Momentum Solar
Momentum Solar installs top-tier solar panels and solar batteries at competitive prices. With several financing options and in-house installation, you can’t go wrong with Momentum Solar.
Our rating: 3.8 out of 5
Best for: Payment options
Average cost per watt: $2.50 to $3.12
Momentum Solar at a glance
After its start in 2009, Momentum Solar built its reputation as a quality solar installer that installs top-tier solar panels in select states. It is one of our best solar installation companies.
Fast facts
- With four financing options, homeowners can find a payment plan that works with their budget.
- Momentum Solar has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)*.
- This provider only installs solar panels in 12 states and solar batteries in five states.
- Momentum Solar’s partners with Enphase to install high-quality solar batteries and microinverters.
- Momentum Solar’s in-house team will work with you from start to finish.
What we like
Solar panels are an expensive investment, so a solar panel installer needs multiple financing options. Momentum Solar leads the pack in this regard, offering cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Momentum Solar installs Tier 1 solar panels, which have met stringent criteria. This provider also partners with Enphase, so it installs top-of-the-line solar batteries and microinverters.
What we don’t like
Momentum Solar provides solar panels in only 12 states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Texas. Residents in only five states — California, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Texas — are also eligible for battery storage installation from Momentum Solar. If you’re interested in solar panels and battery storage but don’t live in one of these select states, Momentum Solar is not your provider.
* BBB ratings are accurate as of July 2024.
Momentum Solar pros and cons
Momentum Solar may only install solar panels in 12 states, but the company hand-selected these states because of their established net-metering programs and many solar incentives. Momentum Solar can install solar panels, but you must get an official quote to figure out the right brand of solar panels and get an accurate price.
One thing that sets Momentum Solar apart from other solar panel installers is its sole use of in-house installation. You’ll only work with its in-house team when you choose Momentum Solar. You will get assigned a customer service representative as your point of contact. However, there have been some reports of spam calls and poor communication. So, your experience with Momentum Solar may vary.
Pros
- Tier 1 solar panel options
- In-house installation
- Flexible financing options
Cons
- Only available in 24% of states
- No transparent price information
- Solar panel brands not available on website
How much does Momentum Solar cost?
Momentum Solar does not have transparent pricing information on its website. Still, some estimate the cost of Momentum Solar panels to be between $2.50 and $3.12 per watt, putting this provider around the average cost of $2.85. This cost range is only an estimate, so if you want to know how much your solar system will cost, you must get a free quote and talk to a company representative.
Momentum Solar also doesn’t list the solar brands it partners with on its website. The solar panel brand can play a major role in the cost, as some are more expensive than others because of quality, efficiency and panel type.
There are ways to save on solar panels, and Momentum Solar has taken a unique approach to helping its customers save the most money. The company has been selective about the states in which it installs solar panels, choosing only states that have well-established net metering programs and appealing solar incentives.
What services does Momentum Solar offer?
Momentum Solar installs top-tier solar panels, solar batteries and solar inverters. Although it doesn’t perform roof repairs, the installation team may recommend — or insist on — a roof repair before your solar installation.
The time it takes to install your solar panels once you’ve signed a contract with Momentum Solar can vary. Some customers have reported wait periods as short as three months, while others claimed to have waited more than two years.
You must pass a final inspection before you can generate power with your new system. However, unlike some other providers, Momentum Solar does not help schedule inspections. Even though the company claims to have project managers help with your project from start to finish, you may not get white glove solar installation service.
Momentum Solar’s options
|
Offered?
|
|
|---|---|
| Solar panels | Yes |
| Solar shingles | Not available |
| Microinverter | Yes |
| String inverter | Not available |
| Solar battery | Yes (Encharge 10 and Encharge 3) |
| Other equipment | Enpower Smart Switch for solar system integration |
| Full cash | Yes |
| In-house loan | Yes |
| Lease | Yes |
| Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) | Yes |
| Free energy consultation | Yes |
| Inspection scheduling assistance | No |
| Permitting assistance | Yes |
| Roof repair | No |
| Power production guarantee | Not available |
| Workmanship warranty | 25 years |
| Micro inverter warranty | 25 years |
Momentum Solar add-ons and optional features
Solar batteries
Momentum Solar has two solar batteries, the Encharge 3 and Encharge 10, which have capacities of 3.4 kWh and 10.1 kWh, respectively. These are designed to integrate with your solar system and store excess energy for later use.
