SunPower and Sunrun offer high-performing solar panels to residents across the United States. Though two of the most noteworthy solar companies, they offer distinctive benefits. This guide details key differences between the installers, including equipment, warranties, and services. You’ll also find reviews for both companies to better understand how they treat their customers.

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Best Solar Panel Leasing

4.4

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Our Take

SunPower is an almost 40-year-old company, offering decades of solar technology research and ingenuity. The company is known for producing top-performing solar systems custom-designed to produce peak energy. SunPower also offers a 25-year comprehensive warranty and a power guarantee that protects your system’s power generation. 

Sunrun has become a leading installer over the past 16 years, with customers in 20 states and Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Known for its flexible leasing options, the company provides financing solutions for every budget. Sunrun offers 10-year warranties to cash and loan customers while leasing homeowners enjoy 25 years of comprehensive system coverage. 

Below is a comparison of each company’s benefits and offerings:

*Better Business Bureau information is accurate as of April 2023.

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SunPower vs. Sunrun: Company Overview

SunPower and Sunrun are two of the country’s largest and most well-known solar companies. We highlight their company history and key features below. 

SunPower Company Overview

Started in 1985, SunPower has a long-standing history in the solar industry. For decades, the company worked to develop its own solar panel system components and battery technology. Its development of high-quality solar cells, inverters, and energy storage makes SunPower an industry leader.  

SunPower’s solar panel manufacturing division, now known as Maxeon Solar Technologies, branched off into its own company in 2019. Maxeon’s high-efficiency solar panels have some of the best efficiency ratings for residential solar panels. SunPower pairs these panels with its in-house solar equipment to create custom streamlined solar energy systems designed for optimal energy production. 

Learn more: SunPower Review

Sunrun Company Overview

Founded in 2007 in San Francisco, Sunrun has become a leading solar installation company serving 20 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. In 2020, the company acquired Vivint Solar, leading to an expanded service area and customer base.

Sunrun stands out for its unique financing options, specifically its leasing options. Solar leases provide customers with the cost savings of solar without permanent ownership. Leasing also helps customers save on the higher solar installation costs associated with cash payments or solar loans. 

Learn more: Sunrun Review

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SunPower vs. Sunrun: State Availability

Before committing to either solar company, homeowners should ensure that coverage is offered in their ZIP code. 

SunPower Coverage Area

SunPower includes all 50 states in its coverage area. However, when requesting sample quotes, we found that certain ZIP codes within each state weren’t covered. In addition, the company does not offer services in Washington, D.C. or Puerto Rico.

Sunrun Panel Coverage Area

Sunrun offers its products and services to 20 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Its coverage area includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

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SunPower vs. Sunrun: Panel Options and Services

Investing in the best solar panels leads to excellent energy production and savings. Both SunPower and Sunrun have monocrystalline solar panels, which are considered the best type of solar panel offering excellent energy production. While SunPower has custom-made, in-house components, Sunrun uses name-brand technology from leading solar manufacturers. We’ll explore each company’s products and services. 

SunPower Panel Options and Services

SunPower solar panels have some of the highest efficiency ratings. Panel efficiency is the amount of sunlight a panel can convert to usable energy. Higher efficiency ratings mean better sunlight conversion. High-efficiency solar panels have ratings of 20% or higher. SunPower offers industry-leading Maxeon panels with ratings up to 22.8%. 

Along with its efficient panels, SunPower offers its exclusive SunVault Storage System to help store your excess energy for later use. You can also add the Wallbox electric vehicle (EV) charger to extend your system’s efficiency further. 

With the SunPower app, homeowners can monitor their system and energy storage status on their phones. The app tracks your current energy use, solar battery status, and keeps historical energy usage data. You’ll also receive weather updates to help you prepare for inclement weather and low-sun days.

Sunrun Panel Options and Services

Although Sunrun doesn’t offer custom-built components, it does partner with leading solar manufacturers to provide high-quality equipment options. LONGi, a leading solar panel supplier, manufactures Sunrun solar panels. These panels offer up to 21% efficiency ratings, but ratings vary between models. Though this rating falls short of SunPower, you still benefit from quality, high-efficiency solar panels. 

The company’s Brightbox Home Battery solution provides backup power during emergencies when solar panels aren’t in use. Homeowners can choose from two battery options: the Tesla Powerwall or the LG Chem RESU. The Powerwall offers whole-home backup solutions, while the Chem can support up to four circuits. (Solar batteries are not available in Wisconsin.) Sunrun offers the optional Ford Connected Charge Station as its EV charger. 

The mySunrun system monitoring app provides a detailed view of your daily energy production. You can review previous months to compare your average energy use, view upcoming bills, and make convenient payments. 

Leased customers receive advanced monitoring services that include production-level tracking. Sunrun will proactively contact you to schedule servicing if your production levels drop.

