Best Solar Companies Review
As awareness of the benefits of renewable energy increases, so does the availability of solar energy. There are now hundreds of providers in the US alone. Navigating the growing number of solar companies can be overwhelming, to say the least, as can comparing products, services, and prices.
To make the process easier, we at the Home Media Review team have compiled a list of our top recommended solar companies. The list below is based on our research of dozens of solar providers across the country. Each solar installation company is evaluated on various factors, such as pricing, services, products, and customer support.
Top Solar Companies of 2022
- SunPower: Our pick for the ultimate experience
- Momentum Solar: Our choice for easy integration
- Blue Raven Solar: Our Choice for Financing
- Tesla Energy: Our pick for panel design
- ADT Solar: Our Choice for Customer Service
- Sunrun: Our pick for leasing options
- Elevation: Our choice for whole-home integration
- Green Home Systems: Our Choice for Solar Roofing
- Vision Solar: Our choice for customer support
- Palmetto Solar: Our Choice for Conservation Projects
SunPower
To help you answer that question, we’ve researched and ranked the best solar companies in the United States. Our research includes mystery shopping to understand each provider’s customer service, installation process, panel options and other insights. This SunPower review will provide all of this information in one easy-to-understand resource.
Advantages
- Manufactures its own solar panels and solar batteries.
- Available in all 50 states.
- Includes a 25-year warranty for both labor and equipment.
- Costs more than average.
- Only offers its products for installation.
Sunpower offers high quality monocrystalline solar panels. SunPower’s panels last 25 to 40 years and have an efficiency range of 20.1%–30%. This rate is higher than the average rate of 15%–20%. SunPower has four solar panel lines:
M Series: These are SunPower’s premier, high-power solar panels. They have built-in micro-inverters to convert direct current (DC) energy into alternating current (AC) electricity.
X Series: These high efficiency solar panels have either a white or black backing. They are ideal for homes with less ceiling space.
E Series: These are SunPower’s standard panels with mid-range wattage and efficiency.
A Series: These are powerful monocrystalline panels with white or black backing. They are capable of generating up to 420 watts of power.
SunPower also offers its own solar battery SunVault storage. This energy storage device works with SunPower’s solar panels to power your home during low sunlight hours and during power outages. Paired with SunPower’s mobile app, this solar battery offers 24/7 active monitoring.
Although SunPower will only install its own products, the panels will also work with third-party solar storage options, including the Tesla PowerWall.
Sunpower history and state availability
SunPower Corporation was founded in 1985 in San Jose, California. Now regarded as a prominent leader in the solar industry, the company offers a diverse portfolio of residential solar energy and storage solutions and services from its Silicon Valley headquarters. SunPower also operates its own solar manufacturing company, Maxion Solar, where it produces some of the most energy-efficient solar panels on the market.
SunPower operates in all 50 states. However, its service area varies by zip code in each state. Therefore, we suggest you contact SunPower to find out if it serves your home address.
Sunpower installation and services
SunPower provides a thorough yet straightforward installation process. Partners in SunPower’s network of certified solar contractors take a number of steps. Once you request a free quote from SunPower, you can expect the following process:
Consultation: A SunPower representative will set up a free virtual consultation with homeowners. This consultation allows you to ask any questions and learn about the system design. If your home is approved, the company will provide a proposal that outlines your system’s design, estimated cost, and how it meets your energy and ultimate goals.
Permitting: SunPower will complete any required paperwork and obtain required permits and approvals from your local municipality and utility company. Depending on your county’s regulations, this process may take a few weeks.
Installation: You work with SunPower to schedule an installation day for your system using one of its certified partners. Sunpower installations typically take less than a day, but more complex systems can take longer.
Final Inspection: Before you can get a Permit to Work (PTO), you must have a final inspection from both your city and the utility company. SunPower will schedule these inspections for you, and the company will notify you when you’re clear to turn on your system and start saving.
Sunpower has maintained a positive reputation in its more than 30 years in the industry. The company holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Positive reviews mention the responsiveness and knowledge of SunPower’s customer support representatives and the savings from the company’s solar panels. More critical reviews point to scheduling difficulties or problems with long-term maintenance of Maxion equipment.
