Best Solar Companies of 2025

Finding a reliable solar installer for your home is crucial. Below are CNET’s top picks for the best national and regional solar companies for 2025.

Top Picks

• Palmetto Solar: Best overall
• Elevation: Whole home approach
• Freedom Forever: Best for cash customers
• EnergyPal: Most flexible
• Purelight Power: Newcomer with in-house installers
• Tesla Solar: Most affordable
• Momentum Solar: All in-house installers
• GreenBrilliance: Best for the Mid-Atlantic
• Solar Energy World: Best warranty
• NRG Clean Power: Best in California and Texas
• Renu Energy Solutions: Great option for the Carolinas

CNET’s list focuses on national and notable installers of predominantly rooftop solar panels. While some of these companies also offer commercial installation services, CNET evaluates them based solely on their residential services. Our selections are subject to change as we continue to review companies and their offerings.

Why Palmetto Solar is CNET’s Top Choice

Palmetto Solar remains CNET’s top-rated solar company for 2025. After reviewing 18 solar companies, Palmetto has consistently stood out due to its commitment to quality customer service and an impressive range of products, including various solar panels and batteries. Unlike many competitors, Palmetto excels in price transparency and offers robust customer service plans, making it easier for potential buyers to navigate the often complex solar market. Operating in 25 states, including many of the most populous, Palmetto is accessible to a wide audience. If Palmetto isn’t available in your area or doesn’t offer the best deal, other highly rated installers are accessible nationwide.

The Best Solar Companies of 2025

CNET experts have crafted this list using a proprietary scoring methodology, considering factors like equipment quality, warranties, and customer service. Our team has invested hours researching specifications, industry trends, customer reviews, and company insights to evaluate these companies.

• Palmetto Solar: Best overall
  • Equipment: 9.3 / 10
  • Warranty: 6 / 10
  • Service: 10 / 10
  • Areas Served: 25 states

Pros: After-installation support, top-tier equipment, financing options.
Cons: Some warranties could be improved, inconsistent price matching.

• Elevation: Whole home approach
  • Equipment: 9.3 / 10
  • Warranty: 6.5 / 10
  • Service: 7.5 / 10
  • Areas Served: Southwest states

Pros: In-house labor, price-match guarantee.
Cons: Average warranties, poorly reviewed app.

• Freedom Forever: Best for cash customers
  • Equipment: 9.3 / 10
  • Warranty: 7 / 10
  • Service: 5 / 10
  • Areas Served: 50 states

Pros: Production guarantee, price-match guarantee, cash escrow option.
Cons: Customer service concerns, some longer warranties elsewhere.

• EnergyPal: Most flexible
  • Equipment: 8.7 / 10
  • Warranty: 6.5 / 10
  • Service: 7 / 10
  • Areas Served: 50 states

Pros: A wide network of vetted local installers, numerous hardware options, competitive pricing.
Cons: Variable warranties, doesn’t handle installations directly.

• Purelight Power: Newcomer with in-house installers
  • Equipment: 9.3 / 10
  • Warranty: 6 / 10
  • Service: 9 / 10
  • Areas Served: 8 states

Pros: 25-year production warranty, comprehensive post-installation experience.
Cons: No lease or PPA options, limited top-rated panel brands.

• Tesla Solar: Most affordable
  • Equipment: 7.3 / 10
  • Warranty: 6.5 / 10
  • Service: 8 / 10
  • Areas Served: All 50 states

Pros: Competitive pricing, quality equipment, price-match guarantee.
Cons: Customer service can be inconsistent, fewer equipment options.

• Momentum Solar: All in-house installers
  • Equipment: 6 / 10
  • Warranty: 7.5 / 10
  • Service: 7 / 10
  • Areas Served: 11 states

Pros: 25-year workmanship warranty, no subcontractors.
Cons: Limited panel brand offerings, shorter roof penetration warranty.

Best Regional or Local Solar Companies of 2025

These companies may have scored higher than those on the national list but operate in fewer states, earning them a regional recognition.

• GreenBrilliance: Best for the Mid-Atlantic
  • Equipment: 9.3 / 10
  • Warranty: 9.8 / 10
  • Service: 7 / 10
  • Areas Served: Mid-Atlantic states

Pros: High-quality equipment, 30-year warranty.
Cons: Mixed customer reviews, limited service area.

• Solar Energy World: Best warranty
  • Equipment: 9 / 10
  • Warranty: 9 / 10
  • Service: 5 / 10
  • Areas Served: East Coast states

Pros: Exceptional warranty options, long-standing history.
Cons: Limited service area, pricing transparency could be improved.

• NRG Clean Power: Best in California and Texas
  • Equipment: 9.3 / 10
  • Warranty: 9.5 / 10
  • Service: 7.5 / 10
  • Areas Served: California, Texas

Pros: Industry-leading 40-year warranty, solid equipment selection.
Cons: Limited to two states, some negative reviews.

• Renu Energy Solutions: Great option for the Carolinas
  • Equipment: 8.7 / 10
  • Warranty: 6 / 10
  • Service: 7.5 / 10
  • Areas Served: Carolinas

Pros: All in-house installation, strong customer service reputation.
Cons: Shorter-than-average warranties, no lease or PPA options.

Additional Considerations

When choosing a solar installer, consider the following:

1. Get Multiple Quotes: Comparing at least three quotes helps ensure you’re getting a fair price.
2. Understand Local Incentives: Research local government and utility policies that can affect your solar investment.
3. Read Reviews: Customer reviews can provide insights into a company’s reliability and service quality.
4. Check Licenses and Certifications: Ensure your installer is certified by reputable organizations.
5. Ask Questions: A reputable installer should be willing to answer any questions you have.
6. Calculate Your Savings: Understand how much you can realistically save with solar.

Conclusion

As solar technology continues to advance and federal incentives remain in place, the landscape for solar installations is promising. Investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings, especially when you choose a reputable installer. Take the time to research and compare options to find the solar solution that best meets your needs.