What ADT Solar does and who owns it

ADT Solar is a residential solar installation company owned by ADT Inc., the security and monitoring company. ADT Solar designs, installs, and maintains rooftop solar panel systems for homeowners. The company handles the full process: a site visit to assess your roof, system design, installation by their crews, and ongoing monitoring through their app.

ADT Solar operates in multiple states but not nationwide. Service areas change, so the first step is checking whether they serve your address. Unlike some solar companies that act as brokers connecting you to installers, ADT Solar owns the installation crews and handles the work directly.

The company also offers monitoring and maintenance contracts after installation. Because ADT owns both the security business and the solar business, some customers bundle solar monitoring with home security services, though the two are separate products.

Key Takeaways

  • ADT Solar installs rooftop systems and handles the full process from design through installation, but only serves certain states and addresses.
  • You will need a roof inspection, credit check, and utility bill before getting a quote, and the company typically finances systems through third-party lenders rather than offering its own financing.
  • Installation timelines vary by location and current demand, but typically range from a few weeks to several months after contract signing.
  • ADT Solar offers monitoring and maintenance plans after installation, which are optional add-ons separate from the system cost.
  • Comparing quotes from at least two other solar installers in your area helps you understand pricing and warranty differences before committing.

How to get a quote from ADT Solar

ADT Solar's quote process starts with an online form or phone call where you provide your address, roof type, and utility bill information. The company uses this to run a preliminary check on whether your roof and location work for solar. If you pass that screen, a representative schedules a home visit.

During the site visit, an ADT Solar technician inspects your roof for shade, structural condition, and sun exposure. They also review your utility bills to understand your energy use and calculate how large a system you need. This visit is free and does not obligate you to buy.

After the inspection, ADT Solar provides a written quote showing the system size, estimated monthly production, total cost, and financing options. The quote also includes the estimated federal tax credit (currently 30 percent of the system cost for systems installed through 2032, though this percentage changes by law). You can request quotes from multiple solar companies before deciding.

Financing and payment options

ADT Solar does not offer its own financing. Instead, the company works with third-party lenders who provide loans, leases, or power purchase agreements (PPAs). A loan means you own the system and pay it off over time. A lease means ADT Solar owns the system and you pay a monthly fee. A PPA means you pay only for the electricity the system produces.

The financing option you may have access to for depends on your credit score, home equity, and state regulations. Loans typically require a credit score of 650 or higher, though requirements vary by lender. Leases and PPAs may have different credit thresholds.

Your quote will show the monthly payment under each option. Compare the total cost over the loan term (usually 20 to 25 years) against the estimated electricity savings. If the monthly payment exceeds your savings, the system may not make financial sense for your situation.

Installation timeline and what happens on install day

After you sign a contract, ADT Solar schedules installation. The timeline depends on your location, current demand, and permit processing time. Most customers wait two to eight weeks between signing and installation, though this varies significantly by season and region.

Before installation, your local building department must issue a permit. ADT Solar typically handles permit applications, but processing times are outside the company's control and can add weeks to the schedule. The company will notify you of the expected install date once the permit is approved.

On install day, ADT Solar crews arrive early morning and work until the system is complete, usually finishing in one day for a standard residential system. They mount the panels, run electrical wiring, install the inverter (which converts DC power to AC power), and set up monitoring. You will have a brief power outage while they connect the system to your home's electrical panel. After installation, a city inspector must approve the system before it can operate.

Warranties and what they cover

ADT Solar systems come with two main warranties. The panel warranty typically covers defects for 25 years and guarantees the panels will produce at least 80 percent of their rated output by year 25. The inverter warranty is usually 10 years and covers equipment failure.

The installation workmanship warranty varies by contract but commonly covers 10 years. This covers problems with how the system was installed, such as roof leaks or loose wiring. Read your contract to confirm the exact coverage and duration.

Warranties do not cover damage from storms, falling trees, or other external events. Homeowners insurance may cover some of this damage, so review your policy or ask your insurance agent whether solar panels are covered under your current plan.

Monitoring, maintenance, and ongoing costs

ADT Solar provides a monitoring app that shows your system's real-time production and alerts you if output drops unexpectedly. Monitoring is included with most systems, though you may pay a small monthly fee depending on your contract.

Maintenance is minimal for solar panels. They need occasional cleaning if dust or debris builds up, and the inverter may need replacement after 10 to 15 years (covered by warranty if it fails within the warranty period). ADT Solar offers maintenance plans for an additional monthly fee, which typically include annual inspections and cleaning.

After your loan or lease is paid off, your only ongoing cost is property tax (if your state taxes solar systems) and optional maintenance. Check your state and local tax rules to understand whether solar adds to your property tax bill.

Comparing ADT Solar to other installers

ADT Solar is one option among many solar installers. Other national companies include Sunrun, Vivint Solar, and Tesla, plus dozens of regional and local installers. Each has different pricing, warranty terms, financing options, and service areas.

Before committing to ADT Solar, contact at least two other installers in your area for quotes. Compare the system size, estimated production, total cost, monthly payment, and warranty terms side by side. A lower price is not always the best deal if the warranty is shorter or the company has poor reviews for service.

Check online reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau, but focus on recent reviews and specific complaints about installation quality or customer service. Ask each company for references from customers in your area who installed systems in the past year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ADT Solar work in my state?

ADT Solar operates in select states and does not serve all areas. The easiest way to check is to enter your address on the ADT Solar website or call their number to see if they serve your location. If they do not, they can sometimes refer you to partner installers in your area.

What if I rent my home or have a roof that is not suitable for solar?

ADT Solar installs on owner-occupied homes only. If you rent, you cannot install a system. If your roof is too old, too shaded, or structurally weak, the company will tell you during the site visit. In some cases, a roof repair or replacement before solar installation may be necessary, which adds cost and timeline.

Can I remove or relocate the system later?

If you own the system outright, you can remove it, though removal costs money and may damage the roof. If you are leasing or have a PPA, the contract typically requires you to keep the system in place. If you sell your home, you can transfer the lease or loan to the new owner, or pay off the balance to remove it. Review your contract for the exact terms.

What happens if ADT Solar goes out of business?

If the company fails, your warranty and monitoring may be affected. This is rare but possible. Before signing, ask ADT Solar who backs the warranties and whether they are transferable to another company. Some warranties are backed by the panel or inverter manufacturer directly, which protects you even if the installer closes.

How much can I save on electricity with solar?

Savings depend on your current electricity rate, how much sun your roof gets, the system size, and your energy use. ADT Solar's quote will estimate your annual savings based on your utility bills and local weather data. Compare this estimate against your monthly payment to see whether the system pays for itself over time. Savings are typically highest in sunny states with high electricity rates.