors for comparable systems. Their ordering process is fully online — you design a system, get a price, and schedule installation through Tesla's website in under 20 minutes. For homeowners who know what they want and don't need handholding, Tesla is the most efficient path to affordable solar.

Equipment: Tesla offers two main products: Tesla Solar panels (manufactured by Hanwha Q CELLS for Tesla) and the Tesla Solar Roof (full glass solar tiles). Tesla panels use conventional polycrystalline technology with solid mid-range efficiency (20–21%). Their inverter of choice is the Tesla solar inverter (string) or the Powerwall 3 hybrid inverter for battery-integrated installs.

Pricing: Tesla's national average runs $2.20–$2.60/W installed — among the lowest of any national company. A 10 kW system that costs $28,000 with Sunrun might come in at $24,000–$25,000 with Tesla. The Solar Roof is substantially more expensive ($60,000–$100,000+ for a complete roof + solar) and is a different product category.

Warranty: 10-year workmanship warranty; 25-year Tesla panel performance warranty; Powerwall 3 carries a 10-year battery warranty.

Customer satisfaction: This is where Tesla's model shows its cracks. BBB rating varies by market (B–A). Google reviews average 3.7/5, with frequent complaints about: long installation wait times (often 3–6 months), permitting delays, and poor communication during the installation process. Post-installation service is handled remotely, which frustrates homeowners with issues requiring on-site inspection.

Bottom line: Tesla Solar offers the best pricing among national installers, with solid equipment. If you are comfortable with a less personal, more self-service experience and can tolerate a longer installation timeline, Tesla is worth getting a quote. Our rating: 4.0/5

SunPower Review 2026

SunPower is the premium brand in residential solar — and earns that designation through genuinely superior equipment, the industry's most comprehensive warranty, and one of the strongest customer satisfaction records of any national installer. Founded in 1985 (one of the oldest solar companies in the world), SunPower has undergone significant corporate restructuring in 2024–2025 and now operates primarily through its dealer network.

What SunPower does well: Equipment quality and warranty. SunPower's Maxeon panels are the most efficient residential panels commercially available (22–23% efficiency), with a copper substrate cell design that makes them substantially more durable than conventional silicon panels. SunPower's 25-year "Complete Confidence" warranty is unique in the industry: a single warranty covering panels, microinverters, and workmanship under one document, from one company.

Equipment: SunPower Maxeon panels (Maxeon 3, Maxeon 6) exclusively. SunPower microinverters. SunVault battery storage. All equipment is premium-tier, with the efficiency and durability data to back it up — Maxeon cells degrade at just 0.25%/year vs. the industry average of 0.5–0.7%/year.

Pricing: SunPower is the most expensive major solar brand, typically running $3.20–$3.80/W installed. On a 10 kW system, expect $32,000–$38,000 — $8,000–$13,000 more than Tesla Solar. The premium is partly justified by superior panel output over 25–30 years, but homeowners should run the numbers for their specific situation.

Warranty: 25-year all-inclusive warranty covering product, performance, and workmanship. This is the industry's gold standard. Even if SunPower's installer goes out of business, SunPower as manufacturer continues to back the warranty.

Customer satisfaction: BBB A+ rating. Google reviews average 4.4/5 nationally. Common praise: professional sales process, excellent installation quality, responsive post-installation service. Common complaints: high cost and occasional regional dealer quality variation.

Bottom line: SunPower is the right choice for homeowners who want the best equipment, the strongest warranty, and a long-term relationship with a financially backed brand — and are willing to pay a 20–30% premium for it. Our rating: 4.8/5

Palmetto Solar Review 2026

Palmetto Solar is a technology-forward solar company that operates through a national network of local installation partners, managed through Palmetto's proprietary platform. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Charleston, SC, Palmetto has rapidly expanded to 30+ states and is known for its monitoring platform and customer-facing app.

What Palmetto does well: Monitoring and customer experience technology. Palmetto's app gives homeowners real-time visibility into production, savings, and system health — one of the best monitoring experiences available from any installer. Their "Protect" service plan offers ongoing maintenance and monitoring for a subscription fee, which appeals to homeowners who want hands-off system management post-installation.

Equipment: Palmetto installs panels from multiple tier-1 manufacturers and typically pairs them with Enphase microinverters or SolarEdge optimizers. Panel selection varies by market and availability.

Pricing: Palmetto's pricing sits near the national average, typically $2.70–$3.10/W installed. They offer cash, loan, lease, and PPA options. Their loan products are competitive, often through GreenSky or Mosaic financing.

Warranty: 10-year workmanship warranty backed by Palmetto. Equipment warranties through manufacturers (25-year panel performance).

Customer satisfaction: BBB A rating. Google reviews average 4.2/5. Common praise: excellent app and monitoring, responsive customer service. Common complaints: local installer quality can vary depending on which subcontractor Palmetto assigns in a given market.

Bottom line: Palmetto is a strong mid-range option, particularly for tech-forward homeowners who want robust monitoring and are in a state where their local installer network is strong. Get a quote and verify which local partner they would assign for your installation. Our rating: 4.3/5

Momentum Solar Review 2026

Momentum Solar is a regional national installer operating primarily across the East Coast, Texas, and California. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in South Plainfield, NJ, Momentum has grown to become a mid-sized national player with a focus on door-to-door sales and direct consumer acquisition.

What Momentum does well: In-house installation teams (they do not heavily subcontract), which typically means more consistent installation quality than network-based models. Strong presence in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Texas markets where they have deep permitting relationships.

Equipment: Momentum typically installs Q CELLS, REC, or Canadian Solar panels with SolarEdge or Enphase inverter systems. Equipment selection is solid mid-tier.

