Best Solar Energy Companies
Based on In-Depth Reviews

Who is solar energy good for?

It’s an ugly truth that the planet is descending into a climate catastrophe. We find ourselves wondering what can be done to stave off or, at the very least, minimize drastic climate change. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s out of our hands. But there are options we can take that, as consumers and citizens, make us feel involved and empowered.

Nowadays, it seems like everybody and their mother has gotten solar panels. What we once saw as a technology of the far-flung future is now all around us, delivering on the promise of a cleaner and more efficient energy grid. But is it accessible to everyone?

The short answer is yes, but circumstances and context determine its feasibility.

The U.S. Department of Energy has a simple guide for understanding the steps to determine whether you should opt for rooftop solar. In essence, you need to:

• Check your home’s energy efficiency

• Investigate the potential solar energy you could generate

• Evaluate the different solar options available in your area

• Contact installers to obtain quotes and estimates

• Analyze the types of financing options, incentives, and tax breaks available

• Work directly with your installer and your local utility company

Truth be told, there has never been a better time for homeowners to install a rooftop solar energy system. Several large national companies offer installation services across many states with varied financing options, and each year more and more local companies pop up, offering the same types of services. Renewable energy sector jobs are on the rise across the country, and local and state incentives further stimulate the implementation of clean energy production.

However, there are still many states and utility companies that obstruct or prevent solar energy from gaining a foothold in their market.  Because of this, homeowners in those locations may find it difficult to adopt renewable energy technology and don’t receive financial stimulus to invest in a rooftop solar energy system. 

Speaking on this, Warren Leon, Executive Director of the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), a national nonprofit coalition of public agencies and organizations, told us that determining who benefits from going solar will depend on their state and three variables:

• The electricity rates in their location. In areas where there are higher electricity rates, the more beneficial going solar will be

• The amount of sunlight received

• If the state or utility offers any special incentives or tax credits that make it attractive

With this in mind, to answer the initial question “Who is solar energy good for?” we focused on the following factors: geographical location, home condition, and available financial incentives.

Geographical (location/climate)

Solar panels can be put to use in any climate that receives sufficient sunlight. Counterintuitively, this does not mean that perpetually overcast cities, say London or Seattle, are bad for solar energy. In fact, because most solar panels on the market operate most effectively in moderate temperatures, cities like these are great candidates for solar energy systems.

A solar panel in Seattle may receive less sunshine than one in Phoenix, and that would mean that it produces a certain percent less energy. However, extremely high temperatures in Phoenix mean that the solar panel loses significant efficiency as well. 

Science! 

Home conditions (roof/shade)

The first step before even considering rooftop solar is checking your roof’s warranty or homeowners insurance policy to confirm if mounting the system is covered or if it will void any future claim.

To maximize their efficiency, solar panels are typically installed on south-facing roofs. However, this might not always be an option. In cases where roofs do not face south, installers use a variety of tools and systems to determine the best possible placement. Other roof characteristics (e.g., sturdiness and slant) are also determinant factors.

We interviewed Jason Carney, a solar energy advocate and owner of the Tennessee-based company Energy Electives, who stated that, to assess whether the roof is viable for sustaining solar panels, consumers should first consult a professional roofer. Based on that assessment, and taking into consideration the age and condition of the roof, they discuss with the customer whether to go ahead with the project or wait until roof repairs have been made (if needed). 

Carney says that they use “whatever the most convenient tool is [for the project]. Our initial look is a directional look [to see] how much south-facing the roof is. [We basically] do an audit of the roof.” This could mean using equipment and applications to determine sun shading, such as Google’s Project Sunroof or the Suneye shade measurement tool, to get an idea what part of the roof is getting the most sunshine. An assessment of nearby trees and obstructions is also necessary.

Once the initial work is completed, the roof is determined to be compliant, and the optimal placement has been determined, installation can proceed. 

Does your local government/utility company allow it?

Physical conditions and Earth’s climate notwithstanding, the most important factors in determining whether to install rooftop solar are two other types of climates: the political and the economic.

Leon, from the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), told us: “Clean energy is in society's interest, in terms of reducing environmental damage and the threat of climate change, and it can also lead to good domestic local jobs.” He went on to say that “it’s in the interest of government at both the state and federal level to promote clean energy technologies, and to make it possible to implement them more rapidly to replace dirtier technologies.”

Among the many policies that can be implemented to incentivize solar energy production, Leon mentioned three in particular:

1. Renewable portfolio standards that require energy suppliers to get a share of their energy from renewable sources (wind, solar, hydroelectric, etc.)

2. Net metering so customers who produce excess energy using rooftop solar systems can get credit for that production.

3. Programs for low- and moderate-income households, so as to ensure that all segments of society, not just the well-to-do, are benefiting from solar. 

