Shopping for solar panels means navigating a confusing marketplace with dozens of options across very different purchasing channels. You can buy from local installers, national solar companies, big-box retailers, specialty online stores, or directly from manufacturers—and each channel offers different advantages in price, service, quality, and reliability. Making the right choice here could save thousands of dollars or prevent costly installation mistakes. This guide maps out every major purchasing channel for solar panels in 2026, what each offers, and how to evaluate which is right for your situation.

Whether you’re buying a complete residential installation or sourcing panels for a DIY system, the purchasing decision matters more than most buyers realize. The cheapest source isn’t always the best value, and the most expensive option isn’t always the most reliable. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

Option 1: Local Solar Installers (Best for Most Homeowners)

For most residential customers, purchasing solar through a licensed local installer is the best option. Here’s why: solar panel installation is complex, and the equipment is only part of the cost. Permitting, electrical work, utility interconnection, roof assessment, and system design account for 50–65% of a typical system’s total cost. A local installer handles all of these steps under one roof.

What You Get

  • Complete system design: Roof assessment, shading analysis, system sizing, and equipment selection tailored to your specific home
  • Permitting and inspection handling: Local installers know your jurisdiction’s requirements and handle all filings
  • Utility interconnection: Coordination with your utility company for net metering applications and interconnection approval
  • Installation warranty: Typically 10–25 years on workmanship, separate from panel and inverter manufacturer warranties
  • Ongoing service: Local presence for system monitoring, repairs, and warranty claims

How to Find a Good Local Installer

NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification is the gold standard for solar installation professionals. Look for companies with NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Also check Better Business Bureau ratings, Google reviews, and state contractor licensing databases. Request 3 competitive quotes and compare system specifications (panel brand and wattage, inverter type, warranty terms), not just price.

Price Range

A complete 6–8 kW residential system through a local installer runs $14,000–$28,000 before the 30% federal tax credit, bringing net cost to $10,000–$20,000. Prices vary significantly by state, company size, and competition in your market. California, New York, and Massachusetts tend to have higher installed costs; Texas, Florida, and Arizona are more competitive.

Option 2: National Solar Companies (SunPower, Tesla Energy, Sunrun)

Large national solar companies offer standardized systems, brand recognition, and sometimes unique financing products. They typically operate through local contractor networks rather than direct installation teams.

Advantages

  • Strong brand warranties and national service networks
  • Premium products (SunPower uses proprietary high-efficiency panels)
  • Streamlined online quoting and customer service systems
  • Unique financing: Tesla offers solar as a subscription, Sunrun offers leasing and power purchase agreements

Disadvantages

  • Often 15–30% more expensive than local installers for comparable equipment
  • Less flexibility in system design (typically offer limited product options)
  • Customer service quality varies significantly by local subcontractor
  • National companies have had financial difficulties; check company stability before signing long-term contracts

Option 3: Home Improvement Retailers (Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s)

Costco partners with local solar installation companies through its solar program. Home Depot and Lowe’s have historically offered similar programs, though availability varies by region. These programs use the retailer’s brand to add credibility and sometimes offer financing through the retailer.

What You Get

Costco’s solar program (through third-party installers) offers competitive pricing—often 5–10% below market average—due to high volume. You get standard installation services and manufacturer warranties, with Costco member benefits sometimes including cash back or extended financing. Quality varies by the specific installer in your area; Costco vets their partners but doesn’t install directly.

Limitations

Equipment selection is limited (typically one or two panel brands and inverter configurations). You lose flexibility in system design. The Costco relationship doesn’t extend to post-installation service; you deal directly with the installer for any issues. Home Depot and Lowe’s programs have been inconsistent—verify current availability in your area.

Option 4: Online Retailers (Amazon, eBay, Wholesale Solar, Alta Energy)

Buying solar panels online is practical for DIY systems but generally not recommended for complete home installations without professional help. Online sources include Amazon and eBay for individual panels, and specialty online solar retailers like Wholesale Solar, altE Store, and GoGreenSolar for complete system components.

DIY Systems from Online Retailers

For off-grid cabins, RVs, boats, or supplemental power systems, online retailers offer competitive panel pricing. Wholesale Solar and altE Store specialize in helping DIY customers size and purchase complete systems. Typical pricing for panels through these channels: $200–$350 per 400W panel (vs. $350–$600+ installed through professional installers). You’ll also need to purchase inverters, racking, wiring, and other components separately.

Important limitation: Panels bought online without an installer don’t come with installation warranty, permitting support, or utility interconnection assistance. For grid-tied systems, you’ll need a licensed electrician to complete the interconnection regardless of where you buy the panels.

Verifying Panel Authenticity

Counterfeit solar panels are a real problem on Amazon and eBay. Buy only from authorized distributors (check the panel manufacturer’s website for authorized reseller lists). Verify that panels are listed with UL or IEC certifications. Counterfeit panels may pass basic visual inspection but fail safety standards and degrade far faster than genuine panels.

