5 Best Solar Companies in Nevada (2025 Reviews)

Why We Chose Blue Raven Solar

In my opinion, Blue Raven Solar is the best solar installer in Nevada and one of the best solar companies in the entire country. It has revolutionized solar financing, which is a major hurdle for a lot of homeowners looking to go solar, and its BluePower Plus+ program makes solar more accessible while still providing the benefits of system ownership to customers.

Blue Raven is a large, national installer, but it still uses an in-house installation team, which I’m huge fan of, and it maintains outstanding customer review ratings, including a 4.25-star rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and the branch in Reno, Nevada, maintains an incredible 4.7-star rating on Google Reviews. That kind of customer service and satisfaction is something you see with a lot of local companies, but it’s exceedingly rare to get that from a national company. This just goes to show how committed to quality customer care the company is.

Blue Raven is one of my favorite solar providers in the country, but it’s not a perfect installer, by any means. It only offers the basics, so if you’re looking for system customization or add-on services, you’ll be much better off with a different provider. It also doesn’t accept leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), so while its in-house financing helps make solar more affordable, you still won’t have access to all of the financing options typically available.

What I Like About Blue Raven Solar

By far, the best thing about Blue Raven, in my opinion, is the financing option you get access to. The BluePower Plus+ program gives you some of the upfront affordability that you’d normally see from a lease or PPA, along with the long-term benefits of panel ownership. I think Blue Raven’s solar loan is the best way to finance solar if you aren’t paying with cash, and this is the route I’d personally go if I were financing a system.

Blue Raven also has over a decade of experience, uses installers certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and maintains outstanding customer review scores, so you can be sure you’re getting true professionals working on your system that have your best interests at heart.

What I Don’t Like About Blue Raven Solar

I think the biggest drawback to Blue Raven is the lack of system customization options. It’s really only a good company to choose if you want panels by themselves or panels coupled with solar batteries. The provider won’t be able to give you access to other products, like EV chargers, roof repairs or replacements or energy efficiency upgrades.

Blue Raven’s labor warranty is also a bit shorter than the industry average, covering installation labor for 10 years instead of the typical 12 years.

Blue Raven Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Blue Raven doesn’t provide an estimated timeline for the entire conversion process, but it does note that the installation itself takes 1 to 2 days, in most cases, and the permit approval process — which depends on your local building department — usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. I’d expect the entire process from start to finish to take between 6 and 8 weeks, which is the average in the industry.

The process Blue Raven follows is similar to what most other companies use. You’ll first have an in-person consultation so that a rep can assess your home and energy consumption and take roof measurements. Blue Raven will then design a system for your home and have you sign off on the design. Blue Raven’s reps will then pull all necessary permits, schedule and complete the installation and schedule any final inspections necessary before activating your system.

Blue Raven Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Blue Raven provides access to all of the standard services we look for from an installer, and it just loses some points for the limited financing options available — more on the financing options in a bit.

First, Blue Raven scores some points in our ratings for using in-house installers. Most companies of this size outsource the installation labor to third-party companies, which isn’t always a bad thing, but it can open the door for communication issues. You’ll also have 2 companies that could be held responsible for an issue, so it’s possible that the two players will try blaming each other if something goes wrong.

Blue Raven installs solar batteries, too, which is great news for Nevada residents. The State of Nevada offers net metering, but for every excess kilowatt-hour (kWh) you produce and send to the grid, you only get 3/4 of a kWh to use at a later date. Batteries let you store power on-site, effectively giving you access to the entirety of the excess electricity you generate. Batteries ultimately give you a much better chance of eliminating your electric bill, and they’ll almost always boost savings in Nevada, so I’m happy to see Blue Raven offering them.

Blue Raven provides every customer with access to a mobile app to monitor system performance, too. Most companies do this, but it’s still a perk worth noting. If you keep track of production, you can identify issues early on and avoid a large loss of savings, so access to these apps is a good way to save money in some cases.

Cost and Financing Options

The average cost to go solar in Nevada is around $30,400 before incentives and $21,280 after the federal investment tax credit (ITC). Blue Raven doesn’t publish pricing information online, but I expect the cost to be around the average, based on what customers say in reviews about pricing and competitiveness.

Blue Raven only accepts cash payments and solar loans, so if you know you want a solar lease or PPA, you’ll have to choose a different provider. I don’t recommend these options anyway, and I think not having them is less of a big deal for Blue Raven, specifically, but to understand why, you really need to know how the options compare.

Cash payments, of course, involve paying for your entire system upfront. Given the high initial cost, this is the least realistic option for most people. If you can make it work, though, it’s the most beneficial option over the long haul. Your savings will be maximized — reaching an average of $31,083 in Nevada over the lifespan of your system — and you’ll avoid the interest of a loan, which would otherwise add to the effective cost of your system. Paying in cash also means you can take the ITC, which holds an average potential value of $9,120 in Nevada.

Solar loans are the next best option, in my opinion. They lead to panel ownership, so you can still take advantage of the ITC. You’ll also see a breakeven point, so your long-term savings will still be substantial. You also won’t have to pay for your entire system upfront and will usually only be on the hook for a small down payment. However, the interest you pay will reduce your savings by around $5,000, on average, which is why paying in cash is more beneficial.

Blue Raven’s solar loan program is the best I’ve seen. Down payment requirements are as low as $0, making it instantly more accessible. You also get 18 months of interest-free financing to get a jumpstart on your solar savings. No other company I’ve seen offers these kinds of perks.

Since Blue Raven’s loan option is extra accessible, I don’t think it’s as big of a deal that it doesn’t accept leases or PPAs. However, we did still deduct some points in our ratings for the limited options. Leases and PPAs are the most accessible because they require no money down, and while the long-term savings are severely limited — an average of $5,000 total — you do see net savings in the first month. The only other drawback is that you can’t take the ITC, so you miss out on an average potential value of over $9,100.

Blue Raven Solar Extra Services Offered 

0/5

Our review section on add-on products and services is really the only place where Blue Raven falls short, as it doesn’t offer any of the extra services we look for beyond panel and battery installation.

First, it doesn’t handle any roof work, so if you need a roof repair or replacement before it’s safe to go solar, you’ll have to choose a different provider altogether or coordinate with a third-party roofing company. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but introducing another company to the mix can make scheduling more frustrating, and if something goes wrong, you may have to do some additional work to prove which company is responsible to get them to implement a fix.

Blue Raven doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades, either. Some solar installers can install panels and also upgrade windows and doors, install solar water heaters and even upgrade appliances and insulation to make your home as energy-efficient as possible. These boosts to home efficiency would be particularly welcome in Nevada, which sees extreme heat in the summers that can lead to excessive cooling bills.

Blue Raven doesn’t install EV chargers, either. EV adoption has historically been a bit slow in Nevada, but it has picked up in recent years. The state also recently implemented a ZEV mandate similar to what California has in place, so a certain percentage of new vehicles sold will have to have charging capability. EV adoption is going to skyrocket in the coming years, so I’d really love to see Blue Raven add EV chargers to the mix in preparation for the spike in demand.

Finally, Blue Raven doesn’t offer professional monitoring services for the systems it installs. You’ll be able to monitor your system yourself to identify production issues and maintain savings with timely repairs, but it’s always more convenient to have a professional do the monitoring for you.

Blue Raven Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Going solar in your home is the best thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and do right by the environment, but you can maximize your positive impact by choosing an installer and a panel manufacturer that carry out their own sustainability efforts.

Blue Raven makes charitable donations via its Give Power program, which helps bring clean drinking water to developing countries. You can feel good about supporting Blue Raven, as every installation it completes means more money to charity.

I also look at how sustainable the panel manufacturers that each installer works with are. Blue Raven installs panels from a few tier-1 manufacturers, including Maxeon, Jinko Solar, Canadian Solar, JA, Trina and Panasonic. Of these brands, I’d only recommend against Jinko Solar in terms of sustainability. Jinko doesn’t use recycled materials in its manufacturing processes, and it was recently cited for using forced labor. The other panel brands use recycled materials, have recycling programs for spent panels and don’t have a history of unsustainable business practices.

Blue Raven Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability —

21/25

Blue Raven scores well when it comes to the quality of the equipment it installs and the reliability of its products and labor. I first assess the panel brands each company installs based on 18 factors, 3 of which I think are particularly important in Nevada: the panel efficiency, the degradation rate and the temperature coefficient.

Every panel has an efficiency rating stated on its spec sheet, and this number tells you the percentage of the available sunlight it can convert into usable electricity. The higher the efficiency rating, the more energy your panels will generate. A high efficiency rating isn’t necessary in Nevada due to the abundance of sunlight, but higher-performing panels can help you maximize your savings with a smaller and more affordable system, especially if you don’t opt for batteries. I look for efficiency ratings of 22% or higher for maximum production. Of the brands Blue Raven installs, only Panasonic falls short of this with a rating of 21.2%. Maxeon makes some of the best solar panels with respect to performance, with an efficiency rating of 24.2%.

The degradation rate of a panel is also an important consideration for long-term savings in Nevada. Slower degradation rates mean your panels will continue taking full advantage of the abundant sunlight in the area and continue to offset your above-average electric bills. Most tier-1 panels guarantee that at least 85% of the starting efficiency will remain after 25 years. All of the panel brands from Blue Raven meet that standard, and Maxeon and Panasonic are industry leaders in this regard, as they guarantee 92% or more remaining efficiency after 25 years.

All panels become temporarily less efficient as the temperature increases. The temperature coefficient of a panel tells you how much efficiency loss your panels will experience for each degree above 25 degrees (C) the temperature climbs. Nevada sees extremely hot summers and tons of intense sunlight that heat black solar panels well beyond the ambient temperature. A lower efficiency loss in high temperatures means your panels will generate more power and take better advantage of the intense sunlight. The average temperature coefficient among tier-1 panels is -0.29%. Maxeon and Panasonic have better-than-average ratings, Canadian Solar and Jinko have average ratings and Trina and JA panels from Blue Raven have below-average ratings.

