The Best Solar Companies of 2020
Use our solar company reviews to help you get the right solar installations for your home.
Solar energy is an abundant, eco-friendly, and a renewable source of energy. In fact, our sun generates 20,000 times more power than what is needed to supply the entire world. Consumers are quickly learning that solar energy also offers several other advantages versus more traditional forms of energy. The most obvious of these is that you save every month on your energy bill, and those savings can be considerable. For many homeowners, once the capital cost of installation is paid off, energy costs can be reduced to zero.
Going solar also locks in the price of your energy for the life of your solar installation, protecting you from rising power costs for 25 years or more. It is true solar energy produces more energy in some areas than others. But overall, solar can be used successfully in almost any geographic area.
Solar technology also continues to evolve and improve rapidly, adding to the substantial existing benefits and efficiencies of solar energy. For these reasons, the solar industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years. Several new companies have entered the market, resulting in more choices for homeowners.
That burgeoning marketplace also means consumers have more questions than ever before. Buying a solar energy installation is a significant purchase. Making sure you pick the right manufacturer and the right system for your needs is critical. Our Solar Company Rating Guide will help you sort through possible choices and answer many of your questions so that you can make a quality, informed decision.
How Do We Determine Our “Top” Solar Companies?
We research solar companies in several areas, and each of these areas is scored between 1-10. Then we average the scores of each of those elements to arrive at an overall rating.
For solar companies, we look at several important criteria. This includes states where the equipment can be purchased and installed, warranty information, pricing and payment options, types of panels, inverters and storage options, and other similar factors.
Our Solar Company Rating Guide will give you a good starting point as you begin to gather the information necessary to make a final decision about a solar purchase for your home.
However, it’s also critical that you research several manufacturers, dealers, and installers. That will also ensure you are making the right choice for your situation.
Picking the Right Solar Company for Your Home
Every solar installation is different. You’ll need to consider your location, weather, current energy usage, how much energy you want to offset, grid connections, and if energy storage should be included for your installation. You’ll also need to decide if you’re going to own the equipment or lease it out to a third party.
Most companies offer excellent and lengthy warranties. However, warranties can differ on what is covered and how long they are, so don’t overlook details on this critical component as well.
After you have completed your initial research and narrowed your choices down, request quotes from several dealers and installers in your area. Be aware that some dealers may provide both the equipment and installation, while others may contract out the installation to a third party.
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a highly regarded certification program for solar installers. It is one of the standards you should look for during your due diligence. Also check online reviews such as Yelp, the BBB, or Angie’s List to confirm you’re dealing with a reputable business that has a proven track record of satisfied customers.
Pricing, rebates, and payment options are important too. But don’t get up on price only. You need to compare products equally. Consider that a cheaper product may save you money upfront but could cost you over the long run in poorer performance or more maintenance costs.