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SunPower vs. Sunrun: Warranty

When comparing warranty coverage, SunPower offers a comprehensive 25-year warranty, while Sunrun includes 10-year coverage for its systems. SunPower’s warranty length falls in line with solar panels’ average life span of 25 years. SunPower gives customers greater peace of mind by providing coverage for their solar system throughout its lifetime.

SunPower Warranty

SunPower offers a 25-year comprehensive warranty that covers equipment, workmanship, and production. The equipment and warranty coverage includes any equipment defects or system issues due to faulty installation. Its energy production guarantee states that your solar panel will produce at least 92% output after 25 years. Any warranty claims go directly through SunPower since it manufactures its own components. 

Sunrun Warranty

Sunrun protects its products and services with an industry-standard 10-year warranty. The warranty includes system repairs, free equipment replacement, and parts and labor. Sunrun also includes a 10-year roof penetration warranty, guaranteeing protection and repairs for leaks. Most solar companies, including SunPower, don’t offer this type of coverage. 

However, Surun’s coverage plan does not include a workmanship warranty. This means any issues resulting from a poor installation aren’t covered. In addition, Sunrun uses solar system components from different manufacturers, resulting in a more complicated warranty claim process. Requests would go through the individual solar manufacturers, not Sunrun itself. 

Leasing customers receive a 25-year comprehensive warranty, including insurance protection against theft or damage.

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SunPower vs. Sunrun: Cost and Financing

Most solar companies omit pricing information from their websites. Instead, homeowners are encouraged to request a free quote to get personalized system information. The same holds true for SunPower and Sunrun. No pricing information is available without a requested quote. According to some customer reviews, SunPower costs more than most solar providers due to its high-performing panels and custom components.  

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar panels averaged around  $3.30 per watt before incentives by the end of 2022. Applying this pricing to a 6-kilowatt (kW) solar panel system, you could pay around $19,500. The final system cost varies based on your chosen solar company, local market pricing, and estimated energy needs. 

Although Sunrun only offers online quote requests, SunPower provides an online solar power calculator to help estimate your potential solar savings and system size. You’ll enter your home address and details on roof shading, monthly electric bill averages, and expected solar system production. 

Our team tested the calculator to generate an estimate for a home in Los Angeles, California, with a monthly energy bill of $300, little roof shading, and a solar system that meets 80% of our energy needs. We received a potential first-year energy savings of $2,650 with 18

360-watt (W) panels. After receiving your estimate, complete an online form to speak with a SunPower representative for a full quote. 

SunPower Panel Financing

SunPower offers four solar financing options: cash payment, solar loan, solar lease, and power payment agreement (PPA). 

We’ll review each payment option below:

• Cash payments: This option requires the full up-front cost for your solar panel system and eliminates any additional interest fees normally tied to a solar loan. 
• Solar loans: With a solar loan, you’ll make a smaller initial payment and have ongoing payments to cover installation costs. Typical solar loans last between eight to 20 years and include added interest rates and fees. 
• Solar lease: With a solar lease agreement, qualifying homeowners spend little to no money down for a new system. You’ll pay a monthly fee to rent the system and never legally own it. 
• PPA: This financing option is similar to a lease as you won’t own your system. But with a PPA, you pay for the solar energy, not the system. 

You become your system’s legal owner using a cash payment or solar loan. This ownership qualifies you for additional federal and state solar incentives, rebates, and credits. These incentives help offset installation costs, making a solar investment more affordable. For example, the federal solar tax credit provides a 30% credit for installation fees. The credit goes toward your owed federal taxes and helps lower or reduce your tax liability. Although leasing options offer low-cost investment for homeowners, they disqualify you from solar incentives.

Sunrun Panel Financing

Sunrun offers four payment options. The company has unique names for each financing option, which we will outline below:

• Full purchase: This option represents a cash payment.
• Monthly loan: The payment option is their term for a solar loan. 
• Monthly lease: This financing option represents solar leases. 
• Full lease: This payment is equivalent to a PPA. Sunrun allows customers to prepay for 25 years of solar service up-front, locking in lower energy costs from the start.

Rating:

Best Solar Panel Leasing

4.4/5

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SunPower vs. Sunrun: Reviews

When comparing potential solar panel companies, it’s essential to gauge current and past customer reviews to understand how each company treats its customers. We analyzed 100 reviews for SunPower and Sunrun to determine any ongoing patterns with installation, customer support, and equipment. We’ll compare customer opinions about Sunrun vs. SunPower.

SunPower Reviews

SunPower is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating from the company.* Positive reviews praised the installation speed and panel performance. Some customers noted that SunPower systems cost more than other companies. 

However, customers expressed frustration with contacting customer support after installation and noted equipment issues that lasted for several months. 