Warranties and Guarantees

Going solar in Nevada is going to cost you an average of $30,400 before incentives, which is a lot to spend on any home improvement. That’s why I think solar warranties are crucial things to consider — they help ensure your system will continue functioning, pay for itself in time and, eventually, provide you with net savings. I look at 4 types of solar warranties to gauge the overall coverage you get from each installer.

First, I consider the equipment warranty. This comes from the panel manufacturer but is passed to you through your installer. Most equipment warranties cover manufacturer defects for 25 years. All of the brands from Blue Raven match that average except for JA and Jinko, which only offer 12-year manufacturer warranties. Maxeon goes beyond the average to provide the best equipment warranty in the industry, which lasts for 40 years.

Second, I look at the performance warranty, which also comes from your manufacturer. This is what guarantees the maximum panel degradation I mentioned previously. Most tier-1 panels guarantee that at least 85% of the starting efficiency will remain after 25 years. All of the brands offered by Blue Raven meet that standard, and Maxeon and Panasonic are the best, with a guarantee of 92% remaining in that time period. Maxeon, once again, goes above and beyond by guaranteeing performance for an incredible 40 years.

Third, I look for labor warranties. These come from your installer in most cases, and they cover the actual installation labor. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and this is really the only type of warranty Blue Raven falls a bit short on. Its labor warranty lasts for 10 years instead of the average 12.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties. These also come from your installer in most cases, and, as the name suggests, they guarantee that installation mistakes won’t lead to roof leaks and related water damage. This kind of coverage isn’t really something you need to worry much about in Nevada, as the state sees about a third of the national average rainfall per year. Still, it’s a nice thing to have just for added peace of mind. Most companies don’t offer this coverage, but Blue Raven guarantees your roof will be leak-free for 10 years.

Blue Raven Solar Company Reputation 

22.5/25

Blue Raven has a stellar reputation in the solar industry, so I wasn’t surprised to see that it scores well above-average in our ratings when it comes to company reputation.

First off, Blue Raven was founded in 2014, so it has over a decade of experience behind it. I like to recommend companies that have at least 10 years of experience, as this solidifies that it can keep up with the intense competition and rapidly changing industry. Younger companies are more likely to go out of business and void your warranty coverage in the process, so Blue Raven’s extensive history gives me confidence that it — and its warranty coverage — are here to stay.

I also look to see if a company is a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Membership requires a financial investment into the local solar industry, so it suggests a certain level of success you’re likely only to see from well-established installers. Blue Raven isn’t an SEIA member, but I think its decade of experience is enough to suggest company longevity.

I’m pleased to note that Blue Raven has NABCEP-certified installers on its installation team. NABCEP certification requires training with PV installations and more specific qualifications than the State of Nevada requires for solar installers. NABCEP certification means you’re likely to get a professional installation that won’t give you problems down the road.

Finally, I look at each company’s customer review ratings across multiple platforms, including the BBB, TrustPilot and Google Reviews. Blue Raven has above-average scores across all 3 platforms, especially for such a large company — they include an A+ business rating and a 4.25-star rating on the BBB, a 4.1-star rating on TrustPilot and a 4.7-star rating (for the branch in Nevada, specifically) on Google Reviews. These are all well above the industry averages and indicate a company that’s going to provide a positive customer experience.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I like to go beyond customer review scores and look at the specific things customers like and dislike about the service they receive. To that end, I read through a few dozen recent Blue Raven reviews — and hundreds over the past few years — to see where the company exceeds expectations and where it could improve.

Positive reviews mention honest salespeople, professional and experienced installers and systems that meet performance and savings expectations. Negative reviews mention some issues with communication, some problems with misrepresented rebates and incentives and some instances of aggressive marketing tactics. Thankfully, there aren’t many negative reviews that mention major red flags like poor installation and property damage, although the misrepresented incentives is something I consider a big deal. I’ll include 2 reviews below — 1 from each end of the spectrum — to paint a complete picture of the kind of service you could receive from Blue Raven.

“Communication has been top notch from the very beginning. From when I first reached out to them it has been pleasant phone conversation. From the salesman coming out and talking with us as to what we should have and should do, to setting up meetings from the site visit through the installation. The whole team has been excellent to work with. I am very proud to say that I have a Blue Raven system and will recommend to anybody that I know looking for solar to use this company again. I am very happy. Has all been meticulously done.” — David B. via TrustPilot

“I was approached by a door to door salesperson in my neighborhood. I was cleaning my car so I couldn’t avoid it. The singular reason I made a consult appointment was the blue power plus where they paid for the solar for 18 months. The first check never came. We got the second through fourth checks and now we have been paying out of pocket since with no ETA on the reimbursement. Their promise of no out of pocket solar cost is a scam and they don’t have anything in their paperwork about it that you sign, so they are getting away with it. I would not choose Blue Raven if you’re considering solar.” — Lynn G. via BBB

Blue Raven Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The last portion of our company review includes a look at the company’s overall customer service. This is a score I personally assign based on the dozens of reviews I read and a secret shopper call I make to the company.

As I mentioned above, most of the Blue Raven Solar reviews online are positive. Even more importantly, the negative reviews, in my opinion, focus mostly on more minor issues. Things like aggressive marketing and especially misrepresenting incentives and the benefits of solar are serious issues, but in my opinion, they aren’t as much of a deterrent as issues like ignored warranty claims. The negative reviews are also few and far between, so I trust that Blue Raven, for the most part, delivers excellent service.

I also called the Reno branch of Blue Raven to speak with a local rep as a secret shopper. They were professional and friendly, and they were ready and able to answer questions about the benefits of solar, local incentives in Nevada and more. They even explained how batteries aren’t necessary but could help maximize savings, which is a sign of a reputable company, in my opinion. Overall, I’d trust Blue Raven to install a system on my own home, and I’d be surprised if I didn’t get excellent customer service from them in the process.

Why We Chose SunRun

SunRun is another large, national company that has even more expensive than Blue Raven. It was founded in 2007, so it has more than 15 years behind it. It didn’t have the greatest reputation in the industry years ago, but I’ve noticed that it seems to be making positive changes to its customer service, so I feel comfortable recommending it now more than ever.

SunRun accepts all of the standard financing options, including leases and PPAs, so it you don’t think you can afford to pay cash or take out a loan to go with Blue Raven, SunRun might be a more accessible alternative. It also has a better selection of add-on services, like EV chargers, energy efficiency upgrades and professional monitoring, so it’s a better option for greater system customization.

There are some downsides to consider before going with SunRun. Most importantly, the company prioritizes leases and PPAs by incentivizing those options. This isn’t necessarily bad, and it makes sense since they’re more beneficial for the installer, but I’m not a fan of companies doing this, as cash and loans are far better for customers. Additionally, SunRun outsources all of its installations to third parties, so there’s an increased risk of miscommunication and issues stemming from company’s whose reputation isn’t directly on the line.

What I Like About SunRun

There are a lot of positive things I can say about SunRun, and I think the most appealing upside is the added protection and warranty coverage you can get if you go with a lease or PPA. The warranty package is a great way to protect your solar investment for decades to come. I’m also a fan of the wealth of services and products you have access to through SunRun. It installs panels, batteries, EV chargers, energy efficiency upgrades and more, so it’s truly a one-stop shop for all things solar.

What I Don’t Like About SunRun

In my opinion, the biggest downside of going with SunRun is that you have to take a less beneficial lease or PPA to get the best warranty package the company has to offer. These options are less beneficial than cash purchases and solar loans, so I’m also not thrilled that SunRun incentivizes them with added coverage.

SunRun also definitely has some issues with customer service still. Although it has absolutely improved its customer ratings, it does still seem like the outsourcing to third party installers is the root of some communication problems, and there are still som complaints about slow responses to warranty claims.

SunRun Installation Process and Timeline

SunRun doesn’t provide an estimated installation timeline for its projects, although it does note on its website that the actual installation takes just 1 day, which is typical. I’d expect a wait time of between 6 and 8 weeks, which is standard in the industry.

SunRun’s installation process is similar to what most other companies follow. You’ll first have an in-person inspection and consultation to confirm that your home is a good fit for solar. SunRun will then design a system to meet your energy needs and fit on your roof. Once you approve the design, SunRun will pull all necessary permits for the job. When those are approved, a third-party company will install your equipment, and then SunRun will close out all permits and schedule any necessary inspections before activating your system.

SunRun Standard Services & Financing 

22/25

SunRun scores above average when it comes to the standard services and financing options it makes available to customers.

The only reason SunRun doesn’t score perfectly in this area is because it outsources the installation labor for all of its projects to third-party installers. This isn’t always a negative thing, but it does introduce an additional player, which can increase the risk of communication issues. You also have a company whose reputation isn’t at stake, as any issues that lead to negative reviews would reflect poorly on SunRun instead. I personally prefer a company that handles everything in-house for these reasons.

SunRun installs batteries alongside its panels, which is a good option to have access to in Nevada. The less-than-deal net metering policy means that batteries are more of a necessity to eliminate your energy bill and maximize savings. Net metering policies are also in decline across the country, so batteries may be absolutely necessary for saving money with solar in the near future. As such, I’m pleased to see SunRun providing access to batteries and staying ahead of the curve.

I also have to mention that SunRun has an exclusive deal with Ford to install special 2-way EV chargers for the Ford F-150 Lightning®. If you have this EV or plan to get it in the future, the EV charger SunRun can install gives you access to at-home charging but also lets you use your EV as a solar battery for your home. This could mean you can save on the cost of a standalone battery if you’re thinking of buying an EV anyway. This is one of the most advanced solar battery options I’ve seen on the market, and I’m a big fan of how innovative this approach is to EV utility and functionality.

