Best Solar Companies
of 2026
Your electric bill is going up whether you go solar or not. The question is whether you keep paying the utility or start owning your power. Ten solar companies ranked by coverage, financing flexibility, and who actually delivers on the promise of lower energy costs for the long haul.
☀️ 10 Companies Ranked
🗺️ National + Regional Coverage
💡 All Financing Models Covered
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up through these links, at no additional cost to you. Our rankings are based on documented platform capabilities — infrastructure scale, service catalog depth, pricing transparency, and developer experience — not commission rates. Read our full methodology.
How NME Ranks the Best Solar Companies of 2026
10
Companies Ranked
20+
Services Compared
25yr
Warranty Horizon Evaluated
5
Ranking Criteria
Primary sources: Direct company documentation on service area coverage, financing options, warranty terms, and equipment specifications. Customer satisfaction data from EnergySage, ConsumerAffairs, and independent installer review platforms. U.S. EIA solar market data and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory home value research.
NME’s 5 ranking criteria: (1) Validated performance — installation quality, equipment tier, and long-term system performance data. (2) Real-world reliability — warranty terms and whether those warranties are backed by the manufacturer or the installer. (3) Value — pricing transparency, financing options (cash, loan, lease, PPA), and whether savings claims are realistic for your region. (4) Brand reputation — customer satisfaction data, state contractor licensing status, and years in operation. (5) Use-case fit — does this company actually serve your geography and home type? No company has paid for placement. Read our full methodology.
The #1 Best Solar Company for 2026
Sunrun — NME’s #1 Best Solar Company of 2026
Sunrun earns the top slot as the largest residential solar installer in the United States — roughly 10% market share, 900,000+ customers, and operating since 2007. The lease and Power Purchase Agreement model means Sunrun retains ownership of the equipment on your roof and handles all maintenance — genuinely zero out-of-pocket for equipment if you go the PPA route. For homeowners who want the nation’s largest, most experienced residential solar installer behind their 25-year system, Sunrun is the answer. Coverage spans 22+ states with continued expansion.
Compare the Top 10 Solar Companies for 2026
All 10 ranked companies compared on coverage, financing model, and the single differentiator that makes each worth considering.
| Company | Coverage | Financing Options | Best For | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Sunrun | ⭐22+ States | Lease, PPA, Cash, Loan | ⭐Overall — largest, most experienced nationally | ⭐#1 by market share; 900K+ customers; PPA model |
| 🥈 Tesla Energy | Most States | Cash, Loan | Homeowners wanting Powerwall battery integration | ⭐Powerwall ecosystem; Solar Roof option; online pricing |
| 🥉 Palmetto Solar | 19 States | Cash, Loan, LightReach PPA | ⭐Best post-install monitoring and service plans | Palmetto Protect monitoring; no-pressure sales model |
| 💎 Project Solar | Most States | Cash, Loan | ⭐Most transparent pricing — real quotes online | ⭐See pricing without a sales call — industry first |
| 🌟 Freedom Solar Power | TX, CO + select states | Cash, Loan | Texas homeowners — in-house crews, battery backup | In-house installation; 25-year workmanship warranty |
| ⚡ Momentum Solar | Northeast + SE + MW | Cash, Loan, Lease, PPA | Northeast and Southeast high-rate utility markets | High install volume; all financing options; competitive |
| 🏡 Trinity Solar | NJ, NY, CT, MA, RI, PA | Cash, Loan, Lease, PPA | ⭐Northeast — family-owned, 30+ years operating | ⭐30+ years Northeast heritage; state incentive expertise |
| 🔆 ION Solar | Mountain West + Midwest + SE | Cash, Loan | ⭐Mountain West and Midwest homeowners | Rapid install timelines; strong where nationals are thin |
| 🌵 Elevation Solar | AZ, TX, CO, NM + more | Cash, Loan, Lease, PPA | ⭐Arizona and Southwest homeowners | Arizona-founded; APS/SRP utility expertise |
| 🏅 Semper Solaris | California | Cash, Loan, Lease, PPA | California — veteran-owned, roofing + solar bundled | ⭐Veteran-owned; fastest CA installer; roof + solar + HVAC |
⭐ = Category-leading. Coverage and financing options verified from each company’s published documentation. Always confirm current availability at your specific address before signing any agreement.