Option 5: Direct from Manufacturer

Some panel manufacturers sell direct to end users (SunPower, LG, REC Group), though most sell only to installers. Manufacturers that offer direct sales typically require minimum order quantities (10+ panels) and may require proof of contractor license for grid-tied system components. Direct purchasing makes sense for commercial and utility-scale projects but is rarely practical for residential customers.

Option 6: Community Solar Programs

If you can’t install solar on your property (renting, shading, HOA restrictions, unsuitable roof), community solar programs let you subscribe to a share of a local solar farm. You receive a credit on your utility bill for your share of the solar production. You don’t buy panels—you subscribe to a service. This is widely available in states with community solar legislation (Minnesota, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Colorado, and others). Monthly credits typically offset 5–10% of your electricity bill for a typical subscription share.

What to Look for Regardless of Where You Buy

Panel Brand and Tier

Panel manufacturers are often tiered by quality and financial stability. Tier 1 manufacturers (Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar, LONGi, SunPower, Panasonic) have strong balance sheets, independent quality audits, and long track records. Avoid unknown brands from unverified Chinese manufacturers that appear at very low prices; many have gone bankrupt, leaving warranties uncoverable.

Warranty Terms

Standard panel warranties include a 12–25 year product (materials/workmanship) warranty and a 25–30 year performance guarantee. The performance guarantee specifies that output won’t fall below a threshold—typically 80–90% at year 25. Inverter warranties are typically 10–12 years. Installation workmanship warranties from installers vary from 1 to 25 years depending on the company.

Federal Tax Credit Eligibility

The 30% federal ITC applies to solar panel systems installed on US residential and commercial properties through 2032. Panels must be new (not used), installed by a licensed contractor (for grid-tied systems), and placed in service in the year you claim the credit. Buying panels online and installing them yourself may complicate ITC eligibility depending on your specific situation—consult a tax professional for DIY installations.

Price Comparison Summary

For a complete 6 kW residential system:

  • National solar company: $18,000–$30,000 (before ITC)
  • Local installer: $14,000–$24,000 (before ITC)
  • Retailer program (Costco): $13,000–$22,000 (before ITC)
  • DIY with online panels + electrician: $8,000–$15,000 (before ITC, higher complexity)

After the 30% ITC, net costs are 30% lower in each category. The difference between the most and least expensive approaches can be $5,000–$10,000 on a 6 kW system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy solar panels online and install them yourself?

Yes, DIY solar using online panels can be 30–50% cheaper than a full professional installation. However, DIY grid-tied systems require a licensed electrician for utility interconnection, and you’ll handle permitting yourself. DIY is most practical for off-grid applications (cabins, RVs, boats) where permitting and utility interconnection aren’t required. For grid-tied systems, weigh the cost savings against the complexity and potential ITC complications.

What is the best brand of solar panel to buy?

Top-tier brands with strong reputations and financial stability include SunPower (highest efficiency, premium price), Panasonic (excellent quality), LONGi (high efficiency, competitive price), Canadian Solar (solid value), and JinkoSolar (market leader by volume, good quality). The best brand for your situation depends on your budget, efficiency needs, and roof space. Your installer will typically recommend panels based on their supply agreements and local performance data.

Should I use a local installer or a national solar company?

For most homeowners, a local installer offers the best combination of price, flexibility, and service. National companies often charge a premium for brand recognition and sometimes offer unique financing products (leases, PPAs). If financing flexibility is important, national options might be worth the premium. If maximizing ROI on an owned system is your goal, get multiple local installer quotes and compare with national options before deciding.

Can I buy solar panels from Costco?

Yes, Costco partners with local solar installation companies through its solar program. Costco members typically get competitive pricing (5–10% below market average) and sometimes cash-back benefits. Quality depends on the specific installer in your area. Costco vets their partners, but you’re dealing with a third-party installer, not Costco directly. Check reviews for the specific installation company serving your area through the Costco program.

What questions should I ask before buying solar panels?

Key questions: What panel brand and model is included? What are the panel efficiency and wattage specs? What is the system production guarantee in kWh/year? What warranties are included (panel, inverter, installation)? How long has the company been in business locally? Who handles post-installation service and warranty claims? What is the estimated payback period given my specific electricity consumption? Can I see recent local customer references?

How do I verify a solar panel is from a legitimate manufacturer?

Check the manufacturer’s official website for authorized dealer lists. Verify UL, IEC, or MCS certifications on the panel datasheet (not just marketing materials). Request the panel’s full technical datasheet from the manufacturer directly. For major brands, the serial number can often be verified through the manufacturer’s online portal. Avoid panels without clear certification markings or from brands with no online presence or track record.

Summing Up

For most residential solar buyers, a local licensed installer remains the best choice—offering complete system management, permitting support, utility interconnection, and long-term local service. Get multiple quotes to ensure competitive pricing. National solar companies add brand value but typically cost more. Costco and similar retailer programs can offer good value if the specific installer in your area is reputable. Online retailers are best for DIY off-grid systems or savvy buyers who can handle self-installation or source their own electrician.

The 30% federal tax credit applies regardless of which purchasing channel you use (for professionally installed grid-tied systems). Ready to compare options in your area? Call (855) 427-0058 or get a free quote to connect with local installers and national providers offering solar in your location.

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