2026 Top Solar Contractors List showcases veterans of dominant energy industry – EnergyShiftDaily
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2026 Top Solar Contractors List showcases veterans of dominant energy industry

With 2026 proving to be a milestone year for many in the United States, Solar Power World is proud to present the 15th anniversary release of the solar industry’s most recognized grouping of solar and energy storage installation companies. The 2026 Top Solar Contractors List is now available online, showcasing the top contractors working across all solar markets in every state and multiple U.S. territories.

With the United States surpassing 6 million individual solar installations and regularly having solar as the most-installed source of new electricity, the solar market has rightfully cemented itself as a veteran member of the energy industry. That experience is reflected in the 2026 Top Solar Contractors List, with over 72% of listees having at least 10 years’ experience in solar — 58% have more than 15 years’ experience in solar, storage and energy construction.

“Despite policy and supply hurdles, the U.S. solar market shows no signs of slowing down,” said Billy Ludt, managing editor of Solar Power World. “Well-run companies are those that can adapt to a changing industry, and we believe the 2026 Top Solar Contractors List features the strongest names in solar development, construction and installation.”

While the Top 5 states for installations in 2026 matched last year (California, Illinois, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania), less recognized states earned their own callouts for significant increases in installation in the accompanying Top Solar Contractors issue of Solar Power World’s magazine. Maryland, Ohio and Wisconsin were particularly active markets for Top Solar Contractors in both the large-scale and residential sectors.

Small-scale contractors bucked national assumptions by increasing their presence on the Top Solar Contractors List, with more listees performing work in the residential market than any previous year. The “installer” service category distinction grew 10% from last year, as the 2026 Top Solar Contractors class completed more installations in the non-utility market.

The Top Solar Contractors List is the most recognized annual listing of solar contractors in the United States. Companies on the Top Solar Contractors List are grouped and listed by specific service (developer, electrical subcontractor, EPC, installation subcontractor, installer, sales partner), market (commercial, community solar, residential, utility) and states by 2025 installed capacity (in kWDC).

Here are some ways to interact with the 2026 Top Solar Contractors List:

Lists of contractors by market:

Lists of contractors by service:

Individual lists of contractors in all 50 states and two districts/territories:

Other interesting facts about the 2026 Top Solar Contractors List:

  • The 2026 class of Top Solar Contractors are headquartered in every state except Mississippi.
  • TSCs completed solar work in every state, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
  • Of the Top Solar Contractors that work in the community solar market, 89% primarily complete ground-mount projects. On the 2025 List, 98% primarily performed ground-mounts, showing that rooftop community solar projects are on the rise.
  • 51% of TSCs are primarily non-utility-scale installers; 27% identify as EPCs; 9% are developers; 12% are subcontractors; and 1% perform sales-only tasks.
  • A survey sent to all listees found that 50% of residential contractors are primarily installing direct-ownership projects in 2026 while 21% are primarily offering TPO options. 29% said they’re installing both project-financing types equally.
  • Survey respondents also cited the conflict in Iran as the most significant news event affecting their business, more than utility rate hikes, tariffs and OBBBA changes.

For more information on the annual Top Solar Contractors List, please read our FAQs.