The 10 Best Solar Companies for 2026 — Full Reviews
1
🏆
Sunrun — Best Overall Solar Company of 2026
🗺️ 22+ States · 900,000+ Customers · Founded 2007
Best For: Homeowners Who Want the Nation’s Largest, Most Experienced Residential Solar Installer
★★★★☆
Sunrun is the largest residential solar installer in the United States — 900,000+ customers, operating in 22+ states, Nasdaq-listed (RUN), and in business since 2007. That scale translates to institutional experience that smaller installers simply don’t have: interconnection knowledge across dozens of utilities, technician networks in every major market, and a warranty infrastructure backed by a publicly traded company. The acquisition of Vivint Solar in 2020 dramatically expanded Sunrun’s customer base and geographic reach.
The PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) model is Sunrun’s defining feature. The company installs panels on your roof at no upfront cost, retains ownership of the equipment, and you pay a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour — typically lower than your current utility rate. Sunrun handles all maintenance, monitoring, and repairs over the contract term. That means no ownership headaches and no maintenance costs. Cash and loan purchase options are also available for homeowners who want to own their systems and capture the 30% federal tax credit. Powerwall battery storage integration is available for homeowners who want energy independence alongside solar savings. Trade-off: customer reviews are mixed — some customers report excellent experiences, others cite communication delays. Service quality varies by region.
✓ Pros
- Largest U.S. residential solar installer — 900,000+ customers
- PPA option: $0 upfront, Sunrun handles all maintenance
- Powerwall battery storage integration available
- 22+ states — broad national coverage
- All four financing options — cash, loan, lease, PPA
✗ Cons
- PPA means no equipment ownership and no federal tax credit
- Customer service quality varies by region
- Door-to-door sales tactics generate some complaints
- 25-year PPA contracts require commitment
Get Sunrun Quote →
Overall Best
2
⚡
Tesla Energy — Best for Battery Storage Integration
🗺️ Most U.S. States · Solar Panels + Solar Roof + Powerwall
Best For: Homeowners Who Want Solar + Battery Backup in One Seamless Ecosystem
★★★★☆
No other solar company integrates solar panels with battery storage as cleanly as Tesla does with the Powerwall 3. If you want a system where solar panels, home battery, and EV charging all communicate through a single app — Tesla is the only realistic answer. The Powerwall 3 delivers 13.5 kWh of usable storage with an integrated solar inverter, which simplifies installation and reduces points of failure compared to third-party battery add-ons. The Solar Roof (integrated solar shingles) is the only product of its kind available at scale, though it carries a significant premium over standard panel installations.
Tesla sells solar as cash or loan only — which means buyers own their systems and qualify for the 30% federal tax credit. Pricing is published online without requiring a sales call, which is a genuine differentiator in an industry that typically hides costs behind an appointment. Trade-offs: Tesla’s installation is subcontracted to third-party crews in most markets, leading to inconsistent install quality; customer service is consistently rated as a weak point; and expectations are set at premium levels that the experience doesn’t always match.
✓ Pros
- Powerwall 3 — best solar + battery storage integration available
- Transparent online pricing — no sales call required
- Cash/loan only — buyers own systems and keep tax credits
- Solar Roof option — integrated solar shingles at scale
- Single-app energy management: solar, battery, EV charging
✗ Cons
- No lease or PPA — upfront cost or loan required
- Subcontracted installation in most markets
- Customer service consistently rated below expectations
- Solar Roof significantly more expensive than panel installations
Get Tesla Quote →
Battery Pick
3
📱
Palmetto Solar — Best Monitoring and Ongoing Service Plans
🗺️ 19 States · Palmetto Protect Monitoring · LightReach PPA
Best For: Homeowners Who Want Comprehensive Post-Install Monitoring and Honest Sales Practices
★★★★☆
Palmetto Solar earns its #3 rank by doing two things unusually well: the Palmetto Protect monitoring plan and a reputation for avoiding the high-pressure sales tactics that give the solar industry a bad name. Palmetto Protect provides detailed system performance tracking, proactive maintenance alerts, and accessible customer support through a polished mobile app — a genuinely more comprehensive post-install service relationship than most national installers offer. The LightReach PPA provides $0-down solar with Palmetto retaining equipment ownership and handling maintenance.
