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
#23 Sunrun
8.3 Overall Score
3.6
star star star star_half star_border
(2,157)
Sunnova logo
#3 Sunnova
9.5 Overall Score
4.4
star star star star star_half
(3,992)

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

16 Years

Sunnova

N/A

Enphase

Tesla, Generac

25 Years

25 Years

No

Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash

11 Years

Ratings

Sunrun

Overall Score
8.3 of 10
Review Score
3.6
star star star star_half star_border
Value for Money
3.5
star star star star_half star_border
Quality of Product or Service
3.6
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Company Trustworthiness
3.4
star star star star_half star_border
Likely to Recommend
6.4 of 10

Sunnova

9.5 of 10
4.4
star star star star star_half
4.2
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4.2
star star star star star_border
4.1
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8.0 of 10

Reviews

Sunrun

Number of Reviews
2,157
Review Breakdown
3.6
star star star star_half star_border
1 star
26%
2 star
5%
3 star
7%
4 star
14%
5 star
48%

Sunnova

3,992
4.4
star star star star star_half
1 star
10%
2 star
3%
3 star
4%
4 star
9%
5 star
74%

Reviews for Sunrun

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star_border star_border

Lonnie Wilson

December 5th, 2023

DETAILS

I need a battery backup system I've been waiting for over 3 years to get one here in Connecticut it's ridiculous I'm disabled and we need we need help you send someone out and install a battery backup system I'll be happy then you'll get a five star from it from me

Helpful Critical Review

star star star_border star_border star_border

Terry Jones

December 1st, 2023

DETAILS

We are truly disappointed in Sunruns'practice to honor the referral we were promised. The salesperson who sold us the system even contacted his company and informed them that they were wrong in not honoring the $1,000 referral that was initially promised. From this point on we will not refer Sunrun to any of our associates or friends. We've spoken to various individuals from the company to no avail. I previously served for over 32 years in the military, and honoring one's word brings a higher level of respect. Trust means everything....

Reviews for Sunnova

Helpful Favorable Review

star star star star star

Dianne Kistler

December 5th, 2023

DETAILS

check_circle

Review Source

We ate very happy with Equity Solar and their technicians. The system was quickly installed by professional technicians. They were protective of our new roof when they installed the system. We have only had our system operational for about 1 week, but we have had wonderful technical support with all our questions. The app is easy to use and it has been great to see how well the solar system is producing.

Helpful Critical Review

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

William Hoopes

December 5th, 2023

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Review Source

For this, I cannot even give one star from the unprofessional sales people to the unprofessional follow up people with scheduling to the inactivity for months until I can get my solar system running, and the fact that I have not been taught how to read, operate, or do anything with the solar system since it’s been turned on is a joke

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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