Solar Optimum vs SunPower

Kaitlyn Short
Kaitlyn Short | 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
#6 Solar Optimum
9.4 Overall Score
4.9
star star star star star
(677)
SunPower logo
#25 SunPower
8.2 Overall Score
1.5
star star_half star_border star_border star_border
(4,357)

Overview

Solar Optimum

Panels from

Panasonic, REC Solar

Inverters from

Tesla, Enphase, Panasonic

Batteries from

Tesla, Enphase, Panasonic

Workmanship Warranty

25 Years

Equipment Warranty

25 Years

NABCEP Certified

No

Purchasing Options Offered

Lease, Loan, Cash

Time in Business

17 Years

SunPower

SunPower

SMA

SunPower

25 Years

25 Years

Yes

N/A

39 Years

Ratings

Solar Optimum

Overall Score
9.4 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

8.2 of 10
1.5
star star_half star_border star_border star_border
4.3
star star star star star_half
4.3
star star star star star_half
4.4
star star star star star_half
8.6 of 10

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

Number of Reviews
677
Review Breakdown
4.9
star star star star star
1 star
1%
2 star
1%
3 star
1%
4 star
6%
5 star
91%

SunPower

4,357
1.5
star star_half star_border star_border star_border
1 star
10%
2 star
2%
3 star
3%
4 star
12%
5 star
74%

Reviews for Solar Optimum

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

William Vonlackum

October 26th, 2024

DETAILS

We recently completed a Solar and Battery Backups with Solar Optimum. Solar Optimum was efficient, courteous and they did what they said they we going to do, it was timely and we are very pleased with the product. Thanks to the sales team, Brandon and all of those in production, well done!

Helpful Critical Review

star star star_border star_border star_border

Ted Efthemeou

June 5th, 2024

The system they put up on top of my roof is not putting out enough energy for my needs. The salesman misled me and lied to me about the refund process and they've already had it come out and replace the whole panel and I'm not getting compensated for any payments that I have paid

Reviews for SunPower

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Ethan Furman

January 31st, 2024

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

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Cat Huss

September 27th, 2024

DETAILS

They never told us that when we need power such as after hurricane it’s automatically turned off. SUNPOWER doesn’t work without the Internet. save your money buy a whole house Generac. at least then when you need power, you have it. all we have now is an $81,000 bill

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

Solar Optimum Logo
Solar Optimum

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