- SolarCity vs Sungevity
SolarCity vs Sungevity
Read on to discover the similarities and differences between SolarCity and Sungevity and determine which company is a better option for you.
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Overview
SolarCity
Sungevity
Reviews
SolarCity
Sungevity
Reviews for SolarCity
Helpful Favorable Review
Sawyer D
Thanks for allowing a system size under 3 KW. I was told you wouldn't for a loan, but for cash, you did. Haven't had any technical issues. I'm afraid if I did, I'd be on my own or face long long hold times. Also, your offer of move the panels for $2000 is too good to be true. They should have insisted on attic run for conduit. Very nice crew, they did offer some special install services, but attic run should have been seriously impressed on me.
Helpful Critical Review
Eddie
I purchased a house a month which had solar city solar panels and have been emailing Tesla every week for them to set up my account. I have not heard back from my Property & Title agent in weeks even though they estimate a 2-4 business day response time. This is absolutely the worst customer service I have experienced if you can even call it customer service. The reviews on Tesla solar panels were bad but I never expected my situation to be this bad.
Reviews for Sungevity
Helpful Favorable Review
Sab
Justina F, our project coordinator, did a awesome job to make Solar panel installation process seamless by coordinating several other parties and promptly solved the issues. She engaged her management in-timely manner to speedup process. Because of her, we are recommending Sungevity to our family and friends.
Helpful Critical Review
Duncan Speel
Not a good experience at all! My solar panels have been sitting on my roof after being installed for a month and not able to be used because Sungevity did not follow up on obtaining the proper permits. Also, after 4 emails and five phone calls over a weeks time- I have not heard back. Very frustrating. I will not be recommending Sungevity.
The Final Word
Both SolarCity and Sungevity operate in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C.
In addition to the states listed above, SolarCity offers solar services in Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington, while Sungevity does not.
However, Sungevity’s services are also available in Kansas and Missouri, while SolarCity’s are not.
Payment Options
SolarCity and Sungevity both offer a variety of ways to pay for a solar energy system, including outright purchases, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Equipment
SolarCity manufactures its own solar equipment, while Sungevity does not. Instead, Sungevity utilizes high quality materials, including black-on-black solar panels and low impact mounting hardware, from well-respected manufacturers such as LG and SolarEdge.
Installations
Neither SolarCity nor Sungevity outsources installations to third parties. Both companies have teams of professionals in house to install solar energy systems.
Warranties
SolarCity provides its customers with a 20-year equipment warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a 25-year performance warranty.
Sungevity matches SolarCity with a 20-year equipment warranty and a 25-year performance warranty, but Sungevity’s workmanship warranty is double that of SolarCity at 20 years.
Battery Storage
SolarCity’s solar systems are designed to work with Tesla Powerwall batteries, which are compact, stackable, and have a built-in inverter.
Sungevity’s solar systems have the ability to accommodate multiple battery storage options, including sonnenBatterie, as well as other functionalities such as EV chargers.
Referral Program
SolarCity pays customers $250 for each friend or family member they refer who chooses to install a solar energy system.
Sungevity offers up to $2,000 for every referred homeowner who makes the switch to solar.
Recommendation
SolarCity and Sungevity are on par in terms of payment options and installations. While SolarCity’s service area is larger, Sungevity offers a much longer workmanship warranty on its labor, as well as a larger referral bonus. Additionally, Sungevity’s proprietary remote solar design tool may make the solar process quicker and simpler for customers.
For those who live within its areas of operation, Sungevity is recommended over SolarCity.
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