Palmetto operates in 19 states and has built its reputation on customer education and honest savings claims — the company is notably transparent about what solar will and won’t do for a specific home. Cash, loan, and LightReach PPA financing options are available. Trade-offs: Palmetto uses third-party installation crews in most markets, so install quality varies by region; pricing is sometimes higher than direct competitors; and 19 states is a smaller footprint than Sunrun or Tesla.
✓ Pros
- Palmetto Protect — comprehensive post-install monitoring
- No high-pressure sales — strong reputation for transparency
- LightReach PPA — $0 down with ongoing maintenance
- Cash, loan, and PPA financing options
- Top-tier equipment from leading manufacturers
✗ Cons
- Third-party installation crews — quality varies by region
- Premium pricing compared to some competitors
- 19 states only — smaller footprint than Sunrun or Tesla
- Project delays possible when third-party scheduling involved
Get Palmetto Quote →
Monitoring Pick
4
💰
Project Solar — Most Transparent Pricing in Residential Solar
🗺️ Most U.S. States · Online Quotes Without Sales Call
Best For: Homeowners Who Want to See Real Numbers Before Talking to Anyone
★★★★☆
Project Solar solves the most frustrating thing about buying solar: you can’t find out what it actually costs without sitting through a sales pitch first. Project Solar publishes real pricing online — equipment costs, installation costs, and expected savings — without requiring a lead form or a call with a sales representative. ConsumerAffairs rated Project Solar as having the most transparent pricing of any major residential solar company in 2026. That transparency alone makes it worth getting a quote before you talk to anyone else.
The company operates with a streamlined model: fewer upsells, straightforward equipment options from quality manufacturers, and a focus on efficient installations. Cash and loan financing options are available. Trade-offs: no lease or PPA financing limits options for homeowners who want $0 down without a loan; newer company with a smaller long-term track record than Sunrun or Tesla; customer service can be slower to respond than larger installers with dedicated support teams.
✓ Pros
- Most transparent pricing in the industry — online quotes available
- No sales call required to see real numbers
- Streamlined model — fewer upsells, efficient installs
- Quality equipment from leading manufacturers
- Most U.S. states coverage
✗ Cons
- No lease or PPA — cash or loan only
- Newer company — smaller long-term track record
- Customer service response slower than larger installers
- Less brand recognition than Sunrun or Tesla
Get Project Solar Quote →
Pricing Pick
5
🌟
Freedom Solar Power — Best for Texas and In-House Installation Quality
🗺️ Texas, Colorado + Select States · In-House Crews · 24,000+ Installs
Best For: Texas Homeowners Who Want In-House Crews, Battery Backup, and a 25-Year Workmanship Warranty
★★★★☆
Freedom Solar Power is a Texas-founded, Austin-headquartered installer with 24,000+ systems installed and a commitment to owned installation crews rather than subcontractors. In an industry where subcontracted installation is the norm and a leading source of quality complaints, Freedom Solar Power’s in-house model directly addresses the most common failure point in residential solar. The 25-year workmanship warranty covers the installation itself — not just the equipment — backed by the company.
Tesla Powerwall and other battery backup systems are available, making Freedom Solar Power an excellent option for Texas homeowners who want energy resilience alongside solar savings. Coverage spans Texas and Colorado primarily with select additional states. Cash and loan financing available. Trade-offs: geographic coverage is limited compared to national brands; no lease or PPA option; and as a private company, long-term financial stability is harder to independently verify than with publicly traded installers.
✓ Pros
- In-house installation crews — no subcontractors
- 25-year workmanship warranty on the installation itself
- 24,000+ systems installed — proven Texas track record
- Tesla Powerwall battery integration available
- Strong Texas market and utility expertise
✗ Cons
- Texas and Colorado primary — limited national coverage
- No lease or PPA — cash or loan only
- Less coverage for homeowners outside its core markets
- Private company — less visibility into long-term financial health
Get Freedom Solar Quote →
Texas Pick
6
⚡
Momentum Solar — Best for Northeast and Southeast Homeowners
🗺️ Northeast, Southeast, Midwest · All Financing Options
Best For: Homeowners in High-Rate Utility Markets Where Solar ROI Is Strongest
★★★★☆
Momentum Solar is a high-volume national installer with particular strength in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest — markets where utility rates are high enough to make solar’s return on investment most compelling. New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio are among its strongest markets. All four major financing options are available: cash, solar loan, lease, and PPA — more flexibility than Tesla or Project Solar. Broad equipment selection from major manufacturers with battery storage options alongside panels.
