We recommend Blue Raven Solar for the best solar panels for homes. The company offers a wide range of high-efficiency solar panels designed to maximize energy production and savings. In addition, its in-house financing options make the transition to solar more affordable, with low-interest loans that help manage upfront costs.
To simplify your search, we’ve analyzed top-rated solar panels from leading solar companies based on efficiency, warranty coverage, and overall value. Our guide explains the factors that impact costs, outlines what to look for in the best solar panel options, and recommends the top providers for high-quality panels.
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Top 4 Solar Panels for Homes
We analyzed the best solar companies’ product selections, efficiency ratings, customer reviews, and more to select the following solar panels as our top picks.
- Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
- Venture Solar: Best Northeast Regional Installer
- Solar Energy World: Best East Coast Installer
- Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
Major Differences in Solar Panels
While solar panels provide a similar function no matter their type, there are many differences in terms of cost, quality, and efficiency. Here are some of the main ways to distinguish between panels when making your choice:
- Cost: Solar panel prices vary depending on the installer and manufacturer. Higher-quality, name-brand panels with better energy production typically cost more.
- Efficiency: High-efficiency panels convert more sunlight into usable electricity than low-efficiency options, leading to better energy production, savings, and return on investment. You’ll also need fewer high-efficiency panels to achieve the same energy production as lower-efficiency ones.
- Panel size and space requirements: If your roof has limited space, pay attention to panel dimensions and wattage. High-efficiency panels can help you generate more energy without needing extra room.
- Panel type: Monocrystalline panels offer the best power production and efficiency but cost the most. Polycrystalline solar panels are more affordable but provide lower energy production.
- Warranty: Consider solar panels with 25-year or longer warranties to protect your investment. Most manufacturer warranties last 25 years, while workmanship coverage lasts 10. Some companies have a performance warranty that guarantees your panels won’t fall below a certain production level as they age.
Our Top Solar Panel Companies
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. It has won awards for its team and CEO, and customer reviews report great customer service and prompt installations. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy.
Out of all solar brands in the market, 6.5% of our survey respondents chose Blue Raven.
How We Scored Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven received 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our rating system. The company scored the most points for its customer service reputation and warranty coverage. It also earned points for providing all standard solar panel services but lost some due to its limited financing options and lack of roof leak coverage.
- Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): Blue Raven offers solar panel and battery installation, active monitoring services, and energy audits. However, it doesn’t offer solar roofs, EV chargers, or additional roofing services.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (22 out of 25 points): The company offers top-of-the-line warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty. The company earned points fo providing a performance guarantee, but its guarantee is shorter than many other providers. However, it doesn’t provide any roof leak coverage.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Blue Raven has high customer review ratings on its BBB profile and other popular review sites. The company uses in-house installers but doesn’t ensure they’re NABCEP-certified, which made it lose some points in this category.
- Financing Options (12 out of 15 points): Blue Raven offers some of the best in-house financing of the companies this list, but it limits this financing to solar loans. You may want to consider a different provider, such as Sunrun, if you’re looking for a lease or PPA.
- Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): Blue Raven has less experience than other providers, with only 10 years in the industry.
- State Availability (7 out of 10 points): The company limits its service area to 19 states.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
State Availability
Available in: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington
Reputation and Reviews
Blue Raven has won numerous awards from Comparably, a site known for its company culture and reputation reviews. It also ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA in 2021.
Blue Raven is accredited by the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. We noted that customers praised the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation but cited poor communication after completing projects. We analyzed several consumer reviews and found that some of these issues stem from the company’s financing department and third-party installers.
Venture Solar
Venture Solar specializes in installing systems that are perfectly symmetrical and have no visible wiring or mounting devices. This design provides a simple, stylish look tailored to your roof’s appearance. Additionally, Venture offers comprehensive financing options similar to Sunrun, making solar energy more accessible to homeowners.
How We Scored Venture Solar
Venture earned 4.2 out of 5 stars. It gained most of its points due to its flexible financing options paired with an in-house financing department. It also provides plenty of solar services to match most customers’ wants and needs, though it lost points for lacking roofing services, energy audits, and EV charger installations.
