The Best Options in 2026 - Tested by Experts
Our team spent thousands of hours researching and testing to bring you this definitive ranking. Updated monthly.
Quick Comparison
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Pricing | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | SunPower / Maxeon Editor's Choice | 4.8 | From ~$3.50/watt installed | Excellent | Visit Site → |
| #2 | Tesla Solar Best All-In-One | 4.5 | From ~$2.70/watt installed | Very Good | Visit Site → |
| #3 | Enphase Energy Best Microinverters | 4.6 | Equipment cost ~$0.60-$0.80/watt (through installers) | Excellent | Visit Site → |
| #4 | Sunrun Best Lease/PPA | 4.2 | Lease from ~$80/mo or PPA from ~$0.12/kWh | Good | Visit Site → |
| #5 | Q CELLS Best Value Panels | 4.3 | From ~$2.80/watt installed (through installers) | Very Good | Visit Site → |
| #6 | Freedom Solar Power | 4.4 | From ~$3.00/watt installed | Very Good | Visit Site → |
Detailed Reviews
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
Sunrun
Sunrun is the largest residential solar company in America and the leader in solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). If you want solar with $0 down and no system ownership responsibilities, Sunrun makes it simple - though you won't save as much as owning outright.
Pros
- +$0 down options make solar accessible without large upfront investment
- +Sunrun handles all maintenance, repairs, and monitoring during the lease
- +Predictable monthly costs with lease/PPA - no surprise expenses
- +Largest installer network with nationwide availability
Cons
- −Total cost over 25 years is significantly higher than purchasing outright
- −You don't own the system - Sunrun owns it and the tax credits
- −Lease transfers can complicate home sales
- −Escalator clauses on some PPAs increase payments 2-3% annually
Q CELLS
Q CELLS manufactures high-quality solar panels at prices 15-25% below premium brands like SunPower. Their Q.PEAK DUO panels deliver strong efficiency (up to 21.4%) with a solid 25-year warranty. For homeowners who want quality without the premium price tag, Q CELLS is the sweet spot.
Pros
- +Best price-to-performance ratio in the residential solar market
- +U.S. manufacturing qualifies for additional IRA domestic content bonus
- +Strong real-world performance data and proven reliability
- +Widely available through most major and local installers
Cons
- −Efficiency is good but not best-in-class (SunPower is higher)
- −Warranty is strong but shorter than SunPower's 40-year coverage
- −Less brand recognition than SunPower or Tesla among consumers
Freedom Solar Power
Freedom Solar Power is a top-rated regional installer operating in Texas, Florida, Colorado, and surrounding states. They offer multiple panel and inverter brands (including SunPower and Enphase), provide in-house installation, and consistently earn the highest customer satisfaction ratings among large installers.
Pros
- +Best customer experience ratings of any large solar installer
- +Offers multiple panel and inverter brands for customized system design
- +In-house crews ensure consistent installation quality
- +Deep local expertise in permitting and utility interconnection
Cons
- −Limited geographic availability - not nationwide
- −Pricing is slightly higher than Tesla and other national brands
- −Smaller company means less brand recognition and potentially less long-term stability
How We Rank & Review
Our rankings are the result of a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. We start with extensive market research to identify every viable option, then narrow the field based on reputation, customer feedback, and feature sets.
Each product on our list undergoes hands-on testing by our expert reviewers. We evaluate ease of setup, day-to-day usability, feature quality, customer support responsiveness, and overall value for money.
We also survey real customers to understand long-term satisfaction and reliability. Our ratings combine expert scores with customer sentiment to give you a complete, balanced picture.
We update these rankings monthly as new products launch, prices change, and we gather more data. Our goal is to always give you the most current, accurate recommendations possible.