Although there is no federal mandate or goal for solar energy production and use, the Federal Solar credit has incentivized customers for more than 10 years. However, it’s local and state legislation that can have the biggest impact in moving consumers towards adopting solar energy systems. In this sense, tax breaks and credits are the most attractive options customers have. 

Tyler Fitch, Southeast Regulatory Manager for VoteSolar, a nonprofit organization that advocates for clean energy policies, emphasizes the importance of citizens conducting research and using resources that could help them go solar. Fitch mentions DSIRE, the online solar incentive database from the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, as well as contacting state energy offices. By seeking out this help, he says, consumers are setting themselves up for success.

Economic Impact: Will solar panels lower my bills?

You would think that creating your own energy and depending less on the traditional power grid would substantially lower what you pay each month, right? Surprisingly, the answer is not necessarily. Simply put, there are many variables that affect pricing and the return on investment. To determine whether installing solar panels makes economic sense, you need to first do some studying.

Calculate the payback period

Unless you have money to spare, it makes no financial sense to spend thousands of dollars on something that will not provide a benefit to you. When you buy a house, you’re making an investment in your future as well as acquiring stability. But before proceeding with other types of big-ticket purchases like solar panels, you need to first consider how long it will take to recoup that investment. That’s the payback period, and you should figure it out before agreeing to anything else. 

In simple terms, the payback period is how much time it takes for the savings to match the costs. These vary by state, but the range is between 6 and 12 years. 

You need to calculate the total cost for the system, the amount of energy you use, the cost of electricity in your area, the rebates and incentives (if applicable), and the solar production of your system. 

Leon advises customers to “proceed carefully, get several bids from reputable installers, get recommendations from friends or others and really look at the numbers carefully.” Looking at the numbers is the key part, because it will tell you the impact installing a solar energy system can have on your finances. “It can be a good or bad financial decision,” he said, “it all has to do with the deal and analyzing it.” This goes for your short- and long-term goals for the system.

Consider Every Option

A solar installer can offer a variety of plans and agreements. It’s up to you to decide which one best fits your financial and energy needs.   

Loans

People who want to own their solar energy system but can’t fork over $10k+ in an instant (i.e. most of us), might find that financing is the best possible option. Although the monthly loan payments include interest, many solar companies are partnered with financing entities that provide fair rates. 

Moreover, since the customer retains ownership of the system, they can take advantage of tax breaks and incentives to minimize the costs associated with going solar. 

Leasing 

Leasing was once the standard solar energy agreement because buying a solar energy system was prohibitive for almost everybody. With solar prices currently much more accessible, and with the now readily available option of financing to own, leases have been overshadowed by other options.

There are occasions when leasing still works well for a customer, particularly for those who don’t have the upfront cash to buy a system and who live in areas where financing isn’t available. Homeowners who live in states with high electricity rates can also benefit by having a fixed monthly payment that will probably be lower than what they’d pay their utility company.

However, leases are usually long-term contracts for 20 or 25 years, and their major selling point, the purported savings, are sometimes based on debatable energy cost evaluations (that is, the installer leasing the system speculates that electricity prices will soar and advertises your savings based on that assumption, which may not happen).

At the end of the day, you shouldn’t automatically dismiss leasing as an option, but if you decide to go with it, one thing’s for sure: READ THE FINE PRINT.

Solar system DIY

It’s tempting, we know. You’ve seen a dozen Youtube videos, you’ve read several online manuals, you even know somebody whose cousin set up a solar energy system in their house and now they live completely off the grid. It’s a dream come true, man. But it’s much tougher than it seems.

With experience from both sides of the installation process, Carney warns that “you always need a certain professional [because there are] so many skills needed...I would not encourage any homeowner [unless] they’re a professional in electricity, roofing, or solar energy itself.” 

And even in these cases, Carney suggests seeking an installer’s help. “Grab a book, get as knowledgeable as you can... then start talking with a professional and let them guide you.” By doing this, even if you’re hiring an installer, you have enough basic information to ask the correct questions and understand each step of the process.

While we don’t want to dishearten anybody with the technical know-how and adequate training from giving DIY solar a shot, it’s most certainly NOT for everybody. We would encourage those who want to attempt DIY to carefully consider the costs, workload, maintenance, and time needed to complete such a major project.

Other financial options, such as working with the Clean Energy Credit Union, or seeking out home loans such as Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle Energy Mortgage, should be considered as well. 

There are also many online resources that can help you decipher everything you would need and want to know about going solar, such as CESA’s Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing and their gallery of solar consumer protection informative videos.

“We the people...exercise power, [we can] petition elected officials to make residential rooftop [accessible], it’s a great time to get involved [and] express desire to have their own rooftop interconnected to the grid and advocate for incentives,” said Carney. “Education is important [in] how we look at energy and who should benefit from it”.

