Sunlight is a source of affordable, reliable, and clean energy. Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers or solar panel installers specialize in installing solar panels for residential and commercial applications.
A solar PV system consists of solar panels with photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight (solar radiation) into direct current electricity. Residential and commercial solar panels help access clean technology, achieve energy independence and security, as well as reduce carbon footprint and utility expenses.
When it comes to taking control of rising energy costs and bringing a distributed, renewable energy solution within reach of residential and commercial customers, solar panel installers have been making the transition to solar easier with 100% peace of mind.
Read on to learn more about the top 10 U.S. solar panel installers turning sunlight into savings and sustainable energy.
Table of Contents
Who is a Solar Panel Installer?
Top 10 Solar Panel Installers in the United States
Sunrun Inc.
Titan Solar Power
Freedom Forever LLC
Tesla Energy
SunPower Corporation
Momentum Solar
Trinity Solar, Inc. (Trinity)
Palmetto Solar, LLC (Palmetto)
Bright Planet Solar
Freedom Solar Power (Freedom Solar LLC/Freedom Solar)
Blackridge Research & Consulting – Global Solar Panel Market Report
Wrapping Up
Who is a Solar Panel Installer?
A PV installation professional or a solar panel installer assembles, installs, and maintains a wide range of solar photovoltaic systems on roofs and other structures with adherence to site assessment and schematics.
The person should be comfortable working on roofs for extended periods of time and have carpentry, electrical work, and other required skills along with solar installation experience.
Solar installation involves ascending and descending ladders, bending, crouching, kneeling, etc., and working in all weather conditions, with a good mechanical skillset and a sense of balance.
Furthermore, a solar installation company has a variety of safety policies regarding protective equipment, fall protection, tailgate training, and more in place to ensure worker safety.
Most installers have a solar PV certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®).
A certified energy practitioner can have a rewarding career in the solar industry, with several roles like a PV design technician, PV installer specialist, PV commissioning & maintenance specialist, PV system inspector, and solar energy installation manager.
Top 10 Solar Panel Installers in the United States
Here are the top 10 solar panel installers in the United States (ranking based on capacity installed):
Sunrun Inc.
Founded: 2007
Location: San Francisco, California
Sunrun is a leading U.S. residential solar and energy storage company that provides quality solar products and services for homeowners’ unique energy profiles and solar electricity needs.
The company’s installation crews come with 20+ years of installation experience, and the available residential solar plans include monthly solar lease, full amount solar lease, monthly solar loan, and full purchase.
Sunrun Installation Process
- Conduct a site survey to check the attic, electrical panel, and roof
- Finalize a custom design
- Apply for permits
- Collect other essential approvals (such as HOA approval) and documents
Here, a home solar system consists of solar panels, an inverter, and a Sunrun meter to measure and monitor solar production. In addition, the main electrical panel or “fuse box” and the utility meter already at home are connected to the solar system.
Moreover, Sunrun’s Brightbox enables solar customers to benefit from solar battery storage and have power when they need it most.
The residential solar electricity company offers custom solar designs (using Sunrun’s Automated Site Modeling tool), a comprehensive insurance policy, and a bumper-to-bumper solar system warranty, which includes free solar equipment replacement and system repairs.
Titan Solar Power
Founded: 2013
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Titan Solar Power is one of the world’s top solar contractors specializing in equipment maintenance, ground mount, rooftop installation, site survey and design, solar module expansions, and utility and commissioning connection.
Titan Installation Process
The leading rooftop solar contractor handles all aspects of a solar PV module installation and customizes every detail of the design and project to a customer’s unique needs. Titan installation process includes:
- Site survey and design
- Permitting
- Installation
- City inspections
- Utility connection
The first step begins with the Titan technician’s property (residential or commercial) visit to confirm the system design and verify measurements.
Generally, a solar calculator helps in quickly estimating the solar potential and savings by address, with estimates based on the roof, electricity bill, and current offers in a residential area.
After the site evaluation, a solar design expert adjusts the customized plan to ensure the perfect outcome(s). Finally, the system is installed according to the customized design plan and connected to the grid.
