Empower Energy Solutions vs Solera

Carlie Ellet
Carlie Ellet | Contributor

When it comes to choosing a solar energy provider, homeowners have no shortage of options—but two names that frequently rise to the top are Empower Energy Solutions and Solera Energy. Both companies have established strong reputations in the renewable energy space, offering reliable solar solutions that help customers lower their utility bills, reduce their carbon footprints, and take control of their energy usage. With a shared commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction, Empower and Solera each bring unique strengths to the table, making them standout contenders for anyone exploring solar power for their home or business.

At a glance, both Empower and Solera offer comprehensive solar services that include system design, installation, permitting, and activation. They each provide multiple financing options—such as solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs)—to accommodate a wide range of budgets and ownership preferences. Both companies also emphasize the importance of education and support, helping customers understand their energy choices and guiding them through the entire process from consultation to activation. However, while Empower is known for its rapid installation timelines and personalized, community-driven service model, Solera tends to focus more heavily on pairing solar with battery storage and home energy management systems for a more tech-integrated approach.

The key difference often comes down to philosophy and regional presence. Empower Energy Solutions highlights its mission-driven approach and grassroots values, working to make solar energy accessible while building a sustainable community of like-minded individuals. Solera, on the other hand, leverages its extensive industry partnerships and tech-forward mindset to deliver robust energy solutions with a broader emphasis on smart home integration and resilience. Both companies have their strengths—Empower shines with its personalized service and affordability, while Solera excels in innovation and comprehensive energy solutions. In the sections that follow, we’ll dive deeper into how each company compares across installation process, financing, customer service, and technology offerings.

Empower Energy Solutions logo
#7 Empower Energy Solutions
9.4 Overall Score
4.9
star star star star star
(39)
Solera logo
#12 Solera
9.1 Overall Score
5.0
star star star star star
(36)

Overview

Empower Energy Solutions

Panels from

REC Alpha, QCELL QTron, JINKO TopCon

Inverters from

SolarEdge

Batteries from

SolarEdge

Workmanship Warranty

10 Years

Equipment Warranty

25 Years

NABCEP Certified

Yes

Purchasing Options Offered

Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash

Time in Business

6 Years

Solera

Enphase, Jinko, Q-cell

Enphase, Jinko, Q-cell

Enphase

10 Years

Undisclosed

No

Lease, Loan

13 Years

Ratings

Empower Energy Solutions

Overall Score
9.4 of 10
Review Score
4.9
star star star star star
Value for Money
4.9
star star star star star
Quality of Product or Service
5.0
star star star star star
Company Trustworthiness
5.0
star star star star star
Likely to Recommend
9.5 of 10

Solera

9.1 of 10
5.0
star star star star star
4.7
star star star star star_half
5.0
star star star star star
4.9
star star star star star
9.9 of 10

Reviews

Empower Energy Solutions

Number of Reviews
39
Review Breakdown
4.9
star star star star star
1 star
0%
2 star
0%
3 star
0%
4 star
5%
5 star
95%

Solera

36
5.0
star star star star star
1 star
0%
2 star
0%
3 star
0%
4 star
3%
5 star
97%

Reviews for Empower Energy Solutions

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Michael Chipi

October 21st, 2024

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Verified Customer

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Review Source

Customer Review Video

Helpful Critical Review

None Available

Reviews for Solera

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Cheryl Owens

March 6th, 2025

check_circle

Verified Customer

check_circle

Review Source

Met Bryan and he was very informative and open to our questions. If didn't know the answer found out for us. Went in depth to explain everything and stayed in touch with us all the way through. Handled any issues that arose with electric company and very quickly. Appreciated his work immensely. The company was very good, efficient, and awesome as well. Highly recommend.

Helpful Critical Review

None Available

The Final Word

Solar Panel Selection

When evaluating the solar panel selections offered by Empower Energy Solutions and Solera, both companies offer high-quality, energy-efficient options—but Empower’s curated selection delivers a broader range of performance and customization.

