The best place to buy solar panels for most U.S. homeowners is a licensed local solar installer or a solar quote marketplace such as EnergySage. A complete purchase usually includes panels, inverters, racking, permits, utility interconnection, and installation.

Get at least three written quotes before choosing a company. As of September 25, 2026, check federal incentive eligibility before signing a contract.

Buying individual panels from a hardware store usually makes more sense for a shed, cabin, RV, backup system, or other small off-grid project. A standard grid-connected home needs system design, permits, utility approval, and professional installation.

Best Places to Buy Home Solar Panels

Buying option Best for Main advantage Main limitation
Local solar installer Most homeowners Handles design, permits, installation, and utility approval You must research the company
EnergySage marketplace Comparing several installers Provides multiple quotes from pre-screened installers You still need to review the installer and contract
National solar company Homeowners who prefer a standard process May offer financing and a simple sales process Service quality and availability vary by location
Home improvement retailer Small DIY or off-grid systems Easy access to kits and equipment Products may not suit a whole-home grid-connected system
Online solar equipment distributor Experienced DIY installers and electricians Offers a wider equipment selection You manage design, compatibility, permits, and installation
Solar lease or PPA provider Buyers who want lower upfront costs The provider may handle maintenance You do not own the system, and the contract may affect a future home sale

1. Buy From a Licensed Local Solar Installer

A local installer is usually the practical choice for a rooftop solar system. The company can inspect your roof, calculate the required system size, select compatible equipment, and manage the installation.

A residential solar project may include:

  • Solar panels
  • Inverters or microinverters
  • Roof racking
  • Electrical wiring
  • Monitoring equipment
  • Permits
  • Utility interconnection
  • Building and electrical inspections
  • Workmanship warranties

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends comparing several installers and checking that each company is licensed, bonded, and insured. The DOE also identifies certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, or NABCEP, as an important installer credential.

Ask at least three local installers for written proposals based on the same annual electricity usage. This makes the system sizes, production estimates, and prices easier to compare.

2. Use EnergySage to Compare Solar Quotes

EnergySage can help if you do not know which solar companies serve your area. Its marketplace connects homeowners with more than 500 pre-screened installers and presents quotes with details such as system size, equipment, warranties, production estimates, and financing.

EnergySage says homeowners can submit property details, review custom proposals, and compare installers online. Its solar guide also recommends reviewing several quotes instead of accepting the first offer from a door-to-door or telephone salesperson.

Pre-screening does not replace your own checks. Confirm the installer's:

  • State and local licenses
  • Insurance coverage
  • NABCEP credentials, where applicable
  • Recent customer references
  • Warranty and service process
  • Experience with your utility company

3. Buy Panels From a Retailer for a DIY or Off-Grid Project

Retailers such as The Home Depot sell small solar panel kits, charge controllers, inverters, and other off-grid equipment. Current residential listings include products for backup power, cabins, RVs, and similar uses.

This approach can work for:

  • A shed or workshop
  • A remote cabin
  • An RV or boat
  • A small battery-charging system
  • A backup power project
  • A detached building with limited electricity needs

It usually does not suit a normal home connected to the utility grid. A whole-home system requires electrical design, roof review, code compliance, utility approval, and safe grid interconnection. A low-priced panel kit may not include the equipment or services required for that work.

Before buying a retail kit, check whether it includes:

  • An inverter suitable for your electrical system
  • Mounting hardware for your roof or structure
  • A charge controller
  • Batteries, if needed
  • Disconnects and overcurrent protection
  • Wiring and connectors
  • Installation instructions
  • Equipment certifications required by your local authority

4. Buy Through an Online Solar Equipment Distributor

An online distributor can suit an experienced DIY installer, electrician, or contractor who understands photovoltaic system design.

