Solar Optimum vs SunPower

Jordan Grimmer
Jordan Grimmer | Senior Editor

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. 

Solar Optimum logo
#4 Solar Optimum
9.5 Overall Score
4.9
star star star star star
(632)
SunPower logo
#1 SunPower
9.8 Overall Score
4.5
star star star star star_half
(4,276)

Overview

Solar Optimum

Panels from

Panasonic, REC Solar

Inverters from

Enphase

Batteries from

Tesla, Enphase

Workmanship Warranty

25 Years

Equipment Warranty

25 Years

NABCEP Certified

N/A

Purchasing Options Offered

Loan, Cash

Time in Business

16 Years

SunPower

SunPower

SMA

SunPower

25 Years

25 Years

Yes

N/A

38 Years

Ratings

Solar Optimum

Overall Score
9.5 of 10
Review Score
4.9
star star star star star
Value for Money
4.8
star star star star star
Quality of Product or Service
4.9
star star star star star
Company Trustworthiness
4.9
star star star star star
Likely to Recommend
9.6 of 10

SunPower

9.8 of 10
4.5
star star star star star_half
4.3
star star star star star_half
4.4
star star star star star_half
4.4
star star star star star_half
8.7 of 10

Pros & Cons

Solar Optimum

PROS

  • Several Flexible Payment Options
  • Premium EPC Company
  • Certified Battery Installer for Tesla and Enphase

CONS

  • No Lease or PPA

SunPower

PROS

  • High-Efficiency Panels
  • Solar Monitoring with Panel Level Data
  • Industry-Leading Warranties

CONS

  • Customer Service Complaints

Reviews

Solar Optimum

Number of Reviews
632
Review Breakdown
4.9
star star star star star
1 star
1%
2 star
1%
3 star
1%
4 star
7%
5 star
90%

SunPower

4,276
4.5
star star star star star_half
1 star
8%
2 star
2%
3 star
3%
4 star
12%
5 star
75%

Reviews for Solar Optimum

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Michael Colantoni

November 19th, 2023

DETAILS

The entire Solar Optimum team was great. No other company actually sized my system to the appliances I had in my home. They offered choices of panels used, designed a system that cost much less than the other quotes I received based on actual power needs. They were prompt to answer any and all questions I had throughout the process. It was seamless from design, site inspection, permitting and installation. Once installed the system developed the power that they said it was designed to provide and I am enjoying power now for 10 days at pennies a day.

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Dave Colton

August 17th, 2023

DETAILS

Edited November 2nd, 2023

This is my 2nd review. After installation approx. 2 weeks later 11 of the 33 panels stopped delivering power. It's been over 2 months since those panels stopped and full power has as yet to be produced.

Reviews for SunPower

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star_border star_border

Ron D

October 20th, 2023

DETAILS

Although I am satisfied with the product, the customer service is poor. went through 5 project coordinators and 10 months of delays for no apparent reasonable explanation before up and running. Biggest complaint was a false promo for a $1,000 gift card if you purchased/financed their system using their preferred financial partners, which I did. Made numerous complaints, was given a case number and after 15 months still getting nothing. Apparently the different departments do not have the ability to converse with each other and fix simple issues.

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Paul Olsen

October 28th, 2023

check_circle

Review Source

After working at some length with the SP's sales agent we agreed to a roof layout, # of panels and price. Signed contract. SP had an aerial view of the roof and SP conducted a site survey. Later found that SP had submitted permit with the utility with different roof layout. Few weeks later SP said we needed to sign an addendum for an additional $25,600 "because of our type of roof". No detail has been provided for the increase. Several questions have been ignored. No installation to date--bad experience.

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. 

Top Choice

SunPower Logo
SunPower

Other Featured Comparisons