Solar Panel Inverters
Solar panels produce vast amounts of electricity. But none of it would be very useful to the average American without an invertor on solar panels. Since solar panels are a...
Solar
Average Cost: $15,000 - $40,000
Sunrun stands out as a prominent solar energy provider, offering versatile solar solutions with a robust 25-year warranty and innovative financing options, including a zero-down lease. While praised for its high-quality products and extensive coverage in 23 states, it faces mixed reviews on customer service and presents high upfront costs, yet remains a reliable choice for homeowners seeking solar energy solutions.
Sunrun’s mission is to “create a planet run by the sun” by removing barriers to solar power adoption. Their values emphasize sustainability, access, customer service, innovation, and integrity. By promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon footprints, Sunrun strives to democratize access to solar power, making it more like a subscription service with excellent customer support and ongoing technological advancements.
Sunrun
In this Sunrun Solar review, we’ll take a look at how the company operates, the types of solar panels they offer, and how they stack up against the competition. We’ll also take a look at what you can expect to pay when working with Sunrun as well as some of the pros and cons of their business model.
Given its unique ownership model, Sunrun is a solar power solution that has pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for in a clean energy arrangement for your home.
Sunrun operates primarily through solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), where they own, operate, and maintain the photovoltaic (PV) systems. Homeowners benefit by purchasing the clean energy produced without the upfront costs. Additionally, Sunrun offers options for customers to either lease the system or purchase it outright, along with solar battery storage and electric vehicle power solutions, aiming to provide hassle-free solar power.
In this Sunrun Solar review, the cost of purchasing a Sunrun solar system outright can vary widely based on the size of the system, location, and specific customer needs. Generally, the cost ranges from $15,000 to $40,000. Those costs can be mitigated with qualifying tax rebates and incentives. If you aren’t purchasing the system outright, then solar leases and PPAs typically won’t incur any upfront costs. Lease options will have monthly payments that essentially take the place of your typical electric bill.
| Lease | Loan | Purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront costs | $0 to a little | $0 | Full cost of system |
| Rate hike protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | Sunrun owns and maintains system | Homeowner owns and maintains system | Homeowner owns and maintains system |
| Warranty | 25-year warranty | OEM warranty for parts | OEM warranty for parts |
| Payments | Yes, fixed or per kWh | Yes, loan payments | None after initial purchase |
Buying and installing solar panels can be expensive, even with available tax breaks. Many homeowners struggle with the upfront costs, making it hard to justify the long-term benefits of solar power. Sunrun Solar, founded in 2007, addresses this issue by offering unique loan and lease options. They install and maintain solar panels on homes, selling the generated power back to homeowners, thus eliminating the initial financial burden while promoting green energy.
Several factors influence the cost of a Sunrun solar system. These include size, location, and the agreement you choose for installation.
In most cases, solar power is less expensive than traditional electricity. Its eco-friendly nature also provides customers with peace of mind. When homeowners choose Sunrun, they allow the company to install a photovoltaic (PV) system at their home. They then purchase the power generated from Sunrun at a set price.
In this Sunrun Solar review, Sunrun’s loan model is appealing to homeowners who want to avoid the upfront costs of installing solar panels, which can easily total tens of thousands of dollars. Sunrun customers not only save on electricity costs by opting for solar but also avoid installation expenses. On average, these customers save between 10% and 30% on their power bills.
In a traditional solar ownership arrangement, homeowners use the power generated by their panels and sell any excess back to the grid to recoup costs. In contrast, with Sunrun, the company owns the panels and sells any unused power back to the grid or other customers.
The amount of solar power generated by Sunrun depends on the size of the PV system and the amount of sunlight the area receives throughout the year. Sunrun’s earnings are also influenced by competitive rates of locally available electricity.
Experienced experts will design and install your Sunrun system, ensuring it operates flawlessly in your home. The company has designed and installed systems for 900,000 homes and counting across 23 states.
But your support doesn’t end once your system is installed. Experts will continue to work with you to provide support, system monitoring, plus the warranties and guarantees on the system.
In this Sunrun Solar review, getting your system installed includes a few steps beginning with a consultation and review of your roof. If your roof is ready for panel installation, an expert will then design custom solar panels based on your roof layout and energy usage. The same team will pull any necessary building permits in your area and obtain approvals from your local municipality before installing.
The team will then install the panels and any batteries or EV stations you’ve requested. Finally, the entire system will be inspected for flaws before it is activated for use. Installation of the panels themselves will only take about a day, but the entire process from consultation to activation can take anywhere from a few to several weeks. It’s not uncommon for this process to take up to 2 or 3 months, depending on where you live and what your local zoning ordinances are, etc.
Sunrun provides comprehensive customer support throughout the design and installation process and beyond. Customers benefit from 24/7 monitoring of their solar systems, maintenance services, and assistance with technical problems. They can reach customer support via phone, email, or through the Sunrun app.
As a major player in the solar energy market, Sunrun faces stiff competition from other companies. Its unique financing options, size, and features, such as the battery storage system, set it apart. Sunrun also offers home EV options, 24-hour monitoring, and the Tesla Powerwall electric vehicle charging station solution.
Sunrun’s main competitors are SunPower, Vivint Solar, and Tesla Solar. Tesla provides competitive pricing for solar power. However, Sunrun excels with its extensive customer service and financing options. New customers can also add the Tesla Powerwall to their solar systems. Tesla emphasizes aesthetics, offering sleek and low-profile solar panels that some customers prefer. Like Sunrun, Tesla provides 24/7 monitoring and warranties.
Vivint Solar is another competitor that offers similar services. However, Sunrun has a larger market presence and more financing options than Vivint.
Finally, SunPower is known for its high-efficiency panels. Nevertheless, Sunrun outshines the competition with a comprehensive end-to-end service, from design to installation and monitoring.
| Sunrun | Vivint Solar | SunPower | Tesla Solar | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market presence | In 23 states | Mostly out west | Nationwide | Nationwide |
| Financing options | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Panel efficiency | 15% to 22% | 17.3% to 20.5% | 19.3% to 20.6% | 19.8% to 22.8% |
| Estimated installation cost | $3.25 per watt | $2.94 per watt | $3.74 to $4.60 | $2.70 to $4.29 per watt |
Sunrun is a leading residential solar provider focused on sustainability and customer service. In this Sunrun Solar review, the company prides itself on offering a complete solution for solar panel installation, making the process easy for customers. They also provide around-the-clock monitoring and support. Sunrun stands out with its battery storage solutions and electric vehicle charging stations.
The company offers a variety of financing options, making solar power accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Additionally, there are many tax incentives and rebates available that can make installing solar panels a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Sunrun is a strong choice for homeowners looking to switch to solar energy. With its comprehensive services, flexible financing options, and commitment to sustainability, it provides a clear pathway for adopting solar power.
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