A wider service area does not always mean better service for solar installation companies. One example is Momentum Solar, a premier solar installer that has intentionally limited its state availability to states with well-established net metering programs. This billing arrangement allows you to save on your energy bills by selling excess energy back to your utility company.
Many other factors also influence whether Momentum Solar will be the best option for your home. We at the Home Media Review team have ranked the best solar companies in the United States through an in-depth understanding of residential solar systems based on customer review analysis, confidential shopping and other research tools. This Momentum Solar review will help you decide.
Momentum Solar History and State Availability
Momentum Solar started in 2009 in South Plainfield, N.J. The company is still headquartered there today but has seen significant expansion into other sunny states. It currently offers professional solar system installations and active monitoring in the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.
The company offers its solar battery services only in California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. In addition, the company helps customers achieve solar savings goals through its mobile app and detailed online blog to keep you informed.
Here are some key highlights to consider about Momentum Solar:
Advantages
- Offers rewards to customers through its Momentum Family Referral Program.
- Has an in-depth understanding of net metering programs in their service areas.
- Provides a smartphone app for active monitoring.
- Features state limited availability
Momentum Solar works with a variety of manufacturers to provide solar panels for your solar system. However, it only works with Tier 1 solar panels. As described by Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation (BNEF), Tier 1 panels will have been used for six projects financed by six different banks. In short, it ensures the bankruptcy of the solar panels being used.
This standard also means that Momentum provides monocrystalline photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. Mono solar panels, as they are often called, are currently the most efficient option on the market and have the longest lifespan of a solar panel, averaging 25 to 40 years.
The company has also started offering solar battery products from Enphase. Enphase Encharge is a battery backup system that stores excess electricity generated by your solar system, so your home continues to have access to energy when your panels are not generating power. This device provides power even during power outages. In addition, it leads to further savings by using the Enpower Smart Switch, which automatically detects power outages and switches your source from the power grid to your solar battery.
Momentum Solar also uses Enphase Energy for its inverters, and it primarily uses microinverters. These inverters convert renewable energy directly at each panel instead of multiple junction boxes and inverters. This design simplifies your solar system and helps you reduce additional labor costs.
Momentum Solar Installation and Services
Momentum Solar follows a standard installation process for customizing and installing solar panels. This process will meet your energy needs in terms of power generation and financial goals.
Initial Inspection — Momentum conducts a site assessment to ensure your home can support solar energy. The company will note the average energy use of your home. the slope, age and condition of your roof; And any nearby shade.
Design and Permitting — Based on this information, Momentum custom designs your system for maximum solar output and your home’s needs. During this time, Momentum also obtains the necessary permits and works with your municipality to ensure your solar project complies with local codes and regulations.
Installation – Once all the paperwork is completed and the system is designed, Momentum works with you to schedule when certified technicians come and install your solar PV system. do
Final Inspection – There should be a final inspection to ensure all components are up to code. Momentum will schedule this inspection for you.
Activation — Momentum schedules the activation of your system with your electric company. Your utility company sets up net metering, so you can start receiving Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) for excess energy produced as soon as you can.
Momentum Solar Warranties
Momentum Solar offers a 25-year equipment warranty and a 25-year workmanship warranty, covering both product and labor for the first 25 years of your system. These warranties are within the solar industry standard.
Momentum Solar Cost and Payment Options
Momentum does not offer cost information online. However, various factors influence the cost of solar panels and changes by state. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates the national average cost of residential solar panel systems at $2.94 per watt.*
For the average size of the residential solar system in the United States, a 5-kilowatt (kW) system translates to $11,000. Factoring in that most solar installers add 100% to 200% of the cost of panels for installation, you can expect your system to cost between $22,000 and $33,000 if you purchase a 5 kW system with Momentum.
Momentum Solar offers a variety of financing options through solar loans. It also offers solar leases and the option for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Learn more about payment options with Momentum Solar below:
Purchase — This is the most cost-effective option for your investment in solar energy. You’ll own your system with no additional cost over time. You’ll also be eligible to receive local and federal solar tax credits and incentives.
Solar loan — Solar loans work similarly to a home loan — you pay a monthly fee that includes financing costs to own the panels. In addition, you can benefit from solar tax credits and incentives.
