ADT Solar Exits US Residential Solar Panel Market
ADT was CNET's highest-rated overall solar company. Now we've got a new one.
ADT Solar, CNET's highest-rated national solar-panel installer, is exiting the US residential solar business, the company announced on Wednesday.
The news follows the company's November announcement that it would close 22 of its 38 branches.
CNET's review of ADT praised its solar operations for weatherization and workmanship warranties that outpaced its competitors. ADT Solar owners may be wondering what will happen to those acclaimed warranties, but a representative for ADT said those guarantees will be honored.
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"Regardless of ADT's change in strategic direction, our commitment and follow through on the 25-year limited Workmanship Warranty and 25-year Power Production Guarantee we have provided in our contracts will remain in place," the representative said in an email to CNET. "Additionally, all manufacturer's warranties remain unchanged and will cover major system components: panels, inverters, racking and mounting system."
ADT Solar was created when ADT bought Sunpro Solar in 2021. It operated in only nine states as of late 2023. ADT is best known for its home security and smart home business.
"The decision to exit solar operations was made after careful deliberation, and we expect this strategic action to drive substantial operational and financial benefits to ADT," ADT CEO Jim DeVries said in a statement.
The US saw a record number of residential solar panel systems installed throughout 2023, but while continued growth is expected, rising costs could hold back record numbers in 2024. But you can take advantage of solar incentives like the federal solar tax credit, and you could save money on energy in the long run.
With ADT Solar exiting the market, CNET recommends Palmetto Solar as its new top-ranked solar company, praising its customer service and the quality solar panels and solar battery choices it offers. It operates in 26 states. For those in other states, CNET has a curated list of other recommended solar companies, solar panels and solar batteries.
If you want something smaller than a whole-home solar system, check out CNET's picks for the best portable solar panels and solar generators.
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