Sunrun is the largest residential solar installer in the country, and they do a good job. The experience with Sunrun however, could be inconsistent if you go through a dealer as opposed to Sunrun direct. Let's say you go to Costco and the Sunrun representative there sets up a meeting. This will put you with Sunrun directly and cut out any potential Dealer that might be involved should you go solar with a "door knocker" or potentially complete a third-party site request for solar. Should you be dealing with a Dealer, you're Sunrun experience will slightly change. Most likely you'll pay more for solar through a Sunrun Dealer than Sunrun Direct. Another key consideration is that even with Sunrun Direct, they'll almost always work to sell you a PPA/Lease because that is their money maker. If you go through Sunrun make sure it's Sunrun Direct and make sure you don't get "sold" on a PPA/Lease. If you prefer that product, just make sure you understand the pitfalls.
If you need more information on comparing ownership, PPA's, and leases; click here.
Tesla is by far the most recognizable name in solar but that's not necessarily a good thing. Before Tesla got into the solar industry, Solar City was owned by Elon's cousins and eventually SpaceX, owned by Elon, took over ownership.
Tesla is an electric car maker that also sells solar. The disadvantages of going solar with Tesla is that their solar process is very "cookie-cutter" like when solar for your home should be customized.
For example, an experienced solar rep will not only analyze your historical energy usage, but they'll also make sure that they understand your future energy needs so that they can build a home power plant that covers your needs.
With Tesla you'll enter your address online and they'll spit out basic solar array options for you to choose instead of helping you understand the best fits for your home.
Should you end up choosing an "off the shelf" solar option with Tesla, you'll pay less than with nearly all other installers, but you'll also get what you pay for.
You'll almost never talk to a human and with any issues up until installation and after, all communication is via messaging and chats. If you google Tesla solar customer support, you'll see why it's probably the last place you should go solar.
Sunpower offers a reputable solar product and installation process. You'll get a 30-year warranty and solar that's built for the long haul. The question that must be answered is whether or not the price they charge is worth the extra quality. They are definitely typically the most expensive option and it's understandable to pay for quality. There might just be a competitor in the market that offers strong quality at significantly less, and therefore more value. Sunpower offers top tier quality at a hefty price, Tesla sells a lower tier product and aims for "Wal-Mart" pricing, while Sunrun is probably more balanced in their offer.
If we had to choose, Sunrun would be the best value of the three larger installers with Sunpower running behind and Tesla a distant third.
Depending on your market, you likely have better local options than all three of the bigger names. Generally speaking, the larger companies don't offer the best overall value and experience.
If you need help finding the right solution in your market, go ahead and send us an email or hit us in the chat. We won't charge you to lead you in the right direction.
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