Solar lease — A solar lease lets you benefit from solar energy, but you do not own the panels yourself. You can avoid up-front costs and get a low fixed monthly rate depending on your credit. You may miss out on specific solar tax incentives and rebates, though.
Power Purchase Agreement — With a PPA, you pay a monthly fee based on the amount of energy your leased solar system produces. Think of this option as if you are still paying your typical electricity bill. At the end of a PPA, you can choose to remove or purchase the system. You are not eligible for solar tax incentives.
Blue Raven Solar
Warranty: 25 years
State Availability: 18 (Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia)
Blue Raven Solar is a standout solar company due to its affordable financing options and personalized solar systems.
We at the Home Media Review team have analyzed the different payment options that the best solar companies in the United States offer. Our research includes reaching out to each company to determine their installation process, their features and how their warranty works. This Blue Raven Solar review compiles all of this information and the company’s panel selection, financing options and customer reviews into one easy-to-understand guide.
Blue Raven Solar Date and State Availability
Blue Raven Solar, LLC, started in 2014 and has become one of the fastest growing solar companies nationally, with more than 2,000 employees across the U.S. The company provides homeowners with solar has maintained its goal of providing an easy and affordable way to acquire technology. Industry titan SunPower acquired Blue Raven Solar in late 2021. The company also partners with GivePower, a global non-profit, to offer solar energy solutions to developing regions.
The company operates in 17 states:
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
Here are our key highlights on BlueRaven Solar:
Advantages
- Offers comprehensive financing options.
- Provides $250 for every referral you provide that goes solar with BlueRaven.
- 18 months of free solar power is included with its Blue Power Plus Plus.
- There is limited state availability.
Blue Raven Solar Panel Options
Blue Raven Solar installs high-quality, Tier 1 residential solar panels. As Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation (BNEF) says, Tier 1 panels have been used for six projects financed by six banks in the past two years. In short, this title ensures the bankruptcy of the solar panels used and does not reveal their efficiency.
Blue Raven Solar works with various solar panel manufacturers to offer high efficiency, monocrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panels have an average lifespan of 25 to 40 years and an efficiency rate of up to 20.6 percent. During our customer review analysis, we noted Canadian Solar and Trina as two brands offered by BlueRaven—both manufacturers that made our list of best solar panels.
Blue Raven Solar offers the SunPower SunVault solar battery for solar energy storage. This solar battery stores excess energy generated by your solar photovoltaic (PV) system and supplies electricity to your home during low sunlight hours and power grid outages.
Blue Raven Solar Installation and Services
BlueRaven Solar follows a simple installation process for approved residential solar clients. Read about the company’s process below.
Consultation: First, if you are approved for solar panel installation as per the information provided for the free quote, the company will send a sales representative to your home. If your home is heavily shaded, has a north-facing roof or many roof obstructions, such as chimneys. This representative will outline the benefits and savings you can expect from a Blue Raven solar system.
Survey: If you’re interested, BlueRaven Solar will send a survey team to visit your home and design a custom solar panel system based on their findings. Determining factors include roof obstructions, such as chimneys, the amount of shade covering your roof, and the pitch and material of your roof.
Permits and Installation: Blue Raven will handle any required local municipality and utility company permits or approvals. Once the authorization is completed, the company will send an installation team to install the solar technology system installed in your home. Solar system installations can take a few days to complete.
Activation: Once BlueRaven has completed final inspections with your utility provider and local municipality, you will receive a Permit to Work (PTO). You can then activate your system and start saving on your electricity bill.
Blue Raven Solar Warranty
Blue Raven protects its solar installations with a comprehensive warranty and performance guarantee. Its 25-year manufacturer’s warranty covers manufacturing issues with your solar panels. You are responsible for the routine maintenance and cleaning of your panels, but technical issues are covered.
BlueRaven’s two-year production guarantee promises that if your solar power system doesn’t produce the estimated amount of energy, it will upgrade your system to make up the difference at no additional cost.
Tesla Energy
Warranty: 25 years
State Availability: 50
Payment Options: Tesla Energy allows customers to purchase their solar panels directly with cash or through monthly loan payments. In-home financing available only to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island Is. . , Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
Tesla provides an online cost estimate but, like most solar panel companies, only provides a detailed quote after evaluating your roof and sun exposure. Tesla conducts these assessments virtually through aerial surveys.
