SunPower vs Sunrun

Jordan Grimmer
Jordan Grimmer | Senior Editor

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.

SunPower logo
#12 SunPower
8.7 Overall Score
4.1
star star star star star_border
(4,300)
Sunrun logo
#11 Sunrun
8.7 Overall Score
3.8
star star star star star_border
(2,239)

Overview

SunPower

Panels from

SunPower

Inverters from

SMA

Batteries from

SunPower

Workmanship Warranty

25 Years

Equipment Warranty

25 Years

NABCEP Certified

Yes

Purchasing Options Offered

N/A

Time in Business

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

Overall Score
8.7 of 10
Review Score
4.1
star star star star star_border
Value for Money
4.3
star star star star star_half
Quality of Product or Service
4.4
star star star star star_half
Company Trustworthiness
4.4
star star star star star_half
Likely to Recommend
8.7 of 10

Sunrun

8.7 of 10
3.8
star star star star star_border
3.5
star star star star_half star_border
3.6
star star star star_half star_border
3.5
star star star star_half star_border
6.5 of 10

Reviews

SunPower

Number of Reviews
4,300
Review Breakdown
4.1
star star star star star_border
1 star
9%
2 star
2%
3 star
3%
4 star
12%
5 star
75%

Sunrun

2,239
3.8
star star star star star_border
1 star
25%
2 star
5%
3 star
6%
4 star
14%
5 star
49%

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

Brandon Hilger

March 13th, 2024

DETAILS

I had a permitting issue that came up during install and sunpower denied my plans, my rep Jared L took it upon himself to resolves said permit issues and sunpower installed solar( so in theory those issues had to be resolved in order to move forward) come almost a year later I am getting letters from the city saying permits were never approved. my rep also scammed me out of $1000 visa rebate card. sunpower just tries to outlast customer complaints untill you get tired of getting nowhere. Never trust Jard L or any sunpower rep! Crooks! Liars! Dishonest!

Reviews for Sunrun

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

James Boldman

March 16th, 2024

Sunrun was the fourth solar company my wife and I got bids from, they were the only ones to follow thru, every single sunrun person that we dealt with were professional, respectful and very helpful, Surun is very Highly recommended by my wife and I

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

MICHAEL LUONG

March 14th, 2024

DETAILS

I should have done more research before I signed contract with Sunrun company. Before the installation they promised you everything, after everything is finalized and it's ready to operate, they will ignore you. I have called, text and emails to them and several different people from Sunrun and non of them replied. Avoid this company and do research before you even thinking of calling 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.

Top Choice

Sunrun Logo
Sunrun

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