Sunrun vs. ADT Solar: Which Is Right for You?

Use the following chart to compare Sunrun and ADT Solar:

*BBB ratings are accurate as of August 2023.

The cost of a solar power system depends on your location, system size, installer and home energy needs. The average cost of an ADT Solar system is similar to that of a Sunrun system, ranging between $15,000 and $20,000.

A typical 6 kilowatt (kW) system priced at $20,000 costs around $3.33 per watt — slightly higher than the national average of $2.85 per watt. Regardless of the provider you choose, you can lower your overall solar price by claiming incentives like the federal tax credit.

Sunrun and ADT Solar both offer multiple payment options for customers who can’t afford the upfront cost of going solar, including solar loans, leases and PPAs.

Which Company Is More Affordable?

Based on our research, Sunrun and ADT Solar offer solar energy systems at a comparable cost. However, the total price may vary customer by customer based on different system sizes, locations, customization requirements and more. We recommend requesting a free quote from both companies for more accurate pricing.

Which Installer Offers the Better Value?

Sunrun and ADT Solar have similar pricing structures, but the better value depends on your personal needs. ADT Solar customers may see more value for their money because the company uses microinverters instead of string inverters, which can increase energy efficiency and lead to more power bill savings.

However, Sunrun might seem like the better value if you cannot afford a cash purchase. The company offers solar loans and leases for $0. However, keep in mind you will never own your system with a solar lease, resulting in no return on your investment over time.

ADT Solar and Sunrun offer similar warranty coverage, but ADT extends a longer microinverter and workmanship warranty.

Sunrun Warranties

Sunrun provides 25-year product and performance warranties with its solar panel systems. In some cases, Sunrun may use string or central inverters, which come with a 10-year warranty, similar to its battery storage options. The installer also has a 10-year workmanship warranty.

ADT Solar Warranties

ADT Solar offers a manufacturer warranty of 25 years on installed solar panels and microinverters. It also provides a 25-year workmanship warranty and a 25-year power production guarantee — offering some of the most comprehensive warranties on the market.

ADT Solar’s energy storage systems (such as the Tesla Powerwall) come with a 10-year product warranty.

The installation experience with both ADT and Sunrun is similar, including comparable timelines, communication and workmanship quality.

Sunrun Installation

Homeowners can install a Sunrun solar system nationwide through one of its many installation teams. The process is straightforward, including consultation, permitting, installation and activation. A project manager will keep you informed on the status of your system. Based on your home energy consumption, roof complexity and location, the installation process can take between one to six months.

ADT Solar Installation

ADT Solar has an installation process that includes a home evaluation, system installation and activation. The company uses in-house installation crews with a focus on customer service. It also handles the permitting process, incentive and rebate applications, and other regulatory requirements.

While Sunrun and ADT Solar both hold mixed customer reviews, Sunrun has a better customer rating on the BBB. Read positive and negative reviews for both companies below.

Sunrun

Sunrun has an A+ rating with the BBB with 3.7 out of 5 stars based on customer reviews. While Sunrun has many positive customer reviews, it has received negative feedback over the last few years regarding poor customer support and delayed response times. Sunrun’s CEO recently posted an open letter on the company’s BBB profile acknowledging the issues and promising to work toward solutions.

“Everything went great with the installation of the solar panels, wiring and meters. [It] looks good and there were no problems whatsoever. Now we just need some long days with no clouds.” —Ken N. via the BBB

“Sunrun was thorough with its proposal and execution and did a very competent job of installation. Having done some of my own electrical wiring, its installation was a work of art. In the panel boxes wires were run neatly, easy to follow and safety is very obvious. I am very happy with my system.” —Norman H. via the BBB

“[The] solar [system] stopped working and I did not have solar for approximately two months. [I] ended up paying over $600 extra for electricity and [Sunrun’s] response for compensation was first to wait three months then call. Then when I called after three months, [Sunrun] made me wait in line for 20 minutes and then told me I will be compensated for $90. I recommend everyone to look somewhere else. Worst customer service and company.” —Moh Y. via the BBB

ADT Solar

ADT Solar also has an A+ with the BBB, but a lower customer rating of 1.6 out of 5 stars. While the company has a significant portion of negative reviews, many customers had positive experiences with ADT Solar thanks to its high-quality installations and prompt customer service. Negative reviews mention slow responses and long waiting periods.

“We have had high-quality experiences during the several steps of our solar panel installation. We contracted for 25 panels. When the installation was reviewed we received a report that the actual count was 26. We were surprised with [ADT Solar’s] decision to leave the extra panel in place but only charge us for 25 panels. That was a rare behavior in our cutthroat corporate world.” —Richard H. via the BBB

“Our last electric bill was $16. We traded our electric bill for our payment on the solar panels, except when the panels are paid for, we will own them and still have very little to pay the electric company. The app on our phones is fun to watch — we can see how much electricity the panels are producing and how much electricity we are consuming.” —Sandra R. via the BBB

“ADT has been in business for 140 years and yet leaves you on the phone for 30-plus minutes. The website MyADT.com doesn’t work for me at all — I only get error messages. The billing system is confusing. It is terrible for a company to be in business this long and work like a startup.” —Ronald S. via the BBB

Sunrun and ADT Solar are leading solar companies with many similarities. Both offer premium, high-efficiency solar products, including panels and batteries, with strong warranty coverage. Both companies also boast over a decade of experience in the solar industry.

After comparing ADT and Sunrun head-to-head, we found it hard to pick a clear winner. If you want to buy a home upgrade package that involves home security, automation and solar panels, ADT Solar is a solid choice. If you want reliable solar leasing services, Sunrun is a better selection. You may also want to look at other installers, such as Momentum Solar, Tesla Solar and SunPower, based on your location and priorities.

It is important to think about your solar needs and budget when comparing two clean energy companies. Consider factors such as cost, services, warranty coverage, company reputation and type of equipment available. We recommend requesting quotes from both companies before making a final decision.