Our Ranking Methodology
Transparent, data-driven, and independent
Overview
Our rankings are based on extensive research across dozens of data points for every solar company in each state. Unlike other solar ranking sites, we do not accept payment from contractors for placement. Our revenue comes from industry sponsors (software companies, equipment manufacturers) — not from the companies we rank.
Every ranking follows a rigorous three-phase process: an initial data-driven qualification round that evaluates all companies in a state, followed by an in-depth analysis of the top performers, and anonymous secret shopping of the top candidates to verify real-world customer experience. This ensures our final rankings reflect quantitative data, qualitative research, and verified customer interactions.
Initial Qualification
Every solar company in a state is evaluated against four core metrics. These data points are publicly verifiable and provide a reliable baseline for quality assessment.
Google Rating
We pull verified Google Business ratings for every company. Ratings are normalized within each state to account for regional differences. A minimum 3.0 rating is required to qualify.
Google Review Volume
Review count reflects customer engagement and track record. Volume is normalized against the 90th percentile in each state to prevent outliers from skewing results.
BBB Complaint Record
We check Better Business Bureau records for complaint history over the last 3 years. Fewer complaints result in a higher score. Companies with patterns of unresolved complaints are flagged.
Years in Business
Longevity demonstrates stability and reliability in an industry where warranty fulfillment depends on company survival. Normalized against a 15-year benchmark.
Qualifier Score Formula
Qualifier Score = (Rating × 35) + (Reviews × 30) + (BBB × 20) + (Tenure × 15)
All factors are normalized to a 0–1 scale before applying weights, producing a final qualifier score of 0–100.
Disqualification Criteria
Companies that fail to meet any of the following minimum thresholds are automatically disqualified from our rankings.
Google rating below 3.0
A rating below 3.0 indicates consistent customer dissatisfaction. We believe homeowners deserve to choose from companies with a demonstrable track record of quality service.
Fewer than 5 Google reviews
With fewer than 5 reviews, there is insufficient public data to make a meaningful assessment. A small sample size can be easily manipulated and does not represent a reliable pattern.
Less than 1 year in business
Solar installations come with long-term warranties and performance expectations. Companies with less than one year of operating history have not yet proven their ability to deliver on these commitments.
Deep Dive Analysis
The top-scoring companies from Phase 1 undergo comprehensive manual research across additional qualitative factors. This is where we separate good companies from great ones.
Equipment Quality
We evaluate the brands and tiers of solar panels, inverters, and battery storage systems offered. Companies offering premium, Tier 1 equipment score higher.
NABCEP Certifications
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the gold standard for solar installer certification. We verify how many NABCEP-certified professionals are on staff.
Workmanship Warranty
Beyond manufacturer equipment warranties, the workmanship warranty covers installation quality. We evaluate warranty length, coverage scope, and transferability.
Production Guarantees
Companies that guarantee a specific energy production level demonstrate confidence in their system designs and installation quality.
Self-Performed Installations
Companies that use their own trained crews rather than subcontractors typically deliver more consistent quality and better accountability.
Manufacturer Certifications
Certifications from manufacturers like Tesla, SunPower, Enphase, and SolarEdge indicate specialized training and access to the best warranty terms.
State Licensing Verification
We verify that every company holds active, valid state contractor licenses for electrical and/or solar installation work.
Legal & Complaint History
We research public records for lawsuits, liens, and regulatory actions. A clean legal record is a strong indicator of ethical business practices.
Local vs. National Company
Local companies often provide more personalized service, faster response times, and stronger community ties. We give a modest bonus to locally-owned businesses.
Financing Options
We evaluate the range and competitiveness of financing options offered, including solar loans, leases, PPAs, and partnerships with reputable lenders.
Community Involvement
Companies that invest in their communities through charitable installations, workforce development, or local partnerships demonstrate long-term commitment.
Industry Awards
Recognition from industry bodies, publications, and peer organizations provides third-party validation of company quality and innovation.
Energy Storage Solutions (ESS)
Companies that offer battery storage and energy storage systems demonstrate investment in comprehensive energy solutions for homeowners. ESS capabilities indicate advanced technical expertise and forward-thinking service offerings.
Commercial & Utility-Scale Capabilities
Companies with commercial or utility-scale solar experience bring broader engineering expertise, larger project management capabilities, and deeper industry relationships that benefit residential customers.
Secret Shopping Evaluation
The top 10 candidates in each state are anonymously contacted to evaluate their real-world customer experience. This is the final quality gate before rankings are published.
Human vs. AI vs. Call Center
Assess whether inquiries are handled by a knowledgeable human, AI chatbot, or generic call center.
Professionalism & Helpfulness
Evaluate whether staff are polite, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful.
Quote Turnaround Time
Track response speed and thoroughness of quotes.
Pricing Transparency
Assess clarity of pricing, absence of hidden fees.
Final Ranking Composite
The final ranking for each company is a weighted composite of all research factors. Phase 1 data carries the most weight, ensuring a strong quantitative foundation.
Data Sources
Our research draws from multiple independent, publicly available data sources to ensure accuracy and objectivity.
Google Business Profiles
Ratings, review counts, and review content
Better Business Bureau
Complaint history, accreditation status, and resolution records
Company Websites
Equipment offerings, warranties, certifications, and service details
State Licensing Databases
Active license verification, bond amounts, and disciplinary actions
Public Records
Legal filings, liens, and regulatory actions
NABCEP Certification Database
Verified practitioner certifications and specializations
Update Frequency
Rankings are reviewed and updated quarterly. Each quarterly update involves re-pulling data from all sources, recalculating scores, and re-evaluating all ranked companies.
Between quarterly reviews, data is refreshed as it becomes available. Critical events — such as license revocations, major lawsuits, or significant rating changes — may trigger an immediate re-evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are solar companies ranked?
Our rankings use a three-phase methodology. Phase 1 evaluates Google ratings, review volume, BBB complaints, and years in business to create a qualifier score. The top companies then undergo Phase 2, a deep-dive analysis of equipment quality, certifications, warranties, installation practices, energy storage solutions, commercial and utility-scale capabilities, and more. In Phase 3, the top 10 candidates in each state undergo anonymous secret shopping to evaluate real-world customer experience. The final ranking is a weighted composite of all three phases.
Do companies pay to be ranked?
Absolutely not. Our rankings are completely independent. We do not accept payment from solar contractors for placement, higher rankings, or inclusion. Our revenue comes from industry sponsors such as solar software companies and equipment manufacturers — entities that do not install solar panels and therefore have no conflict of interest with our rankings.
How often are rankings updated?
Rankings are reviewed and updated quarterly. Between quarterly reviews, data is refreshed as it becomes available, such as new Google reviews, BBB complaints, or licensing changes. Major events like lawsuits or license revocations may trigger an immediate re-evaluation.
What disqualifies a company?
Companies are disqualified if they have a Google rating below 3.0, fewer than 5 Google reviews, or less than 1 year in business. These thresholds ensure that every ranked company has a minimum level of customer satisfaction, sufficient review data for meaningful analysis, and demonstrated business longevity.
How do you verify the data?
We use a combination of automated data collection and manual verification. Google ratings and reviews are pulled directly from Google Business Profiles. BBB data is verified against official BBB records. Licensing is checked through state contractor licensing databases. Phase 2 research involves manual review of company websites, certification databases, and public records. Additionally, our Phase 3 secret shopping provides first-hand verification of each top candidate's customer experience, response quality, and pricing transparency.
See the Rankings in Action
Browse our state-by-state rankings to find the top-rated solar companies near you.
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