Most solar panel installers provide access to a solar monitoring app that lets you track your system’s production, usually one that comes from the panel, inverter or battery manufacturer.. This is helpful for identifying issues with your panels early, which lets you maintain the highest savings possible by getting repairs underway quickly. SunRun has its own app, MySunRun, which gives you access to that same information and also lets you contact the installer directly and make payments on your loan or solar lease, which is a nice touch.

Cost and Financing Options

SunRun doesn’t publicize pricing for its systems, but based on our research, it looks like the solar installation company comes in around the average, which would put your total system cost around $30,400 before incentives or $21,280 after the ITC.

SunRun scores the maximum points in our system for its available financing options, as it accepts cash purchases, solar loans and solar leases. These options provide varying levels of savings and upfront costs, so it’s important to understand how they all work before you decide.

With a cash purchase, as you can probably imagine, you pay for your system upfront in cash. In Nevada, that means you’ll need to have an average of $30,400 saved before you can convert to solar. Of course, this is the most inaccessible option, but it’s also the most beneficial. You’ll own your panels immediately and won’t pay interest on a loan, so you’ll see the fastest payback period and the highest long-term savings — an average of over $31,000 in net savings. You’ll also have access to one of the best solar incentives in Nevada: the ITC, which holds an average potential value of $9,120 in your area.

Solar loans are much more widely accessible because you only have to have a small amount saved up for a down payment — usually just a few thousand dollars. You then finance the rest, which does mean paying interest that eats into your savings. Average net savings with a solar loan are around $26,000 in Nevada. You can still take the ITC, too, so this is a solid option.

A solar lease is even more accessible because it requires no money down. While this seems like an appealing option, it’s actually much less beneficial over time. You’ll never own your panels, so you’ll never break even, and your net savings will only amount to an average of $5,000 over the life of your system. Leases also prevent you from taking the ITC, so you miss out on an average potential credit of over $9,100 in Nevada.

I should mention that SunRun prioritizes leases by providing additional incentives for customers who lease, including more than double the warranty length for equipment and workmanship. I’m not a huge fan of this because leases just aren’t as beneficial to the customer, but I do like that SunRun has the option for leasing because it makes solar more accessible.

SunRun Extra Services Offered 

3/5

SunRun provides some additional products and services beyond just panels and solar batteries, which is great to see, especially if you’re looking to customize your setup a bit.

The one add-on service I look for that SunRun doesn’t offer is roof work. You’ll need to make sure that your roof is leak-free and in reasonably good condition before you install solar panels, or you run the risk of having to pay more money to remove and reinstall the panels down the road when you can’t hold off on the roof repairs any longer. Solar installers that handle roof work, too, can get everything done at once for you, which makes things more convenient for you and also leaves you with a single company to hold responsible if anything goes wrong.

SunRun offers one energy efficiency upgrade, as well, in the form of a smart electrical panel, called SPAN®. This gives you access to and control over your electrical panel and each circuit in your home, which could mean saving on heating, cooling and electricity costs while you’re out of the home.

As I mentioned above, SunRun installs a 2-way charger for the Ford F-150 Lightning®, which lets you charge your truck like a normal EV but also use your truck as a backup battery. This can mean maintaining electricity through a power outage and also maximizing savings in Nevada, where the less-than-ideal net metering policy means batteries are more or less a necessity to maximize savings. SunRun also installs standard EV chargers, so you can still get at-home charging even if you don’t own the F-150 Lightning®.

Lastly, SunRun offers professional monitoring for all of its systems, which means you’ll have access to a self-monitoring app but won’t have to do the actual monitoring yourself. SunRun’s employees will track your system performance and automatically reach out to you if there’s an issue that needs repair. This is a nice service to have for a more convenient transition to solar and greater peace of mind.

SunRun Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Converting to solar will almost always have a net positive impact on your sustainability. The manufacturing process for solar panels absolutely puts some strain on the environment, but the benefits they provide far outweigh those downsides. However, you can maximize your positive impact by choosing an installer and manufacturer who make their own sustainability efforts.

SunRun releases sustainability reports to showcase its efforts to remain as sustainable as possible. SunRun’s greatest impact on the world around us comes from the volume of its installations. As of the end of 2023, it had installed over 90,000 solar arrays, comprising over 6.7 Gigawatts of solar capacity. That alone makes a major dent in carbon emissions.

SunRun installs panels from SolarEdge, QCells, Canadian Solar and REC, so I also took a look at these brands for manufacturer sustainability, as well. Of these options, QCells, Canadian Solar and REC tie for first place in our solar panel ratings for sustainability. They all use recycled materials in production, they have end-of-life recycling programs to help keep old panels out of landfills and none of them have a history of unsustainable business practices, like forced labor or unsafe working conditions. SolarEdge scores lower in our ratings because it doesn’t make use of recycled materials during production.                                                                                           

SunRun Equipment Quality & Reliability

16.7/25

SunRun’s base score in our ratings when it comes to equipment quality and reliability is a bit on the low side, but its warranty coverage, which has a major impact on this score, varies based on the financing option you choose, so it could be significantly higher if you go with a lease.

In terms of the actual equipment quality, I compare panel brands based on 18 factors, but I think 3, in particular, are important for determining quality and longevity in Nevada. Those include the panel efficiency, degradation rate and temperature coefficient.

The panel efficiency tells you what percentage of the available sunlight your panels will be able to convert to usable energy for your home. The higher the efficiency, the more likely your panels will be to offset your electricity consumption. Nevada residents pay around 114% of the national average electric bill each month, so a high panel efficiency helps ensure you’ll maximize your solar savings. I look for efficiency ratings of 22% or higher in panels, as these have the best chance of offsetting your utility bills. All of the brands available from SunRun peak at over 22%, with Canadian Solar being the best of the bunch with a rating of 23.3%.

The panel degradation rate tells you how quickly you’ll drift away from that peak efficiency. All panels degrade as you use them, but faster degradation rates will save you less money in the long run. Degradation rate is especially important in Nevada because of the above-average electric bills. A high starting efficiency with a low degradation rate gives you the best chance of maximizing your savings. Most tier-1 panel brands guarantee that your panels will lose no more than 15% of their starting efficiency over 25 years. All of the brands from SunRun fall well below that, with REC being the best option with a degradation rate capped at 8% over 25 years.

Finally, the temperature coefficient of a panel tells you how much efficiency your panels will lose on a temporary basis in high temperatures. The rating tells you the loss for each degree above 25 degrees (C) your panels get. Keep in mind that panel temperature is often far above ambient temperature because they’re designed to absorb sunlight, so they can easily reach 120 degrees (F) or higher in the hot and sunny Nevada summers. The lower the temperature coefficient, the better your panels will perform in the extreme climate, and the more savings you’ll see. The average temperature coefficient among tier-1 panels is -0.29%. SolarEdge is the only one that’s slightly worse than that at -0.3%, and all other brands from SunRun are better than average. REC and QCells are some of the best in the industry with coefficients of just -0.24%.

Warranties and Guarantees

Panel specifications are important things to consider, but without warranties to back them up, they’re really just general guidelines for how your system should perform. That’s why I go the extra step and look at 4 types of solar warranties to see how your system is guaranteed to perform.

First, I look at the equipment warranty. This comes from your manufacturer and covers defects caused by the manufacturing process. Most brands provide a 25-year equipment warranty, and all of the options from SunRun meet that standard. SunRun also offers its own equipment warranty on top of what you get from the manufacturer, but only if you lease your panels. That added coverage includes labor in addition to the replacement parts needed, which is outstanding. However, you’ll only receive that perk if you go with a less beneficial solar lease.

Second, I look at the performance warranty. This comes from your manufacturer, as well, and it guarantees your panels won’t degrade more quickly than what’s stated in the degradation rate. As I mentioned earlier, most panel brands guarantee no more than 15% degradation over 25 years, and all of the panel brands from SunRun guarantee no more than 11% degradation.

Next, I look at the labor warranty, which comes from your installer and ensures that mistakes made during the installation process won’t leave you with system or property damage. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and the coverage you get from SunRun will depend on your financing option. If you go with a more beneficial cash purchase or solar loan, you’ll only get a 10-year labor warranty, which is slightly below average. If you go with a solar lease, your labor warranty will bump up to 25 years, which is more than double the industry standard.

I should also mention that SunRun has a comprehensive coverage package for its leases, which includes free maintenance and repairs for the life of your agreement, which is usually 25 years. I’m not a fan of incentivizing less beneficial leases like this, but if you are going to go with a lease, I’d strongly recommend SunRun for the added protection and included maintenance you get.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties, which guarantee that your roof won’t leak as a result of installing panels. Roof leak warranties aren’t all that beneficial in Nevada, which is the driest state in the country, so I personally wouldn’t prioritize this in your area. However, they are still nice to have for peace of mind. Most installers don’t offer them, but SunRun includes a 10-year roof leak warranty regardless of how you pay for your system.

SunRun Company Reputation 

19.5/25

SunRun scores quite well in our ratings when it comes to company reputation. As I mentioned earlier, the company has struggled in the past with reputation, but I’ve noticed over the past few years that SunRun really seems to be working on customer satisfaction and improving its reputation in the industry, which is great to see.

First, I have to give SunRun full points for its experience. It was founded in 2007, which means it has over 15 years of experience and success behind it. Given the high demand for solar, I see new companies pop up all the time in Nevada and throughout the country, and, unfortunately, new companies are much more likely to go out of business if they can’t keep up with demand or persist among the intense competition. When they do fail, they take your warranty coverage with them. I usually suggest companies with at least a decade of experience to reduce the risk of using a provider that’s at a higher risk of failing.

I also look to see if a company is a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Membership requires a financial investment into the industry, so if a company is successful enough to make that contribution to solar power as a whole, they have a higher likelihood of sticking around. SunRun is one of the few solar installers in Nevada that is an SEIA member, which further secures it as a company with a long stretch of success ahead of it.