Momentum’s install volume and market presence deliver competitive pricing in its core markets. Trade-offs: customer reviews are more mixed than Palmetto or Project Solar, with some reports of aggressive sales tactics and post-install communication delays; the company uses a mix of in-house and subcontracted crews depending on market; and brand recognition doesn’t carry the same weight as Sunrun for homeowners evaluating long-term warranty backing.
✓ Pros
- All four financing options — cash, loan, lease, PPA
- Strong Northeast market expertise and competitive pricing
- High install volume — experienced in high-rate utility markets
- Battery storage options available
- Broad equipment selection from leading manufacturers
✗ Cons
- Customer reviews more mixed than top-tier competitors
- Some reports of aggressive sales tactics
- Mix of in-house and subcontracted crews varies by market
- Post-install communication can lag
Get Momentum Quote →
Northeast Pick
7
🏡
Trinity Solar — Best Family-Owned Solar Company in the Northeast
🗺️ NJ, NY, CT, MA, RI, PA · Family-Owned · 30+ Years
Best For: Northeast Homeowners Who Want a Proven Regional Installer With Deep State-Level Expertise
★★★★☆
Trinity Solar has operated for 30+ years — making it one of the longest-running residential solar companies in the Northeast. Family-owned and headquartered in New Jersey, Trinity brings genuine regional expertise that national companies can’t replicate: deep knowledge of local utility interconnection processes, state-specific incentive programs including New Jersey’s SREC program, New York State solar credits, and Massachusetts SMART program, plus permit timelines specific to counties across six states.
All four financing options are available — cash, loan, lease, and PPA. Trade-offs: geographic footprint is limited to the Northeast; the company doesn’t have the national financial scale of Sunrun; and for homeowners outside the NJ/NY/CT/MA/RI/PA footprint, Trinity is simply not an option. For homeowners inside that footprint, Trinity’s 30+ years of regional operating history is a genuine advantage over national installers learning the state for the first time.
✓ Pros
- 30+ years operating in the Northeast — genuine longevity
- Family-owned — accountable local operation
- Deep state-specific incentive expertise (NJ SREC, NY, MA SMART)
- All four financing options — cash, loan, lease, PPA
- Strong knowledge of regional utility interconnection timelines
✗ Cons
- Northeast only — NJ, NY, CT, MA, RI, PA
- Smaller national scale than Sunrun
- Less visibility in national comparison research
- Not an option for homeowners outside the six-state footprint
Get Trinity Quote →
Northeast Heritage
8
🔆
ION Solar — Best for Mountain West and Midwest Homeowners
🗺️ Mountain West, Midwest, Southeast · Rapid Install Model
Best For: Homeowners in Mountain West and Midwest Markets Looking for a Multi-State Installer With Regional Expertise
★★★★☆
ION Solar has built its reputation in markets where larger nationals have thinner coverage — Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and additional Mountain West and Midwest states. In those geographies, ION Solar’s familiarity with local utility interconnection and state incentive programs translates to faster activation timelines and fewer permit delays. Rapid install timelines are consistently cited by customers as a differentiator: from contract signing to system activation faster than many competitors in its markets. Cash and loan financing available.
Trade-offs: no lease or PPA financing limits options for homeowners who want $0 down; customer experience quality shows geographic variation; and as a smaller company, warranty claim support can take longer to process than it would with national scale installers. For Mountain West and Midwest homeowners who want a capable multi-state installer with genuine local expertise, ION Solar fills that gap well.
