So, you're ready to pull the trigger and invest in solar panels for your home. Congratulations! You're making a financially sound and environmentally conscious decision. But now you have a big decision - which solar company to choose for your purchase. There are multiple vendors on the market, and it can be hard to understand which is the best option for your situation. Luckily, we can help you narrow things down. Here is a comprehensive guide to the best solar companies on the market, including each one's pros and cons.

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Best Solar Companies 

What to Look for When Choosing a Solar Company

Before we dive into the details of our list of the best solar companies, let's ensure you know what makes a great vendor for solar installation. Here are some of the things you'll want to look for when selecting your solar panel vendor:

 You don't want to be a company's first, or even tenth, customer. Ask them how long they've been in business for. The more operational years under their belt, the more experienced they are.

This qualifier is similar to the above. You want to work with experienced vendors. Ask how many solar panel installations they've done so you can feel confident in their skill level.

: Almost all solar panel installers provide a warranty on the parts and/or their installation services. You'll want to ask if they provide a warranty and the details of the warranty.

 When someone installs solar panels on your home, they'll spend a lot of time on your roof. You'll want to ensure the business has proper insurance coverage if someone gets hurt or your roof is damaged. You can ask the vendor about their insurance coverage so you know you won't be stuck with big bills if an accident occurs.

 You only want to work with a licensed and bonded contractor for your solar panel installations. There are many industry-standard certifications available for solar installations. For example, one of the most well-known organizations is the 

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP

). Ask the business if all their workers are licensed to work with solar panels.

 Always take the time to look at reviews before you consider a vendor. A solar panel company with bad reviews, or few reviews, is risky to work with.

: You can't compare vendors without taking into account pricing. You want to get quotes from a few places for your specific job and avoid anyone who seems to be charging too little or too much.

According to Architectural Digest, the average cost of installing solar panels nationwide is

. The average range is between $17,430 and $23,870 when considering the size of your roof, the type of panels, your home's energy needs, and tax incentives in your area.

Solar panels are an investment in your home. You can see a return on your investment (ROI) from the money you save from utility charges, but it typically takes many years to see that ROI. Most experts say that you can expect to see your return on investment within 10-15 years (if you live in a relatively sunny place).

But, you don't necessarily have to wait around that long to see your purchase be worthwhile. If you choose to sell your home, your solar panels will drive up the value of your home.

Knowing the average cost of solar installations can give you some context as you approach vendors and get quotes. You know what to expect and will be able to recognize when someone is trying to overcharge you.

If the idea of having $20,000 on hand to purchase solar panels feels impossible, don't worry. The good news is solar panel purchases often come with financing options.

You can get a solar loan, which will work like a mortgage or auto loan. You'll make a deposit and pay monthly installments on the loan for a predetermined period. Of course, loans come with interest, so it does mean you'll pay more for your solar panels in the long run.

Alternatively, you could also consider a solar lease. A solar lease, also sometimes called a power purchase agreement (PPA), is when you allow a third-party company to install solar panels on your roof. The company sells you the electricity produced from these panels at a rate typically 10-30% lower than 

A solar lease has some downsides (such as the fact that you never actually own your panels), so do your research before considering this option.

Whether you pay outright cash, finance, or lease your panels, it can be an excellent investment if you can afford it.

learn more ways to slash your energy bills

Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s take a look at some of the best solar companies:

 is a top-tier company that has been selling residential solar panels since 2011. The company offers a comprehensive approach to solar panels, giving customers everything from solar design to financing and maintenance.

Warranties are great and offered for 25 years

Installation isn't done in-house, but you can be connected with a Palmetto Partner for installation services

Active system monitoring services cost extra

 from over 200 reviews on the Better Business Bureau website. The average cost for solar panels from Palmetto Sour is estimated to be around $15,000 to $20,000.

2. Most Efficient Product: SunPower Solar

 was founded in 1985 and is proud of its long history. One of the company's taglines is "With nearly 40 years of dedicated solar experience, we're the only U.S.-based solar company that's been around longer than our 25-year warranty."

The company offers solar, backup battery, and electric vehicle (EV) charger installations.

