Blue Raven is a relatively new entry into the solar industry, but it’s built an impressive reputation and maintains an exceptional Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. It offers highly efficient solar products, convenient solar monitoring, and battery backup installations to make sure customers get a well-rounded solar solution. Plus, it offers two unique financing options that work similarly to power purchase agreements (PPAs) but keep the tax incentive benefits with the homeowner.
Is this provider a good fit for your home? This guide delves into the specifics of Blue Raven Solar and its offerings to help you answer that question based on your needs.
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
The Best Solar Companies of 2024
Blue Raven is just one of our recommended solar installers. This list below shows other highly rated providers and their unique superlatives:
How Does Blue Raven Compare to Other Solar Installers?
Blue Raven has built an impressive reputation in the solar industry despite its relative newness to the scene. The company is a strong contender holding its own against other major solar providers offering solar services across the nation, such as SunPower, Tesla, and ADT Solar.
Each company has its merits, making it an excellent fit for certain scenarios. For example, Blue Raven is our leading pick for its financing options, making it a solid option for those who want to finance their solar energy system.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | Best For | Service Area | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Highest Quality Panels |
All 50 states |
|||
|
Best Damage Protection |
20 states |
|||
|
Best Solar Financing |
22 states |
|||
|
Best Customer Service |
9 states |
|||
 |
Best Customization Options |
9 states |
|||
 |
Fastest-Growing Solar Provider |
7 states |
| Company | Star Rating | Best For | Service Area | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Highest Quality Panels |
All 50 states |
A+ |
||
Best Damage Protection |
20 states |
A+ |
||
Best Solar Financing |
22 states |
A+ |
||
Best Customer Service |
9 states |
A+ |
||
Best Customization Options |
9 states |
A+ |
||
Fastest-Growing Solar Provider |
7 states |
F |
Our Take on Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven is a worthwhile consideration in the solar industry — it’s known for its outstanding financing policies that offer 18 months of free solar energy with no money down. Its top-of-the-line solar financing plans earn the company its place as our top solar financing provider. But while it’s an excellent option for some, its lack of solar leases and limited service area may eliminate it from some homeowners’ top picks.
What We Like About Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven is a top solar installations choice for residents who live in its service areas. Its offerings feature notable benefits for those considering the merits of solar, from nearly unbeatable financing options to an outstanding referral program.
Blue Raven’s BluePower Plus+ financing plan is a pivotal point of its offerings, as it allows customers to enjoy 18 months of free solar energy before beginning to pay off their systems. It helps offset the cost implications of going solar by giving homeowners a break from utility bills through free solar energy and earns Blue Raven its place as our top pick for the best financing options.
But Blue Raven’s financing options aren’t the only thing the company has going for it. It also offers a two-year power production guarantee with each installation to ensure you get the most out of your solar energy system.
Its top-of-the-line referral program lets customers earn thousands of dollars by referring friends and family to Blue Raven. It also offers an array of highly efficient solar products from industry-leading brands like SunPower, providing customers with the best options available.
Drawbacks of Blue Raven Solar
Like most solar providers, Blue Raven Solar isn’t without a few drawbacks. For example, its service area doesn’t extend to all 50 states, leaving customers in states like California, Arizona, and New York without service.
Additionally, the company doesn’t offer solar leases or PPA options, eliminating them from viable options for those who don’t want a permanent solar solution. The company only offers purchase and financing options, so it might not be a good fit for everyone.
Watch this video for a helpful introduction to Blue Raven Solar:
Blue Raven offers several industry-leading solar panel brands, allowing customers to select the option that best matches their needs and budgets. The specifics surrounding each panel are crucial considerations when shopping for a solar provider, as they’ll determine how well your system performs.
For example, if you’re short on space but want to maximize your solar capabilities, you’ll want a more efficient option with a higher output to ensure your array can deliver on your expectations. Alternatively, perhaps you’re on a budget and want to find a panel with a blend of efficiency and value. Either way, the specifics of the solar panels each provider offers can help you determine the best fit for your needs.