- Solar Equipment and Services (16 out of 25 points): Venture offers solar panel and battery installation with active monitoring. The company lost points in this category because it doesn’t provide EV chargers, solar roof installation services, energy audits, and roof repairs.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (25 out of 25 points): The company features excellent warranty perks with 25 years on labor, products, and performance. It also includes roof leak protection.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Venture has a great reputation. It features high ratings on its BBB profile with an accreditation and no active issues like lawsuits.
- Financing Options (14 out of 15 points): Venture provides financing options through an in-house financing team and works with every payment method except PPAs.
- Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): The company holds only eight years of experience in the solar industry.
- State Availability (7 out of 10 points): Venture has a limited service area of only three states.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides transparent information about its financing options online
- Includes remote monitoring
- Includes a 25-year roof and system warranty with all panel systems
Cons
- Requires your phone number to submit an online quote
- Reviews mention mixed experiences with customer support
- Doesn’t work with power purchase agreement
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Venture offers a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers workmanship, products, and power output.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
State Availability
Available in: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.
Reputation and Reviews
Venture has an A+ rating and accreditation on its BBB profile. According to customer reviews, the company provides high-quality workmanship on its solar panel systems and good customer support. However, some customers have raised concerns about the pricing and quoting process. They found it confusing to determine the total cost of their system and experienced frequent back-and-forth over pricing.
Some customers also noted that Venture focuses on premium products, leading to higher pricing even when unnecessary. We found several Reddit threads discussing Venture where other solar customers and installers mentioned similar experiences.
Solar Energy World
Solar Energy World (SEW) is one of the most robust and well-regarded solar installation companies. It boasts several impressive features, such as its 30-year manufacturer’s warranty. Its service area is limited, and it doesn’t offer energy auditing services. We like that SEW discloses what solar panels it primarily works with and that the panels are from trusted, quality brands such as Qcells and Silfab.
Roughly 11% of our surveyed solar users purchased their system from Solar Energy World.
How We Scored Solar Energy World
SEW scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company received many points because of its warranty, which is longer than most other solar companies’ warranties. SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties.
- Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): The company is an ideal option for many basic solar products and services, such as solar panels and battery installation. It lost points because it doesn’t install EV chargers or perform energy audits.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): SEW’s manufacturer and labor warranties are standout features, but the company doesn’t include any production guarantees with its work.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (15 out of 15 points): The company’s reputation is one of the best, with high BBB and Google Reviews ratings. We also found no active alerts or lawsuits.
- Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): SEW offers all possible solar payment options but doesn’t provide an in-house financing department.
- Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points): The company has been in business since 2009, so it received most of the points in this category.
- State Availability (6 out of 10 points): SEW limits its service area to eight East Coast states.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Features an extensive solar product catalog with trusted brands
- Includes free active monitoring
- Hires NABCEP-certified installers and designers
Cons
- Reviews mention communication issues with staff
- Warranty coverage varies by solar panel brand
- Doesn’t offer a power production guarantee
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all purchased solar panels and inverters. However, coverage varies by brand, and the company doesn’t guarantee them with every panel option.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA
State Availability
Available in: Washington, D.C, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia
Reputation and Reviews
The company landed on Solar Power World’s 2023 Top Solar Contractors List in the No. 10 spot.
The BBB accredits SEW, and the company holds an A+ rating. Former customers praise the company for its professionalism, assistance with applying for financial incentives, and smooth installation process. However, some reported discrepancies in finances and scheduling.
Sunrun
We like Sunrun for its four financing options, including its unique leasing options if you don’t want to own your system. This stands out to us because the other companies on this list don’t offer as many options.
Prepaid and leased systems also include a 25-year warranty with system service and maintenance, ongoing monitoring, and theft insurance. The company even offers financing plans for quality monocrystalline solar panels and products from trusted brands such as LG.
