SunPower vs Sunrun

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.