Top 10 Solar Companies

W98AE6 --File--Staff are producing solar cell modules in a factory in east Chinas Jiangsu province, 19 September 2010. China will double its solar capacity

Top 10 Solar Companies for Trusted Solar Panel Installation in the USA (2025 Update)

Thinking about cutting your electric bill by $1,000–$3,500 a year, keeping your home powered during outages, and doing your part for the planet? With solar now powering over 7% of U.S. homes in 2025, picking one of the top 10 solar companies ensures you get reliable solar panel and battery installation without the hassle. Big names like Tesla and Sunrun are splashing cash on ads, but local installers often deliver better service and savings. This guide ranks the most trusted U.S. solar companies based on customer reviews, affordability, and market presence, helping you find the perfect installer for your home. Not sure who’s in your area? Use EnergySage to get 3–5 free quotes from vetted local pros and save up to 20% ($2,000–$5,000).

How We Picked the Top 10 Solar Companies

We ranked the top 10 solar companies for 2025 based on:

  • Customer Reviews: Ratings from ConsumerAffairs, BBB, SolarReviews, and Google (4.0+/5).
  • Affordability: Competitive pricing for a 7.2 kW system (average U.S. home size) and battery storage, including PPAs and purchase options.
  • Market Presence: Availability across states and installation volume (e.g., Sunrun’s 1M+ installs).
  • Warranties: Strong workmanship (10–25 years) and equipment guarantees (25 years).
  • Equipment Quality: Use of high-efficiency panels (20–22%, e.g., Qcells, REC) and batteries (e.g., Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ).

Data comes from trusted sources like EnergySage, CNET, Forbes Home, and SolarReviews, plus X posts for real-world sentiment.

Top 10 Solar Companies in the USA for 2025

Here are the top 10 solar companies for solar panel and battery installation, ranked by trust, affordability, and service. Prices are for a 7.2 kW system with a 5–13.5 kWh battery, based on EnergySage and CNET data.

1. Palmetto Solar

  • Website: Palmetto
  • Customer Rating: 4.8/5 (ConsumerAffairs, CNET, 4,694,011 reviews)
  • States Available: 25 states (CA, TX, FL, NY, PA, IL, etc.)
  • Best Offer: Palmetto Power PPA—$0 down, $0.11–$0.16/kWh (10–30% below utility rates). Includes Sonnen battery (5–10 kWh) and optional $29/month monitoring.
  • Price: PPA: $50–$130/month; Purchase: $18,720–$25,200 + $4,500–$9,000 battery. Saves $1,000–$2,500/year.
  • Why They’re Trusted: CNET’s #1 pick for 2025, Palmetto pairs Qcells panels with transparent pricing and top-notch service. Timothy F. (BBB, January 2025) raves about their “outstanding communication.”
  • Drawbacks: Monitoring costs extra; permitting delays (2–4 weeks).

2. Sunrun

  • Website: Sunrun
  • Customer Rating: 4.5/5 (ConsumerAffairs, This Old House, 1,000+ reviews)
  • States Available: 20+ states (CA, TX, NY, MA, NJ, FL, etc.), Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico
  • Best Offer: BrightSave Monthly PPA—$0 down, $0.12–$0.18/kWh (e.g., $0.17/kWh vs. $0.34/kWh in CA). Includes Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem Brightbox (10–13.5 kWh).
  • Price: PPA: $50–$150/month; Purchase: $19,656–$26,424 + $11,500–$14,500 battery. Saves ~$210/month in CA.
  • Why They’re Trusted: The largest U.S. installer with over 1 million installs and 10% market share (2023). Uses Qcells panels and offers 24/7 monitoring. An X post (@SelfPsyc, July 2025) boasts a $14/month utility bill in San Diego.
  • Drawbacks: PPA escalator clauses (1–3%); slower support for purchases.

3. Tesla

  • Website: Tesla
  • Customer Rating: 4.2/5 (EcoWatch, ConsumerAffairs)
  • States Available: All 50 states (via third-party installers)
  • Best Offer: Price Match Guarantee—Matches competitor quotes for panels and Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh, 90% efficiency). Includes Tesla app.
  • Price: $18,000–$25,200 ($2.50–$3.50/W) + $11,500–$14,500 Powerwall. Saves $1,000–$3,000/year.
  • Why They’re Trusted: Tesla’s sleek panels and Powerwall 3 offer 20–48 hours of backup. EcoWatch (2025) praises affordability and design. Holds 2.5% market share.
  • Drawbacks: Third-party installers can cause inconsistent service (BBB, 2025); no PPAs.

4. Freedom Solar Power

  • Website: Freedom Solar
  • Customer Rating: 4.6/5 (ConsumerAffairs, NerdWallet)
  • States Available: 6 states (TX, CO, FL, NC, VA, UT)
  • Best Offer: 0% APR Loan—No-interest loans for purchases with Mission Solar panels and Tesla Powerwall. PPA: $0.13–$0.18/kWh.
  • Price: PPA: $60–$150/month; Purchase: $20,160–$27,360 + $11,500–$14,500 battery.
  • Why They’re Trusted: NerdWallet highlights their 25-year workmanship warranty and in-house installations. Uses REC and Mission Solar panels (20–21% efficiency).
  • Drawbacks: Limited to six states; California licensing issues (2025).

