2.09 526 Reviews
Latest review
Markdmd,
1 week ago
My experience from start to finish has been seamless. I chose to get quotes for 2 local companies, in addition to Tesla. Tesla was 20% less than the next closest quote. The process of design and modifications was handled by my project rep, Liz. Liz was readily available and I always received a text or call back within 24 hours. We had the design and permits done in less than 2 weeks. The longest delay I had, was waiting on CPS Energy to give us a temporary disconnect date. Once we received that, my install was scheduled and only about 2 weeks out. Fast forward to install day. The crew actually arrived early, something I've never had happen before with any construction project. Rob, Tony and the rest of the crew from Austin were so professional. From the moment they stepped foot on property, safety was obviously the #1 priority. They immediately set up like a production crew, complete with tables and designs. The electricians modified my original main panel/inverter/TEG layout, to something way more esthetic than the original plans. From the beginning, I could tell this was going to be an amazing experience. I purchased a 10.2kw system, with 2 Tesla Powerwall 2.0's for whole home backup. I was very specific about where I would like my PowerWalls, and although it was difficult, the crew made it happen. IT LOOKS FANTASTIC. Exactly as I had imagined. They even went the extra mile to paint and hide conduit, etc. The minute you open my garage, you are now greeted with an eye level bank of 2 Powerwalls. My install was on a tile roof, and they were exceptionally careful. They painted any visible conduit (which was like 2 small pieces) to match my roof. I actually saw them spray a piece of extra conduit with 3 colors of brown and take it to my roof to make sure they got the closest color that would match! The crew was so friendly and nice, they never once got tired of my questions, and actually seemed to love explaining it to me. Words cannot convey just how amazed I was with the entire project. Two days later, I have a gorgeous set of 2 arrays, 2 powerwalls and all the goodies. The yard and outside were cleaned thoroughly, and I did not find one piece of trash, again, a first for any construction crew I've ever had here. When they came back out to test the system, Rob brought a drone and took some sweet shots of my new system. I give Tesla kudos for a job well done. My system looks better than any install in my neighborhood by a long shot. I can't wait to get my inspection completed and start soaking the south Texas sun in to power my home. Thank you Tesla, and the Austin based crew for an absolutely FLAWLESS experience. Elon is clearly about to take over the world if all the installs are like this!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$10,000 ($2.00 per watt)
Latest review
Markdmd, 1 week ago
My experience from start to finish has been seamless. I chose to get quotes for 2 local companies, in addition to Tesla. Tesla was 20% less than the next closest quote. The process of design and modifications was handled by my project rep, Liz. Liz was readily available and I always received a text or call back within 24 hours. We had the design and permits done in less than 2 weeks. The longest delay I had, was waiting on CPS Energy to give us a temporary disconnect date. Once we received that, my install was scheduled and only about 2 weeks out. Fast forward to install day. The crew actually arrived early, something I've never had happen before with any construction project. Rob, Tony and the rest of the crew from Austin were so professional. From the moment they stepped foot on property, safety was obviously the #1 priority. They immediately set up like a production crew, complete with tables and designs. The electricians modified my original main panel/inverter/TEG layout, to something way more esthetic than the original plans. From the beginning, I could tell this was going to be an amazing experience. I purchased a 10.2kw system, with 2 Tesla Powerwall 2.0's for whole home backup. I was very specific about where I would like my PowerWalls, and although it was difficult, the crew made it happen. IT LOOKS FANTASTIC. Exactly as I had imagined. They even went the extra mile to paint and hide conduit, etc. The minute you open my garage, you are now greeted with an eye level bank of 2 Powerwalls. My install was on a tile roof, and they were exceptionally careful. They painted any visible conduit (which was like 2 small pieces) to match my roof. I actually saw them spray a piece of extra conduit with 3 colors of brown and take it to my roof to make sure they got the closest color that would match! The crew was so friendly and nice, they never once got tired of my questions, and actually seemed to love explaining it to me. Words cannot convey just how amazed I was with the entire project. Two days later, I have a gorgeous set of 2 arrays, 2 powerwalls and all the goodies. The yard and outside were cleaned thoroughly, and I did not find one piece of trash, again, a first for any construction crew I've ever had here. When they came back out to test the system, Rob brought a drone and took some sweet shots of my new system. I give Tesla kudos for a job well done. My system looks better than any install in my neighborhood by a long shot. I can't wait to get my inspection completed and start soaking the south Texas sun in to power my home. Thank you Tesla, and the Austin based crew for an absolutely FLAWLESS experience. Elon is clearly about to take over the world if all the installs are like this!
4.77 909 Reviews
Latest review
Mark Senesac,
over 1 month
My solar installer, Sun Badger Solar, recommended. LG solar panels due to their long warranty, and high output for the price.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$19,950 ($3.99 per watt)
Latest review
Mark Senesac, over 1 month
My solar installer, Sun Badger Solar, recommended. LG solar panels due to their long warranty, and high output for the price.
