The Best Commercial Solar Companies of 2024
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Solar power has become increasingly popular among businesses seeking to enhance their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. We’ve compiled a list of the best commercial solar companies, including Freedom Solar, Green Home Systems, and Tesla after evaluating 100 providers and analyzing 1,000 customer reviews. These top national solar companies possess advanced technology and industry expertise to fulfill any organization’s clean energy needs. For home solar panels, see our guide on the best home solar panels.
Compare Solar Companies
Quickly compare top-rated solar installation companies in the table below.
3 Best Commercial Solar Companies of 2024
Our Top Commercial Solar Company Picks
Freedom Solar Power
Best Off-Grid Installer
Green Home Systems
Best Solar Roofs
Tesla Solar
Best Solar Tech
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
Understanding Differences in Commercial Solar Companies
Here are some of the key differences you should compare when shopping for a commercial solar company:
- Commercial experience: Though every company on this list offers commercial solar services, not all of them provide service for commercial and industrial (C&I) property owners. Commercial solar panel systems have different requirements than residential solar energy systems. Confirm any company you hire has the proper licensing and certification to install commercial solar panel systems; requirements vary depending on local legislation.
- Cost and financing: Every solar company on this list offers full purchase and loan financing options. Some offer leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), which can be a good option for business owners primarily interested in generating clean energy and saving on energy bills. A full purchase or solar loan qualifies you for the federal solar tax credit and other cost-saving incentives. A lease or PPA reduces how much you pay up-front, but the solar company still owns the panels, making you unable to qualify for incentives. Depending on the contract terms, a lease and PPA may have no up-front cost at all, but they’re not the best option for maximizing your long-term investment.
- Installation process and services: Some companies offer a completely streamlined installation process, including in-house design, installation, and energy audits. Other companies use third-party installers, which means quality can vary by your location.
- Service area: Tesla is available in all 50 states. Other solar installers have a more limited commercial service area. Confirm the provider you’re interested in services your business’ address.
- Solar panel quality: Customers can usually choose between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. The companies with the highest-efficiency panels use monocrystalline.
- Warranty options: Some companies have 25-year manufacturer and workmanship warranties, but other companies’ workmanship warranties are only 10 years. The coverage specifics vary by the installer.
Are Solar Panels Worth It?
Yes, solar panels are worth it for business owners. Here are some of the best benefits solar energy provides:
- Cost savings: Though going solar is a big investment, it can lead to substantial long-term savings. Solar energy systems generate electricity that can offset or even eliminate the need to purchase power from the grid. You can significantly lower your electricity bills by reducing your reliance on traditional energy sources. Moreover, solar panels typically last 25–35 years, providing decades of renewable energy.
- Energy independence: Generating your business’s electricity means you’re less reliant on external energy sources and not as vulnerable to power outages or fluctuations in electricity prices. This gives you greater control over your energy consumption and protects you from unforeseen disruptions in the power supply.
- Property value: Solar panels increase your property’s value by roughly $15,000. Potential buyers are attracted to reduced energy costs and environmental benefits, giving you a competitive advantage in the real estate market.
- Renewable energy: Solar panels are a clean and renewable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy doesn’t emit greenhouse gasses or contribute to air pollution. Investing in solar panels allows you to impact the environment positively.
- Return on investment (ROI): Many states have government incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, and net-metering programs, to encourage the adoption of renewable energy. These incentives can significantly reduce the cost of installing solar panels and improve your ROI. Traditional electricity costs are rising while solar panel prices are decreasing. We found that most homeowners’ solar systems pay for themselves within six to 10 years.
What To Expect During a Commercial Solar Installation
Solar panel installation may seem like a lot to juggle between your typical day-to-today business tasks and goals. However, most solar companies provide a hands-free experience for commercial installation. Based on our conversations with various installers, here’s a general overview of what you can expect from this process:
- Initial consultation: You’ll meet with a company representative to assess your property’s suitability for solar and determine energy needs. Many companies offer in-person or virtual consultations. You should have your most current utility bill available to help determine your average energy usage.
- Site assessment: The company rep will review your roof’s structural integrity, available space, slope, and shading. This helps determine the best location for your solar panels.
- Design and permitting: The rep will design a solar system to fit your needs, and you can choose your panels, inverter, and add-on accessories. You’ll receive a finalized, detailed quote for all costs. Most installers handle all necessary permitting and paperwork. The permitting process varies between areas but typically takes two to four weeks to complete.
- Installation day: The solar company may use in-house staff or third-party installers. To help avoid communication issues, ask for your project’s main point of contact. This could be the project manager or lead installer. Most installations take one to two days, but complicated projects will take longer.
- Final inspection: After the installation, your solar company will coordinate with local officials for final activation approval. All installations must meet local codes and match the approved project designs. Again, this process could take two to four weeks and depends on all parties’ availability.
- Activation: Once all parties approve, your system will receive permission to operate (PTO). Your installer will connect the system to the grid and get final approval from the utility company for activation.
How To Choose a Commercial Solar Company
Choosing a commercial solar company involves thorough research and evaluation to ensure a reliable and satisfactory experience. Start by researching reputable companies with industry experience and positive customer reviews. Schedule consultations to assess their expertise and evaluate proposals that include system specifications, financing options, and warranties. Verify references, licenses, and credentials and review contracts and agreements. We recommend repeating this process with at least three solar installation companies so you can confidently choose a solar company that meets your company’s needs.
How Do I Find The Best Commercial Solar Company in My State?