Product and production guarantees on all solar panel installations

Panels have 20.9% to 22.8% efficiency ratings, which are higher than average for the solar panel industry

Higher than average cost compared to other options on the market

 from over 750 reviews on the Better Business Bureau website. The average cost for solar panels from SunPower Solar Sour is estimated to be around $24,000 to $36,000.

3. Best Customer Service: Blue Raven Solar

has only been around for ten years, but they’ve made impressive strides in that short time and now have over 2,200 team members. The company offers solar and backup battery installations, plus solar equipment monitoring.

Warranties are offered for 10 or 25 years

Installs SunPower Brand panels, which are very efficient

Reviews online complaints of aggressive sales tactics

 from over 1380 reviews on the Better Business Bureau website, which holds the highest rating out of all our picks on this list. The average cost for solar panels from Blue Raven Solar is estimated to be around $20,000 to $22,500.

Tesla Solar is probably the most well-known brand on this list. Tesla Solar operates under the branch of Tesla Energy, which is the "clean energy division" of Tesla. The Tesla solar panels are known for their aesthetic design. You can purchase traditional solar panels, solar roofing shingles, EV charging stations, and backup battery installations with Tesla Solar.

Price estimator online for transparent pricing

Some online reviews complain of poor customer service and long wait times for repairs

Tesla also has another option, known as Tesla Solar Roof. This option is much more innovative and has a sleeker-looking design compared to Tesla Solar. However, the Tesla Solar Roof is incredibly expensive, often coming at two to three times the price of a typical solar roof.

 from over 300 reviews on the Better Business Bureau website. As outlined above, Tesla Solar is the most affordable choice, but it comes at the cost of good customer service. The average price for solar panels from Tesla Solar is estimated at $16,000 to $23,000.

Working with a solar company is a significant decision, and being well-informed is crucial. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about working with a solar company:

Look for companies with strong track records, 

, relevant certifications, and experience in the industry. It's also beneficial to compare quotes and services from multiple providers to ensure you get the best value and service.

What costs are involved in installing solar panels?

Costs can vary widely depending on your system's size, location, the quality of the panels, and additional equipment like inverters and batteries. Solar companies typically provide a detailed quote that includes the total installation cost, potential rebates, and incentives.

Are there any incentives or rebates available for solar panel installation?

Many regions offer solar panel installation

. These can significantly reduce the upfront cost. A reputable solar company will have up-to-date information on local and federal incentives and can assist in the application process.

How much money can I save by installing solar panels?

Savings vary based on your electricity usage, the size of your solar system, the cost of electricity in your area, and how much energy your system generates. Solar companies often provide estimates of potential savings during the consultation process.

Most solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years or more. However, their efficiency might gradually decrease over time. It's important to ask about the warranty and what it covers.

Looking to buy solar panels soon? This guide can help. Find out what the best solar companies are in 2024 and what makes each one so great. 

The 4 Best Solar Companies in 2024 | PopularLiving 

The 4 Best Solar Companies in 2024 

In 2020, the average US household spent roughly 

 in energy (wood, coal, district steam, solar thermal, and solar panels). Thanks to inflation, current figures are probably higher. Whether you’re racking your brains trying to figure out the most effective way to heat and cool an older home (I’m with you) or you’re simply trying not to go broke fueling your WFH lifestyle, there are plenty of ways to make your home more energy efficient.

While it’s true that the majority of America’s homes 

, thanks to advancements in technology and information, it’s easier than ever to control your home’s environment to help you manage and save on energy costs.

Depending on your housing situation and budget, there are simple fixes to more long-term solutions to manage your household’s energy bills, keep your home safe, extend the longevity of your systems, and do your part for the environment. In this article, we will cover a few of those solutions.

Yes, you absolutely can hire a professional to perform an energy audit, but before you do, there are ways you can 

 on spot-checking common problem areas. Checking for air leaks, old appliances, manual operation systems that expend a lot of energy, and poor lighting situations is the first start to making your home’s energy complement your lifestyle not take away from it.

If you’re the lucky person who’s discovered what happens when you wait longer than a year to replace the air filter in your furnace or air conditioner–my condolences.

