Sunnova
Company Highlights
Sunnova
Since 2012, Sunnova has been providing solar power and energy storage to residents and business owners across the country.
The company offers a solar industry-leading 25-year service commitment on all solar panel installations, and that is inclusive of roof penetrations.
Furthermore, the Sunnova Adaptive Home™ solution integrates smart technology into the solar installation by optimizing energy sources for the unique energy needs of the homeowner.
Sunnova offers a number of attractive financing and ownership models, but conditions do apply.
Read on for a comprehensive look at what Sunnova has to offer: what customers are saying, where it excels, how it can improve, and what prospective customers can expect overall.
- Robust 25-Year Warranty
- Diverse Energy Solutions
- Flexible Financing and Ownership Models
- Proven Longevity in the Industry
- Overall Positive Customer Sentiment
- Helpful Moving Options
- Wide State Availability
Robust 25-Year Warranty
Sunnova offers an above-average 25-year warranty that covers various aspects of solar systems, including roof penetration and a production guarantee. This comprehensive warranty showcases the company's commitment to standing behind its products and services for the long term. (For context, many solar companies offer only a 10–12 year workmanship warranty covering roof damages.)
Sunnova's comprehensive monitoring services, available 24/7, allow customers to track their system's performance and energy production. The integration of production data and easy account management through an online portal ensures that homeowners can effectively manage their solar systems and utilize warranty coverage if needed.
Diverse Energy Solutions
Beyond solar power, Sunnova extends its offerings to include battery storage, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and the Sunnova Adaptive Home™ concept. The company's innovative approach enables customers to harness the power of solar energy for both their homes and EVs, further enhancing their sustainability efforts.
Flexible Financing and Ownership Models
Sunnova provides customers with a trio of financing options: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), equipment lease, or financing with low Annual Percentage Rates (APRs).
A PPA requires customers to pay for the energy produced by the system at a flat monthly price. With the standard lease option, the customer essentially rents the panels from Sunnova. With both PPAs and equipment leases, Sunnova retains ownership of the equipment, allowing customers to benefit from clean energy without the upfront costs of equipment ownership.
The company's financing option gives homeowners the opportunity to purchase a system without any upfront costs and pay a fixed amount each month for a 25-year term, which is substantially less than the average electric bill. At the end of the term, the customer will fully own the solar power system.
Proven Longevity in the Industry
Having been founded in 2012 and successfully surpassing the 10-year mark, Sunnova's longevity underscores its stability and experience in the solar industry. In general, company longevity often translates into the ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of renewable energy while relying on reputational strengths.
Overall Positive Customer Sentiment
Sunnova garners an overwhelmingly positive sentiment from its customer base, a testament to its commitment to excellent customer service and efficiency. While a few negative reviews exist, the company's proactive response to these concerns demonstrates a dedication to resolving issues and utilizing feedback to improve its processes.
Helpful Moving Options
If a customer within Sunnova's residential solar market decides to move while under contract, Sunnova offers a number of options. The customer can do one of the following:
- Transfer the service agreement over to the new owner,
- Pre-pay the remainder of the contract and transfer it to the new owner, or
- Move the system to a new address.
This is especially beneficial for homeowners who are less permanent.
Wide State Availability
Not only does Sunnova install quality panels, but the solar company also provides backup battery storage in the event of a power outage in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Texas.
The company's renewable energy services are also available in the Virgin Islands.
- Long Contract Terms
- No Buyout Option for Leases
Long Contract Terms
Sunnova requires a 25-year service agreement, which is higher than the average 20-year agreement employed by most other solar energy companies. While this can still lead toward a path to ownership, longer-termed solar loans are often accompanied by relatively higher interest rates. Customers should get in touch with a Sunnova employee for specific terms and conditions prior to signing a contract.
Additionally, Sunnova does not offer a production guarantee for the PPA option, which can be detrimental if the system isn't producing as much as it should be during the length of the contract.
No Buyout Option For Leases
The company's lease options do not include a buyout option for the Sunnova customer, which creates a disadvantage for those who may need to move while under contract.
Sunnova has a simple mission: provide competitive solar solutions across several states. and offers a variety of financing options, including a cash purchase, a solar lease, or a PPA.
From flexible financing options to a strong customer service ethos, the company strives to make solar power accessible and hassle-free. The inclusion of diverse energy solutions, comprehensive warranties, and monitoring services further solidify Sunnova's position as a contender in the solar industry.
While it's essential to consider factors such as ownership models and the varying nature of customer feedback, Sunnova's commitment to innovation and sustainability makes it a promising option for those looking to embrace clean energy solutions and reduce their environmental impact.
As with any significant decision, prospective customers are encouraged to research thoroughly and consult with solar professionals to ensure the best fit for their specific needs. You’ll find nearly 3,000 Sunnova reviews below.
