SunPower vs Sunrun
SunPower and Sunrun are both well-known names in the solar industry. SunPower has been in business since 1985, setting it apart as one of the oldest and most reputable solar companies in the industry. Sunrun was founded in 2007, but even though it has been in business for a shorter period of time, it has grown to become one of the nation’s largest residential solar companies.
SunPower is the top-rated solar company on BestCompany.com based on reviews, but it is worth noting that it has substantially more reviews than Sunrun, which affects a company’s overall rating. But, both Sunrun reviews and SunPower reviews are favorable with the majority of customers giving their chosen company a 4-star or 5-star rating.
Overview
SunPower
SunPower
SMA
SunPower
25 Years
25 Years
Yes
N/A
39 Years
Sunrun
Hanwa, LG, Trina, LONGi, JA Solar
SolarEdge, Delta, Enphase, Solis
LG, Tesla, SolarEdge
20 Years
25 Years
Yes
Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash
17 Years
Ratings
SunPower
Sunrun
Reviews
SunPower
Reviews
Sunrun
Reviews for SunPower
Helpful Favorable Review
Ethan Furman
January 31st, 2024
Pasadena, CA
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
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
Reviews for Sunrun
Helpful Favorable Review
Valerie
October 26th, 2024
Verified Customer
Review Source
It has been fine, I haven't had a need to talk with anyone. For a while I was not able to get on the app but have since been on it. I wish it would show me how much electricity we have generated and how much we have used.
Helpful Critical Review
Diane Newell
October 22nd, 2024
DETAILS
Sunrun's equipment failed leaving us with a $2,900.00 PG&E bill. They came and repaired the equipment two weeks after reporting the issue, which they could see on their computer. After numerous phone calls to them, they gave us a credit of $349.12. and can't understand why we are not happy with them.
The Final Word
SunPower and Sunrun are both great options for your solar energy needs, but there are a few differences between the companies to be aware of as you compare solar companies.
Industry-leading solar panels
Both SunPower and Sunrun offer customizable solar panel systems that will be fitted to your specific home, but SunPower’s solar panels are known to produce and maintain energy beyond typical solar panel systems from other companies.
SunPower offers customers its M-series solar panels which generate and deliver 60 percent more energy per watt than competitor panels. This means that the company could install fewer panels on your roof while maintaining high energy production. The M-series panel performance also makes them a good option if you live in a cloudier region or shaded area.
If you are concerned about your home’s curb appeal with newly installed solar panels, SunPower’s panels are also more aesthetically pleasing than those of its competitors. SunPower’s panels are black, and have minimal and sleek mounting systems, resulting in a solar panel system that blends in with a roof. Traditional solar panels are blue with highly visible mounting systems.
Solar battery storage
SunPower offers a battery storage option called SunVault™. The SunVault system pairs with SunPower Equinox®, the company’s residential solar power system, which charges the SunVault battery during the day when the sun is out and can be discharged at any point if the homeowner needs it. SunVault storage is covered by a 10-year warranty.
Sunrun offers a battery storage option called Brightbox. The system can be purchased or leased, and provides homeowners with a reliable power source if there is a blackout.
Solar monitoring
SunPower and Sunrun both provide mobile apps that can help you monitor and track panel performance. The SunPower app, mySunPower™, and Sunrun app, mySunrun, are both available for iOS and Android devices.
SunPower solar energy systems also include a consumption monitoring kit that allows homeowners to track their own energy consumption.
State availability
SunPower solar energy systems are available in 28 states, while Sunrun’s solar services are only available in eight states.
SunPower is available in the following states:
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Sunrun is available in the following states:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
The bottom line
SunPower and Sunrun are both reliable solar companies that offer customizable solar solutions. What your decision might come down to is whether or not the company’s services are available in your state — SunPower has a much wider state coverage area than Sunrun. Check which company is available in your state of residence.
SunPower does set itself apart as an industry frontrunner with more than 30 years of experience. In addition, it has high performing solar panel systems that could help you generate and maintain more energy.
Based on reviews on BestCompany.com, we would recommend either company for your solar needs.
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