Although there are numerous advantages to using a small, local solar installer, many homeowners choose a national solar company instead. But before you pick a large solar contractor, it’s smart to do some research. Find a company known for using quality solar components and providing excellent customer service.

Many large solar installation companies operate in the United States. We’ve selected five of them to take a closer look, comparing their service areas, solar system warranties, solar panel manufacturers, and average consumer ratings.

This is one of the fastest-growing solar companies in the United States, and Blue Raven is a relatively young company. However, SunPower acquired Blue Raven in 2021, and it now uses only SunPower solar panels.

SunPower solar products are known for excellent quality, and the solar panels include a 25-year product warranty and power production guarantee. Blue Raven has a very high consumer rating, which is only earned by strong customer service. Also, it has a highly informative website, which shows its dedication to educating homeowners about solar power.

Unlike most national solar companies, Blue Raven does not offer solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs). However, it does offer $0 down financing and no payments for 18 months.

This solar company has been in business since 2009 and serves some of the largest solar markets in the United States, including California, Texas, New York, and Florida. Unlike SunPower and Tesla, this company doesn’t necessarily use a certain brand of solar panels, battery banks, or inverters.

Momentum Solar has a good track record and has many positive customer reviews. Although it doesn’t use a consistent brand of solar panels, they are always Tier 1 modules.

Although it does primarily receive positive reviews, there have been negative reviews about this company. Some homeowners complain about pushy or aggressive sales tactics. Its service area includes only 10 states. It’s important to learn more about Momentum Solar’s warranties, as they vary by location and brand of solar equipment.

Founded in 1985, SunPower has earned trust and respect throughout the solar industry. SunPower solar panels have excellent power output for decades, high efficiency, and excellent warranties. SunPower uses local contractors who have completed training to design and install its solar energy projects.

Its longevity in the industry and reputation for quality equipment set SunPower apart. It offers $0 down financing and the best warranties in the industry. SunPower solar systems come with a 25-year warranty on equipment and labor.

Although SunPower is known for its quality, it isn’t known as the most economical option.

This solar installation company is headquartered in San Francisco and has been in business for 15 years. Sunrun offers different ownership arrangements, including solar leases and PPAs. In fact, many of its customers enter such agreements and do not own their solar panel systems. Sunrun installs a variety of solar equipment, which varies by the market.

This solar company offers $0 down financing, installs EV chargers, and offers battery storage options. It offers an optional protection-plus warranty for a 20-year period.

Unfortunately, Sunrun doesn’t receive high customer ratings, and many complain about pushy sales tactics and poor customer service. Although customers can extend it, the basic labor warranty is only for two years.

The name Tesla is associated with sleek clean energy products, and its solar energy systems are no exception. Tesla produces all-black solar panels, roof shingles, and the Tesla Powerwall solar battery bank. It has a decent reputation among existing customers, but its consumer ratings are not as high as Blue Raven or SunPower. Tesla uses third-party solar installers sometimes in certain areas.

Tesla has solar equipment and battery storage manufacturing plants in the United States, which is great for homeowners that want domestic solar equipment. Tesla also offers a solid warranty that includes a 10-year labor warranty. In addition, Tesla Energy offers a price match guarantee, showing it has some of the lowest costs in the industry.

Although Tesla Energy has decent consumer reviews, it receives many customer complaints regarding after-sales support.

For easy reference, we’ve assembled information about each company in the following chart, including service area, warranties, solar panel brand, and average consumer ratings on SolarReviews.com. (Click the chart to get a larger image.)

Choosing a solar contractor is a big decision. Once they’re installed, your solar panels could easily generate clean energy for 25 to 30 years. It’s critical to consider the product and labor warranties, the quality of the solar panels and equipment, and the service area of the company. Choosing a solar panel installer known for customer service and strong warranties, such as SunPower or Blue Raven, helps ensure the installer will do the job right.

Sarah Lozanova is an environmental journalist and copywriter and has worked as a consultant to help large corporations become more sustainable. She is the author of Humane Home: Easy Steps for Sustainable & Green Living, and her renewable energy experience includes residential and commercial solar energy installations. She teaches green business classes to graduate students at Unity College and holds an MBA in sustainable management from the Presidio Graduate School.

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