4.84 318 Reviews
Latest review
William Hurley,
over 1 month
The Panasonic panels we had installed had better power generation than what the competition wanted to steer us towards, and a much longer warranty.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$21,700 ($4.34 per watt)
Latest review
William Hurley, over 1 month
The Panasonic panels we had installed had better power generation than what the competition wanted to steer us towards, and a much longer warranty.
4.54 879 Reviews
Latest review
SolarOne Customer,
3 weeks ago
The SunPower installer handled virtually everything; quickly, efficiently and smoothly. System running like a charm and performance as promised.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$24,550 ($4.91 per watt)
Latest review
SolarOne Customer, 3 weeks ago
The SunPower installer handled virtually everything; quickly, efficiently and smoothly. System running like a charm and performance as promised.
1.77 228 Reviews
Latest review
Sunrun inc,
over 1 month
It’s advertised when there are power outages the back up Brightbox battery kicks in; thought it was part of the system. Turns out, its separate and has to be stated in the contract. Sunrun refuses to upgrade and now I am stuck for 20 years. Beware of salesmen
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$16,750 ($3.35 per watt)
Latest review
Sunrun inc, over 1 month
It’s advertised when there are power outages the back up Brightbox battery kicks in; thought it was part of the system. Turns out, its separate and has to be stated in the contract. Sunrun refuses to upgrade and now I am stuck for 20 years. Beware of salesmen
2.70 598 Reviews
Latest review
Edward B.,
1 week ago
Worst decision I have ever made my whole entire life. Please stay away from Vivint Solar. They have the worst customer service and even worst "Executive Resolution Experts". My panels never work like they're supposed to and as of now have been waiting over 60 days for someone to figure out what's wrong this time. according to their contract, we are to have resolutions to issues in a timely manner or else the company is in Seller's Default and should be allowed to break the contract. However, when the company is able to decide what a timely resolution is, you will never win or get them to give you the work required. AND DON'T LET THEM BLAME COVID. This has been an issue since April of 2019. Long before COVID19. Save yourself the trouble and stick with NV Energy. At least when you call NV Energy you get someone from this country that knows the details of your account without having to put you on hold for over 15 minutes to "Check their resources". Stay on the Grid people!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$22,350 ($4.47 per watt)
Latest review
Edward B., 1 week ago
Worst decision I have ever made my whole entire life. Please stay away from Vivint Solar. They have the worst customer service and even worst "Executive Resolution Experts". My panels never work like they're supposed to and as of now have been waiting over 60 days for someone to figure out what's wrong this time. according to their contract, we are to have resolutions to issues in a timely manner or else the company is in Seller's Default and should be allowed to break the contract. However, when the company is able to decide what a timely resolution is, you will never win or get them to give you the work required. AND DON'T LET THEM BLAME COVID. This has been an issue since April of 2019. Long before COVID19. Save yourself the trouble and stick with NV Energy. At least when you call NV Energy you get someone from this country that knows the details of your account without having to put you on hold for over 15 minutes to "Check their resources". Stay on the Grid people!
4.60 110 Reviews
Latest review
Eric B,
over 1 month
NorthStar recommend Jinko based on their reputation and after about a month, all panels are working great.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$20,400 ($4.08 per watt)
Latest review
Eric B, over 1 month
NorthStar recommend Jinko based on their reputation and after about a month, all panels are working great.
Solar panel cost calculator
Best unit price
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,414.41
($2.34 p/w)
LG375A1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,981.04
($2.38 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$430.00 ($1.15 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,167.00
($2.50 p/w)
LG375Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$473.34 ($1.30 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$12,460.61
($2.44 p/w)
LG365Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
365 watts
Efficiency
21.1
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$291.18 ($0.88 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,585.51
($2.34 p/w)
VBH330RA03K overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$340.00 ($1.00 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$15,300.00
($3.00 p/w)
VBHN340SA17 HIT+ overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
20.3
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$432.00 ($1.31 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,773.07
($2.38 p/w)
VBHN330SA17E overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$297.60 ($0.89 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,599.55
($2.51 p/w)
VBHN335SA17 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
20
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,839.98
($2.41 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,203.51
($2.42 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,667.02
($2.58 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-D-AC overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,581.50
($2.57 p/w)
SPR-E20-327 overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$240.01 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.8kW system
$10,510.23
($2.19 p/w)
CS3W-400PB-AG overview
Rated power
400 watts
Efficiency
17.9
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$205.00 ($0.58 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$10,178.14
