Sunrun vs Sunnova

Jordan Grimmer
Jordan Grimmer | Senior Editor

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.

Sunrun logo
#11 Sunrun
8.7 Overall Score
3.8
star star star star star_border
(2,239)
Sunnova logo
#1 Sunnova
9.6 Overall Score
4.6
star star star star star_half
(4,444)

Overview

Sunrun

Panels from

Hanwa, LG, Trina, LONGi, JA Solar

Inverters from

SolarEdge, Delta, Enphase, Solis

Batteries from

LG, Tesla, SolarEdge

Workmanship Warranty

20 Years

Equipment Warranty

25 Years

NABCEP Certified

Yes

Purchasing Options Offered

Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash

Time in Business

17 Years

Sunnova

N/A

Enphase

Tesla, Generac

25 Years

25 Years

No

Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash

12 Years

Ratings

Sunrun

Overall Score
8.7 of 10
Review Score
3.8
star star star star star_border
Value for Money
3.5
star star star star_half star_border
Quality of Product or Service
3.6
star star star star_half star_border
Company Trustworthiness
3.5
star star star star_half star_border
Likely to Recommend
6.5 of 10

Sunnova

9.6 of 10
4.6
star star star star star_half
4.2
star star star star star_border
4.3
star star star star star_half
4.2
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8.1 of 10

Reviews

Sunrun

Number of Reviews
2,239
Review Breakdown
3.8
star star star star star_border
1 star
25%
2 star
5%
3 star
6%
4 star
14%
5 star
49%

Sunnova

4,444
4.6
star star star star star_half
1 star
9%
2 star
3%
3 star
4%
4 star
8%
5 star
75%

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.

Reviews for Sunnova

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Robert Frye

March 13th, 2024

check_circle

Review Source

Great company to work with very honest and answer questions that I have work done in a timely manner I haven’t received my first electric bill yet but by my meter reading I’m very pleased. They are an excellent company to work with

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Brandy Hood

February 10th, 2024

DETAILS

check_circle

Review Source

My panel’s got turned on a week ago and I’m already getting a bill they have not even produced enough electricity to cover my home the seller lied to me about my system and bullied me in to signing up when I kept saying no he brought me gift cards and gifts etc… he told so many lies he told me that sunnova wold let me married payment next month since I just got turned on but when I called they told me absolutely not they wouldn’t help me out I was scammed.. I DO NOT RECOMMEND TRINITY SOLAR OR SUNNOVA

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.

Top Choice

Sunnova Logo
Sunnova

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