SunRun outsources its installation labor to third parties, which isn’t ideal, but it does ensure that the company handling your installation has NABCEP-certified installers on its team. NABCEP certification demands a higher level of specialized PV installation training, so it’s a good indication that you’re getting a true professional working on your solar project.

Finally, I look at the installer’s BBB rating and customer review ratings across a few sites, including the BBB, TrustPilot and Google Reviews. In the past, SunRun has had poor ratings across the board, but in the last few years, it has been making an effort to improve its ratings, and that effort shows, at least on the BBB. It currently has an A+ rating with the BBB and a slightly-above-average 3.58-star customer rating there. It has a much less appealing 1.4-star rating on TrustPilot. The SunRun branch in Nevada has a rating of 3.5 stars on Google Reviews, which is slightly above average. While these scores aren’t ideal, the company is coming from 1- and 2-star reviews across the board just a few years ago, so there has definitely been some improvement. I do hope that that improvement continues in the future.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I always do more of a deep dive into customer reviews to see what, specifically, the company does well and where it could stand to improve. I read through a few dozen reviews for SunRun to gauge what the actual customer service is like and to avoid assigning a poor overall company reputation rating for less severe issues, like aggressive marketing tactics.

Many of the positive reviews for SunRun mention a smooth installation process and a system that holds up to performance and savings expectations, which is extremely important. They also mention fast response times to warranty claims, which is another great sign. Unfortunately, negative reviews somewhat contradict that. They mention things like aggressive marketing but also misleading sales practices, slow or no responses to warranty claims and systems that don’t live up to what the company estimated in terms of performance. Overall, it seems like customer experiences vary based on the specific branch and the installer assigned to your installation.

I’ll include a positive and negative review below to give you a sense of the best and worst SunRun has to offer.

“Sunrunsolar just finished installing my solar system. The contractors seemed very knowledgeable about what kind of system would accommodate my family’s needs for electricity as we are 100% electric and live above 4300ft elevation where we get our fair share of snow. They reviewed how much energy we used the past year and designed a system that would produce enough power to album eliminate the need for P, G and E. We choose to lease our system and leave the upkeep and maintenance to them including insuring the solar panels against fire or property damage. Now we will only need our power company for our nighttime usage. I recommend sunrun 100% and rate their service 5 stars.” — Doug S. via TrustPilot

“A couple of their salesmen came by and offered to begin the process to upgrade my existing Sunrun Solar equipment to more adequately satisfy my needs for electricity during the summer months. I was led to believe that my previous Sunrun bill would only go up $100 or so for the additional solar cells and various equipment they added to my solar system only to find out later on that they signed me up for an additional contract costing me $250 more than my initial contract and now I have billing for two systems on one home totaling almost $500 a month. Absolutely not what I was led to believe by their sales representatives and now I’m locked into a contract that I am seriously considering legal litigation to get out of. Misrepresentation from beginning to end.” — Bryan C. via BBB

SunRun Customer Service 

4/10

The last portion of our company rating is for customer service, and this is the only area where scoring is subjective. I come up with this score myself based on a secret shopper call I make to the local branch, as well as on the dozens of reviews I’ve read through.

My call with the Clark County SunRun branch in Nevada went smoothly, and I have no complaints about the upfront customer service and attention I received. The representative was knowledgeable about solar, answered some questions I had and seemed to have a good understanding of the benefits of batteries in Nevada, specifically, as well as the local incentives.

Unfortunately, SunRun lost quite a few points for customer service because of its customer reviews. While it seems to be working on improving its ratings and customer care, there are still some red flags I found in reviews. Those include a history of misleading sales practices, slow responses to warranty claims and systems that don’t live up to what the company estimates in terms of power generation. For these reasons, I had to give SunRun a below-average score for customer service, but I do hope that the company continues to improve its business practices and attention to customer care.

Why We Chose Momentum Solar

Momentum Solar is our top pick for customer service, in large part because it uses a concierge system to ensure you have a single point of contact who is easily accessible from the initial consultation through the installation and beyond. When I went solar, I went with one of the best companies in my area, and although the customer service was excellent, I still struggled to keep track of all of the contacts and often ended up calling multiple people to get answers and updates. With Momentum, you never have to worry about that.

Momentum also has a stellar labor warranty that lasts for 25 years, which is more than double the industry standard. It also installs all tier-1 panel brands, so you can pick and choose based on what’s best for your situation. You can pick an affordable brand like LONGi or Jinko to keep costs down or optimize long-term savings with brands like Maxeon and Canadian Solar.

While I think Momentum offers great customer service overall, there are some downsides to consider, too. First, it doesn’t offer much in the way of add-on services, so it’s really only best if you’re looking for panels only or panels and batteries. Momentum was also involved in a lawsuit regarding racism in the workplace, and it recently settled outside of court with the plaintiffs. If you’re looking for a company that’s as socially sustainable as it is environmentally sustainable, Momentum may not be ideal.

What I Like About Momentum Solar

Momentum Solar has a lot of things going for it, but I think the most stand-out perk is the concierge service it offers. You have 1 point of contact at Momentum throughout the entire solar conversion process, so you’ll always know who to call when you need updates or to make a warranty claim. Momentum also has a history of providing excellent customer service, so that reachability is combined with helpful representatives, too.

Momentum also offers an outstanding labor warranty and has over a decade of experience, so you can rest assured that you have highly skilled installers that deliver ultimate peace of mind when you choose Momentum.

What I Don’t Like About Momentum Solar

Momentum Solar doesn’t offer many add-on services, so its systems are pretty basic compared to what some other companies offer. It also doesn’t use NABCEP-certified installers or offer a roof leak warranty. While I don’t think the lack of roof leak coverage is that big of a deal in Nevada given the lack of rainfall, I would really like to see NABCEP certification among its installers, as this gives you more confidence in the company’s ability to install a system properly and without issues.

Momentum Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Momentum Solar doesn’t provide an estimated timeline for its installations, but I’d guess you’d need to wait the standard 6 to 8 weeks from the initial consultation to the day of the installation. There’s nothing in the customer reviews I read that suggests there are long delays when you go solar with Momentum.

The process the company follows is similar to what most other companies use. First, you’ll have a consultation to confirm your home is a good fit for solar. Next, Momentum will measure your roof and design a system to suit your home and meet your energy demands. Once you approve the design, Momentum will pull all necessary permits for the installation and then install your system when the permits are approved. Finally, Momentum will activate your system and schedule any final inspections necessary.

Momentum Solar Standard Services & Financing 

25/25

Momentum gets perfect marks in our ratings in terms of the standard services and financing options it offers.

First, it uses in-house installers, which is somewhat uncommon with a company of this size. Larger companies tend to outsource installation labor to third parties, which isn’t always a bad thing, but it can open the door for miscommunication, poor customer service and a higher risk of getting a poor installation done, as the company installing the system doesn’t have its own reputation on the line. I prefer installers that handle everything in-house, as I feel it leads to a better customer experience overall. I’m please that Momentum uses in-house technicians.

Momentum installs solar batteries, too, which is good news for Nevada solar customers. The state has a sub-par net metering policy that makes it challenging to eliminate your electric bill without adding batteries to your system. Batteries effectively give you access to 1-to-1 net metering, so they’ll help maximize your savings over time.

As I mentioned earlier, most solar systems come with access to a monitoring app that lets you identify production issues and get repairs underway quickly to maintain your solar savings. Momentum has its own app, much like SunRun, that lets you monitor your system and contact customer service, so there’s a bit more utility there than you’d get from most other installers.

Cost and Financing Options

Like most installers, Momentum Solar doesn’t publicize its pricing, so you’ll have to get an estimate from the company to see how much your system will cost. However, based on customer reviews, I’d guess that it’s around the average of $21,280 after the ITC.

Momentum also gets maximum points in our ratings for the financing options it makes accessible to customers. It accepts cash purchases, solar loans, leases and PPAs.

I recommend a cash purchase if you can make it work because it offers the most long-term benefits. First, you get access to the ITC, which holds an average potential value of over $9,100 in Nevada. Second, you own your panels outright, so you won’t have to pay  interest on a loan. As a result, you’ll see the highest possible savings over the long haul — an average of over $31,000 in your area. The only downside to paying in cash, of course, is that you’ll need to have the entire system cost — an average of $30,400 in Nevada — saved before you can get started. That makes it the least accessible of all of the options.

Paying with a loan is the next best option and is usually much more reasonable for homeowners. You’ll just have to come up with a few thousand dollars for a down payment. You’ll still get access to the ITC, but you’ll need to pay interest, which will cut into your net savings by around $5,000. Still, you should save an average of around $26,000 after your panels pay for themselves.

A solar loan is like a rental agreement for your panels. You pay a monthly rental fee, and you get to use the electricity the panels generate to offset your electric bill and see net savings. Savings are much lower in the long run, averaging around $5,000 in total, so while the $0-down requirement is a major upside, the long-term savings are much more limited. Leases also prevent you from taking the ITC, so you miss out on an average potential value of over $9,000.

A PPA is similar to a lease in its upfront costs — usually $0 — and long-term benefits — an average savings of around $5,000. PPAs also prevent you from taking the ITC. They really just differ in how you pay. Instead of a monthly rental fee, you agree to buy the power your panels generate from your installer at a reduced rate to save on buying from your utility company. I generally don’t recommend leases or PPAs unless they’re the only options you can afford, as the benefits are just much less impressive over time. Still, I’m happy to see Momentum accepting all options, as this helps maximize accessibility.

Momentum Solar Extra Services Offered 

2/5

Momentum offers all of the core services I look for in an installer, but it falls a bit short when it comes to add-on options for system customization and increased utility.

It gets a few points in this section of our ratings because it’s one of the few companies that handles roof work in Nevada in conjunction with solar panel installation. If you need roof repairs or a roof replacement before it’s safe to install solar, you won’t have to vet, hire and coordinate with a third-party to get everything done. If you hire Momentum for everything, you’ll also have just one company to hold responsible in case any issues pop up.

