12 Best Solar Companies in Portland, CT (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Portland based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Portland, CT
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Portland homeowner saves $1,906/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Portland
Finding the right solar panel installation company for your roof is an important decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Portland. With high amounts of average daily sunlight in Portland, the solar industry is doing fairly well. An underrated reason for this growth has been national programs that help with residential and commercial solar panel installation.
As you begin your search for the best solar companies in Portland, you'll find that there are a lot of providers to choose between. So, we've put together a carefully curated list of the top solar companies in the area. Keep reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected to a vetted solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Portland
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Earthlight Technologies
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Valley Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
Prime Energy Solar | Solar Company CT
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Ameresco
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Elite Energy Consulting
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Synergy Smart Homes - Connecticut Solar & Elite SunPower Dealer
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Portland
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Portland based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Portland
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Connecticut solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Portland
For the majority of homeowners, whether or not to invest in a solar energy system boils down to the cost. There are quite a few factors you should consider when determining the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:
- Incentives: One thing that can make your solar project cost less is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save a decent amount of money on your energy bills, which can give you an average of $23,000 of savings over 20 years.
- How much you spend on energy: The typical household in Portland spends around $1,100 a year on energy use alone, so you could be looking at that much in savings.
- Where your home is: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
So is a solar panel system worth it? Whether you're trying to lower your electric bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Portland homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Portland
Because solar power is a cleaner source of energy than burning fossil fuels, there are quite a few government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch. On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local benefits, which in almost all cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. For detailed information about incentives that apply to you, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Portland
Going solar can have a beneficial effect on the environment. But you may be curious — how much exactly can you help the environment by making the switch to solar? In a city like Portland where energy use is somewhat high, installing solar panels is a good idea for people who are worried about the state of the planet. Because solar panels don't release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good trade for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 40 pounds each year. For those who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Portland, CT Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Portland?
In Portland, Phoenix Energy is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.
What are some of the major advantages and disadvantages of going solar?
The main advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, in some cases, 100% eradicate your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and lower your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 8.2 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing so in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.