How We Scored Sunrun
Sunrun earned 4.4 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. The company gained many points for its positive reputation, comprehensive leasing options, and well-rounded warranty coverage. It lost some points for is limited service selection.
- Solar Equipment and Services (15 out of 25 points): Sunrun provides solar panel and battery installation but uses third-party installers. Though this is becoming an industry standard, in-house installers typically yield better communication and quality. The company also doesn’t provide roofing services or energy audits but does offer quality active monitoring assistance.
- Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): Sunrun offers quality warranties, such as its 25-year manufacturer and labor warranty, but doesn’t include a performance guarantee.
- Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Sunrun has one of the higher customer BBB ratings we’ve encountered, and the company maintains an overall positive customer reputation online.
- Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): The company doesn’t offer any in-house financing but provides more warranty coverage for customers interested in solar leasing than other providers, such as Palmetto.
- Industry Experience (9 out of 10 points): Sunrun holds 17 years of experience in the solar industry, making it a veteran compared to a newer company such as Blue Raven Solar.
- State Availability (8 out of 10 points): The company only serves 18 states.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides system monitoring that signals issues with your system
- Offers diverse financing options to suit various budgets
- Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Cons
- Limited online information on solar incentive disqualification with leases
- Requires added costs for the same coverage plans as leased and prepaid customers
- Varies solar battery availability by state
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Sunrun backs its systems with a 10-year comprehensive warranty which includes product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA
State Availability
Available in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Reputation and Reviews
The company earned DroneDeploy’s 2022 Guardian of Safety Award for incorporating drone technology in its site assessments. In 2021 and 2022, Sunrun was recognized by Comparably with 14 awards. Its accolades include Best CEOs for Diversity 2022, Best Company Culture 2021, and Best Company for Women two years in a row.
Sunrun currently holds an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited. Former customers praised the comprehensive coverage for leased systems but complained about delayed installations, poor customer service, and poor communication with project managers. Additionally, some customers note being confused by Sunrun’s leasing and PPA options, though they also mention Sunrun is willing to discuss and clarify these plans.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight that hits their surface. This energy enters into your system as direct current (DC) electricity. Your home needs alternating current (AC) energy for power. A component known as the inverter converts DC power into AC power and runs this electricity throughout your home. You can also use solar batteries with your system to store energy for later use. This stored energy powers your home at night and during blackouts. You can rely on stored energy to offset periods of high electricity rates.
Factors That Impact Solar Panel Performance
Several factors impact overall panel performance, such as your panels’ quality, positioning, and local climate. We’ll review some of the biggest performance factors below.
- Cleanliness: Accumulating dirt, pollen, and other debris will impact panel performance. Although most debris cleans off naturally with rain, you may need occasional cleaning in areas prone to heavy dust.
- Orientation and angle: For optimal performance, Northern Hemisphere homes should position their panels true south. Solar panel installers use your latitude and longitude to find the ideal solar panel angle.
- Panel type and size: High-quality solar panels, such as Tesla Solar, offer better power output and efficiency levels. These panels provide the best electricity bill savings. Opting for cheaper solar panels reduces your overall savings and could lead to a larger solar project.
- Shading: Nearby shading from trees or other obstacles could impact panel efficiency. Any shadows cast over the panels’ surfaces reduce sunlight absorption and efficiency.
- Weather and sun exposure: Your geographic location, climate, and seasonal weather may impact your system performance. Areas with abundant sunlight and cloudless days have higher solar panel energy production than cloudy environments.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
According to EnergySage, the national average cost per watt for solar panels is approximately $2.56 before incentives. Based on this estimate, a standard 6-kilowatt (kW) solar system would cost around $15,360 before any incentives. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, the cost would drop to approximately $10,752.
However, our 2025 solar survey of 1,000 solar system owners nationwide found that solar installation costs averaged closer to $16,129. This discrepancy suggests that factors such as location, installer pricing, and equipment choices may influence the final cost beyond the base per-watt estimate.
Factors That Impact Solar Panel Cost
Factors such as panel type, efficiency, and quality can impact your solar panel costs. Here’s a breakdown of some notable cost factors.