Tesla solar panels history and state availability.
Tesla Energy began offering solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in 2016 with the acquisition of Solar City, which had been in business for more than 10 years. Since then, Tesla has expanded the availability of its solar services to homeowners across the country. However, when speaking with the company, a representative told us that service areas vary by zip code across all 50 states. Check with a Tesla Solar representative to determine if the company offers solar system installation services for your home.
Here are some highlights to consider about Tesla Solar:
Advantages
- Solar offers shingles, which create a sleek, aesthetic solar PV system.
- Offers a solar panel price match guarantee.
- User-friendly mobile app provides 24/7 monitoring.
- Tesla’s warranty is vague and confusing compared to other solar providers.
- Customers have mentioned long wait times for installation and repairs.
- Tesla’s minimalist solar shingles stand out in the solar industry. These small panels can mimic the aesthetic of roof shingles for a low profile with no visible grid. When the panels are connected together, they mimic the shape of a standard roof.
The company also offers monocrystalline solar panel systems. It simplifies the process through its standard sizes: small (12 panels), medium (24 panels), large (36 panels) and extra large (48 panels). Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient panels on the market. Tesla’s panels produce 425 watts and feature an average efficiency rate of 19.6 percent. Its panels are also durable as they operate from minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tesla also offers energy storage with its battery storage, the Tesla Powerwall, and an alternative solar power generator. A Powerwall solar battery collects the energy your solar panels generate and stores it. This energy storage device provides backup power for your home at night, during low sunlight weather and during power outages.
Tesla Solar Installation and Services
Tesla handles every part of your solar system installation, from site inspections to Permission to Operate (PTO). Learn about the installation process with Tesla here:
Site Inspection: Tesla surveys your home and roof using remote aerial technology to measure its area and slope. You will then work with the company to determine the size of solar system needed to power your home.
Design and Permitting: There are a few steps before installation. Tesla designs your system to meet your home’s structural and energy needs and works with any local authority, such as a utility commission, to obtain all necessary permits and paperwork.
Installation: Once everything is ready, you schedule an installation date with Tesla. You will need to be at your home for the first hour of the installation process. The company claims that it can complete the installation of its systems in one day. If you have also ordered a home battery, your system will be activated and configured to generate just enough energy to power your home and charge your Powerwall.
Inspections: Tesla works with your local building department to arrange inspections. This inspection ensures that the installed system meets all building codes and safety regulations.
Activation: Once Tesla completes all necessary paperwork with your local government, it receives a PTO notice for your system. Tesla claims this process can take anywhere from one to six weeks.
Other services offered by Tesla for solar products include any repairs or replacements that must be covered by its 10-year comprehensive warranty. This warranty applies to roof leakage issues with any Powerwall solar batteries, solar inverter and mounting system.
Tesla also offers a smartphone app to manage your Tesla Solar System and any other Tesla products you own. This app allows you to monitor and control your solar panels, Powerwall battery and Tesla EV in one user-friendly place. The Tesla app displays real-time power flow, showing how your PowerWall and solar system work together and setting custom preferences for how you want the system to generate and store solar energy. .
Tesla Solar Panel Warranty
All Tesla solar panels come with a 25-year performance guarantee and a 10-year comprehensive warranty. Comprehensive warranty covers repair and replacement of any solar system components.
The 25-year performance guarantee states that the panels will perform for at least 80% of the manufacturer’s nameplate power capacity for at least 25 years. Other solar providers offer performance guarantees without power capacity requirements.
ADT Solar
Warranty: 25 years
State Availability: 21 (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wyoming)
Payment Options:
ADT Solar customers can choose to purchase their solar panels through a lump sum payment or a loan. The company also allows customers to lease their panels or enter into a PPA.
This ADT Solar review will provide all the important information you need to know about the provider in one easy-to-access resource.
ADT solar history and satellite availability
ADT Solar began as SunPro Solar in 2008 in Covington, LA. ADT brings its more than 145 years of experience to help you be powered by solar energy, protected with home security solutions and connected to other smart home services.
ADT Solar currently operates in 21 states:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
When we reached out to the company, a representative told us that ADT Solar aims to further expand into Colorado, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and West Virginia by the end of 2022.
