Best Solar Power Companies – Leaders in the Environmental-Friendly Energy Industry

Today, our all-important task is to help you find the best solar companies. There are a wide array of top solar companies in the US including these great options.

SunPower
Sungevity
Verengo Solar
RGS Energy
Solar Universe
Trinity Solar

We want to dive further into the best solar companies in the US so that you can find out more about them before spending your hard-earned money.

1. Types of Solar Companies
2. Who Is the Best Solar Company in the US?
3. What Are the Top 5 Solar Companies in the US?
4. What Company Is Leading in Solar Energy? Who Is the Best Solar Company in the World?
5. Best Solar Companies in the World Top 7 Solar Companies
6. How Do I Choose a Solar Company?
7. Best Solar Companies in Summary
8. Best Solar Companies FAQ
9. Best Solar Companies Conclusion

Types of Solar Companies

There are several different types of solar companies, all of which focus on a slightly different area of the solar industry.

Some of the different solar company types are as follows.

Solar financing companies
Solar equipment manufacturers
Solar installers

Let’s take a closer look at what these three popular solar company types do and how they function.

Solar Equipment Manufacturers

Solar equipment manufacturers produce solar panels and all of the components required to install and sustain a solar energy system.

This includes everything from mounts to brackets to nuts and bolts. Whenever you look at a solar system, anything that you can visually see has been produced by a solar equipment manufacturer.

Some companies specialize in different areas, and some of the biggest solar equipment companies focus almost exclusively on solar panels. Other lesser-known companies typically focus on the fixtures and fittings required to install systems, though solar panel manufacturers do often offer their own brackets, mounts, and other components too.

Solar Financing Companies

Solar financing companies offer a wide array of affordable financing options to allow pretty much anybody, anywhere to access residential solar technology.

There are several financing variations within the solar industry including all-out solar loans to buy-back schemes and solar panel rental.

It is always worth looking into the reviews and credentials of any solar financing or leasing company to ensure that they are legitimate and have been operating successfully for several years prior to entering into an agreement with them.

If they have several negative user reviews associated with them, then it is safe to say that you should steer well clear.

Solar Installers

Solar installation companies can be hired to install residential and commercial solar panel systems. Typically speaking, solar panel installation companies will offer packages where they supply and fit a system to your house or business.

Sometimes, you can hire installation companies to come and install a solar system that you have already purchased. However, it is unlikely that you will be able to find a solar company that is interested in this unless they are a small to medium business.

Most of the large corporate solar installers will supply their own solar equipment and attach service packages to it with the intention being that you continue to do business with the company for the 25-year lifespan of your solar system for repair and servicing purposes.

Now that you know what the different types of solar companies are, let’s answer the most important question of them all…

Who Is the Best Solar Company in the US?

Currently (as of 2021) SunPower is regarded as being the best solar company in the US.

Here are a few key facts you should know about SunPower.

They are headquartered in Silicon Valley in California, USA.
They have been ranked #1 (based on business performance) in commercial solar since 2017.
The company has received over 1,000 patents for solar innovations to date.
They provide exclusive access to the highest efficiency solar panels in the world (primarily due to the use of their SunPower Maxeon cell technology).
They have an incredibly diverse portfolio of commercial and residential solar system solutions.

Even though no single company is ever going to be the perfect fit for everybody, SunPower is without doubt the best solar company currently producing solar systems from a purely objective point of view based on business metrics.

However, there are many other great companies out there who are also worth your attention and money.

What Are the Top 5 Solar Companies in the US?

You already know who the current industry leader is (SunPower), but who else is at the top of the solar mountain?

Let’s take a look at the top 5 solar companies, which are as follows.

SunPower
LG Solar
Panasonic
Jinko Solar
Hanwha Q Cells

You already know about SunPower, but who are the other four businesses in the top 5 solar companies list?

LG Solar — 2nd Top Solar Company in the USA

LG Solar is a subdivision of the incredibly popular Korean brand LG (Life’s Good). They are known for creating excellent electronic components and devices.

Their solar panels have impressive qualities.

Often rated even more highly than those of SunPower’s by users
Bred from over 50 years of commercial electronics experience and are therefore highly trustworthy
Long-lasting and highly durable panels that are made from high-quality components

As one of the major players in the electronics industry for several decades, LG has established itself as one of the most sought-after brands for all things powered by electricity.

Their respectable reputation has now spread into solar technology, where tens of thousands of Americans are already benefiting from the high standard of solar panels that this company produces.

