If you’re considering solar energy, you’re not alone—it’s already lighting up millions of homes and can save you up to $80,000 over a system’s 25-year lifespan. Picking the right solar installation company is crucial for making a smooth switch to clean energy. As we look ahead to 2025, the U.S. solar market is booming, with more than 2,500 companies operating in California alone, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. This guide is here to help you discover the top solar installation companies, navigate the installation process, and make the most of your savings, whether you’re in California, New York, or anywhere else.

What Are Solar Installation Companies?

Solar installation companies are the experts who design, install, and maintain photovoltaic (PV) systems, helping to generate electricity for everything from homes to businesses and even off-grid setups. They take care of everything, starting with site assessments and moving through the permitting process, all to make sure your system is safe, efficient, and meets local regulations. Plus, many of them provide battery storage solutions, financing options, and ongoing support to keep your system running smoothly.

Why Hire a Solar Installation Company?

Hiring a professional solar installer offers several advantages:

• Expertise: Certified installers ensure proper system design and safe electrical connections.
• Cost Savings: A 5kW system can save $1,000–$1,500 annually on electricity bills, based on average U.S. rates of 27.03p/kWh (April 2025 data).
• Incentives: Installers help you claim federal tax credits (up to 30% via the ITC) and local rebates.
• Warranty and Support: Most offer 5–25-year warranties on workmanship and equipment.
• Efficiency: Professional systems maximize energy production, especially in areas with 4–4.5 peak sun hours like New York.

A unique trend in 2025 is the rise of installers offering integrated battery storage to counter recent net metering changes, which have reduced export rates in states like California. This ensures you use more of your solar energy directly, saving more on bills.

How to Find the Best Solar Installation Companies Near You

Finding a reliable solar installer starts with these steps:

• Search Local Directories: Use platforms like the Better Business Bureau or EnergySage to find certified installers in your area. For example, EnergySage ranks installers in tiers (Approved, Advanced, Elite, Elite+) based on experience and reviews.
• Check Certifications: Look for North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) or PV Installation Professional (PVIP) certifications, which are industry gold standards.
• Read Reviews: Platforms like Angi and Houzz provide real customer feedback on local installers. Look for consistent 5-star ratings and comments on communication and project management.
• Verify Licensing: Ensure the company has an electrical license and complies with local regulations, as required in most states.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Compare at least three quotes to ensure competitive pricing. For a 4kW system, UK averages are around £8,000, while U.S. costs range from $4,500–$53,000 (before tax credits), per Angi.

Pro Tip: Check if your municipality has opted out of property tax exemptions for solar systems (e.g., some New York towns under RPTL 487). This can affect your long-term costs.

Top Solar Installation Companies in 2025

Here are some of the best solar installation companies, based on reputation, customer reviews, and service offerings:

• Sunrun: The leading U.S. solar company, offering $0-down plans and battery storage. Sunrun’s BrightPath™ technology customizes systems for maximum output. They operate in multiple states and partner with Ford for EV charger integration.
• Trinity Solar: With 30 years of experience and over 100,000 installations, Trinity provides expert installations and flexible financing. They’re known for quick 1–3-day installations.
• SunPower (via Complete Solar): After SunPower’s 2024 bankruptcy, Complete Solar acquired its assets, continuing to offer high-efficiency monocrystalline panels and 25-year warranties.
• All Energy Solar: Operating since 2009, they’ve completed 10,350+ projects across states like MN, WI, and IL, earning 2,100 five-star reviews for their residential and commercial installations.
• Lumina Solar: A Mid-Atlantic leader (MD, PA, VA, DE, DC) with 900+ five-star reviews, offering tailored solutions and a $500 referral bonus program.

Unique Insight: Look for companies like Lumina Solar that emphasize post-installation support, such as maintenance plans to protect against efficiency losses over time (panels can lose 0.5–1% efficiency annually).

The Solar Installation Process: What to Expect

A typical solar installation takes 2–3 months from start to finish. Here’s the breakdown:

• Initial Consultation (1–2 Weeks): The installer assesses your roof’s condition, sun exposure, and energy usage (e.g., 2,700 kWh annually for a medium household, per Octopus Energy).
• System Design and Permitting: They design a system (e.g., 10 panels for 4,045 kWh/year) and handle permits, which vary by state.
• Installation (1–3 Days): Panels are mounted, inverters installed (often in the loft), and the system is connected to the grid by a certified electrician.
• Inspection and Activation: Local authorities inspect the setup, and your utility connects the system, typically within 365 days of approval (per NY-Sun guidelines).

Safety Note: A licensed electrician must connect the system to the grid to comply with regulations and ensure safety.

Costs and Savings with Solar Installation Companies

The average cost to install solar panels in 2025 ranges from $4,500 to $53,000 for a 5–10 kW system, depending on location and equipment. Here’s a U.S. breakdown:

Component	Cost Range
Solar Panels (5kW)	$5,000-$10,000
Inverter	$1,000-$2,000
Battery (5kW, optional)	$5,000-$7,000
Installation Labor	$2,000-$5,000
Permits & Misc.	$500-$1,500
Total (w/o battery)	$8,500-$18,500
Total (with battery)	$13,500-$25,500

Pros and Cons of Hiring Solar Installation Companies

Pros:

• Professional design maximizes energy output.
• Access to financing, like $0-down plans or interest-free loans (e.g., DivideBuy’s 1–3-year terms).
• Long-term warranties (5–25 years) ensure reliability.
• Handles all paperwork, including permits and incentives.

Cons:

• Higher upfront costs than DIY (DIY systems start at $3,500).
• Installation timelines can vary due to weather or permitting delays.
• Some companies use subcontractors, which may affect quality.
• Net metering changes in some states reduce savings on excess energy exports.

Questions to Ask Solar Installation Companies

Before hiring, ask these key questions:

• Are you NABCEP or PVIP certified?
• What warranties do you offer on workmanship and equipment?
• How long will the installation take, and what’s the process?
• Do you handle permits and utility connections?
• Can you provide references or recent customer reviews?

Unique Tip: Ask about their experience with recent net metering changes in your state, as this impacts long-term savings, especially if you’re considering battery storage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Solar Installer

• Not Checking Credentials: Uncertified installers may void warranties or fail inspections.
• Ignoring Reviews: Poor communication or delays (e.g., a 5-month repair delay reported by a Sunnova customer on X) can frustrate your project.
• Overlooking Contracts: Watch for escalator clauses in leases or PPAs that increase payments over time.
• Skipping Site Assessments: Failing to evaluate roof age or shading can lead to inefficiencies.

FAQs About Solar Installation Companies

Conclusion

Choosing the right solar installation company in 2025 can really help you save a bundle while powering your home with clean energy. Whether it’s Sunrun’s enticing $0-down plans or Lumina Solar’s expertise in the Mid-Atlantic, the best installers provide customized solutions, skilled installations, and ongoing support. By checking certifications, comparing quotes, and getting a grip on net metering changes, you can make sure your switch to solar is smooth sailing. Reach out to a local installer today and start cutting down on energy costs while doing your part for a greener planet!

Ready to go solar? Use a directory like EnergySage to find top-rated installers near you, or share your solar journey in the comments below!