It’s the bane of every homeowner’s existence to realize you’ve accidentally forced your HVAC system to work overtime, costing you higher energy bills and quite possibly causing you to suck questionable substances 

 that can trigger allergies or lead to respiratory illnesses.

I’m not yelling at you; I’m coming from personal experience. I want to be better, too. Some rules of thumb for finding and replacing a filter:

Know which size you need for your HVAC system

. Most homes have a 1-inch filter. The thickness tells you how long you have before you need to replace the filter again.

Replace the filter every three to six months.

 Change filters more often (like once a month) if you have fur babies, live in a city with a lot of pollution, or have allergies or medical conditions.

 the better the filter filters substances.

, vary depending on household needs. A MERV 8 filter is generally recommended for most households.

MERV 13 is the highest you should go. It is known as a hospital-grade filter, eliminating different types of bacteria, 

Higher MERVs require the HVAC system to work harder. You may need to connect with an HVAC specialist to make any adjustments to accommodate better the filter you want.

Video: Learn more about changing your air filter.

Older homes (the majority of homes that people live in across the US) are notorious for drafts–which are one of the biggest culprits of energy waste and heat loss. Making sure your home (walls, attics, chimneys, vents, and pipes) is properly insulated is one of the first recommendations experts and homeowners who have been there suggest in improving your home’s efficiency and comfort, not to mention combating high energy costs.

Fiberglass, spray foam, cellulose, concrete block. Not all insulation is the same, and there are A LOT OF OPINIONS on it. Depending on your application, budget, and where you live, there are different 

 to best withstand your home project and climate.

For example, fiberglass is one of the most common and cost-effective types of insulation for homes in colder climates, whereas spray foam insulation is the best for warmer ones. Avoid cellulose in wet, tropical climates, as it sucks moisture and can lead to mold.

I’ve watched enough YouTube videos to know I would probably save for and hire a licensed contractor who knows something about building codes, severe climate protocol, and animal infestation to do my insulation. Still, if you’re feeling knowledgeable, skilled, and confident, there are a lot of brave souls out there 

Air leaks are other notorious energy thieves. Want to know how much energy usage accounts for heat loss from air leaks? Yeah, so you’re not gonna like this, but it’s about 

. Not to mention, it’s not great for the 

Rule of thumb: if you can see light or feel air coming through–you should probably seal that up. I mean, it’s one of the easiest and most cost-effective fixes on this entire list, so why not?

Caulk and weatherstrip the nooks and crannies of your home to ensure better indoor air quality and cut costs on energy bills.

I’m not here to gloat, but the US has made 

 in our switch from incandescent light to LED lights in our homes, y’all. I won’t spend too much time harping on this one because it’s old news at this point, but if you haven’t already switched out the less efficient and cost-effective bulbs in your home, it’s not too late to jump on the bandwagon.

Even if you are wary of green-washed media, you will get your money’s worth out of LEDs, which tend to last up to 

 than their incandescent counterparts. Customers seem to rate 

 LED lights highly for their brightness and durability.

LED Christmas lights are also taking the world by storm, including 

, which allow you to get your festive fix while keeping your electric bills and energy consumption manageable.

Replace Old Systems with Energy Efficient Ones

I’m currently not being paid to recommend any brands in particular. Still, I’ve coordinated and edited enough 

 back in my day to say that if your water heater is older than 15 years old, it’s a good time to replace it.

. I know you’ve heard of them. You may be cautiously eyeballing smart technology like me. But, these systems actually help you obsess less about manual ways to save energy and worry about more important things in your home–like raising and supporting your family.

Smart thermostats basically make it so you don’t have to yell at your roommate or significant other to cut down on the number of lattes or pieces of avocado toast they consume every month. While you’re in between unimportant meetings, wiping drool from your toddler, or scooping shit from the backyard you got just for your dog, you can adjust the thermostat in your home at the touch of a button.

And somewhat importantly, depending on who you ask, smart thermostats are here to stay as long as the climate temperature rises.

 in your home and cool you down without forcing you to crank up the AC. At the same time, leaving your fan on when no one is in the room to enjoy its cooling abilities defeats the purpose of your cost-saving and environmental efforts. Enter your dad, who is here to remind you money doesn’t grow on trees.

