Who Is The Top Rated Solar Company?

There has been rapid growth in the solar energy industry in recent years, as more homeowners and businesses switch to solar to save money on electricity bills and help the environment. With so many solar installation companies to choose from, it can be challenging to identify the top players in the industry. This article provides an overview of the highest rated national solar companies based on customer satisfaction, quality of service, business longevity, and installer expertise. We will look at factors like pricing, warranties, solar panel quality and more to rank the cream of the crop in residential and commercial solar installation.

Table of Contents

Ranking Methodology

There are several key metrics and data sources used to evaluate and rank solar companies in the United States. The leading rankings focus on factors like customer satisfaction, quality of products/services, company reputation, pricing and cost value, solar panel efficiency, and overall solar installation experience.

Data for the rankings come from consumer surveys, verified customer reviews on sites like SolarReviews and Yelp, third-party solar company review sites like EnergySage, internal company data on number of installations and customer complaints, and industry expert opinions.

Some of the most influential rankings come from organizations like CNET, Consumer Affairs, Forbes, and GreenMatch. These rankings tend to weigh customer satisfaction, product quality, and reputation highest in their evaluation methodology. Pricing, costs, and efficiency are secondary factors.

For example, the CNET 2024 ranking of best solar companies relied on over 5,000 customer surveys and reviews. It focused on customer service, product quality, pricing, and overall value delivered. Solar panel efficiency and wattages were only a small part of the evaluation. The ranking aims to identify solar providers that deliver an excellent overall experience.

Most of the major solar company rankings use a similar methodology focused on the customer experience. By aggregating data from surveys, reviews, and solar experts, they offer a data-driven perspective on the highest quality and most recommended solar installation companies.

#1 SunPower

SunPower Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and provider of high-efficiency, premium quality solar panels and systems. Founded in 1985 in Silicon Valley, SunPower has over 30 years of solar expertise and innovation (SunPower Company Overview). SunPower is known for producing the highest efficiency solar panels commercially available, setting the standard for efficiency and reliability in the industry (SunPower Company Overview).

SunPower panels achieve top ratings of up to 22.8% efficiency compared to the standard 15-18% from other manufacturers. This results in maximizing energy production from available roof space and lowering installation and balance of system costs. Their patented Maxeon solar cell technology delivers up to 50% more power per square foot than conventional panels (SunPower Corp Company Profile). SunPower’s high-performing panels consistently rank as a top producer of solar energy per rated watt.

In addition to its advanced solar panel technology, SunPower is known for its high-quality manufacturing and rigorous testing standards to ensure long-term durability and performance. The company offers comprehensive 25-year power and product warranties, providing peace of mind to homeowners. With a strong background in innovation and solar energy expertise, SunPower remains an industry leader and top choice for residential solar installations.

#2 Vivint Solar

Vivint Solar is one of the leading residential solar providers in the United States. The company designs, installs, and maintains solar energy systems for homeowners across over 20 states. Vivint Solar’s excellent customer service, innovative products, and strong sales have helped make them a top choice for renewable energy.

Some of Vivint Solar’s strengths include their customized system design, diverse financing options, and 24/7 monitoring of solar installations. The company employs over 3,000 solar professionals and takes great pride in educating each customer throughout the process. Vivint Solar has installed over 162,000 solar energy systems since their founding in 2011.

Vivint Solar has received acclaim for their solar expertise and quality installations. The company has won several awards, including the 2019 EnergySage Solar Installer Award. Vivint Solar maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their custom solar design process aims to maximize energy efficiency and savings for each unique home.

#3 Tesla Energy

Tesla Energy has rapidly become a top solar company thanks to its innovative products and leveraging the Tesla brand. The company was founded in 2015 as a subsidiary of Tesla Motors, the electric vehicle manufacturer. Tesla Energy aims to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

Reasons for Tesla Energy’s high ranking include:

Cutting-edge solar panel technology – Tesla produces high-efficiency solar panels with seamless design.
Powerwall home battery – Tesla’s integrated battery storage system pairs with solar panels for 24/7 clean energy.
Premium brand and reputation – Tesla is a highly trusted brand known for innovation and quality.

Full-service offerings – Tesla provides solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging solutions.
Strong marketing and word-of-mouth – Tesla Energy benefits from Tesla’s devoted customer base and popularity.

