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Our team has analyzed 30+ solar companies, surveyed thousands of homeowners, and compared real installation costs and production data - so you can switch to solar without overpaying or getting locked into a bad deal.
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Our Top Picks
Hand-picked by our expert team after extensive testing.
SunPower / Maxeon
SunPower (now using Maxeon panels) offers the highest-efficiency residential solar panels on the market at 22.8% efficiency, backed by an industry-leading 40-year warranty. If you want the most power from the least roof space and the best long-term guarantee, SunPower is the gold standard.
Pros
- +Highest panel efficiency means maximum production from limited roof space
- +40-year warranty is unmatched - covers panels, inverters, and workmanship
- +Lowest long-term degradation ensures consistent production for decades
- +Premium all-black aesthetics are the best-looking panels available
Cons
- −Premium pricing - 15-25% more expensive per watt than competitors
- −Corporate restructuring (SunPower/Maxeon split) has caused some service confusion
- −Not available in all markets - installer network is smaller than national brands
Tesla Solar
Tesla offers the most streamlined solar + battery experience in the market. Their online ordering, competitive pricing, and seamless Powerwall integration make going solar simple. The Tesla app provides the best monitoring and energy management experience in the industry.
Pros
- +Competitive per-watt pricing - often cheapest for mid-to-large systems
- +Best solar + battery integration with Powerwall ecosystem
- +Simple online ordering process with transparent pricing
- +Tesla app provides excellent real-time monitoring and energy management
Cons
- −Customer service is notoriously difficult - long wait times and inconsistent communication
- −Installation timelines can be unpredictable - delays of weeks to months reported
- −Limited customization - Tesla designs the system; you can't choose specific panels or configurations
Enphase Energy
Enphase doesn't install solar - they manufacture the microinverters and batteries that power the best solar installations. Their IQ8 microinverters are considered the gold standard, offering panel-level optimization, monitoring, and the ability to keep producing power during grid outages even without a battery.
Pros
- +Panel-level optimization means shading on one panel doesn't affect the whole system
- +IQ8 Sunlight Backup provides power during outages without a battery
- +Best monitoring app with individual panel production data
- +No single point of failure - if one microinverter fails, the rest keep producing
Cons
- −Higher equipment cost than string inverter alternatives
- −Must be installed by a certified Enphase installer
- −Enphase batteries are more expensive per kWh than Tesla Powerwall
Latest Resources
Guides, tips, and industry insights from our editorial team.
Going Solar in 2026: The Complete Homeowner's Decision Guide
After analyzing data from 5,000+ installations and surveying thousands of homeowners, we built a step-by-step framework for deciding if solar is right for you.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026? Complete Pricing Breakdown
We analyzed pricing data from thousands of installations to reveal what homeowners actually pay - broken down by system size, panel brand, state, and financing type.
The Federal Solar Tax Credit in 2026: How to Claim the Full 30% and Maximize Your Savings
The 30% federal solar tax credit is the largest incentive available for going solar. Here's exactly how it works, who qualifies, and how to claim every dollar you're entitled to.
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