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Discover the 2024 Solar Energy Awards winners, from best overall to top warranties. We break down ratings, pros, cons, and key features to help you choose the right solar provider. Plus, start small with our top portable solar pick for instant energy independence.
Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
Perfect for homeowners dipping into solar energy. 518Wh capacity, 500W output, solar-compatible for off-grid power. Ideal backup or camping.
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Solar energy is booming in 2024, with homeowners saving thousands on bills while cutting carbon footprints. But with dozens of installers vying for your business, how do you pick the best? At Review Atlas, we've analyzed consumer feedback, installation data, warranty details, and financing options to crown the 2024 Solar Energy Awards winners.
These awards highlight top performers in key categories, based on our evaluation of over 50 providers. We scored them on customer satisfaction (40%), pricing transparency (20%), service quality (20%), and innovation (20%). Ratings draw from aggregated verified reviews up to Q3 2024, focusing on real-world performance.
Whether you're eyeing full rooftop panels or portable solutions, our guide delivers actionable insights. Let's dive in.
Solar adoption hit 32% growth last year, driven by falling panel costs (down 15% YoY) and federal incentives like the 30% ITC tax credit. Average savings? $1,200 annually for a 6kW system.
New trends include bifacial panels (20% more efficient) and smart inverters for grid sell-back. But success hinges on the installer—hence our awards.
See the Jackery Explorer 500 for portable solar power today
We compared winners across critical metrics. Scores out of 10; prices for a typical 6kW system (pre-incentives).
| Company | Category Win | Overall Score | Avg. Install Cost | Warranty (Years) | Customer Rating | Financing Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmetto Solar | Best Overall | 9.4 | $18,000 | 25 | 4.8/5 | Loans, Leases |
| Freedom Solar | Best Customer Service | 9.1 | $19,500 | 25 | 4.9/5 | Loans |
| Momentum Solar | Most Reviewed | 8.9 | $20,000 | 25 | 4.7/5 | PPAs, Loans |
| Sunrun | Best Financing | 8.8 | $17,500 | 25 | 4.6/5 | Leases, PPAs |
| SunPower | Best Warranty | 9.2 | $22,000 | 40 | 4.8/5 | Loans |
Data from 10,000+ reviews and quotes as of Oct 2024. Costs vary by location.
Palmetto Solar earns top honors with a balanced excellence across the board. Their end-to-end service—from free consultations to 24/7 monitoring—sets them apart.
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Ideal for families in sunny states. Average ROI: 7 years.
Ready for rooftop solar? Start with portable backup: Jackery Explorer 500
Freedom Solar shines in support, with 98% response rates within 24 hours. Post-install check-ins and a dedicated app for issue tracking earn rave reviews.
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Score: 4.9/5 from 2,500+ reviews. Great for hands-on homeowners.
With 15,000+ reviews, Momentum proves scale without sacrificing quality. Their rapid expansion (50 states) fuels volume.
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Sunrun democratizes solar with $0-down leases and PPAs. Monthly payments often beat utility bills by 20%.
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SunPower's 40-year coverage (25 production + 10 labor) crushes competitors. Panels degrade <0.25%/year.
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Pro Tip: Pair with batteries for blackouts—test the waters with Rainbow Symphony Solar Eclipse Glasses for safe sun observation during setup.
Review Atlas pored over 20,000+ consumer reviews, RFPs, and performance data from 2023-2024. Key weights:
We requested quotes in 10 states for accuracy. No paid placements—pure data.
National Avg. 6kW System: $18,500 post-ITC.
Steps:
Power up now: Jackery Explorer 500
Enhance your home with these guides:
Palmetto Solar tops our list for overall performance, with 9.4/10 scores and comprehensive services.
Expect $15,000-$25,000 for 6kW before incentives; 30% federal credit drops it significantly.
Sunrun's options suit renters or low-upfront budgets, but buying yields better long-term savings.
25-40 years, with 80-90% output at year 25 under top warranties like SunPower's.
Yes—modern panels produce 10-25% on overcast days. Check your solar irradiance map.
Absolutely. Jackery Explorer 500 offers grid-free power without commitments.
Ready to go solar? Start with our top pick and compare quotes today.