With visionary leadership and integrated clean energy products, Tesla Energy seems poised for continued growth and success in residential solar.

#4 SolarCity

SolarCity was founded in 2006 by brothers Peter and Lyndon Rive based on an idea by their cousin, Elon Musk. It quickly became one of the largest solar installation companies in the United States. SolarCity Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition. SolarCity designs, finances and installs solar power systems, aiming to make clean energy affordable and accessible. They offer solar leases and power purchase agreements to residential, commercial and government customers. According to SolarCity Company Profile – Office Locations, Competitors, Revenue, Financials, News, as of 2015 they had over 15,000 employees and were operating in 20 states. They went public in 2012 and were acquired by Tesla in 2016.

In terms of their ranking for top solar company, SolarCity has strong brand recognition and has installed solar for more homes than any other company in the U.S. according to SOLARCITY Company Profile | Fremont, CA. However, they faced financial struggles after the Tesla acquisition and underwent significant restructuring. Their growth and expansion slowed compared to some competitors. Overall, SolarCity remains one of the largest U.S. residential solar companies but has fallen behind leaders like SunPower in recent rankings.

#5 RGS Energy

RGS Energy is a Colorado-based residential and small business solar company. They were founded in 1978 and previously operated under the name Real Goods Solar before rebranding to RGS Energy in 2016 (Source).

RGS Energy ranked #5 in the list of top solar companies. They are known for their focus on customized solar system design and quality installation services (Source). The company has installed over 25,000 solar energy systems across the United States.

Some key factors that contributed to RGS Energy’s top 5 ranking include their long-standing industry experience, positive customer reviews, and innovative product offerings like solar shingles. The company has built a reputation for delivering excellent customer service throughout the solar installation process.

Notable Runners-Up

While SunPower, Vivint Solar, Tesla Energy, SolarCity, and RGS Energy rounded out the top 5 highest rated solar companies, there were a few other notable companies that just missed making the cut:

Sunrun is one of the largest solar companies in the U.S., operating in 22 states. They are known for excellent customer service and innovative financing options like solar leases and power purchase agreements. However, Sunrun fell just short of the top 5 due to some complaints about pushy sales tactics from certain independent dealers. (source)

PetersenDean is a leading solar installer in California, well-regarded for roofing expertise and high-quality Panasonic solar panel installations. They did not crack the top 5 mainly due to limited geographic availability, but remain a great choice on the west coast. (source)

Baker Electric placed just outside the top solar companies primarily due to limited state availability in California. They are employee-owned and known for outstanding customer service alongside quality hardware and installations. For California residents, Baker Electric remains a top choice. (source)

The Future

The solar industry is poised for tremendous growth in the coming years. Analysts predict the global solar market will expand at a compound annual growth rate of over 20% from 2022-2027, with the United States and China leading installations ^[1]. Key factors driving this growth include declining panel costs, supportive government policies, and rising energy demands.

On the technology front, innovations in panel efficiency, energy storage, and solar manufacturing promise to further accelerate adoption. Perovskite solar cells and organic PV could enable ultra-efficient lightweight panels. Integrated solar storage systems will make solar more grid-friendly. Automation and improved materials will reduce manufacturing costs.

Industry consolidation is also expected as solar moves towards maturity. Larger vertically integrated players will likely acquire smaller companies to achieve economies of scale. However, an influx of oil and gas companies transitioning to solar could increase competition.

Overall, analysts are bullish on solar’s future as it becomes ever more cost-competitive with conventional energy sources. With supportive policies and continued innovation, solar is positioned to become a major pillar of the global energy mix this decade and beyond.

Conclusion

In summary, after reviewing the top solar companies based on ratings, customer satisfaction, and market performance, SunPower emerges as the top rated solar company overall. Key takeaways include:

SunPower panels have the highest efficiency ratings, producing 70% more energy than conventional panels.

With an A+ BBB rating and 4.8/5 stars on SolarReviews, SunPower leads in customer satisfaction.
As the second largest global supplier of residential solar systems, SunPower has a strong market presence and years of experience.
Vivint, Tesla, and SolarCity also stand out for their innovative products, high customer satisfaction, and strong solar market share.

For homeowners and businesses considering installing solar panels, choosing among the top-rated national solar companies like these can provide confidence in receiving high-performing solar systems and satisfactory customer service.