The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), also called the solar tax credit, has been hailed as “one of the most successful clean energy policies in history,” according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). It provides up to a 30% tax credit for the solar energy system’s cost, applicable to residential and commercial properties. Customers can even roll the tax credit over to the following year if not used. 

This tax credit, in place since 2005, has greatly impacted solar costs, driving down prices as more and more people go solar. Because of this, our experts agree that rooftop solar has passed a threshold and that its adoption will keep growing. 

The ITC is set to decrease from 30% to 26% in 2020 and 22% in 2021 before disappearing in 2022. However, Fitch does not see the step down or eventual elimination of the ITC as a big shock on the industry or even an existential threat to rooftop solar. Leon echoes this sentiment by stating that “even though it’s conceivable that there will be fewer [solar panel] installations in 2022, there will be ups and downs, and the industry will continue to grow.” 

Still, lawmakers can find ways to extend or come up with new federal solar incentives to stimulate growth in the industry, which is something worth keeping an eye on.

Tips for making your home more energy efficient

Aside from, or in addition to, solar, there are numerous ways in which homeowners can make their home energy efficient. Whether you have solar energy powering your home or not, it makes sense to cut down on the amount of energy being used, or more to the point, wasted. These tips should help you consume less electricity, for the benefit of your wallet and Mother Earth.

Energy-efficient light bulbs such as halogen, LEDs, and CFLs can drastically reduce the amount of energy consumption used for lighting. Although they might cost a bit more than regular light bulbs, the savings will add up quickly and, as a bonus, they’ll last up to 25 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs. 

Energy Star appliances are touted as “independently certified to save energy, save money and protect the climate.” That’s because saving energy in your day-to-day tasks (using the dishwasher, opening the fridge, drying your laundry) can make a huge difference when you add it all up. 

Regulate the temperature in your home by fixing any problems with insulation, windows, or doors. A drafty room can make your heater work overtime and an unsealed window can let cool air from the A/C out. Sometimes something as simple as caulk can seal a leak and dramatically change the temperature control in a home. 

Cut down on phantom load (devices consuming energy when not in use). Home entertainment systems, stereos, computers, and other electronics can continue using electricity if they’re plugged in, even when not turned on. By disconnecting these systems or using ‘smart strips’ or power regulators, you’ll discover just how much the standby power consumes in electricity.

Wash clothes in cold water. Among the many things you can do to save money while doing laundry, washing clothes in cold water instead of hot can make a major difference. Heating consumes the most electricity, and raising water’s temperature is no small task. Count the number of loads of laundry you wash in a month and then think about all the hot water you’re using. Consider using it only for when the types of clothes you’re washing demands it. 

A Solar Power Primer

When we talk about solar energy, we’re referring to the process of capturing sunlight using photovoltaic (PV) systems. Here are the basic components of a rooftop solar energy system.

Solar Panels

The fundamental units of a solar energy system are its panels. These are the cells you see mounted on building roofs and the tops of streetlights. The light captured by the panels activates the silicon (or other material) in each one, causing electrons to flow freely through the cells, and creating electricity. This electricity is then converted into usable energy for your home.

There are three major types: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. 

Monocrystalline (monos) and polycrystalline (polys) panels are both made out of silicon. But whereas monos have cells composed of a single silicon crystal, polys are composed of several silicon crystals melted together. This difference in production makes monos more efficient in energy creation, but also makes them a bit more expensive than polys.

Thin film panels are another option that have grown in popularity by being the most inexpensive of the three options. At the same time, they’re also the least efficient. Nevertheless, great advances in solar panel technology are continuing, with ever more efficient and cheaper alternatives arising. 

When deciding which type of panel to use, calculate each one’s cost versus what your energy needs and space limitations are. Less efficient panels are cheaper but you’ll need more of them to generate a specific amount of energy.

Inverters

Solar panels alone can’t produce the form of electricity we use in our everyday lives. Inverters turn the direct current (DC) electricity that photovoltaic cells produce into alternating current (AC) electricity that our home needs. As such, they are an indispensable part of the solar energy system. 

Inverters, like solar panels, come in a variety of forms, with different functions for specific system needs. String inverters are the most common: the strings are connected to numerous panels and transfer the electricity for conversion. String inverters function only as well as the least productive panel.

Depending on the solar panels installed and the energy production from them, power optimizers can be added to each individual panel so that they improve the voltage and raise efficiency.

Similarly, microinverters are installed in each individual solar panel. These newer types of inverters, however, convert energy at the source and don’t require attachment to a string inverter.

Like solar panels, choosing an inverter for your solar energy system will entirely depend on the installer’s product offering and on your system’s energy needs.