Microinverters
Because of its partnership with Enphase, Momentum Solar offers some of the solar industry’s best and most efficient microinverters. Your Momentum design specialist can help you choose which model is right for your system.
Empower Smart Switch
The Empower Smart Switch is the seamless connection between your solar panels and solar energy storage. If you have a power outage, this switch will take your solar system off the energy grid to use the excess power in your solar battery.
Enphase Enlighten app
The Enphase Enlighten app is free for Momentum Solar customers. You can download it on your iPhone or Android to monitor your solar system’s energy production.
Expert design
Once you decide to go solar with Momentum Solar, you’ll work with its in-house design team to build a solar system that maximizes energy production for your home. This design help comes at no extra cost and includes choosing the right solar panels for your home and sizing your system to offset your energy costs.
Momentum Solar customer experience
Unfortunately, Momentum Solar’s website has little helpful information. Although its comprehensive coverage areas page makes it easy to determine whether the provider is available in your state, there is little detail about the brands it partners with and no cost updates. To get more information about its services and types of solar panels, you must fill out an online form and talk to a service representative. Momentum Solar has an FAQ page, but it answers few questions.
Momentum Solar’s customers have mixed reviews of the company’s customer service, indicating that your experience will depend on who you receive as your first point of contact. Whereas some homeowners had excellent experiences and saw seamless installations from start to finish, others reported multiple calls that were almost too salesy in nature.
Understanding Momentum Solar’s installation process
Momentum Solar doesn’t manufacture its own panels. Instead, it installs solar panels from other top manufacturers. After you provide your ZIP code, Momentum Solar will contact you to discuss the best configuration for your home. You can expect the installation process to follow this timeline:
- Get a personalized quote: If you live in one of the 12 states where Momentum does solar panel installations, you can get a personalized, free quote online. You’ll talk to a representative about your solar needs and receive a summary of local utility incentives and rebates.
- Solar panel system design: Your dedicated customer service representative will connect you with a solar panel design team. This team will craft a solar panel system designed for your home and energy needs.
- Paperwork and permits: Momentum Solar’s in-house installation team will handle all necessary paperwork and permits before installation.
- In-house professional installation: Once your solar project has been approved and all inspections are completed, Momentum Solar will send its team to install your panels. This process typically takes four to six hours, depending on the complexity of the project. Before the team leaves, they will teach you how to use, monitor and manage your solar system.
- Activation approval: After installation, a local utility will inspect your installation and deliver your Permission to Operate certification. You’re then ready to produce your solar energy.
Momentum Solar vs. competitors
Momentum Solar is among the top solar panel installers. Although the company has nearly 15 years of experience installing solar panels, it has not expanded its reach to nearly as many states as some providers, such as SunPower and Tesla.
Where Momentum Solar shines is in its available payment options. Some companies, such as Blue Raven Solar and Green Home Systems, only offer two payment options. But with Momentum Solar’s cash payment, solar loan, solar lease and power purchase agreement options, you can find solar financing that fits your budget.
Momentum Solar competitor comparison
|
Our score
|
No. of states available
|
Years in business
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Momentum Solar | 3.8 |
12 |
15 |
| Sunnova | 4.7 |
50 |
12 |
| Blue Raven Solar | 4.1 |
20 |
10 |
| Green Home Systems | 4.1 |
21 |
15 |
| Tesla Solar | 4.1 |
50 |
9 |
| NRG Clean Power | 3.8 |
2 |
7 |
| Lumio | 3.6 |
14 |
3 |
Methodology
The CNN Underscored team takes an unbiased approach to ranking the top solar panel companies. Providers are independently reviewed, and star ratings are based on quantitative data. To determine our top solar panel providers, the editorial team analyzed 18 solar panel installers based on seven distinct categories, such as the brand of panels, payment options and customer reviews.
Bottom line
Momentum Solar is undoubtedly worth a look if you live in one of the select few states where it offers services. Unlike some providers with limited options, Momentum Solar has various payment options that can accommodate nearly any budget. Although we have read reviews with complaints about the company’s communication, it offers top-tier solar panels and its installations are of high quality.
