Momentum Solar review 2024

Momentum Solar has provided residential solar energy systems for 15 years but offers a limited service selection compared to our picks for the top solar companies. For example, Momentum only offers Enpower Smart Switch solar battery installation in select states, which automatically detects power outages and switches on your power source for you, and it doesn’t provide electric vehicle (EV) charger installation.

Momentum’s workmanship warranty is impressive thanks to its long-lasting coverage, but it has no power production guarantee, which would promise a certain level of solar panel performance. Its roof-penetration warranty is only for five years, which is lower than some competitors. 

For this Momentum Solar review, we tapped our in-depth research and methodology, including solar energy expert interviews, a survey of 1,000 home solar customers, and an analysis of Momentum’s warranties and product selection.

Our thoughts on Momentum

We rated Momentum 4 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. The company landed below a 4-star rating because it doesn’t use NABCEP-certified installers and has less warranty coverage than other providers. We still find the company a solid option for homeowners in its service area because it has an excellent customer service reputation and quality financing options. 

What we like

We like that Momentum uses in-house installers. Though it’s common for solar installation companies to use third-party subcontractors for installation, companies that use in-house installers often provide easier scheduling and clear communication about potential installation issues. 

Additionally, the company provides in-house financing that works with individual credit and budgets. For instance, Momentum tailors each loan to match your budget and credit rather than offering a one-and-done option that might not align with your financing goals. 

One of the best things about Momentum is its focus on keeping service local. The company’s reputable and well-reviewed customer support team will help you obtain local incentives and rebates and make it easier to deal with local utility companies. 

According to JD Dillon, chief marketing officer at Tigo Energy, customer support is an overlooked perk, as there are often communication difficulties between solar installation companies and utility providers who are competitive in the marketplace. Having a solar installer that aims to partner and maintain ongoing relationships with utility providers makes permitting and inspections easier for your solar project.

In addition, Momentum’s base warranty coverage is excellent, especially its 25-year labor warranty. Most other providers only offer a 5- or 10-year labor warranty, so you’ll receive more long-term labor support through Momentum.

What we don’t like

Momentum keeps its service options simple: In most places, it only offers solar panel installation. The company has a limited service area — including California, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Texas — where it offers solar battery installation. By contrast, competitors such as Sunrun and Blue Raven Solar provide comprehensive service options that include EV charger installation and ongoing protection plans.

Momentum provides less warranty coverage than other companies. Notably, the company doesn’t include a power production guarantee and limits its roof penetration warranty to five years. Other companies provide an average roof penetration warranty of 10 years or more. Other providers also include a production guarantee or performance warranty of roughly 25 years.

Compare top solar brands

When it comes to performance and roof-leak coverage, Momentum is not at the forefront. However, due to its positive reputation and financing options, it scored higher on our methodology than some other providers.

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Our Rating	4.8	4.6	4.6	4.7	4.7	4.6	4.3	4.0
Manufacturer’s Warranty	25 years	25 years	25 years	25 years	25 years	25 years	25 years	25 years
Workmanship Warranty	5 years	25 years	25 years	10 years	10 years	25 years	10 years	25 years

	Request Quote	Request Quote	Request Quote	Request Quote	Request Quote	Request Quote	Request Quote	Request Quote
Our Rating	4.8	4.6	4.6	4.7	4.7	4.6	4.3	4.0
Manufacturer’s Warranty	25 years	25 years	25 years	25 years	25 years	25 years	25 years	25 years
Workmanship Warranty	5 years	25 years	25 years	10 years	10 years	25 years	10 years	25 years

Momentum’s solar services

Momentum doesn’t reveal the brand of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels it installs, which is a common practice in the industry. However, according to customer reviews, it has used Qcells and Enphase products in the past.

The company emphasizes using Tier 1 monocrystalline panels, which are currently the best-performing solar panels. Monocrystalline panels have an efficiency range of 15% to 24%, but they are expensive and require complex manufacturing. The term “Tier 1” means the manufacturer must have been producing solar panels for at least five years, regardless of the brand Momentum uses. We like that Momentum makes this distinction for its panels. 

According to Will White, a solar application specialist at Fluke Corporation, going with a solar panel manufacturer that hasn’t been in business that long has its pitfalls. White explained that a newer solar panel brand might offer competitive pricing, but doesn’t have as much bankability as more established brands. As a result, customer support and your warranty might be void if that company goes under. 

Though Momentum doesn’t disclose what brands it partners with for solar panels, it does share what brands it partners with for its microinverters. The company supplies Enphase Energy microinverters, which convert renewable energy directly at each panel instead of using multiple junction boxes and inverters.

Mobile app active monitoring

Momentum’s smartphone app assists you in keeping track of your project and provides information about the completed and upcoming installation steps, such as permitting and design. We haven’t encountered many other monitoring apps that integrate with the overall installation, as most focus on post-installation performance. 

The app also shares energy production data that informs you of your panels’ most efficient and high-production hours. You can contact customer support through the app via email or phone support. Additionally, you can use the app to schedule appointments and have control over each step of the installation process.

The app features a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars on both Google Play and Apple App Store. Reviews mention having to enter your username and password every time you log in and long load times, but others highlight that quick access to customer support is a perk.