If your home has poor air circulation, consider using or installing a high-efficiency ceiling fan (ENERGY STAR-rated fans are 

). Many fans have a switch on them that allows you to change the direction of the blade's spin to distribute cool air evenly and stop hot air from pooling in certain spots of the room. Stay cozy and make your energy work with you, not against you, in your own home.

See if You Qualify for Incentives and Rebate Programs

Sometimes, it pays to make energy-efficient home improvements. For example, did you know that if you elect to install heat pumps, biomass stoves, and boilers with at least a 75 percent thermal efficiency rating, you can claim up to 

Of course, there are some caveats about who can apply (new construction and rentals are ineligible), and you should be aware of how this impacts your 

Are you thinking about going solar? There are incentives for that, too. Take the federal solar energy income tax, for example, which allows you to claim a 

 on your taxes for installing PV solar panels or cells.

. From geothermal-heated homes to wind-powered ones, there’s a credit for everything, it seems. Be sure to learn more about what energy savings are available in your area.

This list is just a start to your journey to energy efficiency. If you’re a newbie, do not fret. There is SO much help across the internet, from experts who know what they’re talking about to regular homeowners who have learned the hard way on their own. 

 from PopularLiving on how to cut costs, improve indoor air quality, and combat climate concerns in a small but meaningful way.

Ways you’ve managed to save on energy through your methods and specialists.

What you’re currently paying in energy costs.

Green energy topics you want us to cover.

 This website uses affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Ignoring those pesky energy suckers could cost you in the long run.

Save on energy costs with audits, efficient filters, proper insulation, sealing leaks, LED lights, and smart thermostats.

Energy-Saving Hacks for Your Home | Popular Living

Slash Your Bills, Not Your Comfort: Energy-Saving Hacks for Your Home

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Home renovations can be both exciting and intimidating undertakings. They present an opportunity to breathe new life into your living space, enhance functionality, and increase the overall property value.

However, navigating the landscape of home improvement can be a minefield of complexities, particularly for the inexperienced. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, demystifying the process and equipping you with essential home renovation tips to avoid common mistakes.


Home renovations, big or small, serve a variety of purposes. For some, it's about personalizing the space to reflect individual tastes, lifestyles, and needs. For others, it's about improving functionality—optimizing the space to cater to a growing family, adding much-needed storage, or introducing a home office. There's also a growing emphasis on renovations aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainability, contributing to a greener environment while also reducing utility bills.


However, the path to achieving these outcomes is often fraught with challenges. It requires a blend of sound planning, practical design, budget management, and a significant amount of patience. These aspects often intimidate many homeowners, causing them to postpone or completely shelve their renovation ideas. But with the right guidance and preparation, these perceived obstacles can be easily overcome.

Common Misconceptions about Home Renovations

A common misconception among homeowners is that achieving substantial renovation outcomes requires an equally substantial budget. While it's undeniable that financial resources play a pivotal role in home renovations, it's not always about how much you spend but rather how wisely you spend it.

With careful planning and astute decision-making, it's possible to achieve impressive results within a constrained budget. Being strategic about where to splurge and where to save, leveraging DIY possibilities, and sourcing cost-effective materials can all contribute to successful budget-friendly renovations.

The surge in popularity of DIY home improvement television shows and online tutorials has led to another misconception—that DIY renovations are always the most cost-effective route. While DIY projects can indeed save on labor costs and provide a sense of accomplishment, they aren't always the best approach.

Certain projects require specialist knowledge and skills, and attempting these without the necessary expertise can lead to costly errors and prolonged timelines. It's essential to weigh the complexity of the project, your skill level, and the potential risks before deciding on a DIY approach.

Embarking on a home renovation journey without being cognizant of potential pitfalls can be a costly affair. Understanding common mistakes can equip homeowners with the necessary foresight to avoid them.

Arguably, the most common and damaging home renovation mistake is underestimating the time and costs involved. Whether it's due to inadequate planning, overly optimistic timelines, or failure to account for unexpected issues, these miscalculations can lead to overblown budgets and extended periods of disruption.