Unfortunately, that’s where the add-on services from Momentum end. It doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades, which would be really nice in an extreme climate like the one in Nevada. Some installers that offer new window, door and insulation upgrades and new cooling systems can help you make your home more efficient and maximize solar savings in the long run.

Momentum also doesn’t install EV chargers. Nevada has been relatively slow in terms of EV adoption, but it just implemented a ZEV mandate similar to what California (the leader in EV adoption) has. I expect adoption rates to skyrocket in the coming years, which means the demand for access to at-home charging will also increase significantly. I’d love to see Momentum add EV chargers to its line-up soon to stay ahead of the curve.

Finally, Momentum doesn’t offer professional monitoring services for its systems. You’ll get access to the Momentum app to monitor performance yourself, but it’s always easier and more convenient to have a professional do the monitoring for you..

Momentum Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Solar conversion is the best thing you can do as a homeowner to reduce your carbon footprint and increase sustainability, but you can go one step beyond that by choosing a sustainable installer and panel manufacturer to minimize the negative effects of industry on the environment.

Momentum’s positive impact largely seems to come from the number of installations it has completed. It can also install any tier-1 panel brand you want, which is unusual, as most companies stick with just a few brands. Having access to all means you can do some research and find a manufacturer you feel comfortable supporting. I’d personally recommend Maxeon panels, as the manufacturer ties for first place in our panel ratings for sustainability, and the panels have some of the best performance specifications in the entire industry, meaning they’re the most likely to offset your electricity consumption, further reducing your reliance on fossil fuels.

Momentum Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

20/25

Momentum scores well in our ratings when it comes to the reliability of its services and the quality of the equipment it installs. I’ll get to the warranty coverage it provides in a bit, but first, I should mention some important specifications to pay attention to when choosing a solar panel brand in Nevada. Remember, Momentum gives you more options than most installers, so you’ll need to understand what to look for if you choose Momentum. I look at 18 metrics when comparing panel brands, but I think you’ll get the most value from 3, in particular: the panel efficiency, the degradation rate and the temperature coefficient.

The panel efficiency tells you how much of the available sunlight your panels can absorb and convert into usable electricity. The higher the efficiency rating, the more likely your system will be to offset your electric bills. Nevada residents pay more for electricity than most U.S. residents, so I recommend paying close attention to the efficiency rating. I’d suggest a rating of over 22%, which you can get from many brands, including REC, QCells, Canadian Solar and more. Maxeon is the industry leader with a rating of 24.2%.

The degradation rate specifies how quickly your panels will lose efficiency as they age. Most tier-1 panel brands guarantee no more than 15% degradation over 25 years, so look for at least 85% remaining over that time frame. Maxeon is, once again, the industry leader — tied with REC and Panasonic — as it guarantees no more than 8% degradation over 25 years. It also guarantees performance for 40 years, which is far longer than any other company.

The temperature coefficient tells you how much efficiency will dip temporarily when the temperature increases above 25 degrees (C), or 77 degrees (F). Keep in mind that this refers to panel temperature and not ambient temperature. In the hot Nevada summers, some cities can see temperatures over 110 degrees (F), in which case your panels, which are in direct, intense sunlight, can easily reach 20 to 30 degrees (F) above that. A low temperature coefficient ensures you take full advantage of the abundant sunlight in your area. The average temperature coefficient among tier-1 panels is -0.29%. LONGi is the industry leader, with a rating of -0.23%.

Warranties and Guarantees

In addition to choosing high-quality equipment, you want to make sure you’re getting long-term, guaranteed protection for your solar investment. That’s why I look at 4 types of solar warranties to see what kind of peace of mind you’ll get from your installer.

The equipment warranty actually comes from your manufacturer but gets passed to you through your installer. This covers manufacturer defects, which are rare but can lead to major issues. Most panel brands include 25 years of coverage. Note that your equipment warranty will vary widely based on the panel brand you choose from Momentum. Maxeon offers the best coverage in the industry, which lasts for 40 years.

The performance warranty also comes from your manufacturer. This is what guarantees your panels won’t degrade more quickly than what’s stated in the degradation rate. Again, your performance warranty will vary based on the brand you choose from Momentum. Maxeon has the best coverage in the industry, guaranteeing no more than an 8% degradation over 25 years, as well as guaranteed performance for 40 years, which is 15 years longer than the standard.

The labor warranty or workmanship warranty comes from your installer, and it’s what guarantees that the installation process won’t lead to system damage or property damage. This is one of the more important coverages to look for, in my opinion, as issues with installation are more prevalent than manufacturing defects. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and Momentum more than doubles that with a 25-year workmanship warranty. This provides greater peace of mind than most companies offer.

Finally, I look for roof leak coverage. Momentum, like most other installers, doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, which would insulate you from water damage caused by leaks through your roof penetrations. With Nevada being the driest state in the nation, I feel this is the least important warranty option to look for, but it still would be nice to have for maximum peace of mind.

Momentum Solar Company Reputation

14.5/25

Unfortunately, Momentum scores below average in terms of its reputation score in the local solar market.

One thing it has going for it when it comes to reputation is longevity in the industry. Momentum was founded in 2009, so it has more than 15 years of experience and success in the industry. This is a huge deal, as a lot of companies I see enter the solar industry end up going out of business within just a few years due to the high level of competition and the constant changes the industry goes through. If your installer goes out of business, you lose your warranty coverage, which is a big deal, so I’d always recommend going with a company like Momentum that has a solid foundation and is less likely to go under.

I also look for SEIA membership as a means of confirming that a company is here to stay. Membership requires a financial investment in the industry, which suggests that an installer is doing well and cares about the bigger picture. Momentum isn’t an SEIA member, but I think its 15+ years of experience are enough to make up for that.

I also look to see if companies use NABCEP-certified installers. Certification demands specific training with PV system installation, so a NABCEP installer is less likely to make mistakes throughout the installation process. Unfortunately, Momentum doesn’t have NABCEP-certified installers on each of its installation teams.

Finally, I do a review of the company’s customer ratings across sites like the BBB, TrustPilot and Google Reviews. Momentum has an A+ rating with the BBB, but only a 2.89-star customer review rating there. It also has a below-average 1.7-star rating on TrustPilot. Keep in mind that these ratings are for the company as a whole, and your experience will depend, in part, on the specific branch that handles your solar project. The Momentum branch in Nevada has a 4.2-star rating on Google Reviews, which is more in line with the customer service I’d expect from this provider.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

Aggregate customer ratings are important to look at, but they don’t always paint the entire picture. For example, I see a lot of companies tank in customer reviews but then only get complaints about aggressive door-to-door sales and slow communication throughout the installation process. While these are absolutely issues, I don’t think they’re nearly as serious as companies that misrepresent savings and solar benefits, ignore warranty claims or leave homeowners with major property damage following the installation. That’s why I read through a few dozen Momentum reviews to get a sense of what customers specifically like and dislike about the service.

Positive reviews mention a high degree of professionalism, constant communication and outstanding customer service from start to finish. Most of the negative reviews mention aggressive marketing and door-to-door sales, and some of them mention misleading sales tactics, like misrepresenting the federal tax credit as a cash rebate. There are some negative reviews that mention poor installation technique, but these, thankfully, are few and far between. I’ll mention again that the reviews for the Nevada brand, in particular, are excellent.

I’ll include 2 reviews below — one from each end of the spectrum — to give you an idea of the best and worst this company provides.

“From the beginning to the end, Momentum Solar has provided me with outstanding service. The entire procedure was joyful and stress-free because of their commitment to providing high-quality service and their courteous and informed staff. Anyone thinking about switching to solar energy should check out Momentum Solar.” — Vickie C. via Google Reviews

“Very aggressive sales tactics. I asked them to stop calling. They showed up at my house walked around the property and have called every day even though I hang up on them. Do not trust these people; they are very unethical.” — Cary O. via BBB

Momentum Solar Customer Service 

8/10

The final portion of our solar company review process includes a closer look at the company’s overall customer service. I come up with this score myself after reading a few dozen reviews for the company and calling the local branch as a secret shopper to see what the initial interaction is like.

Most of the 192 reviews for the Momentum branch in Nevada are positive, which is a great sign. The only reason I deducted some points here is because the parent company as a whole has a tendency to be overly sales-y and has some history of misleading sales tactics. I have to point out that the same issue doesn’t seem to be present with the Nevada branch, so I still think Momentum is your best option for customer service, especially given its concierge service. More importantly, most of the issues brought up in negative reviews aren’t major red flags, so, on the whole, I feel you’ll have a mostly positive experience.

My call to the Momentum branch in Paradise, Nevada, went very well. I called as a secret shopper, got some questions answered about the process and the benefits of solar in the area and was given accurate information about the benefits and necessity of solar batteries. Overall, I was pleased with the interaction, and based on that alone, I’d be comfortable choosing Momentum for my own solar installation.

Why We Chose Intermountain Wind and Solar

Intermountain Wind and Solar is a small, local company that just serves Nevada, Utah and Idaho. It has incredible customer service reviews, as you might expect from a smaller company like this, and it’s clear from customer comments that this is the company to go with if you want to support a smaller provider and get the hands-on, professional service you can really only get from a local company.

Intermountain Wind and Solar provides all of the core services I look for in an installer, as well as a few add-on options that let you customize your solar panel system and get a little more utility and functionality out of it.

While I think Intermountain is a great company, it’s not perfect. For one, it doesn’t provide any workmanship warranty, which I think is a pretty significant drawback. It also doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so its systems and services are going to be less accessible than those from competitors that do entertain the no-money-down payment options.

What I Like About Intermountain Wind and Solar

Intermountain Wind and Solar maintains outstanding customer review ratings, including a 4.5-star rating on Google Reviews with just under 400 reviews. That kind of commitment to customer service and satisfaction is rarely something you see from larger companies and is a big reason you may want to go with a local company like this.