Freedom Forever LLC
Founded: 2011
Location: Temecula, California
Freedom Forever provides energy efficiency solutions to optimize solar energy transmission, and installation and financing services. In addition, the energy storage service provides backup energy (stored solar energy produced from the solar system) for later use.
Currently, the company installs home solar panels in over 20 states and hopes to add more states in the future. It enables homeowners to invest in solar energy systems—from designing the perfect system to getting necessary permits.
Freedom Forever Solar Panel Installation
The super sleek and slim Freedom Forever solar panel comes with a modern, triple-black design. It is compatible with all climates, including harsh rain, low temperatures, snowstorms, and weak light environments.
The installation process considers panel layout, roof condition, sun exposure and shading, and a family’s specific energy needs to design the optimal solar system.
Furthermore, Freedom Forever works with city inspectors, local utilities, AHJs (Authority Having Jurisdiction), and HOAs (Homeowner Association) to receive relevant approvals and permits for solar panel installation.
Tesla Energy
Founded: 2015
Location: Austin, Texas
Tesla Energy is a subsidiary of Tesla, Inc. and specializes in solar energy solutions at cost-competitive prices for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. As one of the largest U.S. solar installers, the company offers a variety of solar products and provides diverse services—from developing and installing to permitting and powering on solar energy generation systems.
Tesla Energy’s solar solutions include:
Tesla Solar Panels and Solar Roof: Tesla solar panels stand out in terms of a low-profile design and no visible mounting hardware. Sleek and durable solar panels for existing roofs are available in 4 standard solar sizes (As of 2022: Small – 12 panels; medium – 24 panels; large – 36 panels; and extra-large – 48 panels).
Tesla Solar Roof has a 25-year warranty and comprises a solar shingle system that includes durable, small solar panel tiles (solar shingles) making up an entire roof surface and delivering year-round solar production, even on roofs with intricate angles.
Tesla Solar Inverter: Tesla solar inverter is built on Powerwall technology for extraordinary efficiency and reliability and is available in two sizes with the capability for over-the-air updates and monitoring. The inverter models offer native integration with the Tesla ecosystem for Tesla Solar Roof and solar panel systems.
Tesla Powerpack and Megapack: These are large-scale energy storage systems developed for businesses and electric utility companies.
Tesla Powerwall: The Tesla Powerwall is a home energy storage system capable of storing energy for backup power, solar self-consumption, and time-of-use load shifting.
A Powerwall system can have 10 Powerwalls, including Powerwall+ and traditional Powerwalls—the combination simplifies installation and provides more power delivery during periods of full sun.
Starting in late May 2021, Tesla Energy required new solar panel and Solar Roof customers to buy at least one Powerwall with their system.
SunPower Corporation
Founded: 1985
Location: San Jose, California
SunPower is one of the industry’s widely trusted providers of solar solutions, including solar energy generation systems, battery energy storage products, and software monitoring solutions.
With 35+ years of dedicated solar experience, the well-known solar company helps homeowners and businesses go solar using highly efficient SunPower® Signature™ Black solar panels that also combine elegant styling and superb durability.
SunPower products and solutions include:
SunPower SunVault™ Storage: The SunPower SunVault™ Storage System includes two boxes—the SunVault™ Battery and Hub+™—to power homes with renewable energy, lower electric bills, and keep the lights on when the power goes out.
SunPower Equinox® System for Home: SunPower Equinox® is an all-in-one, minimalist design-inspired home solar system backed by the industry’s only complete-system warranty that:
- Uses Maxeon® solar cell for long-lasting performance even in harsh conditions
- Generates more power in less space
- Eliminates unnecessary hardware and utility boxes without cluttering exterior walls
- Enables the addition of energy storage for providing backup power and reducing peak-time charges
SunPower® Helix®: SunPower® Helix® is a fully integrated commercial solar solution designed and engineered by SunPower. Businesses can rely on a seamless solar solution that ensures long-term energy savings with no energy disruptions.
The SunPower® Design Studio features Instant Design technology to create a solar design and savings estimate in seconds for residential and commercial roofs. Furthermore, the solar innovation-centric company also offers mySunPower™ ecosystem to monitor solar energy production, use, and savings.
Momentum Solar
Founded: 2009
Location: South Plainfield, New Jersey
Momentum Solar is a leading residential solar contractor specializing in customized solar power systems for commercial and residential properties. The company focuses on providing savings to customers while simplifying the PV installation process for clean and affordable electricity.