Accurate estimation of time and costs requires a detailed understanding of the tasks involved, realistic expectations, and a provision for unforeseen challenges. An expert opinion can often be valuable in this regard.

Home renovations involve a range of activities, some of which can pose safety risks if not adequately managed. Ignoring safety measures, either out of ignorance or cutting corners, can result in accidents, property damage, or even legal complications.

Whether it's about ensuring electrical safety, managing potential asbestos risks, or ensuring a safe work environment, safety should never be compromised.

For those determined to undertake a DIY home renovation, having a well-defined approach can simplify the process and enhance outcomes. Here's a step-by-step guide to navigate through your DIY journey.

A successful renovation starts with a clear vision of the desired outcome. Take the time to brainstorm your ideas, assess their feasibility, and then translate these into a concrete plan. Whether you sketch out your designs manually, leverage digital design software, or engage a professional to bring your vision to life, this step is critical.

The financial aspect of DIY home renovation is a critical determinant of your project's success. It's essential to be realistic about your budget, ensuring it reflects the actual costs as closely as possible.

Remember to factor in all aspects, including materials, equipment hire, permits, and waste disposal. Also, include a contingency fund to cater to unexpected expenses—an industry rule of thumb is to set aside 10-20% of your total budget for this.

The execution phase is where your plans and designs come to life. It's essential to maintain a disciplined approach during this phase, sticking to your plan as closely as possible while remaining flexible to adapt to unforeseen changes.

Prioritize tasks based on their interdependencies and the overall project timeline. Remember, patience is key during this phase—rushing through tasks can lead to subpar outcomes and potential rework.

Essential Tips to Prevent Home Renovation Mistakes

To navigate your home renovation journey successfully, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

While DIY can be a great way to save on labor costs, it's important to understand when professional help is required. Tasks like electrical work, plumbing, and structural modifications typically require specialist skills and knowledge, and it can be more cost-effective (and safer) to hire professionals for these.

When deciding on renovation projects, it's beneficial to focus on those that add the most value to your home. Kitchens and 

 often yield the highest return on investment. However, it's also important to balance this with your personal needs and preferences.

Regardless of the scale of your project, safety should always be a top priority. Whether you're engaging contractors or undertaking a DIY project, always invest in quality safety equipment, follow recommended safety practices, and don't hesitate to seek expert advice when unsure.


Conclusion: Learning From Home Renovation Mistakes for Future Success

The prospect of home renovations doesn't need to be a daunting one. Armed with the right knowledge, a robust plan, and the willingness to seek professional help when required, you can confidently steer through your renovation journey. Whether it's a minor upgrade or a major overhaul, you can navigate the process successfully, avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring a successful, satisfying outcome.

FAQs on Home Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Q: What is the most common home renovation mistake?

A: The most common mistake is underestimating the time and costs involved in a project. This usually results from inadequate planning and unrealistic expectations.

Q: Are DIY home renovations always the most cost-effective option?

A: Not always. While DIY can save on labor costs, there are risks involved. If a project requires specialist skills or knowledge, or if errors could lead to significant additional costs, it might be more cost-effective to hire a professional.

Q: What should I prioritize when planning a home renovation?

A: Prioritize projects that will add the most value to your home. However, it's also important to balance this with your personal needs and preferences. Regardless of the project you undertake, always make safety a top priority.

Q: How can I stick to my renovation budget?

A: A realistic budget, accurate cost estimates, disciplined execution, and a contingency provision for unforeseen costs are essential for sticking to your renovation budget.

Q: How do I ensure safety during a home renovation?

A: Always follow recommended safety practices, invest in quality safety equipment, and don't hesitate to seek professional help for tasks that pose a risk.

Home renovations can be both exciting and intimidating undertakings. They present an opportunity to breathe new life into your living space, enhance functionality, and increase the overall property value.   However, navigating the landscape of home improvement can be a minefield of complexities, particularly for the inexperienced. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, demystifying...

Plan carefully and hire pros when needed to avoid underestimating costs and time in home renovations.