Intermountain also installs EV chargers and solar batteries, and it provides roofing services, making it a one-stop shop for going solar no matter what condition your roof is in. The company also works with 5 of the leading panel brands, including Maxeon, which are some of the best panels in the industry, in my opinion, and the brand I’d recommend.

What I Don’t Like About Intermountain Wind and Solar

As I mentioned, Intermountain only accepts cash purchases and solar loans. These are the only options I’d recommend, but if you know you want or need a lease or PPA — which is sometimes a better option if you can’t take the ITC or your only option if you don’t have enough for a down payment or cash purchase — you’ll have to go with a different provider.

I should also mention that Intermountain has a 1-star rating on the BBB, although I don’t feel this is indicative of the company’s customer service. The score comes from just a single review, so while it is a downside, I think the rating on Google Reviews provides a better idea of the service you can expect from this installer.

Intermountain Wind and Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Intermountain doesn’t have an estimated installation timeline on its website, but I would expect the typical 6 to 8 weeks from the consultation to the day your panels are activated and producing power for your home.

It uses a similar process to what you’d expect from most other installers. You’ll first have an in-person property inspection so that a rep can confirm that your home is a good fit for solar, take measurements of your roof and assess your electricity consumption. The company will then design a system to match your consumption habits and fit on your roof. Once you sign off on the design, Intermountain will pull the necessary building and electrical permits and then install your system. Finally, your rep will schedule final inspections and activate your system.

Intermountain Wind and Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Intermountain provides access to all of the core solar services and products I expect to see from an installer, and it only loses points in this section of our review process because it doesn’t accept leases or PPAs. More on that in a bit.

Intermountain uses an in-house installation team, which means everyone working on your system design and installation will be an employee of the company. Some larger companies outsource the installation labor to third parties, which isn’t necessarily worse, but it can create issues related to one of the entities taking responsibility for any issues that crop up or miscommunication and scheduling delays. I’d prefer a company that uses in-house installers like Intermountain, and I personally went with a similar company.

Intermountain installs panels and solar batteries, which I’m a fan of. Not only does this give you an opportunity to customize your system a bit and maintain electricity through power outages, but in Nevada, solar batteries are more of a necessity than in many other states if you want to maximize your savings and have the potential to eliminate your electric bill. The net metering policy doesn’t credit you at the retail rate for exported excess energy, but batteries let you get the full retail value for any kWh you generate and can’t use in real time.

All of Intermountain’s systems provide access to a mobile app to monitor your system, too. This is helpful for identifying problems with production and getting a solution underway immediately, which can help maintain higher savings in the event of an issue.

Cost and Financing Options

Intermountain only accepts cash purchases and solar loans, so it’s not the right installer for you if you know you want a lease or PPA. Cash and loans are the only options I suggest, but leases and PPAs can end up being more beneficial in some cases, and they’re far more accessible.

With a cash purchase, you pay for your entire system upfront. That means you need to have an average of $30,400 saved before you can convert to solar. Of course, this is unrealistic for many homeowners. If you can make it work, though, you’ll get access to the ITC — which holds an average potential value of over $9,100 — and you’ll see the highest savings possible over the life of your system — an average of over $31,000.

Solar loans are the next most beneficial option. After accounting for interest on your loan, you’re looking at lifetime savings of around $26,000, which is still excellent. You’ll also still get access to the ITC, and you get the added benefit of only having to have a small down payment saved up before you make the switch.

Leases and PPAs are agreements that don’t lead to panel ownership. Not only does that mean you can’t take advantage of the $9,100 federal tax credit, but you may also complicate the sale of your home if the new owner doesn’t want to take over the agreement. Leases and PPAs come with a major benefit of not requiring any money down, so they’re the most accessible options, but they also save an average of just $5,000 over the life of your agreement, which is $21,000 to $26,000 less than if you went with cash or a loan. I don’t recommend leases or PPAs, but I did deduct points from Intermountain for not offering them, as they are beneficial in some cases and help make solar available to far more homeowners.

Intermountain Wind and Solar Extra Services Offered

3/5

Intermountain Wind and Solar provides access to some beneficial solar add-on services, too.

First, it’s one of the few installers in Nevada that handles roof replacements and repairs in addition to installing solar panels. Much like if you went solar with SunRun or Momentum, you can get your roof repair or replacement and your solar panel installation done all at once and by a single company. This reduces the number of companies working on your home, which means it theoretically should be easier to hold the company responsible if something goes wrong. It also just makes going solar much more convenient for you, as you only have to vet, hire and communicate with a single company.

Intermountain doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades, unfortunately. Companies that provide access to insulation upgrades, air sealing, energy efficiency audits, new windows and doors and ENERGY STAR appliances and cooling systems can really help you get the most value and savings out of your new solar array, especially in an area with an extreme climate like Nevada. This doesn’t suggest that Intermountain isn’t a stellar solar installer, of course, but it’s always nice to have options for home upgrades.

Intermountain installs EV chargers, though, so you can get access to at-home charging and apply the ITC to your EV charger and the rest of your solar equipment to effectively save up to 30% on the cost of the charger. Nevada is middle-of-the-road in terms of EV adoption, but with the new ZEV mandate, I expect the adoption rate to increase significantly in the near future, and at-home chargers like the ones already available from Intermountain will be in much higher demand.

Finally, Intermountain doesn’t offer professional monitoring services for its systems. Some companies will remotely monitor your system performance after installation so that you don’t have to be diligent about checking and ordering repairs yourself. Professional monitoring is a great way to ensure peace of mind that your system will continue serving you for years to come. You still get access to the app with Intermountain, but it’s always easier to have a pro do the monitoring for you.

Intermountain Wind and Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Unsurprisingly, converting your home to renewable energy is one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize your contribution to pollution and global warming. The average Nevada home consumes 973 kWh of electricity every month, which equates to a similar amount of CO2 kept out of the atmosphere from an 8.5 acre forest, according to the EPA’s emissions conversion calculator. That’s an enormous deal, but you can take your sustainability efforts a step further by choosing an installer and panel manufacturer who also make an effort to reduce their negative impact.

Intermountain’s impact stems mostly from the number of solar conversions it helps homeowners carry out each year. It also works with a few panel brands, including Maxeon, Canadian Solar, Silfab, Panasonic and REC, all of which tie for first place in our solar panel ratings for overall sustainability. These brands have recycling programs in place to help keep old panels out of landfills, they use recycled materials during production to reduce strain on the environment and they don’t have a history of unethical or socially unsustainable business practices.

Intermountain Wind and Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability

19/25

Intermountain Wind and Solar scores about average in terms of the quality and reliability of the systems it installs. I’ll get to warranty coverage in a bit, but first, I always look at the panel specifications and performance standards for the manufacturers each installer works with. I look at 18 panel specs but focus on 3, in particular, in Nevada. Those include the efficiency rating, the degradation rate and the temperature coefficient.

The efficiency rating of a panel is what determines how much of the available sunlight your panels will be able to absorb and convert into electricity. Higher efficiency ratings are helpful in Nevada because more production means more excess power sent to the grid. Since Nevada has a subpar net metering policy, you need higher levels of exporting to eliminate your electric bills — and even then, it’s not always possible without batteries. Still, more efficiency means more savings. I look for efficiency ratings of 22% or higher, which is what the top brands hit. Of the brands Intermountain offers, Panasonic and Silfab fall slightly below that, but the rest are above average. Maxeon is the industry leader with a 24.2% efficiency rating.

A high starting efficiency is great, but you really need a panel that degrades slowly in order to ensure long-term savings in a place like Nevada, where net metering isn’t optimized for savings. Most tier-1 panels guarantee that no more than 15% of the starting efficiency will be lost over 25 years, and all of the brands from Intermountain meet that standard. Maxeon, REC and Panasonic are the industry leaders, with no more than 8% lost over that time period.

The temperature coefficient of a panel is a measurement of how much efficiency your panels will lose temporarily in higher temperatures. This is a crucial consideration in Nevada, where hot summers and intense sunlight can easily lead to significantly lower production ratings in the prime season for solar production. The average degradation rate among tier-1 brands is -0.29% per degree above 25 degrees (C) your panels rise. Silfab is the only brand from Intermountain that’s worse than the average at -0.38%. Of the other brands, REC and Panasonic are the best with ratings of -0.24%.

Warranties and Guarantees

In my opinion, warranty coverage is even more important for long-term assurance and guaranteed system performance than panel specifications. That’s why I take the time to look at 4 types of warranty coverage for each provider and compare them to competitors in the area.

First, I consider the equipment warranty, also called the manufacturer’s warranty. As the name suggests, this comes from your manufacturer and gets passed to you through your installer. It insulates you from damages caused by manufacturer defects in the panels, wiring, inverters and racking systems. The typical coverage is 25 years, and all of the brands from Intermountain meet that standard. Maxeon is the only one that goes well beyond that with a 40-year equipment warranty.

Next, I look at the efficiency or performance warranty. This also comes from your manufacturer, and it’s what ensures your panels don’t degrade more quickly than the stated degradation rate. As I mentioned above, most manufacturers guarantee no more than 15% degradation over 25 years. All of Intermountain’s brands offer at least that, which is great news. Canadian Solar and Silfab provide a longer 30-year warranty, and Maxeon is, once again, the industry leader with a 40-year warranty.

The labor warranty is another crucial piece of the puzzle to consider. This comes from your installer, and it protects you from issues related to poor installation technique. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years. Intermountain falls just a little short here by offering just a 10-year labor warranty.

Finally, I look to see if the installer provides a roof leak warranty. As the name suggests, this protects you from damages related to water intrusion through the roof penetrations. Most installers don’t offer this at all, and Intermountain is one that doesn’t. I will say that, given the minimal rainfall in Nevada, this coverage is far less important than it would be in rainier states, but it still would be nice to have for added peace of mind.