Momentum’s installation process

Momentum has a standardized installation process to custom-build and install solar panels that meet your energy needs. The process involves the following stages:

1. Consultation: Momentum conducts a site assessment of your home to ensure it can support solar energy. The company considers your average energy usage and your roof’s slope, age, condition and shade level.
2. Design and permitting: Based on the information gathered, a Momentum solar specialist will custom design your system to maximize solar output and fit your home’s needs. During this stage, Momentum also acquires the necessary permits and works with your municipality to ensure your solar project adheres to local codes and regulations. Be aware that this step can take the longest, depending on your local municipality. Some customers wait as long as six months before they can install their system, but the average wait time is a couple of months.
3. Installation: Once all paperwork is done and the system is designed, Momentum schedules its certified in-house team to install your solar PV system. The company sends approximately five installers (though this number can vary) to install your system within one day or roughly eight hours.
4. Final inspection and activation: A final inspection is carried out to ensure all components are up to code. Momentum schedules this inspection a week or two after the original installation. Momentum organizes the activation of your system with your electric company. Your utility company sets up net metering so you can start receiving Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) for excess energy produced as soon as possible.

Momentum also offers solar battery installation in select areas. Momentum offers the Enphase IQ for its battery backup system installation. A solar battery is a device that stores surplus electricity generated by your solar system. It ensures uninterrupted power supply to your home even when the solar panels are not producing electricity. This device also provides electricity during power outages. Moreover, it helps you save money by utilizing an Enpower Smart Switch, automatically detecting a power outage and switching your power source from the grid to your solar battery.

Warranties

Momentum provides a 25-year warranty for workmanship and equipment. This means that if there are any issues with your equipment due to installation or manufacturing faults, Momentum will fix them for free. However, Momentum does not offer a power performance guarantee. You will not receive compensation if your solar panels produce less energy than expected. 

Additionally, there is a five-year warranty for roof penetration, which is comparatively short compared to similar weatherization warranties offered by other sun panel companies.

Pricing and quotes

Our most recent October 2023 survey of 1,000 home solar customers revealed that Momentum customers were quoted an average of ​​$15,380 for their system. According to recent reports published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, this price falls below the national average for a 6-kilowatt system, which is estimated to be $18,960. 

If you buy the entire solar energy system upfront or take out a solar loan, you can receive the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), a government incentive offered by the U.S. Department of Energy. The IRS offers a Residential Clean Energy Credit to encourage the use of solar power systems. 

Per current legislation, solar system owners can deduct some of their qualified solar expenses from their federal income tax returns, which equals up to 30% of the installation cost of their solar energy systems. This means you can reduce your owed federal taxes by this amount, but you don’t receive this amount upfront as cash or credit.

Momentum offers all payment methods for solar financing, but the company discourages power purchase agreements (PPAs) given their low cost-effectiveness, based on our assessment of customer reviews.

• Full purchase: Pay for the entire solar panel system upfront. While a significant initial investment, you can benefit from clean energy incentives and tax credits sooner. 
• Solar loans: Momentum has an in-house financing department that offers loans for solar panel installations. These loans may come with favorable terms and interest rates, allowing homeowners to spread out the cost of the system over time.
• Solar leases: Under a solar lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount to lease the solar panel system from Momentum. Momentum is responsible for installation and maintenance and often guarantees a certain level of energy production. While this option requires no upfront cost, you don’t own the system and are not eligible for tax incentives. Leases operate on a one- to five-year basis.
• PPAs: Power purchase agreements involve a contract between you and Momentum. The company installs and maintains the solar panels on the property, and you agree to purchase the electricity generated by the panels at a predetermined rate. This option has no upfront cost but doesn’t provide system ownership.

Momentum’s availability

Momentum is available in the following states:

• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Texas

Customer thoughts

Momentum has a favorable customer reputation online. The company has an A+ rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) with a customer review rating of 3.21 out of 5 stars.  We noticed that Momentum is highly communicative and replies to 100% of the reviews on the BBB. This is uncommon in the industry, highlighting that Momentum aims to be helpful. 

It does show a 1.9-star rating on its Trustpilot profile, but many of the reviews focus on unwanted sales tactics, such as frequent calls and repeat door-to-door visits, rather than the actual quality of Momentum’s work.

The positive reviews on both platforms mention the company’s fast and efficient installation process and the overall helpfulness of Momentum’s staff and installers. Negative reviews mention trouble fulfilling proposed reimbursements from mishaps and scheduling repairs.

Final take: Momentum is a competitive choice if you only want solar panels

Momentum offers solid solar panel installation services paired with well-regarded customer service. Overall, the company maintains simple offerings, but we like that it limits its service area to make permitting and incentive approval easier for you. 

If you want a more robust system with additional components and services, such as roofing upgrades or EV charger installation, consider SunPower or Elevation. The same goes for long-term security around your solar investment, as Momentum’s roof-leak warranty is only five years, and it doesn’t offer a performance guarantee.

We recommend getting at least three solar quotes before signing a contract with an installer. This approach lets you compare costs and offerings and then weigh all options before committing to a solar panel installer.

Our rating methodology for solar companies

Apple App Store, BBB, Google Play and Trustpilot information is current as of June 2024.

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