Here’s what some customers have to say:

“We’re finally up & running! We researched 3 other companies & are very satisfied with SunPower solar panels. They weren’t the cheapest or most expensive but seems to be the job as expected. No complaints.” —Mark E. via BBB

“Before I got this company, I did a lot of research from other companies and found Sunpower to be straightforward and professional. They gave a timeline of when to expect things. The installation was done in a couple of days. They left my house clean when done, and still, they followed up to make sure things were working well. This company has been around for over 30 years and is very reputable. No regrets [about] making SunPower my solar company.” —Margaret L. via BBB

“Solar panels not functioning after 4 months they became operational. Despite many requests to fix them for the past 2 months, are left unheeded. My electric bill is back to pre-solar days, and to make matters worse, I am paying SunPower $93 a month for the solar panels. Very poor customer service, to say the least.” —Luisa B. via BBB

“The customer care/support is horrible. I’ve had trouble with my system for over 4 months, and it’s still not fixed! Parts on order. Tell me, how can a company this large not have stock, even with the supply chain issues? I am beyond disappointed in the whole process. A tech came out and had [no] parts whatsoever in his truck. [G]etting ahold of them to start with is a task in itself. they have 48 hrs to respond. it appears they need that time to respond to all the issues they have. I would NOT recommend this company.” —Selina M. via BBB

Sunrun Reviews

As of April 2023, Sunrun’s BBB profile is being updated.* The company previously held accreditation with BBB and had an A- rating. Sometimes, company profiles are re-evaluated due to new business services, rescoring, or other necessary updates. Since BBB was unavailable, we analyzed customer reviews on Best Company. 

Homeowners complimented the company’s knowledgeable staff and the cost savings from their new systems. Some customers mentioned a few issues with transferring service from Vivint to Sunrun, but stated that any problems were resolved. 

Customers called out issues with delayed installation due to communication issues with Sunrun. They also found it difficult to contact customer support for repairs and service requests. Several customers noted failed follow-ups or unreturned phone calls. 

Here is a sample of Sunrun’s customer reviews:

“From the beginning to the end, the representatives were very helpful, gave us answers to all our questions, gave us all the information, and were kind. We like the company, they are a trusted company to use. Installation was very smooth, and it was overnight. They were in contact with me and explained what to expect. The worker that showed up was respectful and nice, and everything went swiftly.” —Anna. via Best Company

“There were a few hiccups when Sunrun took over from our previous solar contract with Vivint but it all worked out fairly and now we’re enjoying considerable savings on our electric bill. 4 adults and a child use a lot of electricity but our rooftop solar system handles it like a champ!” —Dale B. via Best Company

“It has been more than a year and a half since they began the installation, the city permit has already expired, and they have not come to finish the installation of the solar panels. I have communicated with them, and there are always promises that they will finish their project and they never come. Honestly, I am very disappointed in their service. I do not recommend it.” —Manases E. via Best Company

“This review is for their customer service. We don’t have any problems with the solar panels, however, we have been calling almost every day to have the panels taken off so we can have a new roof installed due to the roof leaking. They keep telling us they will have someone call to schedule a time and date but no one has called back to schedule. This has been going on for over 2 months. We have not received any calls from their contractor/s to schedule a time. If we don’t have someone call us within the next few days we will turn this matter over to our attorneys. This has gone on way too long!!!” —Ron W. via Best Company

*Better Business Bureau information is accurate as of April 2023.

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Our Conclusion

Both SunPower and Sunrun offer excellent solar panel options for homeowners. The best installer depends on your preference for system quality, financing options, and long-term benefits.

Sunrun will work best if you’re looking for affordable solar panels and flexible leasing options. The company offers systems with name-brand components and high-performing panels. You’ll need to choose a leasing agreement to extend your system protection. Keep in mind that leases and PPAs disqualify you from cost-saving solar incentives. 

SunPower is a great choice for homeowners looking to invest in the most efficient system available. It uses high-performing Maxeon panels and custom solar components to create systems with streamlined performance and maximum efficiency. In addition, the company backs its system with a 25-year comprehensive warranty—15 years longer than Sunrun. According to some customer reviews, SunPower systems are often more expensive than other providers.

We recommend comparing quotes from at least three providers to find the option that best meets your needs.

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FAQ About SunPower vs. Sunrun

Is Sunrun owned by Costco?

No, Sunrun is not owned by Costco. However, the two companies have partnered together to offer exclusive Sunrun deals and benefits to Costco customers. 

Where can I find SunPower customer reviews?

You can find SunPower customer reviews at the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and other third-party aggregator sites. 

What happens at the end of a Sunrun contract?

When your Sunrun contract ends, you can upgrade to better equipment with a new lease, extend your current contract under the same terms, or remove your existing system. 

What is the difference between SunPower and Sunrun?

SunPower offers a high-efficiency solar system built with in-house components and includes a 25-year extensive warranty. Sunrun offers a robust leasing program and efficient solar systems at more affordable pricing. 

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Our Rating Methodology

We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:

• Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
• Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
• Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
• Financing options (15%)
• Experience (10%)
• Availability (10%)

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.