✓ Pros
- Strong Mountain West and Midwest coverage where nationals are thin
- Rapid install timelines — consistently praised by customers
- Regional utility and incentive program expertise
- Competitive pricing in its core markets
- Active across multiple states with expanding footprint
✗ Cons
- No lease or PPA — cash or loan only
- Customer experience quality varies by geographic market
- Smaller scale than national giants
- Less coverage in coastal markets
Get ION Solar Quote →
Mountain West Pick
9
🌵
Elevation Solar — Best for Arizona and Southwest Homeowners
🗺️ AZ, TX, CO, NM + Additional States · Arizona-Founded
Best For: Arizona and Southwest Homeowners Who Want Local Expertise and All Financing Options
★★★★☆
Elevation Solar was founded in Arizona and has earned its reputation on deep Southwest market expertise — APS and SRP utility rate structures, local permitting timelines for Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and surrounding areas, and the interconnection processes that national companies often stumble through. That local knowledge frequently translates to faster activation timelines and fewer surprises during the install process. Coverage extends to Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, and additional states.
All four financing options are available — cash, loan, lease, and PPA — giving Southwest homeowners more flexibility than they’d get from Tesla or Freedom Solar Power. Competitive pricing in the core Arizona market. Trade-offs: not a national brand, which means warranty backing depends on the company’s ongoing financial health; and outside the core Southwest footprint, regional expertise naturally diminishes.
✓ Pros
- Arizona-founded — deep APS/SRP utility expertise
- Local permitting and interconnection knowledge
- All four financing options — cash, loan, lease, PPA
- Competitive pricing in core Arizona market
- Coverage expanding across Southwest states
✗ Cons
- Not a national brand — smaller scale than Sunrun or Tesla
- Regional expertise diminishes outside core Southwest footprint
- Less brand recognition nationally
- Smaller warranty support infrastructure than national competitors
Get Elevation Quote →
Southwest Pick
10
🏅
Semper Solaris — Best Veteran-Owned Solar Company in California
🗺️ California · San Diego, LA, Orange County, Riverside, Bay Area
Best For: California Homeowners Who Want a Veteran-Owned Installer That Bundles Solar With Roofing and HVAC
★★★★☆
Semper Solaris is veteran-owned, Marine-founded, and one of California’s most award-winning solar contractors — 12 solar awards, 18 roofing awards, and confirmed as the fastest California installer of 10,000+ kW in the 12 months prior per the Ohm Analytics California Monthly Report. For California homeowners who want a one-stop shop for solar, roofing, and HVAC from a single contractor, Semper Solaris is the only installer in this guide that handles all three under one roof. The Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor status delivers a 50-year roof warranty option alongside the solar installation — genuinely useful for homeowners who need a roof replacement before going solar.
Note for California homeowners: the April 2023 NEM 3.0 net metering change significantly reduced the value of grid-exported excess solar electricity. In 2026, battery storage is generally recommended alongside new California solar installations to maximize savings. Semper Solaris offers battery storage add-ons. All financing options available. Trade-off: California-only coverage.
✓ Pros
- Veteran-owned — Marine-founded company culture and accountability
- Fastest California installer of 10,000+ kW per Ohm Analytics
- Solar + roofing + HVAC from a single contractor
- Owens Corning Platinum Preferred — 50-year roof warranty option
- 12 solar awards, 18 roofing awards
✗ Cons
- California only — no coverage outside CA
- Battery storage now recommended in CA — adds to system cost
- Premium pricing for the full-service model
- CA-only limits relevance for most U.S. homeowners
Get Semper Solaris Quote →
CA Veteran Pick
Also Worth Considering — Strong Regional Solar Installers
Active solar installers that just missed the top 10 — each the right answer for specific geographies or buyer profiles.
All Energy Solar Midwest + Northeast
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, All Energy Solar serves IA, IL, MA, MN, NH, and WI with residential and commercial installations and battery backup systems. Over 15 years of operating history in the Upper Midwest and New England. The right pick for Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa homeowners who want a proven regional installer with deep local market knowledge.
Solar Optimum California + Southwest
Glendale, California-based installer operating since 2008 — named 2020 Panasonic National Installer of the Year. Licensed in CA, NV, AZ, and FL with thousands of 5-star reviews. Installs Made-in-USA panels with emphasis on top-tier equipment quality. Competitive for California homeowners who want premium equipment without the premium brand markup.
