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
Enphase
Tesla, Enphase
25 Years
25 Years
N/A
Loan, Cash
16 Years
SunPower
SunPower
SMA
SunPower
25 Years
25 Years
Yes
N/A
38 Years
Ratings
Solar Optimum
SunPower
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
Reviews
SunPower
Reviews for Solar Optimum
Helpful Favorable Review
Michael Colantoni
November 19th, 2023
Goodyear, AZ
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
Dave Colton
August 17th, 2023
Las Vegas, NV
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
Ron D
October 20th, 2023
Wallingford, CT
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
Paul Olsen
October 28th, 2023
San Marcos, CA
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.
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