The chart below outlines an overview of each brand that Blue Raven has cited as quality choices it might use on a given installation, depending on your local market and other factors.
| Brand Name | Panel Type | Power Output | Efficiency Rating | Average Per-Watt Cost |
| Canadian Solar | Monocrystalline | 340W – 580W | 15.88% – 20.6% | $2.90 |
| SunPower/Maxeon | Monocrystalline | 355W – 440W | Up to 22.8% | $3.30 |
| Jinkosolar | Monocrystalline | 355W – 635W | 19.88% – 22.6% | $2.40 |
| REC | Monocrystalline | 360W – 430W | 20.3% – 22.3% | $3.00 |
| Trina Solar | Monocrystalline | 310W – 400W | 16.2% – 20.4% | $2.60 |
| Solaria | Monocrystalline | 360W – 430W | 20.2% – 20.5% | $2.68 |
| JA Solar | Monocrystalline | 330W – 545W | 19.6% – 22.4% | $2.72 |
| Panasonic | Monocrystalline | 310W – 410W | 18.0% – 22.0% | $2.65 |
| Yingli | Monocrystalline | 315W – 450W | 19.08% – 20.7% | $2.73 |
Does Blue Raven Offer Any Other Solar Products?
Aside from solar panels, Blue Raven offers a couple of additional solar products, including some of the best solar batteries available and a monitoring app. While the batteries let you store the excess energy your system produces for future use, the app lets you conveniently monitor your system from your smartphone.
SunPower SunVault Solar Batteries
In addition to solar panels, Blue Raven offers SunPower SunVault solar batteries. These batteries are the perfect addition to a solar setup as they allow you to store excess energy your system produces. Then, if the power goes out while your system isn’t actively producing (like during the night), you’ll have a power source that can step in and keep your home operating smoothly.
These batteries can also kick in during low-sunlight hours, allowing you to continue using the perks of your solar energy system without pulling from the grid.
Blue Raven Solar Monitoring Enphase Enlighten App
Blue Raven offers a solar monitoring app, the Enphase Enlighten App, that keeps you in the know. The app is packed with features designed to help you stay connected to your system, from insights on where your energy is going to notifications to tracking of your solar energy production and use and alerting you of issues with production rates.
The app makes it much easier to track your progress and monitor your system with ease, ensuring you don’t have to guess whether your system is doing its job well. After Blue Raven Solar completes your solar system installation, it will email you access to your account in the Enphase app.
If the app tells you your production rate has gone down for an unknown reason, you can quickly notify Blue Raven to perform an inspection and repair if needed.
How Much Does Blue Raven Solar Cost?
Like many solar providers, Blue Raven doesn’t offer specific cost information on its website. This stems from the variation in solar energy systems based on unique needs, from home size to energy consumption.
However, using various factors, including the average per-watt cost, energy needs, and installer markups, we can offer a rough idea of what it may cost to switch to solar with Blue Raven — on average, most homeowners pay between $11,000 and $25,000.
Of course, the amount you pay entirely depends on factors specific to your situation, including your energy needs, the size of your home, and the panels you have installed.
Solar Financing Options with Blue Raven
Switching to solar is expensive, creating a barrier to entry for many homeowners. While the return on most solar investments is exceptional, the initial cost can be a problem. Luckily, Blue Raven offers three ways to pay for your new solar system: cash purchases, BluePower+, and SmartStart.
The cash purchase option works much like any other solar cash purchase, but Blue Raven’s solar loans offer a few unique advantages.
Blue Power+
BluePower+ combines the perks of solar leases or PPAs with solar ownership. You own the panels, so you get to claim the federal solar tax credit and any other available state or local rebates or incentives, unlike with a lease or PPA. Through this program, customers also get 18 months of free solar power, which helps with the monthly payment of the system. When you start paying on your loan, your interest rate is fixed, guaranteeing you won’t have to deal with ever-rising interest rates.
While purchasing a solar setup is always the most cost-effective plan as you don’t accrue any interest, the BluePower Plus+ plan is an excellent secondary option for those who can’t afford the system all at once.
SmartStart
BlueRaven’s second financing option is its SmartStart program. This program has a low introductory solar payment rate from the lender for the first 18 months. On top of that, Blue Raven Solar extends the promotional rate by another 42 months to keep your payment at a low rate for five full years in total (60 months). Similar to the BluePower+ program, you own the panels, so you can claim tax rebates and incentives.
4 Ways to Save Money with Blue Raven Solar
Solar energy systems aren’t cheap, but luckily, homeowners who make the switch have access to various methods that can help them save money. Blue Raven Solar offers unique financing options for earning money to offset system costs with their BluePower+ and SmartStart programs. Whether homeowners use financing options or pay in cash, they always own the panels. So, homeowners can use available federal, state, and local tax incentives and rebates to lower their total costs.