The company offers the following solar plans:
Solar Purchase: Purchasing solar panels upfront is the easy way to leverage solar energy.
Solar Loan: A solar loan makes it affordable to own solar panels.
Solar PPA: A solar PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) covers solar panels, installation, and maintenance.
Solar Lease: Homeowners who lease solar panel systems can enjoy worry-free maintenance and monitoring without any upfront cost.
Furthermore, federal, state, and local solar incentives offer cash rebates on installing solar systems. Momentum Solar enables every customer to take care of their monthly utility bills and receive tax incentives while maximizing the residential property’s value by switching to solar.
Trinity Solar, Inc. (Trinity)
Founded: 1994
Location: Monroe Township, New Jersey
Spread across 9 states and with 28+ years in business, Trinity Solar (Trinity) is one of the world’s most well-established residential solar installation companies. As the designer and integrator of solar electric systems, the family-owned business powers residential properties with solar energy.
From getting a permit and survey done on the property to scheduling and installation, Trinity is well equipped to install solar panels and extend the benefits of solar technology to homeowners.
Trinity’s Solar + Battery solution pairs solar with a battery backup system that helps customers:
- Connect appliances to the battery to use the stored energy in a power outage.
- Leverage excess electricity for home needs.
- Secure protection against power outages when the grid is down.
- Source battery energy, uninterrupted, by recharging the battery.
Palmetto Solar, LLC (Palmetto)
Founded: 2009
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Palmetto Solar (Palmetto) provides end-to-end solar energy solutions to homeowners, focusing on peak efficiency, peak performance, and reliability. The company works with the industry’s top inverter, panel, and storage manufacturers and ensures adherence to product and performance standards for every solar panel installation.
Clean Energy Operating Platform™ is Palmetto’s proprietary platform technology to mobilize a new energy ecosystem for homeowners and businesses. Palmetto has also partnered with “Solar Sister”—a women-empowered entrepreneur program that focuses on solar distribution in developing countries—to expand the delivery of clean energy across African homes.
Palmetto’s areas of expertise include:
- Custom solar proposal creation
- Local permitting requirements
- Material costs and logistics
- Project management
- Solar design and engineering services
- Supply chain management
While solar installation costs cover design, labor, materials, permit, etc., Palmetto offers a variety of financing options to support customers in meeting budget and savings goals. Palmetto’s solar advisors and Build Partners are available to help customers make informed decisions and ensure precise and timely solar installations.
Bright Planet Solar
Founded: 2014
Location: Auburn, Massachusetts
Bright Planet Solar takes pride in a proprietary installation process and aggressive cycle times. Instead of relying on subcontractors, the company only uses in-house installation, survey, and design teams to enhance the overall experience.
The company currently services the following territories:
- California
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Rhode Island
- Utah
The company provides a full, turnkey installation and support platform and supports efforts in achieving energy independence. Moreover, the company’s strong sales partnerships ensure customer satisfaction with respect to quality, speed, and efficiency.
Freedom Solar Power (Freedom Solar LLC/Freedom Solar)
Founded: 2007
Location: Austin, Texas
Freedom Solar Power (Freedom Solar) is a full-service solar company that installs backup power systems and solar panels for businesses and homeowners.
In partnership with the industry’s widely trusted solar panel manufacturer, SunPower, Freedom Solar provides reliable and long-lasting solar panels for commercial and residential installations.
The residential portfolio includes:
- Ground mount arrays
- Off-grid systems
- Solar panels on a corrugated roof
- Solar panels on a flat roof
- Standing seam metal solar panels
The commercial portfolio consists of rooftop and carport solar panels for diverse customers, including:
- Breweries
- Car dealerships
- Grocery stores
- Hospitals
- Medical office buildings
- Universities
Blackridge Research & Consulting – Global Solar Panel Market Report
Want to learn more about the key industry players? Be better informed of your competition with Blackridge Research & Consulting’s Global Solar Panel Market report. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the solar panel market.
In addition, a detailed assessment of the solar panel industry supply chain, solar panel market drivers and restraints, government policies and regulations, and many more equip you with forward-looking insights.
