Best Solar Companies 2026

Picking the wrong solar company is an expensive mistake.
Bad installs, voided warranties, and companies that vanish after payment — it happens more than you think.

This ranking is based on verified data: pricing per watt, warranty terms, BBB ratings, and thousands of customer reviews.

How We Ranked These Companies

Five criteria, equal weight:

• Price per watt (lower is better, but not at quality’s expense)
• Panel and workmanship warranty length
• Real customer satisfaction (Google, BBB, Trustpilot)
• Availability (how many states they serve)
• Financing flexibility

No company paid to be on this list.

The Top Solar Companies of 2026

1. SunPower (Maxeon)

Price per watt: $3.50–$4.20
Panel warranty: 40 years (industry best)
Workmanship warranty: 25 years
BBB Rating: A+
Customer score: 4.4/5

SunPower panels consistently top efficiency charts.
Their Maxeon cells produce more power per square foot than any competitor.

Best for: Homeowners who want maximum output and long-term peace of mind.
Not ideal for: Budget buyers — you pay a premium.

2. Sunrun

Price per watt: $2.80–$3.50
Panel warranty: 25 years
Workmanship warranty: 10 years
BBB Rating: A-
Customer score: 4.1/5

Sunrun is the largest residential solar company in the US.
They offer flexible ownership, lease, and PPA options.

Their Brightbox battery bundle is competitive with Tesla Powerwall on price.

Best for: Homeowners who want financing flexibility and nationwide support.
Watch out for: Lease terms — read the fine print before signing.

3. Tesla Solar

Price per watt: $2.50–$3.20
Panel warranty: 25 years
Workmanship warranty: 10 years
BBB Rating: B+
Customer score: 3.8/5

Tesla has the lowest prices among major national installers.
Their online-only model cuts overhead and passes savings to buyers.

Their solar roof tiles are premium — and expensive.
Standard panels are the budget-smart choice here.

Best for: Cost-conscious buyers comfortable with a digital-first process.
Watch out for: Customer service responsiveness — common complaint in reviews.

4. Palmetto Solar

Price per watt: $2.70–$3.30
Panel warranty: 25 years
Workmanship warranty: 25 years
BBB Rating: A
Customer score: 4.3/5

Palmetto stands out for its LifePlan monitoring service.
It actively tracks system performance and flags issues before they cost you money.

Best for: Tech-forward homeowners who want proactive monitoring.
Availability: 25+ states and growing.

5. ADT Solar (formerly Sunpro)

Price per watt: $2.60–$3.40
Panel warranty: 25 years
Workmanship warranty: 25 years
BBB Rating: A+
Customer score: 4.2/5

ADT’s rebranded solar division brings home security integration to solar installations.
Their warranty terms rival SunPower at a lower price point.

Best for: Homeowners who want solar + home security in one deal.

Company Comparison Table

Company	Price/Watt	Panel Warranty	Workmanship	BBB	Score
SunPower	$3.50–$4.20	40 years	25 years	A+	4.4/5
Sunrun	$2.80–$3.50	25 years	10 years	A-	4.1/5
Tesla Solar	$2.50–$3.20	25 years	10 years	B+	3.8/5
Palmetto	$2.70–$3.30	25 years	25 years	A	4.3/5
ADT Solar	$2.60–$3.40	25 years	25 years	A+	4.2/5

What to Look for Beyond Price

Price per watt is the starting point, not the finish line.

Warranty matters more than you think.
A 10-year workmanship warranty vs. a 25-year one is a massive difference.
Solar systems last 25–30 years. You want coverage for the full life of the system.

Read reviews from the past 6 months.
Old 5-star reviews from 3 years ago don’t reflect today’s service quality.
Check Google Maps reviews, Trustpilot, and EnergySage ratings for current feedback.

Verify local licensing.
National brands often subcontract to local crews.
Ask who physically installs your system — and verify their license at your state’s contractor board.

Red Flags to Avoid in Any Company

Watch for these warning signs:

• Pressure to sign the same day (legitimate companies don’t do this)
• No physical address or local office
• Vague warranty terms with lots of exclusions
• Refuses to provide a written itemized quote
• Unlicensed or uncertified crews
• BBB rating below B or unresolved complaints

If you feel pressured, walk away.
Good companies want informed buyers — not rushed ones.

Local vs. National: Which Is Better?

This is a real debate in the solar community.

National companies:

• More financing options
• Standardized processes
• Bigger warranties (sometimes backed by insurance)
• Potentially slower local response

Local installers:

• Often cheaper per watt
• Faster installs
• More personalized service
• Warranty dependent on company’s survival

Our recommendation: Use EnergySage to compare both.
Let them compete — you win either way.

FAQ: Best Solar Companies 2026

Which solar company has the best warranty in 2026?
SunPower offers the best warranty: 40 years on panels and 25 years on workmanship — both industry-leading.

Is Tesla Solar actually cheap?
Yes — Tesla is among the lowest-priced major national installers. But reviews flag slower customer service response times.

Can I trust Sunrun reviews?
Sunrun has mixed reviews. Their lease and PPA options attract complaints about contract flexibility. Buyers who purchase outright report higher satisfaction.

Is it safe to use a local installer instead of a national brand?
Yes, if they’re licensed, insured, and vetted. Use EnergySage to find pre-screened local installers.

How many quotes should I get?
At least 3. Preferably 5–7 if you’re in a competitive market. Every quote you skip is money potentially left behind.

Do these companies all offer the 30% tax credit?
The credit applies to the purchase, not the company. As long as you own the system, you qualify — regardless of which installer you use.

What’s the most important factor when choosing a solar company?
Warranty terms and workmanship coverage. Price matters, but a cheap install with a 10-year warranty can cost you far more after year 11.

How do I verify a solar company’s license?
Search your state’s contractor licensing board website. You can verify any company or individual installer by license number or name.