5. ADT Solar

  • Website: ADT Solar
  • Customer Rating: 4.4/5 (Google Reviews, BBB)
  • States Available: 22 states (CA, TX, FL, AZ, NV, etc.)
  • Best Offer: PowerGuard Purchase Bundle—Price match guarantee, Qcells panels, Tesla Powerwall, and low-APR loans (4–8%).
  • Price: PPA: $0.12–$0.17/kWh ($50–$140/month); Purchase: $19,440–$26,640 + $11,500–$14,500 battery.
  • Why They’re Trusted: Backed by ADT’s security brand, they offer fast installations (3–4 weeks) and reliable equipment.
  • Drawbacks: Limited states; some report pushy sales (BBB, 2025).

6. Purelight Power

  • Website: Purelight Power
  • Customer Rating: 4.3/5 (Google Reviews, SolarReviews)
  • States Available: 8 states (IA, OR, WA, ID, MT, KY, OH, NE)
  • Best Offer: Zero Down Solar Loan—No upfront costs, uses Silfab, SEG, or Tesla panels with Tesla Powerwall or Franklin Home Battery.
  • Price: Purchase: $20,000–$27,000 + $11,500–$14,500 battery. Saves $800–$2,000/year.
  • Why They’re Trusted: Rapidly growing since 2019, Purelight handles in-house installations with top-tier batteries (CNET’s top picks).
  • Drawbacks: No PPAs; limited state coverage.

7. Solar Energy World

  • Website: Solar Energy World
  • Customer Rating: 4.5/5 (SolarReviews, Google Reviews)
  • States Available: 8 states (MD, NJ, PA, VA, NC, SC, FL, OH)
  • Best Offer: Triple Platinum Warranty—30-year coverage for parts, labor, and weatherization. Uses Qcells, Silfab, or Longi panels with Tesla Powerwall or Enphase batteries.
  • Price: Purchase: $19,000–$26,000 + $11,500–$14,500 battery. Saves $1,000–$2,500/year.
  • Why They’re Trusted: CNET praises their 30-year warranty and in-house installations for reliability.
  • Drawbacks: Limited states; no PPAs.

8. Freedom Forever

  • Website: Freedom Forever
  • Customer Rating: 4.4/5 (SolarReviews, ConsumerAffairs)
  • States Available: 30 states (CA, TX, FL, AZ, NV, etc.)
  • Best Offer: Solar Lease or PPA—$0 down, $0.13–$0.19/kWh. Uses LONGi, REC, or Freedom Forever panels with battery options.
  • Price: PPA: $60–$160/month; Purchase: $20,000–$27,000 + $10,000–$14,000 battery.
  • Why They’re Trusted: Holds 5% market share (2023) and offers flexible financing with a 25-year warranty.
  • Drawbacks: Mixed reviews on post-installation support (SolarReviews, 2025).

9. Trinity Solar

  • Website: Trinity Solar
  • Customer Rating: 4.3/5 (Forbes Home, ConsumerAffairs)
  • States Available: 10 states (CT, DE, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, RI, FL, NH)
  • Best Offer: Solar Lease or PPA—$0 down, $0.12–$0.18/kWh. Includes roofing services and battery storage.
  • Price: PPA: $50–$150/month; Purchase: $19,500–$26,500 + $10,000–$14,000 battery.
  • Why They’re Trusted: Forbes Home (2025) notes their roofing expertise, ideal for homes needing repairs alongside solar. Uses Qcells panels.
  • Drawbacks: Limited transparency on panel brands; serves only Eastern U.S.

10. Venture Solar

  • Website: Venture Solar
  • Customer Rating: 4.5/5 (This Old House, BBB)
  • States Available: 9 states (NY, NJ, CT, MA, RI, NH, PA, ME, VT)
  • Best Offer: 30-Year Workmanship Warranty—Covers Qcells or REC panels and Enphase or Tesla batteries. Offers loans and PPAs.
  • Price: PPA: $60–$150/month; Purchase: $19,000–$26,000 + $11,500–$14,500 battery.
  • Why They’re Trusted: This Old House (2025) praises their expertise in Northeast homes, handling complex roofs and snow. In-house installations ensure quality.
  • Drawbacks: Limited to Northeast; longer installation timelines (4–8 weeks).