Advantages
- Offers a 25-year comprehensive warranty on panels, inverters, performance and labor
- Features a user-friendly website with easy-to-understand information and a blog about its installation process
- ADT Solar offers a variety of equipment, including solar panels, battery backups and microinverters. The company’s customer service team will work with you to determine which are the best fit for your energy needs.
- The company provides monocrystalline solar panels, the most efficient solar panels on the market. ADT Solar’s panels are manufactured by LG, reaching an efficiency rate of 22.3%. The average age of these panels is also 25-40 years.
ADT Solar supplies microinverters from Enphase Energy for its solar panels. Microinverters convert renewable energy from the sun’s photons directly into electricity on each solar panel. This design helps you avoid the high costs of a solar system that requires multiple cables, inverters and junction boxes.
ADT Solar lets you customize your system with your choice of solar battery. These solar batteries store excess energy during periods of low and no sunlight and during power grid outages. Popular options include the Tesla Powerwall 2 and the Enphase Encharge 10.
ADT Solar Installation and Services
ADT Solar follows a simple installation process and guides homeowners every step of the way. ADT Solar’s customer support makes it a great choice if you’re new and unsure about solar energy. We’ve outlined the most important steps that ADT Solar takes during its installation process.
Evaluation: ADT sends a team of solar consultants to your home to determine if you qualify for solar panels. The team will consider factors such as your home’s roof pitch, design and nearby shade. For example, if your roof receives a lot of shade throughout the day or is too steep, ADT Solar may not be able to install a solar PV system for you.
Installation: After approval, ADT Solar designs a custom solar system for your home. The company also handles all permits from local municipalities and utility companies for you. After obtaining all necessary permits, you work with ADT Solar to schedule a system installation date.
Activation: ADT Solar will work with your utility provider to conduct a final inspection and obtain a Permit to Operate (PTO). Once you have the green light to turn on your system and start saving, the company will let you know.
In addition to solar panel installation, ADT Solar also provides roofing services, allowing the company to quickly address any issues that may occur with your roof during installation and ensure Make sure your roof warranty is protected. Roofing services from ADT Solar include roof repair and installation of asphalt shingles, metal roofing and more.
ADT Solar Warranty
ADT Solar offers a comprehensive selection of warranties to protect your solar investment for the next 25 years.
Its warranty includes:
25-year labor warranty to cover workmanship and installation
A 25-year power production guarantee that says if your system doesn’t produce the guaranteed amount of energy, you’ll get the difference in cash.
A 25-year panel module performance guarantee to cover other issues that may arise with your panels
25-year Enphase microinverters guarantee to cover any problem your system may encounter with Enphase microinverters.
ADT Solar Cost and Payment Options
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates that the average cost of a solar power system in the United States is about $2.94 per watt.* Therefore, a standard, 5 kilowatt (kW) system costs about $11,000 before installation. . Solar installation companies, on average, charge between 100% and 200% of the panel cost for installation.
ADT Solar services are in line with the average cost of solar panels, and an ADT solar system will likely cost between $22,000 and $33,000. Unfortunately, ADT Solar does not offer online quotes, but it does encourage you to calculate your monthly electric bill to get an idea of how much you could save with solar.
ADT Solar offers three payment options for its solar PV systems. Read about these options below:
Outright purchase: This is the most cost-effective option. If you buy your solar system upfront, you save money by avoiding financing charges and interest rates. You are also eligible for federal solar tax credits and state incentives available in your area.
Solar Loan: With a solar loan, you pay a low monthly fee to own your solar panels based on your credit score. Since you own the panels, you are eligible for government incentives. However, interest rates will mean that you will spend more on your solar panel system over time.
Solar Lease: When you lease solar panels with ADT Solar, the company pays for the panels and installation. Because you don’t own the solar energy system, ADT Solar receives solar incentives and rebates, while you get the solar energy for a monthly price.
Sunrun
Warranty: 10 years
State availability: 20 and Washington, DC (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina (Vermont and Wisconsin)
Payment Options:
In addition to Sunrun’s two leasing options, the company allows customers to purchase its solar panels for cash or through in-house financing with no down payment for qualified individuals.
While Sunrun provides instant online quotes, the company cannot provide an accurate estimate until after an in-person or virtual home consultation.