Empower Energy Solutions partners with top-tier manufacturers to offer panels that meet a variety of homeowner needs, from aesthetics to energy production. Their lineup includes:

  • REC Alpha Pure Panels – Renowned for their superior efficiency and low carbon footprint, these panels perform exceptionally well even in shaded or constrained spaces.
  • Q Cells Q.TRON Panels – A favorite among customers for their reliable performance and ability to maintain strong output even under cloud cover or partial shade.
  • Jinko Solar TopCon Panels – These next-generation panels are designed for long-term performance, featuring innovative N-type cell technology for enhanced durability and output.

Solera, meanwhile, offers high-efficiency panels typically sourced from major brands like Panasonic and LG (depending on availability). Their focus leans toward proven panel models that balance performance with value. While Solera's selections are dependable and backed by solid warranties, they tend to offer fewer panel options compared to Empower.

For homeowners seeking a tailored solution based on roof space, regional weather conditions, or performance goals, Empower Energy Solutions provides more flexibility and customization. Solera’s offering is reliable but may feel more one-size-fits-all by comparison.

Inverters

Inverter technology plays a key role in overall solar system performance, and both Empower and Solera deliver strong solutions—though the user experience and optimization differ between the two.

Empower Energy Solutions primarily uses SolarEdge inverters, which optimize power at the panel level using DC power optimizers. This ensures each panel performs at its maximum potential regardless of shade or debris affecting neighboring panels. Empower also offers an intuitive mobile app for real-time system monitoring, giving homeowners full visibility into energy production and system health.

Solera typically uses Enphase microinverters, which are installed on each individual panel and convert DC to AC power immediately at the source. This setup provides excellent flexibility for roofs with multiple orientations or intermittent shading. Enphase’s system also includes detailed monitoring capabilities for each panel, which some tech-savvy homeowners appreciate.

While both inverter systems are industry-leading, Empower's use of SolarEdge delivers stronger centralized efficiency and is often better for maximizing total energy output over time. Solera’s Enphase system is a great option for more complex roof layouts or homeowners looking for modular flexibility.

Warranties

Warranty coverage is a critical component of any solar investment, offering long-term peace of mind. Empower Energy Solutions and Solera both provide solid protection—but with slightly different focuses.

Empower Energy Solutions backs its systems with a 25-year equipment warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty, which covers installation-related issues. Their partnerships with premium panel manufacturers ensure that product warranties are reliable and comprehensive.

Solera also offers a 25-year product warranty and often includes a labor warranty ranging from 10 to 25 years, depending on the project and financing package. In some cases, Solera’s workmanship warranty may extend further, which could be appealing for those especially concerned about installation quality over the long haul.

Although both companies deliver excellent warranty coverage, Empower’s transparency and alignment with tier-one manufacturers offer dependable protection for both product and labor, ensuring homeowners are covered without complicated terms.

Financing Options

When it comes to financing, both Empower Energy Solutions and Solera provide homeowners with flexible choices—but Empower’s variety stands out for making solar more accessible to a broader range of customers.

Empower Energy Solutions offers:

  • Cash purchases
  • Solar loans
  • Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
  • Solar leases

This full suite of options ensures that homeowners can find a financing plan that aligns with their budget and ownership preferences. Empower also assists with securing local and federal incentives to lower costs further.

Solera primarily focuses on:

  • Cash purchases
  • Solar loans

While these financing paths are effective and straightforward, they may limit accessibility for customers who prefer low or no upfront costs through leases or PPAs.

Empower Energy Solutions’ broader financing structure empowers more homeowners to make the switch to solar, regardless of financial standing. Solera’s approach is clean and simple but may not serve the needs of every household.

Conclusion

Both Empower Energy Solutions and Solera offer reliable, high-performance solar energy systems backed by quality components and trusted service. Solera shines when it comes to straightforward installations and dependable technology, particularly for homeowners seeking proven equipment and solid warranties without needing too many options.

However, Empower Energy Solutions sets itself apart with its customizable solar panel selections, robust inverter technology, and more flexible financing options. Their commitment to delivering tailored solutions for every home—while maintaining a strong focus on customer education and energy independence—makes them an ideal partner for those looking to maximize the return on their solar investment.

In the end, both providers offer great pathways to clean energy, but for homeowners seeking a more personalized, flexible, and future-ready solar experience, Empower Energy Solutions comes out ahead.

Top Choice

Empower Energy Solutions Logo
Empower Energy Solutions

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