FAQs: Top Solar Contractors list

What is the Top Solar Contractors list?

Solar Power World, the leading solar publication covering technology, development and installation, publishes the Top Solar Contractors list annually. The list includes hundreds of solar contractors and developers in the United States, listed and categorized by state/territory, service and market.

Is there a fee to apply?
Nope! It’s free!

Who can apply for the Top Solar Contractors list?

The list includes solar PV companies that provide the following services: EPC contracting, development, construction/installation, electrical work and/or rooftop-specific installations. Companies can do work in any market segment, including utility, commercial, residential and off-grid. Companies must be headquartered in the United States.

How are companies on the Top Solar Contractors list determined?

Companies are listed according to the megawatt capacity of projects they installed, developed or helped construct in the previous year within the borders of the United States and its territories (global installations are not counted, including installations in Canada). Each company is listed multiple ways: by state/territory, market and service.

What are the different solar service definitions?

Developer – A company that secures financing for solar installations, often owning the result, and may or may not build the project, sometimes contracting with local EPCs.
EPC – Responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction of solar projects. Often the primary contractor and will sometimes appoint subcontractors to do construction or electrical work.
Rooftop Contractor – A solar installer that works primarily on rooftop installations.
Electrical Subcontractor – A company that performs specialized work related to the installation of electrical systems, often under contract with the developer or EPC.
Construction/Installation Subcontractor – A company that often works under a developer or EPC on a specific aspect of a solar array, such as pile driving or panel installation only.

How do I apply for the Top Solar Contractors list?

Applying is easy. The application is open from late February to late May every year. The deadline has passed to apply for the 2017 list. Applications for the 2018 Top Solar Contractors list will be available in February 2018.

Can my company review the questions prior to filling out the application?

Yes. Each year we provide the application in PDF form to review. See 2017’s application here. NOTE: APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2018 LIST WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL FEBRUARY 2018. 

When will the 2017 Top Solar Contractors list be published?

The 2017 list was sent to subscribers and released online in late July 2017. View it here.

Where can I see previous Top Solar Contractors lists?

Previous lists are available on the Solar Power World website. Here are the lists for 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

How is information on the Top Solar Contractors list verified for accuracy?

The Solar Power World team takes the validity of information presented on the Top Solar Contractors list seriously. We reserve the right to remove any company that appears to have misrepresented itself. Companies unable to verify their work with documentation will be removed from consideration.

Solar Power World has compiled an advisory panel comprised of contractors and developers from across the country who will review the list prior to publishing.

What companies are on the 2017 Top Solar Contractors advisory board?

The following companies have volunteered to review applicants in their region for possible erroneous information for the 2017 list.

2017 Advisory Board Members

Will there be a Top Solar Contractors Gala this year?

Yes. This year’s event will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on SUNDAY, Sept. 10 during Solar Power International 2017. More information will come available after the list is published.

Are there any new awards for 2017?

Yes! In addition to our annual awards for the Top Utility Contractor, Top Residential Contractor, Top EPC, Top Developer, etc., we will have three awards (which will be featured in the Top Solar Contractors issue, online and on stage at the Top Solar Contractors Gala) that require more information to be submitted for consideration. Each applicant to the 2017 list will receive a link to a separate awards application in a confirmation email.

The additional awards include:

The BDR Fund Award – The Brian D. Robertson (BDR) Fund advances awareness of solar energy by developing and implementing education programs in schools and learning centers across the nation. Each year, the group celebrates a significant philanthropic solar project installed in the United States by a Top Solar Contractor. If you donated your time or services on a solar project in 2016, you can submit more information about the project to be considered for this prestigious award.

Greenest Contractor – Do you talk the talk AND walk the walk? We’d like to celebrate the greenest contractors on our list. Is your headquarters powered by solar panels? Do you have a recycling program? Do you give employees solar-related perks? Do you heat your business with geothermal power? Tell us why you’re the greenest contractor on the Top Solar Contractors list.

Most Forward-Thinking Contractor – We want to recognize innovative solar contractors. How progressive is your company? Do you have partnerships with different solar manufacturers to test their products on your projects? Do you only work on projects that can support energy storage? Do you seek out new technologies? Tell us the innovative steps your company takes to be on the cutting-edge of solar and why you’re 2017’s most forward-thinking contractor.

I have a question that wasn’t answered.

That’s OK! Send us an email at topcontractors@solarpowerworldonline.com.