Incentives and Rebates
When purchasing a solar energy system, don’t forget to take advantage of incentives and rebates available at the federal level and sometimes at the state and local levels that can help cut the overall cost of a new solar setup.
The federal solar tax credit, which is available nationwide, allows homeowners who buy solar systems to claim up to 30% of the total system cost on their next tax return. This percentage is set to drop to 22% in 2034 before disappearing entirely unless Congress renews it, so now is an excellent time to go solar.
With the federal credit, homeowners could save up to $6,000 on a $20,000 solar setup.
Many states and municipalities also offer rebates and incentives that can help cut costs. For example, some cities offer one-time rebates on solar purchases, with the amount you receive depending on the size of your system.
These rebates and incentives vary drastically from one state and municipality to the next, so be sure to do your research to check availability in your area when purchasing a solar setup.
Net Metering
Many states offer net metering policies that allow you to sell the excess energy your system produces to your local utility company. The rules surrounding these policies vary from one state to the next, so ensure you check the policies in your state.
If your state offers net metering, you can send any excess power your system produces to your local utility company. For example, when you’re away on vacation or simply not using as much as usual, you might send excess energy.
In many states, sending this energy to the utility allows you to accrue credits which you can use toward your next utility bill. So, when your system isn’t producing enough to cover your daily usage, and you need to pull from the grid, you might not have to pay for power, Of course, this hinges on how many credits you have, but in some cases, your utility bill might remain at zero even when you’re using some energy from the grid.
The amount you’ll save through net metering varies based on the amount of energy your system produces, how often you need to use energy from the grid, and the number of credits you have with your utility company.
Cash Purchases
While solar loans are an excellent option for those who can’t afford the full cost of a solar system up front, they’re not as cost-effective as cash purchases. When you purchase your solar energy system outright upfront, you won’t accrue any interest since you’re not paying off a loan.
So, if they’re possible, cash purchases can be an excellent way to save money on your solar system. Of course, the amount you save depends on the interest rates available to you, so some might get better savings than others.
Refer a Friend
Blue Raven offers an exceptional referral program that provides impressive incentives for each referral you make that moves forward with a completed solar installation through the company. By referring family and friends to Blue Raven, you can earn thousands of dollars, as there’s no limit on the number of referrals you can submit.
On the first referral, you’ll earn $500. The second referral puts $1,000 in your pocket, and your third referral earns you $1,500. Any referrals beyond the third earn you $1,500 each time.
While this isn’t a way to save directly on your solar setup, it’s an excellent option that can help offset the cost of your system. So, if your friends and family want to switch to solar after seeing how much you’ve saved and enjoy your new setup, refer them and earn cash.
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
What Is Blue Raven’s Solar Installation Process Like?
Blue Raven’s solar installation process is straightforward and comparable to other top-rated providers in the industry. Here’s a quick overview of how the process goes:
- Consultation: It starts with a consultation during which a sales representative will visit your home and begin determining your solar options based on your needs.
- Selection: You’ll work with expert technicians to select the perfect solar panels and array for your home based on your needs. While they’ll do the brunt of the work, you’ll be the one with the final say.
- Permits: Blue Raven will obtain local permits necessary to install a solar setup on your home. This step can take several weeks, although it’s highly dependent on your location and how quickly permitting is sent out.
- Scheduling: When Blue Raven receives the permits, they’ll contact you to set up an installation appointment based on what works for your schedule.
- Installation: The installation team will mount the solar panels on your home, wire the system, and connect it to your utility meter.
- Activation: Once your solar system is installed and passes a final inspection with your local utility provider and municipality, you can activate it and start reaping the benefits. You can also download the Enphase app to monitor your system from your Android smartphone or iPhone.
Does Blue Raven Offer a Good Solar Warranty?
Blue Raven offers a remarkable solar warranty on its installations and products. Each installation the team completes comes with a 10-year labor warranty, so you can rest assured knowing this portion of the project is covered.
In addition, the solar equipment comes with 25-year manufacturers warranties, which protects the equipment itself. Bue Raven’s power production guarantee ensures your system will generate an estimated amount of energy, and if it fails to do so, the company will upgrade your system to bridge the gap at no additional cost to you.
The equipment warranty is comparable to those available through most providers, but the labor warranty and power production guarantee aren’t standard in the industry. Both offer an extra layer of protection to ensure your system will operate as promised for many years.
Of course, it’s important to note that the warranty doesn’t cover maintenance and upkeep. You’ll still be responsible for general maintenance and cleaning to ensure your panels perform well.