Pricing: Momentum's pricing runs slightly above national average, typically $2.80–$3.20/W installed. Their door-to-door sales model adds customer acquisition costs that can show up in quotes.

Warranty: 10-year workmanship warranty, manufacturer warranties for equipment.

Customer satisfaction: BBB B+ rating. Google reviews average 3.8/5. Common complaints: aggressive door-to-door sales tactics, pressure to sign quickly, and post-installation communication lapses. Common praise: installation quality and on-site professionalism of installation crews.

Red flag to watch: Momentum uses door-to-door sales heavily. If approached by a Momentum rep at your door, ask for a written quote and take at least 3 business days to compare before signing. Do not be pressured by "today only" pricing — it is a sales tactic, not reality.

Bottom line: Momentum is a legitimate installer with in-house teams, but their sales approach warrants caution. Get their quote as one of three, but don't skip the comparison step. Our rating: 3.9/5

Local vs. National Solar Companies: Which Is Better?

This is one of the most important decisions a solar buyer makes — and the answer is genuinely nuanced. Here is an honest breakdown:

Local installers typically win on:

• Price: Local companies have lower overhead (no national advertising, no regional managers, no corporate structure). In most markets, local quotes run 10–20% below national brands for comparable systems.
• Installation speed: Local companies often have faster permitting relationships and can complete installations in 2–6 weeks from contract vs. 6–16 weeks for nationals.
• Service responsiveness: When something goes wrong, a local company can send a technician the next day. National companies often work through call centers and have slower dispatch.
• Negotiability: Local companies are more willing to negotiate on price, panel brand upgrades, or add-ons.

National installers typically win on:

• Financial stability: Sunrun, Tesla, and SunPower are less likely to go bankrupt before your 10-year workmanship warranty expires. Local companies have a meaningful failure rate over 10+ year periods.
• Financing options: National brands offer more diverse financing products, particularly for leases and PPAs.
• Brand recognition for resale: Some home buyers prefer systems installed by recognizable brands, though this effect is minor in most markets.
• Monitoring ecosystems: National brands typically have more polished monitoring apps and customer portals.

Our recommendation: Get quotes from at least one national and two local installers. If the local quotes are more than 15% cheaper for comparable equipment, the local route is usually worth it — but verify the local company's years in business (5+ years preferred), check BBB and Google reviews, and confirm that panel manufacturer warranties are direct from the manufacturer (not just the installer).

For city-specific installer recommendations, browse our Solar by City pages. For state-specific guides and local incentives, see our comparison pages.

Red Flags to Watch For When Choosing a Solar Company

The solar industry has matured significantly, but bad actors still exist. Here are the warning signs that should make you slow down or walk away:

• "Today only" pricing: Solar prices do not change day to day. Any salesperson claiming you must sign today to get the quoted price is using a high-pressure sales tactic. Walk away from any company that won't give you 48 hours to compare quotes.
• No physical address or verifiable license: Every solar installer must be licensed in the state where they operate. Ask for the contractor's license number and verify it on your state's contractor licensing board website before signing anything.
• Vague warranty language: If the contract says "warranty applies per manufacturer terms" without specifying the workmanship warranty length and coverage, push back. You want the workmanship warranty explicitly stated in your contract.
• Door-to-door hard sells for leases: Leases and PPAs are not inherently bad products, but a door-to-door rep who doesn't present the full ownership alternative is not giving you complete information. Get a cash/loan quote before deciding on a lease.
• No production estimate in writing: Every legitimate installer should provide a projected annual kWh production based on your specific address, roof orientation, and shading. If a company won't put a production number in writing, they're either hiding poor performance estimates or are not confident in their work.
• Extremely low bids: A quote more than 20% below comparable quotes from other installers often signals substandard equipment (counterfeit or low-tier panels), unlicensed subcontractors, or a company that underbids to get contracts and then cuts corners.
• Companies with multiple names or rapid rebranding: Contractors that switch business names frequently may be evading BBB complaints or contractor license actions. Search the owner's name and the company's original name before any checks clear.

How to Get Multiple Quotes and Compare Them

Getting multiple quotes is the single most impactful thing a homeowner can do to save money on solar. Here is the exact process:

Step 1: Gather your electricity bills. You need your last 12 months of electricity bills — specifically, your monthly kWh usage. This lets installers size your system correctly. If you don't have them, log into your utility's online account and download your usage history.

Step 2: Request quotes from 3–5 companies. Include at least one national company (Sunrun, SunPower, Tesla, or Palmetto) and at least two local companies. Use our free quote tool to connect with pre-screened installers in your area, or search for installers on SEIA's member directory.

Step 3: Ask each company for the same information. Every quote must include: panel make and model (including wattage and efficiency %), inverter make and model, system size in kW-DC, projected annual output in kWh, estimated federal and state incentives, price per watt installed (not just total price), and warranty terms for workmanship and equipment.

Step 4: Verify production estimates independently. Go to pvwatts.nrel.gov, enter your address, and use the system size each installer quoted. Compare NREL's production estimate to the installer's projection. Estimates within 10% of NREL are reasonable. Estimates more than 15% above NREL's figure are inflated and should prompt questions.

Step 5: Compare apples to apples. Use price per watt as your primary price comparison metric, not total system price (which varies by system size). A system with premium SunPower panels at $3.40/W may produce 10–15% more electricity over 25 years than a budget-panel system at $2.70/W — run the lifetime output and savings numbers to see if the premium is justified for your situation.

Step 6: Check references and reviews. Ask each company for three recent customer references in your area. Check Google, BBB, Yelp, and Nextdoor for reviews. Pay particular attention to how companies respond to negative reviews — that reveals their customer service philosophy more than five-star reviews.

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