Energy Storage

Essentially just a fancy name for batteries, these parts store any excess energy produced by solar panels. Although not technically needed for a home that runs on solar, batteries help offset the need to receive energy from the grid during periods where solar production is diminished, such as at night or on overcast days. They also provide energy during blackouts. 

The main types of batteries are either lead acid or lithium ion, though there are many other varieties on the market and the technology continues to evolve with each passing year.

Net Metering

Net metering is a solar incentive in which the utility company buys back any extra solar energy that a customer created but didn’t use. The utility company then applies that credit to the next electricity bill.  

Solar incentives of this sort are popular because they encourage homeowners who might be on the fence about purchasing solar energy systems to finally take the plunge. The initial investment costs can be offset by the additional credits generated by energy creation.

Critics of net metering, mainly utility companies, decry it as a lost revenue opportunity. However, the majority of U.S. states and territories have some sort of mandatory net metering  rules already in place, to the benefit of consumers nationwide. 

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

A solar power PPA is a financial agreement between a solar company and a customer, in which the company retains ownership of the system and the customer pays for the energy it produces. This type of agreement is similar to a lease but differs in what the customer pays. 

In solar PPAs, just like in a lease, the company installs, maintains, and owns the solar energy system. However, instead of paying for the rights to use the system, the customer pays for the energy it produces. The energy cost is a set price of kWh, generally lower than energy costs from your utility.

During the early stages of residential solar, leases and PPAs were a common option because owning a system was still too expensive for most people. However, with ownership costs becoming more affordable, agreements like PPAs are becoming less popular as homeowners would rather own their systems and reap the rewards of tax breaks and incentives.

Nonetheless, as with leases, PPAs could still be a worthwhile option for those wishing to go solar but who don’t have cash available for a large down payment, and live in areas where ownership loans are not available. 

What to Watch Out For

Shop around - Three is a magic number

Comparing prices among providers is a tried-and-true strategy that produces results, not only for solar energy systems but for most types of products and services. Companies typically offer similar types of financing options, products, and guarantees, but even the smallest difference between their offers can save you money.

As we’ve mentioned, aggregator websites and online marketplaces can assist in this task by matching you with installers, whether they’re large companies that serve multiple states or local ones that only serve your immediate area. 

Bigger Is Not Always Better

It might seem logical that larger companies would offer lower prices, due to their increased production and reduced costs. This, however, does not generally hold true for solar energy systems. 

Surprisingly, according to a 2017 report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), larger companies charge higher prices for solar energy systems and installations than smaller, local companies. 

Additionally, some national companies have come under fire for deceptive business practices. The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau, for one, found that one company committed consumer’s rights violations in the U.S. territory. 

Likewise, solar company bankruptcies have caused confusion among customers and solar leases have raised concerns because of their dubious claims regarding savings on energy bills.

Nonetheless, Leon indicated that, while it’s true that large companies don’t necessarily offer better pricing, it could go the other way around, too. “Solar installation is very site-specific... it may not be the case that the big company has higher costs or is trying to rip you off, it’s sometimes that different companies are better for a particular type of installation depending on the size [of the project], the financing [method], and the location.”

Ask Questions and Listen to Your Installer

What makes for a good installer then? The obvious answer would be a company that offers the best products and services at the best prices. But it goes deeper than that.

Speaking as a customer, Carney said that “when someone almost sounds like they’re discouraging you [from going solar], those are the best professionals...because they’re really more concerned about your satisfaction and safety [and it’s more important] than making a deal or making a sale.” 

Having forthright conversations are key to a mutually beneficial partnership and the customer can only have this if they ask questions and seek out advice from multiple professionals. Carney also told us that when installers openly and honestly discuss long-term plans and possible pitfalls, that’s when customers should feel at ease, because they’re prepared for future situations where there aren’t going to be any gotcha moments.

This applies not only to the installation process, but for long-term contracts such as leases and PPAs.

Roofs Matter

Aside from the energy system as such, the most important part of rooftop solar is, well, the roof. The roof supports the mounting gear which in turn supports the solar panels that generate electricity. A large enough solar energy system can weigh hundreds of pounds. Even spread across a larger area, a roof that’s not in good shape won’t be able to bear the system’s load. 

Generally speaking, wooden roofs are built to last around 30 years. Solar panels, on the other hand, are usually expected to remain in place for at least 20 or 25 years. 

If you have any doubt whether your roof can support solar, you should contact a professional roofer to inspect the viability of the roof. If the roof is more than 15 years old, you should consider postponing rooftop solar until you’ve redone the roof or you’ve consulted a professional. Installing solar panels only to have them taken out again in 5 or 10 years because of a faulty roof can be a very expensive and time-consuming project.