Solar Optimum vs SunPower
Solar Optimum and SunPower have a lot in common. They both serve California and Nevada residents — and they are both in the top-five ranked companies in those states according to our Best Rank algorithm.
Most notably, both companies are well-reviewed with over 500 user reviews on our site, most of them positive. This indicates an overall satisfied customer base for both Solar Optimum and SunPower.
However, the companies vary in their equipment manufacturers, leasing options, and specific review distinctions. We'll walk you through the data we have and an explanation of the differences below.
Overview
Solar Optimum
Panasonic, REC Solar, QCell
Tesla, Enphase, Panasonic
Tesla, Enphase, Panasonic
25 Years
25 Years
N/A
Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash
17 Years
SunPower
SunPower
SMA
SunPower
25 Years
25 Years
Yes
N/A
39 Years
Ratings
Solar Optimum
SunPower
Pros & Cons
Solar Optimum
PROS
- Several Flexible Payment Options
- Premium EPC Company
- Certified Battery Installer for Tesla, Enphase, and Panasonic
CONS
- Only Serves Four States
SunPower
PROS
- High-Efficiency Panels
- Solar Monitoring with Panel Level Data
- Industry-Leading Warranties
CONS
- Customer Service Complaints
Reviews
Solar Optimum
Reviews
SunPower
Reviews for Solar Optimum
Helpful Favorable Review
karthik balakrishnan
April 25th, 2024
DETAILS
Review Source
Solar Optum was a great company to work with. Mike walked me through the whole process, answered my concerns and every step Of process communication was good. Installers were top notch. I had a pleasant experience and recommend them highly.
Helpful Critical Review
Stiver
October 5th, 2021
DETAILS
Edited January 10th, 2024
Verified Customer
Review Source
Poor communication, Solar Optimum could NOT retain a project manager for my install, first attempt to install trashed my new roof, install had to be redone with roof repair, install crew spoke little to no English leading to confusion and errors at install DESPITE supposedly having plans drawn up and provided for the installation. Quality of product/service only made "Fair" rating because I opted for the highest quality equipment from outside providers.
Reviews for SunPower
Helpful Favorable Review
Ethan Furman
January 31st, 2024
Pasadena, CA
DETAILS
I had a great experience with SunPower. Very high quality panels, excellent warranty, and great savings compared to what I’m paying for with the utility. Given SunPower has been in business for decades, I feel very comfortable using their products.
Helpful Critical Review
Kevin Palm
April 18th, 2024
DETAILS
If you want a company that answers your calls or emails, don't work with these guys. Takes 3 weeks to get a response for simple questions. They told me at the beginning of the process that it would take 90 days to install our system and get it turned on. 6 months later it is still not functional and they won't answer my calls.
The Final Word
You can't go wrong with either of these options. But there are a few distinctions between Solar Optimum and SunPower that may make a difference to you as you compare companies.
Roofing
If you live in Nevada or California, you can work with either of these companies, but you'll want to consider what sets Solar Optimum apart: roofing services. Where a roof's material, age, and condition can be crucial factors in a solar installation, hiring a roofing professional can give you peace of mind and present opportunities for a roofing purchase in tandem with solar.
Option to lease
While we generally recommend purchasing solar to get the financial benefits of ownership (alongside the federal tax credit, where applicable), some consumers aren't in a position to pay for solar upfront or take out a loan. There are leasing and power purchase agreement (PPA) options for these situations. Solar Optimum does not offer leasing and PPAs, but SunPower does.
Equipment
Both companies provide highly reviewed equipment options but consider the different brands in case you have a preference.
SunPower provides the highest-efficiency solar panels available, reaching up to 22.8 percent efficiency and carrying a temperature coefficient of -0.26, meaning there is a minimal impact per degree of temperature change. SunPower offers its own SunVault Storage system including the SunVault Battery and Hub+.
Solar Optimum is an Enphase Platinum installer and a Tesla-certified battery installer.
Reviews
While both companies have an impressively high overall star rating, Solar Optimum has a slight edge over SunPower within our sentiment criteria, as you can see in our rating chart above. Where SunPower has an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars within the criteria of value, quality, service, and trustworthiness, Solar Optimum has an average of 5 out of 5 stars.
The bottom line
It's too close for us to make a call between these two companies. They are neck-and-neck in regard to customer satisfaction, quality of materials and service, and the warranties they offer. We recommend obtaining quotes from both companies so you can see how a system (and loan, if applicable) from each of these companies compares.
Note that if you live outside of Nevada or California, Solar Optimum can't help you, so see if SunPower is available in your state.
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