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SunRate Energy

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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: March 10th, 2021

SunRate Energy was founded in 2016 and serves residential and commercial solar markets in California, Nevada, and Arizona. The company offers free estimates and zero-down financing on new solar installation projects.

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The Good

  • Multiple Financing Options
  • 10-Year Roof Warranty

Multiple Financing Options

SunRate Energy offers customers two paths to solar panel ownership: direct purchase and solar panel financing. Direct purchase of a solar panel system requires the largest upfront investment, but also comes with the fastest return on that investment — especially for residents in sunny states like California, Arizona, and Nevada.

The company also gives customers the option to finance their system through a third-party lender for as little as zero-money down. Solar loans entitle customers to all the same benefits of solar ownership as direct purchase, without the heavy upfront investment.

For customers who are unable or unwilling to pay the tens of thousands of dollars required to own their own solar PV system, SunRate Energy gives the option to rent the system through a solar lease, or pay for the solar energy through a power purchase agreement (PPA). These options are incredibly cost-effective as they place the financial burden of ownership (e.g. installation and maintenance fees) on the company.

10-Year Roof Warranty

SunRate Energy attaches a 10-year roof warranty to every new solar panel build. Should the homeowner’s roof experience any leaks or damage be discovered within 10 years after the solar installation, SunRate Energy will repair the damage free of charge.

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The Bad

  • Undisclosed Information

Undisclosed Information

SunRate Energy has yet to disclose the following data points to help customers make a more informed decision:

  • Workmanship warranty — While the company advertises a 25-year equipment warranty and a 10-year roof warranty, no information could be found about its labor or workmanship warranty, which, if offered, could last anywhere between 5 and 25 years.
  • Solar panel selection — SunRate Energy likely sources its solar panels from multiple manufacturers, but this information is not available prior to the customer obtaining a quote. The chosen brand of solar panel affects everything from energy efficiency and durability to price of the overall system.
  • SunRate Energy reviews — The company still has some ground to cover in terms of promoting verified reviews from actual customers.
  • NABCEP certification — SunRate Energy has not disclosed whether it has received its certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.
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The Bottom Line

SunRate Energy appears to have all the qualities a homeowner should look for in a reputable solar installer; however, potential customers require more information before an informed decision can be made. Customers are encouraged to read verified SunRate Energy reviews, obtain a free quote from the company, and compare its offering to other leading companies in their area.

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