Intermountain Wind and Solar Company Reputation 

18.5/25

A solar installer’s reputation in the local industry is usually very telling. A company with great reviews, a decade of experience behind it and certifications from NABCEP all suggest you’ll have nothing but a positive experience converting to clean energy. Intermountain scores slightly below average but still hits most of the key points I look for when it comes to reputation.

First, Intermountain was founded in 2008, so it has over 15 years of experience and success behind it. I see new, promising companies pop up all the time in the industry, and a lot of them — whether it’s because of the constantly changing landscape or the intense competition — go out of business within just a few years, voiding your warranty coverage in the process. I always recommend reducing the risk of that happening by going with an established company like Intermountain.

Another good way to confirm a company’s longevity in the industry is by looking for SEIA membership, which requires an investment in the industry as a whole. Intermountain isn’t an SEIA member, but I do think the 15+ years of experience are more indicative of future longevity than membership would be on its own.

Intermountain scores some major points in my book because it has NABCEP-certified installers on its installation teams. Individuals need to go through intensive, PV-specific training to become NABCEP certified, so the fact that Intermountain’s team has certifications suggests that you’re getting highly skilled and well-trained professionals working on your system.

Finally, I review customer review scores across multiple platforms, including the BBB, TrustPilot and Google Reviews. Intermountain has an unfortunate 1-star rating on the BBB, but it’s important to note that there’s only a single review there, so the actual rating is heavily skewed. It does have an A rating from the BBB and is in good standing in that regard. There are no TrustPilot reviews for the provider, but the Google Reviews provide the best indication of the service you’ll receive, in my opinion. There are just under 400 reviews posted, and the aggregate rating is an incredible 4.5 stars. Since there are far more reviews on Google, I put much more weight behind these ratings than the one on the BBB.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

Total customer review scores can sometimes be a bit misleading, as I tend to see a lot of complaints for companies that use aggressive door-to-door sales or telemarketing tactics. While these can certainly be issues, they’re not necessarily red flags that suggest you shouldn’t consider a particular installer. That’s why I take the time to read through a few dozen customer reviews to see what issues people mention and what customers love about the company.

Positive reviews for Intermountain mention a hands-on approach to customer service and customer care, which seems like something you’d really only get from a small company like this. Customers rave about how personable and professional the reps are, and people are generally pleased with their installation and system performance. Negative reviews mention some communication issues, some problems with unprofessional installation crewmembers and aggressive marketing tactics. These are all downsides, to be sure, but they don’t represent major red flags, in my opinion, and the positive reviews far outnumber the negative ones.

I’ll include 2 reviews below — 1 positive and 1 negative — to give you a sense of the service you could receive from Intermountain.

“I looked at 5 different companies and received quotes from them. Intermountain Wind and Solar had the best offer and the best options. In addition to that, my father-in-law has had solar panels with them for several years and he recommended them. His sister also got panels from them, and they both have had a great experience. They communicated well throughout the whole process and were very helpful. They helped coordinate with the city for their procedures and requirements that I had to personally do. The installation and planning process went very well and I was well informed of the timeline. There were no delays and the installation crew came out and took care of the job in about two days. They were professional and courteous.” — James M. via Google Reviews

“The receptionist was very kind and helpful, definitely above and beyond! But the workers and company itself, aren’t likely people you would want to communicate with! The workers are lazy, rude, and obscene! The basic construction guy, cat calling and being disrespectful. I have 3 baby girls, and these guys go up to my roof of my apartment complex, to purposely cause a nuisance, very unprofessional and they’ve been here for months. No sense of urgency to get the job done, I would like to live at my apartment complex without these kinds of employees here. Disturbing, nasty, and just plain wrong.” — Angelica G. via Google Reviews

Intermountain Wind and Solar Customer Service 

10/10

Finally, I scored the company based on its overall customer service, and I base Intermountain’s perfect score on the reviews I read through, as well as a call I made to the company as a secret shopper.

As I mentioned above, the reviews for Intermountain are overwhelmingly positive. As is the case with all installers, there are some negative reviews, but many of the issues seem to be few and far between, and they’re unlikely to leave you with property damage or an underperforming system, which are the most important things to avoid.

I was also impressed with how Intermountain handled my initial call with them. The rep clearly knew what they were talking about, answered all of the questions I had, addressed some concerns about the below-average workmanship warranty and wasn’t overly pushy. If the initial call is any indication of the overall customer service, I’d be comfortable giving Intermountain my business.

Why We Chose Powered by Elevation

Powered by Elevation is the company I’d personally go with if I wanted to optimize for system longevity and peace of mind, as it has some of the best warranty coverage I’ve ever seen from any installer, including those outside of Nevada. The company doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, but especially in a dry climate like the one in Nevada, I really feel like this is almost a non-issue. The lifetime workmanship warranty is worth more than a roof leak guarantee would be, in my opinion.

Powered by Elevation also offers all of the core solar services, including battery installation, and it accepts all of the major financing options, which means its systems are going to be more accessible than those from many competitors who don’t accept no-money-down options like leases and PPAs.

Elevation is a great company overall, but there are some drawbacks. Most notably, the customer reviews are a bit middling, including a 2.8-star rating on TrustPilot. I don’t think it’s the best company in terms of customer service, based on reviews, but I personally think its ratings are high enough to justify considering it, especially given the warranty you get.

What I Like About Powered by Elevation

In my opinion, the best thing about Powered by Elevation is the warranty coverage you get. The panel brands Elevation works with all meet industry standards for equipment and performance warranties, but the workmanship warranty that covers the installation labor lasts for the life of your system. The average labor warranty is just 12 years, and with panels lasting 25 years or more, on average, the effective workmanship warranty you get from Elevation is double the industry standard.

What I Don’t Like About Powered by Elevation

The middling customer reviews are definitely a downside to consider. It’s clear based on the reviews I read that there are some issues with communication and misleading marketing, which is unfortunate to see. Additionally, Elevation has a nice array of products and services, but it doesn’t offer roof repairs or replacements, so you’ll either have to choose a different installer altogether or coordinate with a third-party roofer if you need roof work done before installing panels.

Powered by Elevation Installation Process and Timeline

Powered by Elevation doesn’t have an estimated timeline for its installation process, but I expect you’d have to wait 6 to 8 weeks from the initial consultation, which is the average in the industry.

The process Elevation follows is standard, as well. First, you’ll have a consultation, which includes a roof inspection and an assessment of your electricity consumption, the shading on your roof, sun exposure and more. Elevation will then design a system for you and pull all necessary permits once you approve the design. When the permits are issued, Elevation will install everything and then schedule any final inspections needed before activating your panels.

Powered by Elevation Standard Services & Financing

25/25

I’m pleased to report that Powered by Elevation gets perfect marks in our ratings in terms of the core services if offers and the financing options it accepts.

First off, Elevation uses an in-house installation team to complete all of its installations. I always prefer companies that go this route over outsourcing to third parties because they keep everything — including responsibility for your property and system — in one place. It also helps reduce the risk of miscommunication causing delays in the installation process.

Elevation installs panel-only systems, as well as panels coupled with solar batteries. Batteries are a nice perk to have because they let you maintain power through outages, but they’re also more of a necessity for maximizing savings in Nevada than they are in many other states. Nevada’s net metering policy doesn’t credit you at the full retail rate for exported energy, so you have to overproduce quite a bit to eliminate your electric bills. Solar batteries give you access to effective net metering, which means you get the full rate for anything stored on-site. Ultimately, batteries help secure better savings, so I’m pleased that Elevation installs them.

All of Elevation’s installations include access to a self-monitoring mobile app, too, which lets you track your electricity consumption and production. This can be helpful for identifying system production issues and getting repairs underway before they cut severely into your savings.

Cost and Financing Options

Elevation also accepts all of the main solar financing options, which means you can optimize your payment method for long-term benefits or upfront savings.

With a cash purchase, you pay for the entire system upfront, making it the least accessible option. However, paying with cash ensures the highest savings over time — an average of over $31,000 in Nevada — and it gives you access to the ITC, which means a potential tax credit totaling over $9,100, on average. Paying in cash also leads to immediate panel ownership, so you won’t run into complications selling your home in the future.

A solar loan is a more accessible option because you only have to pay a small down payment. You’ll finance the rest, which means you’ll have to pay interest that reduces your net savings to around $26,000, but given how much more accessible this option is, it’s worth it for most homeowners. Loans still give you access to the ITC, and they also won’t complicate the sale of your home if you choose to move.

Leases and PPAs are the most accessible options because they don’t require any down payment in most cases. Provided you can pass a credit check, these options are open to you. However, they are much less beneficial. First off, they don’t let you take the ITC, so you miss out on an average potential value of over $9,100. More importantly, you’ll save money, but your net savings will only be around $5,000, which is far less than you’d save with either of the other options. Leases and PPAs can also complicate the sale of your home because your buyer will need to agree to take over the agreement — otherwise, you could face expensive early cancellation fees.

All of these options have their place in the solar industry, so I’m pleased to see Elevation accepting all of them to keep everyone’s options open.

Powered by Elevation Extra Services Offered 

3/5

Powered by Elevation also has a larger selection of add-on services than most other companies offer, so it’s a solid option if you’re looking to customize your setup.

The only major add-on service Elevation doesn’t offer is roof repair and replacement. If you need roof work done before it’s safe and worthwhile to install solar panels, you’ll either need to vet, hire and coordinate with a third-party roofer or hire a different solar installer like Intermountain Wind and Solar that handles solar installations and roof work. It’s more convenient to have a single company handle everything, and you also have a lower risk of miscommunication and pointing fingers if something goes wrong.

Elevation is one of the few solar installers in Nevada that offers energy efficiency upgrades in addition to solar equipment installation. It offers energy audits, insulation upgrades and energy monitoring to help reduce electricity consumption and boost efficiency. The energy audits and insulation upgrades are particularly helpful for Nevada residents, as the extreme climate can really put your home’s energy efficiency to the test and cost you a lot of money on cooling if your home isn’t optimized.

