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.
Overview
SolarCity
SolarCity
SolarCity
N/A
10 Years
20 Years
N/A
N/A
Undisclosed
Sungevity
LG
SolarEdge
LG
20 Years
20 Years
No
Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash
15 Years
Ratings
SolarCity
Sungevity
Reviews
SolarCity
Reviews
Sungevity
Reviews for SolarCity
Helpful Favorable Review
Sawyer D
April 26th, 2019
Ogden, UT
DETAILS
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
angela begeman
May 4th, 2022
Tucson, AZ
DETAILS
honestly this has been the worst experience of my adult life! pigeons galore, apparently after switching to tesla it’s no longer included in my leasing agreement, yes i do not own them yet, tesla does! i have so much drippings in front of my front door you can not walk there, associate’ was the rudest he could have cared less, i did get upset and lippy, i’ll admit , the tone of his voice was a joke ! my panels do not work properly from the pigeons, do yourself a favor a pick another company! i have to pay a third party company to take care if parts i don’t own yet, i miss split city !
Reviews for Sungevity
Helpful Favorable Review
Carlton
November 13th, 2019
San Luis Obispo, CA
Matthew V. was very helpful in sorting out the questions and issues to be addressed in making a decision about solar panel installation. I especially liked his non-aggressive style and careful listening to address my questions. Our information was such that we were not qualified for a financial arrangement to lease with purchase of electricity at a low tier rate. Still he gave me helpful information about our particular situation and pointed me forward in my search.
Helpful Critical Review
Bill Keyes
October 5th, 2021
Saratoga, CA
DETAILS
Sungevity/ Horizon/ Solar Spectrum CLOSED for BUSINESS, just 1 month after billing and accepting my Final payments. They didn't pay the Supplier, CED, which immediately filed a LIEN on my house, for ALL the material costs. So I can forget about system, and battery monitoring and warranty for 20yrs. It is now ALL my expense. Sungevity changes names and REOPEN and start again. Now its PINEAPPLE ENERGY company. STAY AWAY. In addition, the CSLB doesn't hold any of these businesses accountable.
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.