Price and Offer Comparison Table

Company Best Offer PPA Rate Purchase Cost (7.2 kW + Battery) Battery States Customer Rating
Palmetto Solar Palmetto Power PPA $0.11–$0.16/kWh $23,220–$34,200 $4,500–$9,000 25 4.8/5
Sunrun BrightSave Monthly PPA $0.12–$0.18/kWh $31,156–$40,924 $11,500–$14,500 20+ 4.5/5
Tesla Price Match Guarantee N/A $29,500–$39,700 $11,500–$14,500 50 4.2/5
Freedom Solar 0% APR Loan $0.13–$0.18/kWh $31,660–$41,860 $11,500–$14,500 6 4.6/5
ADT Solar PowerGuard Purchase Bundle $0.12–$0.17/kWh $30,940–$41,140 $11,500–$14,500 22 4.4/5
Purelight Power Zero Down Solar Loan N/A $31,500–$41,500 $11,500–$14,500 8 4.3/5
Solar Energy World Triple Platinum Warranty N/A $30,500–$40,500 $11,500–$14,500 8 4.5/5
Freedom Forever Solar Lease or PPA $0.13–$0.19/kWh $30,000–$41,000 $10,000–$14,000 30 4.4/5
Trinity Solar Solar Lease or PPA $0.12–$0.18/kWh $29,500–$40,500 $10,000–$14,000 10 4.3/5
Venture Solar 30-Year Workmanship Warranty $0.12–$0.18/kWh $30,500–$40,500 $11,500–$14,500 9 4.5/5

Notes:

  • PPA monthly costs: $50–$160 (7,000–12,000 kWh/year).
  • Purchase costs include 7.2 kW system + battery, before tax credit.
  • Savings: $1,000–$3,500/year, based on state rates ($0.11–$0.33/kWh).
  • Check local availability via EnergySage.

How to Choose the Best Solar Company for You

Picking the right installer is as important as choosing the right panels. Here’s how to find a trusted solar panel installer:

  1. Compare Quotes: Get 3–5 quotes via EnergySage to save 10–20% ($2,000–$5,000). Local installers often beat national brands on price.
  2. Check Certifications: Ensure NABCEP certification for quality work. All top 10 companies use certified teams or partners.
  3. Read Reviews: Palmetto (4.8/5) and Sunrun (4.5/5) lead, but local installers may have better local feedback on BBB or Google.
  4. Explore Financing: PPAs (Palmetto, Sunrun) or 0% APR loans (Freedom Solar) cut upfront costs. Cash purchases save more over 25 years.
  5. Verify Incentives: The Federal Solar Tax Credit saves 30% ($5,616–$12,427). State rebates (e.g., CA’s SGIP, $150/kWh) add savings—check DSIRE.
  6. Avoid Scams: Beware “free solar” offers or aggressive sales (e.g., Momentum Solar’s BBB complaints, 2025). An X post (@SolarWatchTX, June 2025) warns of Texas scams. Verify credentials.
  7. Choose Quality Equipment: Opt for 20–22% efficiency panels (Qcells, REC) and batteries like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ for 12–48 hours of backup.

Why Local Installers Can Outshine Big Brands

Local installers often beat national giants like Tesla or Sunrun for:

  • Lower Costs: 5–10% savings ($1,000–$2,500) due to lower overhead.
  • Faster Service: Quicker installs (30–60 days) and repairs vs. national backlogs.
  • Local Expertise: Knowledge of local permits, weather (e.g., Texas storms), and utility rules.
  • Community Trust: Higher satisfaction, per SolarReviews data (2025).

Still, big brands offer PPAs and wider resources, ideal for renters or budget-conscious homeowners. Compare both via EnergySage.

Benefits of Solar Panel and Battery Installation

  • Big Savings: Slash bills by $1,000–$3,500/year, with $31,000–$100,000 lifetime savings (25 years).
  • Reliable Power: Batteries (5–13.5 kWh) keep essentials running for 12–48 hours during outages.
  • Home Value Boost: Adds 4–6.8% ($15,000–$27,200 for a $400,000 home).
  • Eco-Friendly: Cuts ~8,000 lbs of CO2 yearly, like planting 120 trees.

FAQs About the Top 10 Solar Companies

How do I find trusted solar installers near me?

Use EnergySage for 3–5 quotes from NABCEP-certified local installers. Check BBB and SolarReviews for feedback.

What’s the cost of solar panel and battery installation?

PPA: $50–$160/month ($0.11–$0.19/kWh). Purchase: $23,220–$41,860 (7.2 kW + battery). Palmetto offers the lowest PPA rates.

Which solar company is the best in 2025?

Palmetto Solar (4.8/5, CNET) leads for low-cost PPAs and transparency. Sunrun (4.5/5) excels for availability, Tesla for purchases.

Are Tesla and Sunrun good choices?

Tesla’s price matching and Powerwall are great for buyers but use third-party installers. Sunrun’s PPAs save upfront costs but have escalator clauses.

How do I avoid solar scams?

Skip “free solar” claims, verify NABCEP certification, and compare quotes. Check BBB or SolarReviews to avoid shady installers.

Wrap-Up: Power Up with the Top 10 Solar Companies

The top 10 solar companies for 2025—like Palmetto Solar, Sunrun, Tesla, Freedom Solar, and others—make going solar easy, affordable, and reliable. Palmetto’s $0.11–$0.16/kWh PPA is perfect for no upfront costs, Tesla’s price matching suits buyers, and local installers offer personalized service. Use EnergySage to compare quotes and DSIRE for rebates to maximize solar energy savings ($1,000–$3,500/year). Choose a NABCEP-certified installer to avoid scams and enjoy solar battery storage for a greener, more resilient home in 2025!

Disclaimer: Costs and availability vary by location. Verify installer credentials and consult a tax professional for incentive advice.