Sunrun vs Sunnova
Sunrun and Sunnova are both top-rated solar companies, offering customizable solar panel options, solar batteries, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions.
Both companies have favorable reviews on BestCompany.com — 63 percent of Sunrun reviews are 4 or 5 star, and 70 percent of Sunnova reviews are 4 or 5 star. Customers for both companies mention exceptional customer service, and quick and smooth installation processes.
Overview
Sunrun
Hanwa, LG, Trina, LONGi, JA Solar
SolarEdge, Delta, Enphase, Solis
LG, Tesla, SolarEdge
20 Years
25 Years
Yes
Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash
17 Years
Sunnova
N/A
Enphase
Tesla, Generac
25 Years
25 Years
No
Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash
12 Years
Ratings
Sunrun
Sunnova
Reviews
Sunrun
Reviews
Sunnova
Reviews for Sunrun
Helpful Favorable Review
Jean Waldo
April 29th, 2024
Review Source
We weren't crazy about the sales rep that came to our house, but in spite of him we went ahead with the solar installation. They were easy to work with and until the installation was completed there was a single person to deal with if we had any questions or concerns. We had no electric bills in the summer months, but did have them in the winter. Having said that I also have to say we had a lot of cloudy days and more snow this past winter than usual.
Helpful Critical Review
Trini
April 2nd, 2024
DETAILS
I've had these panels on my roof for like 6 yrs now, and started having roof leaks. when i called Sunrun they never sent anyone out to look at the roof. But wanted to push that my roof warranty had expired 6 months earlier. And are not accommodating with assistance on replacing my roof. Now i have to get a brand new roof and I'm being told i have to pay for the panels to come off my roof.
Reviews for Sunnova
Helpful Favorable Review
Alison Mancusi
April 30th, 2024
The process was very long , as expected, but along the way there were communication breakdowns. I think your app is average at best. I’ve only been live a short time so will hope to see how clear the savings will be reflected in the bills from both the Utility & Trinity
Helpful Critical Review
Keith Rapoza
April 25th, 2024
Review Source
The service was good until they left. The did not bolt my panels back down. It has been a week and my panels are still not bolted down. I have been lucky there has not been a big wind storm. I also still have the Milwaukee battery charger they left on my deck.
The Final Word
Availability
Sunrun solar services are only available in 8 states, while Sunnova solar services are available in 18 states.
Sunrun systems are available in the following states:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
Sunnova systems are available in the following states:
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
Payment options
Sunrun offers a variety of flexible financing options, including solar lease, power purchase agreements (PPAs), prepayment, outright purchase, and solar loan.
Sunnova offers its EZ Own option, allowing homeowners the opportunity to purchase a solar system with no upfront costs and the ability to pay a fixed amount throughout a 25-year term. Sunnova also offers its EZ Pay PPA. However, it is worth noting that Sunnova doesn’t offer a buyout option for leases.
Equipment
Sunrun offers customizable solar energy systems through its Automated Site Modeling design technology. With this technology, the Sunrun team can quickly design custom solar energy systems from satellite imagery of your home’s roof.
Sunnova also offers customizable solar energy system options that will be tailored to your home and your specific needs.
Installations
Both Sunrun and Sunnova will send a solar expert to conduct an extensive review of your home and roof, allowing them to build a custom solar energy system based on your specific needs. In most cases, both companies will also handle all permits and inspections, ensuring that your home is prepped for solar and that you won’t experience any difficulties or delays in the installation process.
Sunrun offers a mobile app through which you can track the installation process. At this time, Sunnova doesn’t offer a mobile app.
Warranties
Both Sunrun and Sunnova offer a 25-year product warranty.However, it is important to note that Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty for products that are purchased, and a 25-year warranty for products that are leased.
Battery Storage
Sunrun uses a solar battery, Brightbox, which can either be purchased or leased.
Sunnova uses vetted, industry-leading battery technology, such as Generac PWRcell™, Enphase Energy System, and Tesla Powerwall.