Does Blue Raven Offer Any Other Solar Services?
Blue Raven offers a couple of solar services aside from its in-house installation services, including solar battery installations and system monitoring. These services are standard in the industry, as most providers offer both.
They’re comparable to the same services offered by other providers, as the offerings aren’t overly unique. The solar monitoring service is an excellent resource for managing a solar setup, as it lets you keep an eye on the progress of your system and offers valuable insights.
While standard, the battery installation services are also handy. They allow homeowners to rely on the energy their solar setups produce, even during the night or low-light periods.
Where Is Blue Raven Solar Available?
Blue Raven Solar is available in 18 states: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. As of this writing, all other states, including Arizona, California, and Texas, don’t have a Blue Raven Solar location.
What Are Solar Customers Saying About Blue Raven?
Blue Raven has an outstanding score with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and boasts numerous rave reviews. However, in many cases, the reviews are skewed, often featuring more negative than positive, as customers are less likely to post a review if they don’t have issues with a product or service. It’s important to note that reviews may vary based on the Blue Raven location nearest you. Additionally, compared to other solar installation companies, Blue Raven has about the same percentage of negative reviews. This is because displeased customers are often the vocal minority, while happy customers tend not to write reviews.
Still, for the most part, customers report satisfaction with Blue Raven’s solar offerings and services. Several customers mention quick installation processes, friendly customer service teams, and high-quality installations. Compared to other leading providers, like SunPower and ADT Solar, Blue Raven is on par with quality, customer service, and installation. However, its warranty on labor is not as good, and it doesn’t make its own panels.
Of course, there are several negative reviews sprinkled in the mix, which is fairly standard in the industry. The negative reviews cite issues with property damage, poor communication, and slow project completion times.
Bottom Line: Will Blue Raven Solar Work for You?
Blue Raven Solar is a great choice for homeowners interested in a new solar panel system with a remote monitoring app. The company offers two unique financing options enabling you to own the panels — BluePower+ (financing option with 18 months of free solar power) and SmartStart (financing option with a 5-year promotional low rate). If you want top-tier solar financing plans by which you own the panels and can therefore use all solar tax incentives and rebates, Blue Raven is the best choice. However, the best fit for your needs will ultimately hinge on factors specific to you.
We recommend getting quotes from a few of your top picks. This way, you can compare your options to ensure you get the best price available for your project.
FAQs About Blue Raven Solar
Is Blue Raven Solar legit?
Yes, Blue Raven Solar is a legitimate company with solid customer reviews, an excellent Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and numerous locations across the country.
What brand of solar panels does Blue Raven use?
Like many solar providers, Blue Raven offers several solar panel brands. In the past it has cited using panel brands including Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar, and Maxeon.
Does Blue Raven offer solar batteries?
Yes, Blue Raven offers SunPower solar batteries that it will install with your solar setup. Solar batteries can help you further reduce your energy bills.
How long has Blue Raven Solar been around?
Blue Raven was started in 2014, so it’s a relatively new entry to the industry. However, it’s built an impressive reputation as a reliable provider in this short time.
Methodology: How We Reviewed Blue Raven Solar
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our solar ratings emphasize what matters most to you — a wide range of energy-efficient panels, reputable and reliable installation, and comprehensive warranties.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with solar industry experts.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories, converted to a five-star scale. We researched and analyzed dozens of solar installers and developed the following formula:
- Services Offered (20 points): What does each solar provider offer as a basic service with any solar installation plan? In-house labor led to companies being ranked higher than those that contracted their labor out to third parties. Similarly, battery installation and panel monitoring were key factors that we looked for in each provider.
- Warranty Period (20 points): Solar warranties can cover labor, components, or both. The length of these warranty plans is of chief importance. Companies that offer 25-year warranty coverage got our highest score in this category.
- Other Offerings (20 points): Solar companies that provide secondary services are rated highly. These include obtaining permits to operate (PTO), providing financing and price matching options, and mobile performance tracking options.
- Company Reputation (15 points): Our main metrics for rating company reputation were Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings and complaint response rate. These are reliable indicators of quality. Many of our best providers have a 100% complaint response rate.
- Customer Service (15 points): Availability via phone and online is key for modern home service providers in any niche. Those that offer both, along with clearly posted business hours and in-person estimates, are rated highly.
- Availability (10 points): Companies with availability in more than 40 states received our highest score in this category. We rated providers with a more limited presence progressively lower, depending on exact reach.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