This Sunrun solar review will cover the provider’s service areas, panel options, leasing programs, reputation and more.
Here are some key highlights about Sunrun:
Advantages
- Offers flexible and affordable solar leasing options.
- Covers your products against theft or damage.
- Free maintenance is included on its leased solar panels.
Sunrun date and state availability
Founded in 2007 in San Francisco, Sunrun helps advance residential solar systems and solar service projects. The company offers an innovative solar battery service, bright box, and lease options to bring more affordability to renewable energy.
Sunrun is now one of the leading solar installers in the United States. Sunrun operates in Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the following states:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Sunrun panel options
Sunrun does not manufacture solar panels, but only sells high-efficiency monocrystalline panels. Some popular brands we have noted from our customer review analysis include Costco and LONGi. With monocrystalline panels, you get the solar panels with the longest average lifespan, 25-40 years, and the highest average efficiency rate. For example, LONGi’s solar panels reach 26.3% efficiency compared to average efficiency rates of 15%-20%.
All of Sunran’s panels are photovoltaic (PV) panels, the most common residential solar panel technology. PV panels efficiently convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductor materials.
One of Sunrun’s unique offerings is its Brightbox Solar Battery Service, available only to new Sunrun Solar customers. Sunrun offers two lithium-ion solar battery storage options — the Tesla Powerwall and the LG Chem — to provide stored power during power outages and low sunlight hours. Brightbox service includes installation, maintenance and monitoring of these solar batteries.
Sunrun Installation and Services
Like many other solar installers, Sunrun handles all aspects of your solar PV system installation. Here’s what you can expect from the company’s installation process:
Consultation: Once you contact Sunrun, a representative will contact you to schedule a virtual consultation. Together you will work to determine the design, appearance and additional equipment of your Sunrun system. You’ll also share your savings goals, credit score and average monthly electric bill for Sunrun to determine your financing options.
Design and Proposal: Sunrun will follow up with a detailed proposal during this phase, including a custom designed solar energy system for your home including the results, your estimated monthly savings and your quoted price. Tax is based on incentives.
Permitting: Sunrun will handle all permits and approvals required to install and operate your solar panels. Depending on your city or county’s requirements, this step can take anywhere from one to three weeks.
Installation: Once authorization is complete, Sunrun will install your system on the date of your choice.
Final Inspection and Activation: Finally, a final inspection must be performed before Sunrun activates your system. Once the final inspection is confirmed by your municipality and your utility company, Sunrun will activate your system.
Sunrun Warranty
All Sunrun solar panels are covered by Sunrun’s 10-year warranty. This warranty covers all parts and labor costs for equipment replacement and system repair. While this is shorter than the industry standard 20 to 25 year warranty, it is extremely comprehensive.
Sunrun costs and payment options
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates that the average cost of a residential solar panel system in the United States is about $2.94 per watt.* So, a standard, 5 kilowatt (kW) solar system costs about $11,000 before installation. Cost comes. Most solar installation companies charge between 100% and 200% of the cost of the panel for installation.
Sunrun does not provide more cost information on its website. However, the company’s products and services are most likely in line with the average cost of solar panels, and a professionally installed Sunrun solar PV system will cost around $22,000-$33,000.
Sunrun offers two purchase options and two impressive lease options. Here are those options in more detail:
Outright Purchase: You will have full ownership of your solar panels, rate hike protection and sunrun warranty. It is the most expensive.
Solar Loans: This option also gives you full ownership of your solar panels, with some customers able to get a loan with $0 down. Although you’ll still have the protection, warranty and property tax benefits of a rate hike, you’ll pay more over time because of the interest rate negotiated between you and the loan provider.
Monthly Solar Lease: This payment option offers a low, upfront cost starting at $0, depending on your credit score. Sunrun includes rate hike protection with your lease, so you don’t have to worry about your monthly payment increasing over time. However, you will not own your panels. Instead, you’ll pay a leasing fee to Sunrun, which will own and receive any government incentives and subsidies for the panels.
Full Solar Lease: This lease allows you to prepay 25 years of energy costs instead of paying overtime. You pay more up front to save later through reduced utility bills. Like Sunrun’s monthly lease, the company retains ownership of the solar panels instead of you.