Home Renovation Mistakes: Avoid Pitfalls & Ensuring Success | Popular Living

Demystifying Home Renovations: A Step-by-Step Guide to Avoiding Common Mistakes and Ensuring Success

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Imagine if your home gym recommended a tailored workout every day to boost your day’s caloric intake or muscle-building goals. Or if your home adjusted the temperature, lighting, and security of your home based on your location.

These technologies are already developing, and thanks to AI’s ability to train and better itself without the need for constant human intervention, new advances are made every day.

Here’s How AI Will Improve Your Home in the Future.

When you pair smart home tech with AI, you’re giving that tech the ability to teach itself to be better: more productive, more entertaining, more energy efficient. AI-enabled home gadgets will be ever-adaptable, meaning the homes of the future will better themselves and become nearly self-sufficient, allowing us humans to get back to cool human stuff: taking naps, playing with our dogs, and working on our hobbies.

Divided by technology type, here’s how AI may improve your home in the coming years.

 your home will become safer and more accessible as the technology develops. Say goodbye to key rings.

 Smart locks will arm themselves, understanding that your home is uninhabited or at-risk without you needing to log into an app or turn a lock.

 Smart cameras will learn the faces of your family, friends, and neighbors, pinging you if a familiar face waltzes towards your door, warning you when a stranger approaches.

 will interconnect all of your smart security devices, telling them when and how to operate to best keep your family safe. For example, your hub security may teach your locks to engage and security cameras to swap to high-alert when you’re out of town.

 is an incredibly smart smart lock. If you’re looking for complete mobile control over your front door, you have to give it a try.

Today’s smart homes are already turning off lights and adjusting the thermostat on regular intervals. Tomorrow’s AI-enabled gadgets will 

 in ways you could never think to schedule:

 There’s no reason for your house to be cozy when it’s uninhabited. While connected to your smartphone, your thermostat may “learn” to turn up the heat when your phone pings that you’re returning from work.

 will do more than save energy: it will follow your Circadian rhythms, creating the perfect environments for wakefulness, 

 Creepy as it may sound, AI-powered water heaters will learn the timetables when you do the dishes, wash your hair, or take those two-hour weekend baths. Instead of running 24/7, water heaters will power down in off-times and power up around your timetable.

Although Google doesn’t mention “AI” in the promotional materials, the 

 is designed to do what I mentioned above: learn how to set your home’s temperature, all on its own.

AI has been helping us find new music and movies for years. As more of your home fuses with AI, you’ll discover better ways to chill, exercise, and learn.

 could suggest a new pick for your vinyl collection, based on what you played last week. With AI, voice-activated hubs will become an all-around curator for your life, recommending movies, TV, music, books, and things to do based on your conversations and interests.

AI will revolutionize the home workout, enabling athletes and everyday folks alike to receive personalized workouts based on their day’s vitals, weight, emotional goals, and more.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):

 will become cheaper and more commonplace, changing the way students learn, employees work, and hobbyists engage with their interests.

Want to see our take on the Apple Vision Pro? Fellow writer and tech extraordinaire, Chris, bought one, took lots of screen capture videos, and wrote about his experience, all for your viewing pleasure. 

You’re likely to see the following, AI-powered products on the shelves sooner rather than later.

 [pronounced like “Ball-ee”] is an AI-powered, home companion robot that functions as part smart home hub, part cute little guy.

According to the awkwardly dubbed video below, Ballie will be able to respond to voice and text commands to perform a range of tasks: projecting videos onto your wall or ceiling, connecting to smart home devices to control them, and lazily rolling around like a certain 

BMind is an AI-powered smart mirror designed to help folks regulate their mental health. Unlike an athletic smart mirror that’s installed in a gym, BMind is designed for a bathroom, bedroom, or other private location.

Using facial recognition and LLM software, BMind can gauge your emotional state based on your expressions, gestures, and words. Depending on your goals, BMind can offer personalized coaching and guidance by chatting with you, guiding meditations, or emitting soothing lights.

What if your home could make itself better? The future is coming.

What if your home could make itself better? Thanks to AI getting built-into more smart home products, the future is coming.

Here’s What Your Home Will Look Like with AI

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