Country of Origin
Most solar panel manufacturing takes place overseas in China or Singapore. These companies include Trina Solar and LONGi. These panels typically have lower price points and shorter warranties. North American-based manufacturers, such as Canadian Solar, produce panels in both Canada and the United States. American solar panels cost the most but often have longer warranty coverage. Some manufacturers, such as Silfab, tailor their panels to suit North American homes. We recommend comparing panel quality and warranty coverage to find the best fit for your home energy system.
Durability
Most solar panels are tested to withstand extreme weather conditions, but some panel manufacturers include additional protection for panel performance. For example, Panasonic panels are made to better withstand hotter climates, while Canadian Solar panels work best in colder environments. Additional design elements, such as reinforced frames and improved solar cell durability, help extend your panels’ life span and protect your long-term savings.
Efficiency
Solar panels with higher efficiency rates can convert more sunlight throughout the day. The more captured sunlight, the more power generated to run your home. The University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems says solar panels typically fall between 15% and 20% efficiency. Though high-efficiency panels cost more, they’ll help save you more money on energy bills in the years to come.
Type of Panels
There are several types of solar panels with varying advantages and costs. We’ve broken down each panel type below.
- Monocrystalline solar panels: These panels offer an efficiency of 20% or higher and provide the best energy production. Due to their improved performance, they use less space than other options and work well on roofs with limited space. These panels last an average of 25–35 years or longer, making them a sound investment. Monocrystalline panels have the highest cost of all panel types.
- Polycrystalline solar panels: Polycrystalline panels are more cost-effective but less efficient, with ranges between 15% and 17%. Since they produce less energy, you’ll need more panels to meet your energy needs. Polycrystalline panels can last 20–35 years.
Some newer panel technology includes solar roofing, which combines traditional roofing materials’ strength with solar panels’ energy savings. Adding efficient solar shingles or tiles to your existing roofing will boost your energy conversion while maintaining a sleek home aesthetic. Full solar roofing options replace the roof entirely with durable solar materials to simultaneously provide protection and energy savings. Solar shingles are often more aesthetically pleasing but less efficient than solar panels.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Warranties |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
A+ | 25 years | ||
A+ | 25–30 years | ||
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship |
Solar Incentives and Payment Options
Solar incentives, credits, and rebates promote solar conversion by reducing the cost of going solar. Perhaps the biggest incentive is the federal solar tax credit, which allows you to claim 30% of your installation costs on your federal taxes. Using the example above, you would save $5,688 on a $18,960 system. Note that the credit reduces your owed taxes; it does not provide a refund. Homeowners can also apply the federal credit to stand-alone battery installations.
Many state governments provide solar incentives and rebates to support solar growth. Examples include rebates for adding solar batteries to your system and property and sales tax exemptions. Local utility companies and city governments may offer additional benefits. We recommend checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for local solar incentives.
Most solar incentives require system ownership. To meet this requirement, you must pay for your system up-front or take out a loan. These solar financing options provide the best return on investment and the lowest solar payback period. Other options, such as solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), keep panel ownership with the solar company. While they work well for solar users not interested in legal ownership, they provide little to no ROI and offer limited home value benefits.
Are Solar Panels Worth It?
While solar panels offer significant benefits, they may not be the right fit for every home. Several environmental and financial factors influence potential savings. Consider the following aspects to determine if solar is a worthwhile investment.
- Daily sun exposure: Homes in sunny climates get the most from solar energy. Panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, but they produce less power. Shade from trees or nearby buildings can also reduce energy output.
- Available roof space: Solar panels need enough roof space to meet your energy needs. Skylights, chimneys, and vents can limit available space, potentially lowering system efficiency.
- Electricity costs: Homeowners in areas with high electricity rates see the most significant solar savings. Those in regions with lower energy costs may take longer to recover their investment.
- Homeownership and longevity: Homeowners who plan to move within a few years may not recoup their investment before selling. However, solar panels can boost property value and attract buyers. Many buyers view solar as a valuable upgrade, which helps sellers recover some installation costs.