Panasonic — 3rd Top Solar Company in the USA

Panasonic is a Japanese electronics company with experience in a diverse array of areas including construction, automotive components, and now also solar technology.

Just like LG, they have a decades-old track record of producing high-quality electronics, meaning that you can trust their expertise when it comes to providing a safe platform for accessing sustainable energy.

Here are some of the reasons that their solar panels are popular.

Capable of achieving 90%+ efficiency output, even after 25 years
Built out of high-grade monocrystalline silicon
Covered by a 25-year product and output warranty

All in all, choosing Panasonic panels will prove to be a safe investment for anyone who wants peace of mind in the future in regard to product support and maximum panel efficiency that extends far beyond the average lifetime of most solar panels.

Jinko Solar — 4th Top Solar Company in the USA

As one of the newer entries to the solar industry, Jinko Solar first started trading in 2006, initially producing silicon wafers. They soon started to produce full-scale residential and commercial solar systems.

Jinko panels are currently used in many solar farms in Australia, and the company has over 15,000 employees in over 30 countries worldwide.

Some of the main benefits of Jinko Solar’s panels are the following.

Strike a good balance between efficiency and affordability
A Bloomberg tier 1 ranked company, meaning that they are very financially healthy and that you are going to enjoy high-level customer support for as long as you have your solar panels
Classed as a PV Evolution Labs Top Performer, proving their efficiency and quality standards

Overall, Jinko Solar’s panels offer a more affordable alternative to the likes of Panasonic and SunPower while still delivering an outstanding platform for safely achieving renewable energy.

Hanwha Q Cells — 5th Top Solar Company in the USA

Q-Cells (also known as Hanwha Cells) is one of the world’s leading solar panel producers and is renowned for their sleek-looking black panels that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are efficient.

Based in Germany, Q-Cells has become known for not only their sleek appearance and high-level functionality but also for their low price tag when compared to other well-known brand names.

Q-Cells solar panels have a number of advantages.

Made out of high-quality materials that allow the panels to match the efficiency standards of even the most popular and best-selling solar panels on the market
Known for their incredibly aesthetically pleasing appearance that allows them to blend seamlessly into the external appearance of almost any home
Now covered by an extended 25-year warranty (Q-Cells used to offer a 12-year warranty as standard) to provide total peace of mind for anyone who is worried about making a long-term investment in solar

There is not much to fault about Q-Cells panels. Their cost and efficiency make them a very competitive product on the solar market, and the fact that they look sleeker and more streamlined than even the most premium-priced panels is just an added bonus.

What Company Is Leading in Solar Energy? Who Is the Best Solar Company in the World?

Though our top 5 list covers the best solar companies in the US, on a world scale, things are slightly different.

Interestingly, Jinko Solar is actually the world’s best solar company because they are currently the world’s most successful solar-specific manufacturer.

In 2020 alone, they shipped 59.9 GW. This means that they are currently producing more solar panels than any other solar company in the world.

Between September and October 2020, their shares increased by 178.49% due to several different economic and political factors that made trade between the US and Chinese companies a more attractive prospect especially in relation to solar.

This increase is ultimately what helped Jinko solar to reach its position as the world’s leading solar company.

Best Solar Companies in the World — Top 7 Solar Companies

You already know that Jinko Solar is the best solar company in the world based on their performance, but it is now time to take a look at some of the other world leaders in solar energy.

Without further discussion, here are the top 7 (excluding Jinko Solar at #1) solar companies in the world.

#1 Haining Sunfull Solar Technology Co, Ltd.

An incredibly diverse manufacturer that produces solar products across a wide array of product genres
Many decades of experience and a wealth of existing loyal customers
Well known for their humanitarian efforts

Haining Sunfull, another Chinese powerhouse, specializes in the manufacture of all things solar including solar water heaters, solar vacuum tubes, and solar collectors.

This company is well known for its commitment to humanitarian causes as well as its prowess in producing high-grade solar products as it has been assisting the world (particularly in poor areas) in collecting and converting energy from the sun into hot water.

#2 Trina Solar

Has achieved 19 world records for output power and overall panel efficiency to date
Solar panels that are being used in an increasing number of different countries worldwide as the brand’s reputation develops further
Is supported by the State Key Laboratory of PV Science and Technology

Trina Solar was founded in 1997, and they have become one of the biggest names in not only solar panel production but also smart energy solutions including remote monitoring devices.

This company is endorsed by the State Key Laboratory of PV Science and Technology of China, and they have broken 19 world records for conversion efficiency and output power. Needless to say, this is a company that you can trust with your hard-earned money.

