Best Solar Companies by State

When selecting a solar installer, consider these key factors: experience and track record (look for at least 5 years in business), licensing and certifications (NABCEP certification is the gold standard), customer reviews and ratings (check Google, BBB, and EnergySage), warranty coverage (look for 25-year panel and 10-year workmanship warranties), financing options offered, and the quality of equipment they install. Get at least three quotes to compare pricing and proposals. Avoid high-pressure sales tactics and extremely low bids that seem too good to be true.

Ask these essential questions: What specific equipment (panels, inverters) will be installed? What is the total system cost including all fees? What warranties are included (panel, inverter, workmanship, roof penetration)? How long will installation take from contract to activation? Will they handle all permits and utility interconnection? What is the estimated annual production, and do they offer a production guarantee? How will they handle roof issues discovered during installation? Can you provide references from recent customers? Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?

National solar companies (like SunPower, Tesla, and Sunrun) offer brand recognition, standardized processes, and often have larger marketing budgets. Local installers typically provide more personalized service, competitive pricing, and deeper knowledge of local permitting and utility requirements. Local companies may also be more responsive to service calls and warranty issues. Studies show that local installers often offer lower prices per watt because they have less overhead. Many solar experts recommend getting quotes from both national and local installers to compare.

The actual physical installation of solar panels typically takes 1-3 days for a standard residential system. However, the total timeline from signing a contract to having your system producing electricity is usually 2-4 months. This includes the site survey (1-2 weeks), system design and engineering (1-2 weeks), permitting (2-6 weeks depending on your jurisdiction), installation (1-3 days), inspection (1-2 weeks), and utility interconnection approval (1-4 weeks). Some states with streamlined permitting processes can complete the entire process in as little as 6 weeks.

Top residential solar panel brands include: SunPower (highest efficiency at 22-23%, premium pricing, 40-year warranty), REC (high quality European brand, 20-21% efficiency, 25-year warranty), Panasonic/LG (excellent quality, 20-22% efficiency, 25-year warranty), Canadian Solar (great value, 19-21% efficiency, 25-year warranty), and Trina Solar (budget-friendly, 19-21% efficiency, 25-year warranty). For most homeowners, mid-range panels from brands like REC or Canadian Solar provide the best balance of performance, reliability, and value.

Solar systems come with multiple warranties: the panel manufacturer warranty (typically 25-30 years, guaranteeing at least 80-85% production), the inverter warranty (5-12 years standard, 25 years for microinverters), and the installation workmanship warranty (5-25 years from the installer). Make sure your installer provides a minimum 10-year workmanship warranty covering roof penetrations and wiring. Some companies also offer production guarantees, promising a minimum energy output or they will compensate you. Always get warranty terms in writing before signing a contract.