Elevation installs EV chargers as well, which is always good to hear, but it’s especially important in Nevada. The state recently passed a ZEV mandate similar to what California has in place, so a specific percentage of new vehicles sold and registered in the state will have to have plug-in options. That means at-home charging demands are very likely going to skyrocket in the coming years. Elevation is staying ahead of the curve by offering this service now.

Finally, Elevation offers professional monitoring services, which means it will track your system’s performance remotely, and the company’s representatives will alert you to any issues that demand repairs or replacements. You’ll get access to a self-monitoring app from most installers — including Elevation — but having the option for professional monitoring just makes your job much easier.

Powered by Elevation Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

An investment in solar is an investment in the environment. Installing panels on your home is one of the best things you can do to reduce or even eliminate your carbon footprint. Going solar will almost always have a net positive impact on the environment, but you can help maximize the positive effect by choosing an installer and a panel manufacturer who also make an effort to remain as sustainable as possible.

Elevation’s positive effects on the environment mostly come down to the number of homes it has converted to solar. As of January 2025, it has reportedly completed over 13,000 installations. Based on the average electricity consumption in Nevada, that’s the equivalent of over 97 million pounds of coal burned every single year those solar arrays are in operation.

Elevation works with a few panel brands, including QCells, REC and Panasonic, and all of these brands tie for first in our solar panel reviews when it comes to sustainability. All of them use recycled materials in their manufacturing processes to reduce strain on the environment, they all have end-of-life recycling programs to keep old panels out of landfills and none of them have a history of unsustainable business practices, like unsafe working conditions, unfair pay or forced labor.

Powered by Elevation Equipment Quality & Reliability 

18.9/25

Powered by Elevation scores slightly below average in terms of equipment quality and system reliability, but it’s one of the best companies overall for warranty coverage that keeps you protected from issues and helps maximize the long-term benefits of solar conversion. I first take a look at the panel brands each manufacturer offers, including 18 panel specifications. I consider 3 of those especially important when evaluating companies in Nevada. Those include the panel efficiency, the panel degradation rate and the temperature coefficient.

The panel efficiency tells you the percentage of the sunlight your panels can convert into usable electricity. The higher the efficiency rating, the more energy your panels will generate and the higher your solar savings will be. I look for panel efficiency ratings of 22% or higher in most areas, and this benchmark is especially important in an area like Nevada, where the net metering policy is below average and makes eliminating your electric bill more challenging. Elevation installs panels from REC, QCells and Panasonic. Panasonic falls below that 22% benchmark, but the other 2 options are above the industry average.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you how quickly your equipment will lose efficiency. The faster the degradation rate, the less beneficial your panels will be over time, and the less likely you’ll be able to offset your energy consumption with a below-average net metering policy like the one in Nevada. Most tier-1 panels guarantee that at least 85% of your panels’ starting efficiency will remain after 25 years. All of the brands from Elevation meet that standard, but REC and Panasonic are industry leaders, guaranteeing that 92% of the starting efficiency will remain after 25 years.

The temperature coefficient of a panel tells you how much efficiency your panels will lose on a temporary basis in particularly hot temperatures. This is an important factor to consider in Nevada because the intense summer heat can create ambient temperatures of 110 degrees or higher, and panel temperature can rise quite a bit above that in the direct sunlight. Ultimately, the better the temperature coefficient, the better your panels will perform in the peak solar season. The average coefficient among tier-1 panels is -0.29%. All 3 brands that Elevation offers are much better than the average with a rating of just -0.24%.

Warranties and Guarantees

Warranty coverage is even more important than panel specifications, in my opinion, because they guarantee the performance and longevity of your system rather than just give you a baseline for your expectations. I look at 4 types of warranty coverage to see how well protected your system will be with each installer.

First, I consider the equipment warranty. This protects you from damages resulting from manufacturer defects, which are relatively uncommon but very expensive to address. Most panel brands offer a 25-year equipment warranty that they pass to you through your installer, and all of the brands that Elevation works with meet that standard.

Second, I look at the efficiency warranty, which is what guarantees that your panels will continue outputting the expected amount of electricity. This is crucial to consider in Nevada, as long-term performance means long-term savings in areas with below-average net metering policies. Most tier-1 panels have a warranty that guarantees your panels won’t dip below 85% of their starting efficiency after 25 years. All of the brands available from Elevation exceed that standard. QCells guarantees that 90.58% will remain after that time period, and REC and Panasonic are industry leaders, as they guarantee 92% will remain after 25 years.

Third, I look at the labor warranty. This is the first piece of coverage that typically comes from your installer rather than your manufacturer, and it covers the installation labor and ensures that there are no related system or property damages resulting from poor installation technique. The average labor warranty is 12 years. This is really where Elevation rises above the competition, as it provides ultimate peace of mind by guaranteeing its installation labor for the life of your system. This should put into perspective how professional Elevation’s installers are and how confident the company is in its abilities.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties, which protect you from roof leaks and related water damage as a result of installing solar panels. Elevation, much like most competitors, doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty. I’ll mention again that I don’t think this is a major downside in Nevada, which is the driest state in the nation, although the coverage can provide some added peace of mind that’s helpful when investing tens of thousands in a solar array.

Powered by Elevation Company Reputation

17.5/25

As I mentioned earlier, Powered by Elevation has some middling customer reviews, which is a big reason why it scores below average in our ratings when it comes to company reputation.

One area where Elevation scores well in terms of company reputation is in its years of experience. I prefer to recommend companies with at least a decade of experience because they’ve passed the point where they’re likely to go out of business as a “new” company. This is especially common in highly competitive industries, like solar, and if your installer does go under, you lose your labor and roof leak warranties. Powered by Elevation was founded in 2014, and with over a decade of experience, I feel comfortable saying that it’s likely here to stay.

Another thing I look for to confirm that a company is doing well enough to stick around is SEIA membership. This requires a financial investment in the local solar market, and companies that are able to invest are likely doing well enough to stay in business. Elevation isn’t an SEIA member, but I don’t think this is a red flag, by any means, especially given its track record in the industry.

Another area where Powered by Elevation lost some points in terms of company reputation is NABCEP certification. A NABCEP-certified installer is one who receives training specifically for installing photovoltaic (PV) equipment and is more likely to install your system without any issues. Elevation doesn’t use NABCEP-certified installers on all of its installation teams, which is a bit of a letdown.

Finally, I looked at the customer ratings for Elevation on the BBB, TrustPilot and Google Reviews. As I mentioned before, Powered by Elevation has average reviews overall, but the scores on some of the sites are a bit concerning. It has an A+ rating and a 4.07-star customer rating on the BBB, which is outstanding. There are no reviews on Google, but on TrustPilot, the company receives a less-than-impressive 2.6-star rating. I should note that the two negative reviews appear to be posted from accounts from the Netherlands, but since our rating system is based on hard data, I didn’t adjust any scores.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I always read through a few dozen customer reviews for the companies I’m assessing, and ​​Elevation’s rating on TrustPilot is the perfect example of why I feel that’s necessary: some reviews don’t appear to be legitimate, and those that are sometimes tank the rating based on aggressive marketing or pesky door-to-door sales models. While these aren’t ideal, they also don’t indicate a company that’s going to provide poor service.

Positive reviews for Powered by ​​Elevation mention things like good customer service, outstanding communication and systems that meet or even exceed customer expectations, which is a testament to how honest and forthcoming their salespeople are. Negative reviews mention issues with components going down, some delays in the installation process and some issues with timely responses to warranty claims. While some of these are big problems, the company appears to respond to all complaints and eventually get to the issues in all cases.

I’ll include a positive and negative review below to give you an idea of the best and worst you may get from Powered by Elevation.

“From [our] first talks with sales to now the installation, everyone at Elevation is great at communicating. Last 2 days Team 1 has done the installation – true professionals, let me know throughout the day everything that was going on. [One tech] even went on his own to buy the right matching exterior paint for the electrical conduit to match my walls. We just moved in and [none of[ the partial cans in garage matched – who does that? Team 1 does. Proof that all my research and decision to go with Elevation for my solar was the right decision. Thank you Team 1 for such a great customer experience and your outstanding & professional installation. Well done!” — Mike F. via BBB

“[I have been] having a problem with this company from the beginning. The installation took too long and I had to get the salesman involved to get the solar installed within the time frame it said in the contract. Now I have 4 panels [that have] gone out, [and I’m] having a problem with the service department. I get a runaround from them. I called Elevation for repair on 7/6/2024. Their technician came out and said it was the connector. I called the service department again and they told me it was the microinverter and it was on order through Enphase, but when I called Enphase with the case number they said that was not the case. The Elevation technician couldn’t fix the problem and I am getting run around. I am going to send them an E-mail and give them 2 weeks to repair my system, and if it isn’t done within that time frame, I am going to hire another company to fix the system.” — Bob S. via BBB

Powered by Elevation Customer Service 

8/10

Finally, Powered by Elevation scores well in our ratings when it comes to the overall customer service it provides. I personally assign this score based on the reviews I read through and a call I make to the company as a secret shopper.

As I mentioned above, most of what appear to be legitimate reviews are positive for Powered by Elevation, but there are some issues that concern me, like delayed responses to warranty claims and some cases of customers not seeing the production or savings they expected after installation. These are definitely red flags, in my opinion, so I deducted some points from Elevation. Thankfully, these problems seem to be the exception rather than the norm.

When I called Powered by Elevation, I got a human representative in under a minute, and they were friendly and professional as we discussed solar in Nevada. They accurately explained how the federal tax credit worked and went into why batteries could help maximize savings. They were also knowledgeable about local solar incentives, which is a good sign. All in all, I’d be comfortable having Elevation install solar on my home and trust that I’d have a good experience.