#3 UKSOL Ltd.

Unbeatable service standards
Panels that offer a high level of efficiency that compares to any of the other world-class solar brands out there
Affordable pricing that helps to further differentiate UKSOL from competitors especially considering the quality provided

UKSOL is a British company that focuses on delivering a world-class service standard to all of its customers, thus helping to set it apart against a backdrop of opportunistic solar companies.

Their panels offer an efficiency standard that holds up against any other solar company on the world stage, but it is their pricing that serves as a major differentiator from the competition alongside their stellar service standards as it is reasonably low per watt. It is easy to see why they are held in high regard in an increasing number of countries worldwide as their brand continues to develop.

#4 Azuri Technologies Ltd.

Offers a truly unique approach to off-grid solar systems
Mobile payment options and a high level of affordability that make Azuri off-grid systems the most economical and viable way for most families to achieve renewable energy away from main power lines
Self-learning technology that makes Azuri systems incredibly easy to use and maintain

Another British company, Azuri Technologies specializes in pay-as-you-go off-grid solar solutions, which makes them unique among other companies in our world’s best list.

As well as providing highly efficient off-grid systems, Azuri Technologies also offers mobile payment solutions and self-learning technology to make it as easy as possible for off-grid families to access and pay for the vital power they require to run their households. Their business model is a fresh and unique twist on the typical solar leasing format, and it is much more affordable.

#5 GTC Solar Industry and Trade Inc.

Outstanding customer service and build-quality standards
Panels that provide a 20% higher photon ray yield compared to competitor panels
An active service time of up to 50 years

A Turkish company, GTC Solar is renowned for their exceptional build quality when it comes to their very competitive solar systems as well as their stellar customer service standards.

Their panels have a 20% higher photon ray yield than any of the other available models, and their 6X modules have a service time of up to 50 years, which is quite extraordinary. Though they are a little pricier than some other companies, the service and quality standards you gain in turn make the cost more than worth it.

#6 Elsol

Renowned for providing outstanding solar water-heating solutions
Offers affordable residential solar systems and is one of the best places to go if you are looking to tie water heating into your renewable energy setup
More affordable than some of the more premium solar providers out there

Elsol is a solar company based in Israel that specializes in solar water-heating solutions. They have extensive experience in this area, and they have an excellent reputation in the hospitality industry where they supply water heating to large establishments such as hotels and hospitals.

They also produce excellent traditional solar panel systems for incredibly reasonable prices. Their panels still manage to deliver every ounce of the efficiency that you would expect from a premium solar solution. They are seriously worth considering if you want to achieve high quality and efficiency standards without spending more than necessary in the process.

#7 Macro-Solar Technology Co. Ltd.

Excellent customization options
Fantastic quality control and design standards
A highly reputable company, supplying both commercial and residential customers alike

Established in 2006, Macro-Solar is a reputable solar powerhouse with a 10,000-square-meter factory and an on-site R&D team to ensure that every possible customization option is available to customers on request.

Supplying residential and commercial customers alike, Macro-Solar delivers high-quality, high-efficiency systems that always guarantee satisfaction. For those who want a personal touch, the array of customization options available here make them the perfect choice for a more bespoke solar system setup.

How Do I Choose a Solar Company?

Knowing how to choose the right solar company can be difficult with so many of them. Luckily for you, we are going to make it easy for you to find the right one.

Follow these simple steps whenever you are considering buying from a solar company to determine whether their panels are worth your hard-earned money or not.

#1 Get More Than One Quote

The sad truth is that not all companies are honest. Some are going to try and charge you too much for completing a solar system installation.

You should always look online before you enlist the services of a solar company to try and determine some kind of ballpark figure that you can expect to pay for having the job done.

Once you have your ballpark figure, no matter how attractive a company may seem to you, it is always worthwhile to get several quotes (3 is usually a good number.) from different companies to see who is really being transparent with you and who is just trying to make a quick buck.

If a company is charging far more than others, ask them to justify why. If they are adding in extra service elements like extended warranties and higher efficiency panels, then it might be worth stretching your budget. If not, use a different company.

#2 Stay Away from Companies That Use Pushy Sales Tactics

Any company that uses pushy sales tactics is desperate for a sale and therefore is more concerned about getting their hands on your money than they are about delivering good service.

Confidence speaks for itself. If your solar consultant displays a relaxed and confident attitude when talking to you about their services, usually this is a sign that they know that the company they work for is highly reputable and known for doing a good job. They are not going to beg for a sale because they simply expect people to buy from them.