- Solar payback period: Homeowners in states with high electricity rates and substantial rebates can break even in six to eight years, while those in lower-cost regions may wait a decade or longer.
Pros and Cons of Solar Panels
Pros
- Access to renewable energy that reduces your carbon footprint
- Energy cost savings for 25 years or longer
- Increased home value
- Little maintenance
Cons
- Performance depends on your local weather conditions
- Significant financial investment
- Available roof space required for installation
What To Expect During a Solar Installation
Our team spoke with professional solar installers and experts to better understand the solar installation process. Here’s a step-by-step overview.
- Consultation: A company representative will conduct a virtual or in-person consultation to evaluate how suited your home is for solar power and which system will best fit your needs. Have your latest energy bill handy so the rep can determine your average energy usage. The salesperson will provide details on your potential solar power system, energy savings, and estimated payback period.
- Site survey: An employee will check your roof’s condition and structural integrity. They will identify the ideal panel installation location. They will consider your available space, nearby shading, and roof pitch and angle.
- Designing, paperwork, and permitting: The design process includes choosing solar panels as well as additional components, such as solar batteries and electric vehicle chargers. You’ll receive a finalized, detailed quote for all costs. Some companies also assist with finding and filing for local solar incentives. Most installers handle all necessary permitting and paperwork, which takes two to four weeks on average.
- Installation day: On installation day, your solar company will install your system using either their in-house staff or third-party contractors. When speaking with professional installers, we discovered most panel installations take one to two days, but may run longer for complex jobs.
- Final inspections: After completing the installation, your solar installer will coordinate with local officials for final system approval. Installations must meet local codes and match the originally approved project blueprints. This may take an additional two to four weeks, depending on all parties’ availability.
- System activation: Once approved, your solar energy system receives permission to operate (PTO). Your installer will work with your local utility company to get final approval and grid connection.
Depending on your home’s condition, you may need additional services to prepare for a system installation. This may include electrical panel upgrades, roof repair, or tree removal. Your solar installer will advise you of any additional repairs or system upgrades.
Learn about the cost of tree removal in our in-depth article.
How Do I Find The Best Solar Company in My State?
To find the best solar installers in your state, consider your desired system efficiency, warranty protection, and additional solar services. Read positive and negative customer reviews on trusted sites such as Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot. Our team compiled the following state solar guides to assist with the shopping process.
Find Solar Companies in Your State
Our Conclusion
We recommend Blue Raven Solar for its selection of high-efficiency solar panels and affordable in-house financing. The company helps homeowners transition to solar quickly, offering low-interest solar loans that make the investment more accessible. These financing options provide long-term benefits, including a shorter payback period and full system ownership.
When choosing solar panels, prioritize high-efficiency models with 20% or higher ratings. While they come with higher upfront costs, they deliver significant long-term savings. You should also request quotes from multiple companies to find the best equipment, pricing, and deals.
FAQs About Best Solar Panels for Homes
What is the best type of solar panels for homes?
Monocrystalline panels are the best home options. They offer high efficiency, durability, and a roughly 25-year life span. Although the upfront cost will be higher, it will pay off more quickly.
How big of a solar panel do I need to run my home?
The size and wattage of your solar panels depend on your energy needs, with panels typically ranging from 200–400 watts. Installers will select efficient panels that fit your roof space and meet your home’s energy requirements, ensuring optimal performance.
Do solar panels require regular maintenance?
No, solar panels require minimal maintenance, typically needing service every five years to check power production and functionality. They clean naturally with rainfall, but periodic cleaning may be necessary in areas with dust or wildfire risks, like Arizona or California.
Will solar panels work on a cloudy day?
Yes, solar panels continue working on cloudy days. However, your panels’ power production and efficiency will drop slightly without direct sunlight.
What are the main disadvantages of solar panels?
The main disadvantages of solar panels are their weather dependency and high initial costs. They generate more power on sunny days, with reduced efficiency in cloudy conditions, and require a supplemental power supply, like grid connections or a solar battery, at night.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