($2.05 p/w)
CS3U-355PB-AG overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
17.7
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$207.90 ($0.66 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$10,697.53
($2.12 p/w)
CS3K-315MS overview
Rated power
315 watts
Efficiency
18.96
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$247.00 ($0.75 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,027.58
($2.23 p/w)
CS1H-330MS BLACK overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.57
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$196.11 ($0.65 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$10,242.57
($2.01 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-300M overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.1
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,851.84
($2.02 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$10,050.75
($2.03 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$234.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$10,426.58
($2.06 p/w)
LR6-72HBD-390M overview
Rated power
390 watts
Efficiency
19.4
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best inverters and optimizers
Average inverter review score: 3.71
Average inverter cost per watt: $0.14
Best unit price
$137
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$11,441
$2.29 p/w
Table 1: IQ7PLUS-72-E-US overview
Inverter Type
Micro Inverter
Minimum Voltage
16 V
Maximum Voltage
60 V
Maximum Current
15 A
Peak Output Power
295 watts
Best unit price
$126
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$10,825
$2.16 p/w
Table 1: IQ7-60-E-US overview
Inverter Type
Micro Inverter
Minimum Voltage
16 V
Maximum Voltage
48 V
Maximum Current
15 A
Peak Output Power
250 watts
Best unit price
$3,152
$0.13 per watt
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$11,311
$2.26 p/w
Table 1: SYMO ADV 24.0-3 overview
Inverter Type
String Inverter
Minimum Voltage
500 V
Maximum Voltage
800 V
Maximum Current
49.5 A
Peak Output Power
24 kW
Best unit price
$3,116
$0.14 per watt
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$10,901
$2.18 p/w
Table 1: SYMO ADV 22.7-3 overview
Inverter Type
String Inverter
Minimum Voltage
500 V
Maximum Voltage
800 V
Maximum Current
49.5 A
Peak Output Power
22.7 kW
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$11,645
$2.33 p/w
Table 1: SPH6000TL BL-US overview
Inverter Type
Hybrid Battery Inverter
Minimum Voltage
150 V
Maximum Voltage
550 V
Maximum Current
16 A
Peak Output Power
6 kW
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$10,820
$2.16 p/w
Table 1: SPH5000TL BL-US overview
Inverter Type
Hybrid Battery Inverter
Minimum Voltage
150 V
Maximum Voltage
550 V
Maximum Current
16 A
Peak Output Power
5 kW
Best unit price
$41
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$11,585
$2.32 p/w
Table 1: TS4-R-S overview
Inverter Type
Power Optimizer
Minimum Voltage
16 V
Maximum Voltage
90 V
Maximum Current
15 A
Best unit price
$1,270
$0.16 per watt
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$11,629
$2.33 p/w
Table 1: SB7.7-US-41 overview
Inverter Type
String Inverter
Minimum Voltage
100 V
Maximum Voltage
550 V
Maximum Current
18 A
Peak Output Power
7.7 kW
Best unit price
$88
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$10,894
$2.18 p/w
Table 1: P860 (for 2 x 72 cell modules) overview
Inverter Type
Power Optimizer
Minimum Voltage
12.5 V
Maximum Voltage
60 V
Maximum Current
22 A
Best unit price
$85
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$11,629
$2.33 p/w
Table 1: P400 (for 72 & 96 cell modules) overview
Inverter Type
Power Optimizer
Minimum Voltage
8 V
Maximum Voltage
80 V
Maximum Current
10.1 A
Top rated batteries
Average battery review score: 3.30
Average battery cost per kWh of usable storage: $1,256.63
Best unit price
$10,600
$785.19 per kWh
Table 1: POWERWALL overview
Type
Lithium-ion
Usable Energy (kWh)
13.50
Inbuilt Battery Inverter
Yes
Manufactured
US
Warranty (years)
10
Best unit price
$33,000
$2,750.00 per kWh
Table 1: ECOLINX 12 overview
Type
Lithium-ion Phosphate
Usable Energy (kWh)
12.00
Inbuilt Battery Inverter
Yes
Manufactured
US
Warranty (years)
15
Best unit price
$7,000
$714.29 per kWh
Table 1: LG CHEM RESU10H overview
Type
Lithium-ion
Usable Energy (kWh)
9.80
Inbuilt Battery Inverter
yes
Manufactured
KR
Warranty (years)
10
Best unit price
$11,360
$1,109.38 per kWh
Table 1: BATTERY-BOX H10.0 overview
Type
Lithium Iron Phosphate
Usable Energy (kWh)
10.24
Inbuilt Battery Inverter
Yes
Manufactured
CN
Warranty (years)
10
Best unit price
$1,294
$924.29 per kWh
Table 1: TR 12.8-110 LI-ION overview
Type
Deep-Cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate
Usable Energy (kWh)
1.40
Inbuilt Battery Inverter
No
Manufactured
US
Warranty (years)
8
Note: Prices for installed systems are shown after 26% federal solar tax credit. Prices for individual panels, inverters, batteries, and DIY complete system kits are shown before federal tax credit.
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How do solar panels work?
Grid-tied solar system
Solar panels are mounted on your roof and wired together in groups called solar arrays. The power they generate flows into a solar inverter, where the direct current (DC) is converted into alternating current (AC). The electricity is then either used by your home or exported to the electric grid.
Off-grid solar system
Off-grid solar power involves meeting all your energy needs from the sun; there’s no utility to fall back on. The solar installation needs to power your home not just during the day, when the sun is shining, but after dark as well. This requires many solar panels, paired with a large battery system.
Hybrid solar system
In hybrid solar systems, rooftop solar panels are connected to both a solar battery and the electric grid. This reduces your reliance on the utility while also providing backup power when needed. Battery storage is still expensive but you may be able to reduce costs by using state incentives.
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