Sunrun vs Sunnova
Sunrun and Sunnova are both top-rated solar companies, offering customizable solar panel options, solar batteries, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions.
Both companies have favorable reviews on BestCompany.com — 63 percent of Sunrun reviews are 4 or 5 star, and 70 percent of Sunnova reviews are 4 or 5 star. Customers for both companies mention exceptional customer service, and quick and smooth installation processes.
Overview
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
Sunnova
N/A
Enphase
Tesla, Generac
25 Years
25 Years
No
Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash
12 Years
Ratings
Sunrun
Sunnova
Reviews
Sunrun
Reviews
Sunnova
Reviews for Sunrun
Helpful Favorable Review
Uvan Tseng
April 22nd, 2024
DETAILS
Review Source
Have had Sunrun for three years now and it’s worked great so far. A lower and predictable monthly bill; and the few times we’ve had blackouts, the back-up battery has kicked in nicely and we appear to be the only house on the block not sitting in the dark. Spencer was a great rep for the company when we initially inquired, no pressure at all, just a lot of information provided in a friendly way.
Helpful Critical Review
Trini
April 2nd, 2024
DETAILS
I've had these panels on my roof for like 6 yrs now, and started having roof leaks. when i called Sunrun they never sent anyone out to look at the roof. But wanted to push that my roof warranty had expired 6 months earlier. And are not accommodating with assistance on replacing my roof. Now i have to get a brand new roof and I'm being told i have to pay for the panels to come off my roof.
Reviews for Sunnova
Helpful Favorable Review
Donna sneed
April 22nd, 2024
Everything happened as planned. Everything is working well. I wish they didn’t have to shovel ice off my roof because there are little particles from my roof on my driveway and deck. I wonder if that will shorten the life of my roof. I have not had my panels long enough to pay the first bill
Helpful Critical Review
Peter Candelora
April 22nd, 2024
Review Source
Never showed up —- TWICE. DIDNT CALL AT ALL THE SECOND TIME. Called after I waited 3 1/2 hrs for them to show up the first time to let me know they were not coming. Then I had to wait for a reschedule which wasn’t even in the same week. Can’t recommend!
The Final Word
Availability
Sunrun solar services are only available in 8 states, while Sunnova solar services are available in 18 states.
Sunrun systems are available in the following states:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
Sunnova systems are available in the following states:
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
Payment options
Sunrun offers a variety of flexible financing options, including solar lease, power purchase agreements (PPAs), prepayment, outright purchase, and solar loan.
Sunnova offers its EZ Own option, allowing homeowners the opportunity to purchase a solar system with no upfront costs and the ability to pay a fixed amount throughout a 25-year term. Sunnova also offers its EZ Pay PPA. However, it is worth noting that Sunnova doesn’t offer a buyout option for leases.
Equipment
Sunrun offers customizable solar energy systems through its Automated Site Modeling design technology. With this technology, the Sunrun team can quickly design custom solar energy systems from satellite imagery of your home’s roof.
Sunnova also offers customizable solar energy system options that will be tailored to your home and your specific needs.
Installations
Both Sunrun and Sunnova will send a solar expert to conduct an extensive review of your home and roof, allowing them to build a custom solar energy system based on your specific needs. In most cases, both companies will also handle all permits and inspections, ensuring that your home is prepped for solar and that you won’t experience any difficulties or delays in the installation process.
Sunrun offers a mobile app through which you can track the installation process. At this time, Sunnova doesn’t offer a mobile app.
Warranties
Both Sunrun and Sunnova offer a 25-year product warranty.However, it is important to note that Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty for products that are purchased, and a 25-year warranty for products that are leased.
Battery Storage
Sunrun uses a solar battery, Brightbox, which can either be purchased or leased.
Sunnova uses vetted, industry-leading battery technology, such as Generac PWRcell™, Enphase Energy System, and Tesla Powerwall.