NRG Clean Power California
Founded in 1987 in Canoga Park, California with additional Texas locations — 30+ years of California solar experience. Installs solar panels, battery storage systems, and EV charging stations. Works with REC Group, Hyundai Energy Solutions, and Qcells equipment. One of the longest-operating independent solar installers in California. Verify contractor license and request references before signing.
Green Home Systems National Marketplace
Green Home Systems operates as a solar marketplace connecting homeowners with vetted local installers — useful for markets where the top-10 companies above don’t operate. Covers most U.S. states. A practical option for homeowners in smaller markets who want a national brand coordinating their project with a local crew. Verify which specific installer would handle your project before committing.
Other Solar Companies Worth Knowing About
Regional and specialty solar installers confirmed operating in 2026. Always verify current service area and contractor license before signing any agreement.
- Momentum Solar — High-volume national installer strong in NJ, NY, FL, GA, OH. All financing options available. See full review above.
- Trinity Solar — Northeast family-owned, 30+ years in NJ, NY, CT, MA, RI, PA. See full review above.
- ION Solar — Mountain West and Midwest specialist. Rapid install timelines. See full review above.
- Palmetto Solar — 19 states, Palmetto Protect monitoring, LightReach PPA. See full review above.
- Project Solar — Most transparent pricing. Online quotes without sales call. See full review above.
- Solar Optimum — CA, NV, AZ, FL. 2020 Panasonic National Installer of the Year. Premium Made-in-USA equipment.
- All Energy Solar — IA, IL, MA, MN, NH, WI. Residential and commercial since 2009.
- NRG Clean Power — California and Texas. Founded 1987. 30+ years of California solar experience.
- Green Home Systems — National solar marketplace connecting homeowners with vetted local installers.
- Elevation Solar — Arizona-founded Southwest specialist, AZ/TX/CO/NM. See full review above.
- Semper Solaris — California veteran-owned, solar + roofing + HVAC. See full review above.
- SunnyMac Solar — Regional solar installer. Verify current service area and contractor license before signing.
- Blue Raven Solar — Multi-state installer serving homeowners across Mountain West, Southeast, and Midwest.
How to Choose the Right Solar Company
Solar is a 25-year decision. Getting the right company matters as much as getting the right panels.
Own vs. Lease vs. PPA — Know the Difference
Cash purchase or loan: you own the system, qualify for the 30% federal tax credit, and capture full energy savings. Lease: fixed monthly fee, company owns the equipment and keeps the tax credit. PPA: you pay per kilowatt-hour at a below-utility rate, company owns the equipment. Leases and PPAs cost $0 upfront but can complicate home sales. For most homeowners who can access a reasonable solar loan, ownership wins over the system’s lifetime.
Understand What the Warranty Covers
Three separate warranties exist: the panel manufacturer warranty (typically 25 years), the inverter manufacturer warranty (10–25 years), and the workmanship warranty on the installation itself (backed by the installer). These are different documents from different parties. Ask specifically who backs the workmanship warranty and what it covers before signing. Freedom Solar Power’s 25-year workmanship warranty is an example of the higher end of this range.
Get Multiple Quotes and Compare Apples to Apples
Get at least three quotes. Ensure they’re comparing the same system size (kW), same equipment (panel brand, wattage, inverter type), and same financing structure. Don’t compare a cash quote against a PPA — the numbers aren’t comparable. EnergySage’s marketplace lets you collect multiple standardized quotes before committing to any installer.
Match the Company to Your Region
A national brand with thin coverage in your state is less valuable than a regional specialist who knows your utility’s interconnection process. Utility interconnection varies enormously by state and utility, and delays here are the most common cause of activation setbacks. Trinity Solar’s Northeast expertise, ION Solar’s Mountain West track record, and Elevation Solar’s APS/SRP knowledge all translate to faster activations than nationals learning the market.
Consider Battery Storage From the Start
Adding battery storage after installation is significantly more expensive than bundling it upfront. If there’s any chance you’ll want energy independence — grid outage protection, overnight solar usage, EV charging at night — price battery storage into the quote before signing. The federal tax credit applies to battery storage purchased alongside solar. Tesla Powerwall, Enphase Encharge, and Franklin WH are the leading residential storage options worth asking any installer about.