Solar company availability changes from state to state and even ZIP code to ZIP code. Use our free tool to discover which solar companies service your state. Remember to confirm that each solar company performs commercial solar panel installation.
Find Solar Companies in Your State
Solar Payment Options
Business owners can choose from various solar financing options. Many solar companies offer two or more payment choices. Typical financing options include cash payments, solar loans, solar leases, or PPAs.
Full purchases or loans are the most cost-effective options. Both qualify you for solar tax credits and other incentives that reduce your up-front investment. “When you lease solar panels, you miss out on the substantial federal tax credit because it instead goes to the leasing company,” says Matt Johnson, co-owner of Namaste Solar. “If you own your own solar panels, you will be the one to reap the financial benefits of the tax credit.” We recommend choosing a cash payment or loan to save the most money on your new solar system.
Leasing offers the least financial benefits and the lowest return on investment. If your business goals involve cutting long-term energy costs and providing more eco-friendliness to your community, leasing is an accessible financial solution.
Here is a rundown of the most common financing options:
- Full purchase: A cash purchase is the most cost-effective option. It gives you full system ownership to qualify for tax incentives and rebates. Additionally, you avoid additional costs due to interest rates.
- Solar loan: This option is great for business owners who don’t have access to large amounts of capital. A solar loan still makes you the system owner, so you can increase your property’s value and use tax incentives to lower costs. Be aware you’ll pay more long term than you would with a full purchase due to interest rates.
- Solar lease: This is a contract with a solar company to install a solar energy system with minimal up-front costs. You rent the system to use its energy and save on electricity bills. You don’t own the system and can’t use any incentives or rebates.
- PPA: A PPA is a financial agreement where your local utility company deals with permitting and installing a solar energy system on your property at little to no cost. The utility company then sells the power generated to you at a fixed rate lower than the retail rate. Again, you don’t own the system, so your property value doesn’t increase and you don’t qualify for solar incentives.
Solar Incentives and Rebates
Solar incentives, credits, and rebates offer additional savings. The federal tax credit allows you to claim 30% of your solar installation costs on your federal taxes, reducing the amount you owe. Some solar companies assist customers with finding and applying for additional solar incentives.
We surveyed 1,000 homeowners about their experiences installing solar panels. Most respondents (78.4%) used solar incentives to reduce their overall costs. Solar incentives are just as beneficial to business owners. Of these respondents, 75.3% said the incentives they used were easy to access. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) to view your area’s available incentives.
Solar Company Warranty Options
Warranties can differ based on each company’s products. You could have multiple warranties for one system if the company works with several manufacturers. Alternatively, a solar provider might offer all-inclusive warranty coverage for its in-house products, making the claims process much easier.
Warranties usually fall into these categories:
- Manufacturer’s warranty (or product warranty): Protects the individual solar system components in case of defects.
- Workmanship warranty: Covers installation in case of poor workmanship or faulty installation materials.
- Performance (or power production) guarantee: Certifies the solar system’s output as outlined in your contract.
The top companies offer 25-year warranties, but some limit their workmanship warranties to 10 years. We recommend finding a company that provides 25-year warranties for coverage throughout your system’s lifetime. This makes for a more secure investment.
Solar Panel Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency refers to the percentage of the sun’s energy that a solar panel can convert into usable electricity. This rate is determined by photovoltaic cell efficiency (cell type and design) and total panel efficiency based on cell type, layout, and size. However, efficiency can be affected by various factors such as weather, dust, and temperature.
Solar panels’ efficiency has improved significantly in recent years, with high-efficiency solar panels reaching rates of nearly 25%. We recommend solar panels with over 20% efficiency to get the most out of your system.
Explore our guide to the most efficient solar panels for more information.
How To Get a Solar Quote
Getting a solar quote involves researching and comparing companies to find the best fit for your solar project. Here are some steps to follow:
- Research solar companies in your area. Use our online resources to find a list of reputable solar companies.
- Check each company’s ratings and customer feedback on popular review sites such as the BBB. Look for indications that a company is responsive to questions and concerns and provides good communication throughout the installation process.
- Request quotes from at least three solar companies. Ask for a detailed quote that includes the cost of equipment, installation, and warranties.
- Compare the quotes and choose the best option for your needs. Consider factors such as service area, reputation, warranty coverage, and customer service ratings.
- Ask questions about the installation process and who will install the system. Find out if the company uses its crew or subcontractors and what oversight it has over the subcontractors.
- Factor in any local or statewide incentives into your final installation costs.
Our Conclusion
Freedom Solar Power is our top choice for commercial solar installations due to its transparent online quotes. Freedom Solar Power is the best option for business owners who want a seamless, aesthetically pleasing solar panel system.
FAQ About Commercial Solar Energy Companies
Which company is the largest solar panel provider?
NextEra Energy, Inc. is the largest commercial solar provider, with over 30 large-scale solar projects across 49 states and Canada. The company operates over 2,000 megawatts of solar energy in an effort to move the U.S. toward clean energy independence.
How efficient are commercial solar panels?
Commercial solar panels provide the same efficiency rates as residential solar panels, with most monocrystalline panels producing around 20%–25%.
What are the maintenance requirements for commercial solar panels?
Commercial solar panels require minimal maintenance, but we recommend routine cleaning, preventive inspections, and periodic damage checks to ensure optimal performance. Some solar panel installers offer maintenance as part of your purchase, while others offer service plans for a separate fee. These service plans typically cover regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure your system performs optimally.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected].