Renu Energy Solutions
Great option for the Carolinas
Best solar companies of 2024
The first few months of 2024 have been an odd time for the solar industry. Last year, new federal tax incentives caused a boom of solar installations before a precipitous drop in California, the country’s largest residential solar market. California’s NEM 3.0 policy has seriously hurt net metering incentives in the state. Paired with high interest rates that make it harder for people to finance solar systems, it’s led to 17,000 layoffs in the state, according to the California Solar and Storage Association, and businesses closing up shop. That includes CNET’s previously highest rated solar company, ADT Solar, which closed its solar business in January 2024.
This best list draws from national and notable installers of (mostly) rooftop solar panels. Our selections might change as we review more companies or as companies change their offerings. I’ve written or edited each of the reviews this best list draws from and developed our scoring methodology. Throughout this process, I’ve spent hours reading equipment spec sheets, looking at national trends and speaking with representatives from many of these companies to rank them on criteria that matter to you.
These companies were rated on the variety and quality of equipment and products they offered, their stated warranties and apparent commitments to customer service. (Customer service is difficult to pin down and therefore makes up a smaller portion of the score, even though it’s a significant part of the purchasing process.)
Besides our top pick, Palmetto, several other companies ranked above the competition. They all offer solid equipment but stand out in specific ways: SunPower, for premium solar panels; Tesla, for lower prices and Momentum, for its in-house installers.
If you’re looking for a solar installer, be sure to get multiple quotes, including ones from local installers. The specifics of a solar array could change given the shape and angle of a given roof or the energy usage and habits of a given household. Solar can be a great investment, but you need to do some research on your own.
Palmetto Solar
Best overall
Solar panels are typically low maintenance equipment, but they’re also unfamiliar. If you want to reap the benefits of solar but will have a bit more peace of mind if someone else is making sure it’s working, Palmetto might be a good fit for you. Just remember to add the cost of Palmetto’s monitoring service in to your payback period calculations.
SunPower Solar
Best solar panels
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line solar panels, SunPower is your best choice. But don’t write it off if you’re looking for a less flashy installation that will get the job done. This year it started installing Qcells panels, which should make an installation from the longest-tenured company on our list available to more people.
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Elevation may have installed these solar panels in Arizona, one of four states it operates in.
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Elevation may have installed these solar panels in Arizona, one of four states it operates in.
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Elevation may have installed these solar panels in Arizona, one of four states it operates in.
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Elevation
Whole home approach
Elevation’s focus on your home’s energy efficiency isn’t the norm in the industry. If you’re planning on addressing energy efficiency first, working with Elevation allows you to keep the whole process with one company. Elevation’s solar equipment comes from well-established and well-regarded companies. Elevation’s warranties on workmanship and weatherization could be a bit longer.
Solar panels will likely be worth it, depending on the details of your specific situation. If you use very little energy or have very cheap energy, you won’t be saving as much money each month and it will take longer for your panels to pay for themselves. If you live under deep tree cover, rooftop solar panels likely won’t generate enough electricity to be worth it.
Solar can pay off in energy savings for decades. Lowering the cost with rebates and tax credits will help pay off your solar panels faster. How you pay for your solar panels will affect that calculation, too. It’ll take longer to recoup your costs if you take out a loan, which will accrue interest and come with fees. You can calculate your payback period if you know the cost of solar panels after rebates and how much you’ll save on energy costs each year.
Most importantly, be sure you’re saving money by shopping around and finding the right solar panel system at the right price.
