Updated 2026

Top 10 Solar
Companies

Independent comparison of the top solar installers in Arizona and California for 2026. We reviewed pricing, warranties, financing options, installation quality, and what homeowners actually report after installation.

At a Glance

2026 Comparison
at a Glance

# Company Aragon Solar ★ SunPower Sunrun Tesla Solar ADT Solar
Panel Tier Tier 1 only Maxeon (own) Varies Tesla/3rd party Tier 1/2 mix
Own Install Crew ✓ Always ✓ Usually ✗ Subcontracted ✗ Subcontracted ✗ Subcontracted
Warranty (panels) 25 yr 25 yr 10–25 yr 25 yr 25 yr
Workmanship Warr. 10 yr 10 yr 10 yr 10 yr 10 yr
Battery Options Powerwall + Enphase SunVault Varies Powerwall only Limited
Leases/PPAs ✗ Loans only
$0 Down Loan Limited Limited
Avg Rating 4.9/5 4.6/5 3.9/5 3.8/5 3.5/5
Price (relative) Mid-premium Premium Mid Budget-mid Mid
Available in AZ
Available in CA

*Data based on company websites, public reviews, and homeowner reports as of 2026. Some ratings are approximate averages across platforms.

Full Rankings

Company
Profiles

01

Aragon Solar

Our Pick — Southwest
9.6/10
Overall Score
$2.80–3.40/W installed

The only major Southwest installer that uses exclusively in-house crews and refuses to offer solar leases. Tier-1 panels, 25-year performance warranty, and 10-year workmanship. Highest-rated in AZ and CA combined.

Pros
+Own crew on every install — no subcontractors
+Tier-1 monocrystalline panels only
+Certified for both Powerwall 3 and Enphase IQ
+Loans only — homeowners keep all tax credits
+Beat-any-written-quote policy
Cons
Not available in all states (AZ, CA, NV, NM only)
Slightly higher average price than budget installers
Best for: Homeowners in AZ/CA/NV who want premium quality and accountability without the lease trap
02

SunPower

Best National Brand
8.9/10
Overall Score
$3.40–4.20/W installed

The gold standard for panel efficiency. SunPower's Maxeon cells consistently outperform standard monocrystalline. Premium price, premium product. Installation quality varies by market since some work is subcontracted.

Pros
+Highest-efficiency panels on the market (Maxeon)
+Industry-leading 25-year complete warranty
+SunVault battery integration
+Strong nationwide dealer network
Cons
Most expensive option in most markets
Subcontracted installation in many regions
Recent financial restructuring created some uncertainty
Best for: Homeowners willing to pay a premium for maximum efficiency, especially with limited roof space
03

Tesla Solar

Best for Tech Integration
8.1/10
Overall Score
$2.20–2.80/W installed

Streamlined online purchase process and best-in-class Powerwall integration. Tesla's solar panels and roof tiles offer excellent aesthetics and tight app integration. Installation is subcontracted and support quality is inconsistent.

Pros
+Best Powerwall integration of any installer
+Solar Roof (tiles) option with strong aesthetics
+Competitive pricing on standard systems
+Entirely online process
Cons
Notoriously difficult customer support
Installation fully subcontracted
Limited flexibility in system design
Solar Roof backlog can be lengthy
Best for: Tesla vehicle owners who want seamless Powerwall integration and don't mind the self-service model
04

Sunrun

Largest US Installer
7.4/10
Overall Score
$2.40–3.20/W (owned) installed

The nation's largest residential solar company by volume. Sunrun's scale gives them competitive pricing but their lease/PPA-heavy model means most customers don't own their systems. Subcontracted installation is the norm.

Pros
+Competitive pricing on lease/PPA products
+Nationwide availability
+Brighthouse battery product is solid
+Large service network
Cons
Lease-heavy model means customers lose tax credits
Subcontracted installation — quality varies widely
Customer service reviews are consistently mixed
Lease escalators raise costs over time
Best for: Homeowners who want the absolute lowest upfront cost and don't mind not owning the system
05

Palmetto

Best Customer Platform
7.8/10
Overall Score
$2.60–3.40/W installed

Palmetto has differentiated with a strong monitoring and ongoing service platform. Their LifePlan subscription model is unique. Installation is subcontracted through a dealer network.

Pros
+Strong ongoing monitoring and service platform
+LifePlan subscription adds long-term value
+Transparent online pricing
+Good dealer network in major markets
Cons
Subcontracted installation
Less name recognition than top tier
LifePlan adds ongoing cost
Best for: Tech-savvy homeowners who want robust ongoing monitoring and service

Companies ranked #6–10 (Momentum Solar, Blue Raven, Elevation Solar, ION Solar, Sunnova) are available in some Southwest markets but have lower average review scores and/or more limited AZ/CA service coverage. Contact us for a full comparison specific to your area.

Making the Right Choice

What Actually
Matters

Ask About Subcontracting

The single biggest predictor of installation quality is whether the company uses their own crew or subcontracts. Always ask directly: "Is the crew that will install my system employed by you?"

Don't Sign a Lease

Solar leases lock you in for 20 years, transfer complicated, and give your tax credits to the company. Only consider purchase (cash or loan) unless you truly cannot qualify for a loan.

Understand the Warranty

A "25-year warranty" means nothing if the company goes out of business. Ask how long they've been operating. Ask if the warranty is backed by the manufacturer or just the installer.

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Stack Up

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