You can almost always trust a company that displays this kind of attitude.

#3 Know Exactly What You Want in Advance

There is nothing more disappointing than a company that does not produce the results you were hoping for. Sometimes though, it is not actually the company that is to blame.

In order to get the desired end result, you need to provide exact information in the first instance. The more specific you can be about your requirements from the start, the more likely it is that your solar company will get your installation process right.

You should know exactly how much energy you require and have a list of dos and don’ts in regard to the installation of your panels. This will allow your prospective solar company to cater to your every need throughout the process and deliver an end result that will thrill you.

#4 Find Out Exactly What Is Included with Your Quote

Nobody likes hidden surprises especially when it comes to spending extra money. You should make sure that your solar system quote is fully itemized so that you know exactly what you are getting for your money.

If a quote appears vague or you do not feel that it provides enough information about what is included in your solar system installation, then you should ask your solar company to break it down fully.

Never sign a contract to have any work carried out without gaining a full understanding of exactly what is included in your installation price first.

#5 Find Out What You Are Going to Receive After Sales Services

Though the installation of your solar system is the most important aspect of acquiring your solar panels, never underestimate the importance of an effective post-sale support framework.

You should ideally only enlist the services of a company that offers extended warranties and access to customer support 24/7 (or as close to this as possible) at a minimum. Any additional extras that get thrown into the mix only serve as an added bonus.

If you feel that once your solar panels have been installed you will be on your own with no means of effectively servicing and caring for your panels after they are in place, then it is definitely time to search for another solar company.

#6 Stay Away from Companies That Want to Try to Do Everything Over the Phone

It is virtually impossible to effectively audit and survey a property over the phone. This is why you should stay away from any company that tries to sell you solar without ever having actually seen your house in person.

You can usually trust a company that wants to send someone out to survey and analyze your home prior to agreeing to carry out any work. This means that they are taking the job seriously and want to do things properly.

On balance, if the company tries to hurry you through the sales process and tie you into some kind of agreement before they have actually seen your property, this should ring immediate alarm bells.

#7 Ask for Advice from Friends and Neighbors

If you know any friends and neighbors who currently have a solar system installed, then they are going to prove invaluable when it comes to gaining some insight and feedback about the company that they used.

Ask them what they paid, how professional the contractors who worked on their installation were, and whether they would use them again or opt for a different company if they had a solar system installed for a second time.

If the feedback is positive, then it would be a great idea to get a quote from the same company. It is likely that they would deliver the same positive experience for you too.

#8 Ensure That the Company Is Accredited

As a minimum standard, all solar companies should be MCU accredited. This is not just a guarantee of minimum quality and safety standards; it is also vital if you want to be able to participate in feed-in tariff schemes and payments.

Other important accreditations to carry include being registered with the Solar Trade Association (STA) and Renewable Energy Assurance Limited (REAL). Being members of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code is also a great accreditation to have too.

If a company is MCU accredited and also registered with or a member of any one of the above organizations, this proves without doubt that they are legitimate and trustworthy.

#9 Ask for References and Look into the Company’s Background

All good companies should be able to provide references that show that they are capable of delivering the standard of work that they are currently promising to deliver to you.

Should a company not be forthcoming with examples of previous work and positive references or testimonials from existing customers, then this should immediately raise concerns.

Try to find out as much as you can about the company too. Look into their work history and research other projects that they have completed. If there are plenty of examples and positive testimonials, it is safe to say that the company is completely legitimate and likely to satisfactorily meet your needs.

Best Solar Companies in Summary

To provide a brief overview before you dive into our frequently asked questions about solar companies, here are the best solar companies based on the services they provide.

The best overall solar company: SunPower

SunPower is known for being the most accessible solar company on earth and offering a wide array of residential and commercial solar options.

They have over 35 years of experience in the solar industry and consistently come up as number one based on customer feedback and reviews. To date, they have received over 1,000 patents for solar innovation.

The best California solar company: SunWorks

With over 30 years of experience, SunWorks has carved out a solid reputation as the best solar company in California. Since they offer a customer satisfaction guarantee and have an enormous portfolio of work they have completed for satisfied customers, it is safe to say that you will not regret spending your money with them.

SunWorks focuses on an immensely personal solar experience and believes in treating every system on a case-by-case basis to ensure that their customers always end up with the best result.

The best solar company for innovation and future solar industry developments: Tesla

Tesla is one of the most innovative renewable energy companies in the world, and they carry a reputation for offering premium-quality renewable energy products. Luckily, their reputation proves to be well earned with their solar offerings too.

