Deciding to explore solar panels for your home is an exciting step. However, it can feel overwhelming once you realize how many service providers are on the market. There aren’t just a lot of solar panel providers; there is also a vast array of differences between them, from pricing to the quality of products and services provided. Well, we’re here to help make things easier with this comprehensive Sunrun Solar review.
Sunrun Solar has been the largest solar panel installer in the US for several years, so you’ve likely already heard of them. The company recently announced they’ve had over 900,000 customers over the last 15 years!
This review will tell you everything you need to know to determine whether Sunrun Solar is the right choice for your needs.
History of Sunrun Solar
In 2007, cofounders Lynn Jurich, Ed Fenster, and Nat Kreamer founded Sunrun. Their approach to selling solar panels was slightly different from that of the other companies on the market. Initially, Sunrun offered its customers two options: lease panels or sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), under which they paid for electricity usage from installed panels but never outright purchased them. Sunrun is responsible for installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repairs in both cases.
Today, Sunrun does offer its customers the option to purchase solar panels outright. However, its success has always been with the solar-as-a-service side of the business, and most of its customers buy power from the company or lease the panels.
Sunrun offers services in 23 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In 2017, it became the US’s largest solar storage and energy services business.
Services Offered
Sunrun has three plans customers can choose from:
1. Lease
With a lease, Sunrun owns and maintains the solar system installed on your home. You simply buy back the energy you use and pay a small monthly lease payment.
Some of the benefits that come with the lease package are:
- Low upfront costs (can start with $0 down)
- Rate hike protection
- 25-year warranty
- 100% service coverage
2. Loan
You can own your solar panels by taking a loan with Sunrun and paying it off over time.
Some of the benefits that come with the loan package are:
- You own your system
- You have affordable financing options
- Rate hike protection
- OEM warranty for parts
- 100% service coverage is available if you purchase a Protection Plus
You can take the loan option with as little as $0 down. However, note that if you don’t get the Protection Plus plan, you’ll need to cover all maintenance costs that are not covered by your warranty.
3. Purchase
You can purchase the solar panel system outright.
Some of the benefits that come with the loan package are:
- You own your system
- You don’t pay any interest
- Rate hike protection
- OEM warranty for parts
- 100% service coverage is available if you purchase a Protection Plus
With a purchase plan, note that if you don’t get the Protection Plus plan, you’ll need to cover all maintenance costs that are not covered by your warranty.
Snrun Solar Pricing
It’s challenging to discuss pricing in general terms with solar panel companies. Pricing can vary significantly from customer to customer depending on how much power you need, what plan you prefer, and what add-ons you choose.
Understandably, Sunrun Solar asks customers to contact them directly for a quote so pricing can be customized to match their unique needs.
Some estimates out there suggest these are the pricing estimates for Sunrun:
- A small system of 5kW will have an installation cost between $12,500-15,600
- A large system of 8kW will have an installation cost of $20,000-$24,960
Note that this pricing is for installation, and if you choose the lease option, you’ll have other costs to consider.
This pricing is comparable to the averages on the market, making Sunrun neither a cheap nor expensive option.
What Sunrun Solar Customers Are Saying
Sunrun has a 4.3 out of 5-star rating on ConsumerAffairs based on over 2,700 reviews. Additionally, it holds 3.68 out of 5 stars on Better Business Bureau based on over 2,600 reviews.
Regarding bad reviews, most customers complain about poor customer service and long waiting times for repairs and installations.
However, the individuals who leave positive reviews talk about a positive experience, quick installations, and a noticeable decrease in their utility bill.
Pros of Sunrun Solar
The advantages of Sunrun Solar are:
- Pricing is average
- Company is reputable and experienced
- The lease plan comes with a great warranty
- If you lease, Sunrun Solar covers maintenance and repair costs
Cons of Sunrun Solar
The disadvantages of Sunrun Solar are:
- Warranties across other plans (loan and purchase) are limited
- No price match guarantee
- Upfront installation costs
- Customer reviews are average
Sunrun Solar is a Competitive Option
If you’re considering solar panels for your home, Sunrun Solar is one of the best options. They’ve been around for years, are the largest provider in the US, and offer average pricing.
Still, it’s essential to research and investigate the other options on the market. If pricing is important to you, there are cheaper alternatives. However, more expensive options may offer better warranties, higher-quality materials, and superior customer service.
Understanding what matters most to you in the solar panel purchasing experience can help you narrow down which providers are a good fit for you.
However, no matter your choice, know that you’re making a sound investment in your home. Solar power is clean, great for the environment, and can help reduce your bills. This choice is a great one!
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