NME Solar Company Awards 2026
Best Overall
Largest U.S. residential solar installer — 900,000+ customers, PPA with $0 upfront, Powerwall battery integration, and 22+ states coverage.
2026 Winner
Sunrun
Most Transparent Pricing
Online quotes with real system costs and savings estimates — no sales call or lead form required. The only major national solar company showing pricing before you talk to anyone.
2026 Winner
Project Solar
Best Battery Integration
Powerwall 3 with integrated solar inverter and single-app energy management across solar, battery, and EV charging — the most seamless integrated home energy ecosystem available at scale.
2026 Winner
Tesla Energy
Best Solar Companies FAQ — 2026
The most common questions about going solar and choosing a company in 2026.
What is the best solar company in 2026?
Sunrun is NME’s overall #1 — the largest U.S. residential solar installer with 900,000+ customers, PPA and lease options at $0 upfront, and Powerwall battery integration. For transparent pricing without a sales call, Project Solar. For battery storage integration, Tesla Energy. For the Northeast, Trinity Solar. For Texas, Freedom Solar Power.
Should I buy or lease solar panels?
Buying (cash or loan) delivers the best long-term return — you own the system, qualify for the 30% federal tax credit, and capture 100% of energy savings. Leases and PPAs offer $0 upfront but the company owns the panels and keeps the tax credit, and 20–25-year contracts can complicate home sales. For most homeowners who can access a reasonable solar loan, ownership beats leasing over the system’s lifetime. Leases and PPAs make most sense when the upfront cost is the primary barrier.
What is a solar PPA and how does it work?
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a contract where a solar company installs panels on your roof at no cost, retains ownership, and sells you the electricity generated at a fixed per-kilowatt-hour rate — typically lower than your utility rate. You save money without owning the system. The installer handles all maintenance and repairs. Trade-offs: no 30% federal tax credit for you (the installer keeps it), and the 20–25-year contract must be transferred or paid off when you sell your home. Sunrun is the largest PPA provider; Palmetto offers LightReach PPA.
Does the federal solar tax credit still apply in 2026?
Yes. The 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit is extended through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act. It applies to cash purchases and solar loans where you own the system — not to leases or PPAs. The credit also applies to battery storage purchased at the same time as solar. Verify your eligibility with a tax professional before relying on the credit in your savings calculations.
How much can I save going solar?
Savings vary based on your electricity rate, usage, roof sun exposure, system size, and financing option. In high-rate markets like New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, and New York, homeowners typically save $1,000–$2,000+ per year. Most owned systems pay for themselves within 6–12 years — after that, the electricity generated is effectively free for the remaining life of the system. Get site-specific quotes from at least three companies to see realistic savings estimates for your home and your utility’s current rates.
How does NME rank solar companies?
NME applies a five-criterion framework: (1) validated performance — installation quality and equipment tier; (2) real-world reliability — warranty terms and installer longevity; (3) value — pricing transparency and financing breadth; (4) brand reputation — customer satisfaction and contractor licensing; (5) use-case fit — does this company serve your geography and home type? Primary sources include direct company documentation, EnergySage installer data, and independent customer satisfaction data. No company has paid for placement. See our full methodology.
📚 Sources Cited
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — Residential electricity prices and annual rate trend documentation.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory — Tracking the Sun: solar home value premium research.
- U.S. Department of Energy — Federal solar Investment Tax Credit homeowner guide.
- Sunrun — Sunrun service documentation, coverage states, and financing options.
- Tesla Energy — Tesla solar panel, Solar Roof, and Powerwall product documentation.
- Palmetto Solar — Palmetto Protect monitoring and LightReach PPA documentation.
- Project Solar — Project Solar transparent pricing model and service area documentation.
- Freedom Solar Power — Freedom Solar Power installation, warranty terms, and service area documentation.
- Semper Solaris — Semper Solaris Ohm Analytics fastest California installer confirmation.
- ConsumerAffairs — Best solar companies 2026 consumer review analysis.
- EnergySage — EnergySage solar installer marketplace and 2026 installer data.
Your Electric Bill Goes Up Every Year — Solar Doesn’t Have To
Start with Sunrun for the broadest national coverage and $0 down options, Project Solar if you want real numbers before talking to anyone, or Tesla if battery backup is your priority alongside solar savings.