Whether you are looking for a full-scale solar roof to completely replace your existing one with a fully integrated solar system or would like to purchase premium quality panels, Tesla offers it all. They might not be the cheapest, but they are arguably the best when it comes to quality standards and genuinely ground-breaking designs.

The best commercial solar company: Sungevity

Sungevity has forged a reputation for being an outstanding commercial solar energy company, offering a wide array of different solar product options alongside some flexible financing solutions to suit any business size.

They fully customize each system from the ground up, and their systems are known for being high quality and able to sustain the energy needs of even the largest businesses with ease.

The best residential solar company: Vivint Solar

When it comes to companies who specialize in residential installation, it would be almost impossible to beat Vivint thanks to their immense track record, having installed over 188,000 residential systems to date.

Whether your home-based energy needs are a few panels to power a shed or a full-scale installation to sustain your home energy needs, Vivint has you covered. Their prices are completely reasonable too.

The best solar company in the Northeast: Trinity Solar

Though Trinity Solar has only been in operation since 1996, they have already assisted over 65,000 families to date and have gained a reputation for being the best solar company in the Northeast thanks to the outstanding quality and value of their systems.

Their commitment to green and renewable energy systems has seen them save over 39 million trees to date, and they have ensured that over 5 billion miles have not been traveled on the roads. It is clear to see that this constantly evolving company is destined to be one of the world leaders in solar energy solutions.

Best Solar Companies FAQ

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the best solar companies.

Q: How do I choose a good solar company?

A: There are several areas to pay attention to when it comes to choosing a good solar company including their accreditations, their previous work, their qualifications, and their brand reputation. You will find a full list of the areas to consider when choosing a good solar company in the previous section of this guide.

Q: What are the best solar companies to invest in?

A: The best solar companies to invest in currently are ReneSolar, Maxeon Solar Technologies, Hannon Armstrong, and Daqo New Energy Corp.

Q: Who are the top solar companies in the world?

A: Some of the top solar companies in the world are Jinko Solar, Trina Solar, SunPower, UKSOL, and Azuri Technologies. You will find a full list of the top solar companies in the world in our previous section titled “Best Solar Companies in the World.”

Q: What is the best brand of solar panels in Australia?

A: The best solar panel brands in Australia currently are LG and SunPower.

Q: What company is leading in solar energy?

A: Currently, SunPower is the company leading in solar energy.

Q: Who is the largest residential solar company?

A: The largest residential solar company at present is Trinity Solar.

Q: Who are the best solar panel installers?

A: There are a number of reputable solar panel installers, but some of the best solar panel installers out there are SunRun, SunPower, Tesla Energy, and Momentum Solar.

Q: Who are the best solar companies in southern California?

A: There are a number of highly reputable solar companies operating in southern California, but the best solar companies in southern California are Solar City, SunRun, Horizon Solar, and SunEdison.

Q: What should I watch out for with solar companies?

A: There are several factors to consider when choosing a solar company, but in particular, you should watch out for the amount of time that a company has been in business, their payment options, and the warranties that they offer.

Q: Who sells the most efficient solar panels?

A:The most efficient solar panels in the world are currently being sold by SunPower, carrying an efficiency rating of 22.8%.

Q: What are the worst solar companies?

A: Based on analysis of user reviews, the worst solar companies are currently NRG Home Solar, Altaray Solar, PosiGen Solar Solutions, and Clear Solar.

Q: Who are the best solar companies for residential?

A: The best solar companies for residential are currently SunPower, LG Solar, Vivint Solar, and Renogy.

Best Solar Companies Conclusion

Once upon a time, the solar industry had quite a negative reputation due to the number of fraudulent companies in operation that were capitalizing on the (then new) solar buzz to try and get some fast cash out of unwitting buyers.

Luckily, as the industry has evolved and matured over the years, more and more reputable companies have come forward to try and safeguard the integrity of solar technology by offering high-quality renewable energy systems that are installed by qualified and passionate professionals for fair prices.

Even though it would be virtually impossible to list all of the great solar companies operating out there because there are countless local businesses not listed here that offer fantastic service and fair prices, our aim today is to ensure that you have a list of the absolute best examples of solar companies serving both residential and commercial needs.

If you choose any one of the top companies we have listed in the USA or even around the world, we are very confident that you will not be disappointed in the system that you acquire as a result. With the high number of outstanding companies available out there, there has never been a better time to go green.