This route gives you more control over:

  • Panel brand and wattage
  • Inverter type
  • Battery compatibility
  • Mounting systems
  • Replacement parts
  • Equipment pricing

The distributor may not design the entire project or take responsibility for the installation. You may need to arrange these tasks separately:

  1. Roof inspection
  2. Structural review
  3. Electrical design
  4. Permit applications
  5. Utility interconnection
  6. Installation
  7. Inspection and commissioning
  8. Ongoing service

For a grid-connected system, ask your local building department and utility which equipment and documents they require before placing an order.

What to Compare Before Choosing a Solar Seller

Compare the Complete System Price

A solar quote should show the system capacity in kilowatts, expected annual production in kilowatt-hours, equipment models, and total installed price.

Ask each seller to identify:

  • Solar panel manufacturer and model number
  • Panel wattage and efficiency
  • Inverter manufacturer and model
  • Battery manufacturer and usable capacity, if included
  • System size in kilowatts
  • Estimated annual production in kilowatt-hours
  • Total cash price
  • Financing interest rate and fees
  • Permit and utility-interconnection costs
  • Roof repairs or electrical-panel upgrades
  • Installation timetable
  • Product, performance, and workmanship warranties

The Federal Trade Commission recommends comparing written bids that identify system size, expected output, installation costs, permits, equipment warranties, and workmanship warranties.

Compare Price Per Watt Carefully

Installers often quote solar prices in dollars per watt.

Price per watt = total installed price ÷ system capacity in watts

For example, a 7-kilowatt system has 7,000 watts of capacity. Divide the total installed price by 7,000 to calculate the price per watt.

Make sure each quote includes the same work and equipment before comparing the results. A quote that leaves out permits, a main-panel upgrade, roof work, or a battery may look cheaper without offering a lower total cost.

Check the Roof Before Buying Panels

The installer should inspect the roof's age, condition, pitch, orientation, and shading. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that excessive shade, an aging roof, and unsuitable roof conditions can affect whether rooftop solar is appropriate.

If the roof may need replacement soon, complete that work first. Removing and reinstalling solar panels later can add cost.

Review Ownership and Financing

The main payment options are:

  • Cash purchase: You own the system and generally pay the lowest total project cost if you have the funds.
  • Solar loan: You own the system but pay interest and possible loan fees.
  • Solar lease: A company owns the system and charges a regular payment.
  • Power purchase agreement: You buy the electricity produced by a third-party-owned system at a contract price.

Leases and PPAs can reduce upfront costs, but they may include long contracts, payment increases, transfer requirements, and early-termination charges. The FTC recommends checking who receives incentives, who handles repairs, what happens when you sell the home, and whether payments increase over time.

Federal Solar Credit Warning for 2026

The IRS states that the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit is not available for qualified property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Do not accept a proposal that automatically includes the former 30% federal residential solar credit.

State, local, and utility incentives may still be available. DSIRE maintains a database of renewable-energy and energy-efficiency incentives by state and ZIP code.

Ask the installer to identify the exact incentive, eligibility requirements, and installation deadline in writing. Do not rely on a salesperson's verbal explanation.

Solar Buying Red Flags

Avoid a seller that:

  • Promises "free" solar panels
  • Claims the government or utility will pay for the entire system
  • Pressures you to sign immediately
  • Refuses to provide equipment model numbers
  • Gives only a monthly payment instead of the total price
  • Cannot explain roof, permit, or utility requirements
  • Has no verifiable license or insurance
  • Demands payment by cash, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card
  • Guarantees that your electricity bill will become zero

The Federal Trade Commission warns that "free solar" claims and high-pressure sales tactics are common warning signs. The FTC recommends taking time to review the written contract, checking licenses and insurance, and obtaining multiple estimates.

The Best Buying Route for Most Homeowners

For a typical grid-connected home, start with three written quotes from licensed solar installers. EnergySage can help you compare local proposals, while direct quotes from local companies provide another check on pricing and service.

Choose individual panels from a retailer or online distributor when you are deliberately building a small off-grid or DIY system and understand the design, permitting, and installation requirements. For a standard home system, the seller should be able to document its license, total price, equipment models, production estimate, warranties, and service terms before you sign.