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It can be difficult to narrow down a provider when making the switch to solar power. We compiled a review of Sunrun vs. Tesla Solar to help you determine which provider is best for your solar needs.
Solar is a technology that lasts more than two decades, so it is important to choose a trustworthy solar installer that offers quality equipment, long warranties and hassle-free service. Both Sunrun and Tesla have extensive solar experience and offer quality products and reliable services.
Compare Sunrun and Tesla using the chart below:
| Feature | Sunrun | Tesla Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.3/5 stars | 4.2/5 stars |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating* | A+ | A+ |
| Products and services | Solar panel installation, solar batteries, electric vehicle (EV) charger installation, system monitoring, optional service package and a mobile app | Solar panel installation, solar batteries, EV charger installation, solar roofing, mobile app, solar panel manufacturing and solar battery manufacturing |
| State availability | 20 states and 2 territories (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.) | 50 states |
| Estimated cost for an 8 kW system** | $20,000–$25,000 | $16,000–$23,000 |
| Financing options | Cash, loan, lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) | Cash or loan |
*BBB ratings are accurate as of August 2023.
**Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted of homeowners with 8 kilowatt (kW) solar systems.
According to our analysis, an 8 kW Sunrun solar system costs $20,000 to $25,000. These figures reflect a cash purchase, and Sunrun is known for its leasing options. With a lease-based system, you pay nothing upfront, have a set monthly payment and will never own your system. As a result, you will save more over time by buying your system outright or with a loan.
An 8 kW Tesla solar panel system may cost around $16,000 to $23,000. The company offers solar loans, but no additional financing options.
The above numbers are based on several factors that can differ from buyer to buyer. The final cost of your solar system will depend on your system size, provider and location. However, you can lower your overall cost by claiming incentives and rebates, like the federal solar tax credit.
Based on our research, a Tesla solar system may be more affordable than Sunrun, but there is an overlap between the price ranges for both companies. If you choose Sunrun, opting for a cash purchase or solar loan will likely be more affordable over time. Leasing a system can result in a cumulative expenditure with different results, and does not result in system ownership.
Tesla and Sunrun each offer high-performance, efficient solar products, including panels, inverters and batteries. Tesla may be cheaper and offer a better customer experience, while Sunrun can provide various financing options. We suggest you consider the pros and cons of both companies and determine which best matches your energy needs and budget.
Although the companies install different brands of solar components, Sunrun and Tesla Solar have similar warranties.
Sunrun offers an industry-leading 25-year product warranty on its solar panels. It also extends 10- to 15-year warranties on inverters and batteries depending on the manufacturer. For systems purchased in cash, Sunrun offers a 10-year workmanship warranty to cover issues related to installation. Leased systems include a comprehensive, 25-year monitoring and maintenance service.
Tesla’s in-house solar panels come with a 25-year warranty that covers product and performance. The Powerwall battery and inverters include a 10-year warranty. Like Sunrun, Tesla offers a 10-year labor warranty on installations.
Our research shows the installation procedure is almost the same for Sunrun and Tesla.
Sunrun uses in-house teams that follow a straightforward process: initial consultation, design and proposal, and installation. Once the customer signs a contract, Sunrun will design your system and apply for permits and incentives. After design approval, the team will install your system and local authorities will conduct a final inspection to check the system is ready for use.
Tesla also has a standardized installation process. The company handles everything from design and permitting to installation and activation. The process includes five main steps: site inspection, design and permitting, installation, inspection and activation.
Reading a solar company’s online reviews can help you better understand the customer experience. Compare Sunrun and Tesla Solar based on customer satisfaction:
Sunrun holds a mix of customer reviews online, with some customers citing satisfaction with their Sunrun experience and others noting issues with company response times. Sunrun currently holds an A+ rating with the BBB and an average of 3.7 stars out of 5 based on customer reviews. Sunrun’s CEO recently addressed the impact of supply chain constraints and other internal issues in an open letter to its customers on the BBB website.
“My solar system was connected last week and I couldn’t be happier with the company and its employees. Everyone I dealt with was courteous, efficient and professional. The whole process was so easy. [Sunrun] handled all the necessary paperwork and installation and scheduled the required inspections. I recommended Sunrun to friends, relatives and neighbors without hesitation. It’s nice to know there are companies that place a priority on customer care — Sunrun is a wonderful example.” —Viola U. via the BBB
“I’m very happy with my [Sunrun] rep that helped throughout the whole process. I really liked being able to get answers quickly through a text. Also, I like how [Sunrun] broke down the entire program and helped us understand our arrangement plan.” —Dan Y. via the BBB
“Sunrun has a terrible response time with resolving issues. I am approaching one month with no solar service and have not received any notification the problem will be resolved anytime soon. Meanwhile, my utility bill doubled and I still have to pay the monthly lease dues for a service I am not getting. I wish [Sunrun] would arrive and take its equipment so I could join a solar company that is more efficient.” —Christopher C. via the BBB
Tesla Energy has an A+ rating with the BBB, but limited customer reviews. The company as a whole has mixed customer ratings with 1.1 out of 5 stars.
“When the presentation was done remotely, I was skeptical at first, but the solar designing technology Tesla Solar Energy quickly dispelled that concern. The presentation was outstandingly professional. The installation was quick, and my system is already producing as expected.” —Landon via the BBB
“I met with over a dozen companies before deciding to ‘bite the bullet’ and go with Tesla Solar. Oh my goodness, did I make the right choice! To begin with, its presentation was unlike any other company I interviewed — it really impressed me, and the interactive approach was A+! I’m overjoyed to have gorgeous black solar panels on my roof! The solar panel installation was painless, and the installation crew was extremely friendly and professional!” —Vance A. via the BBB
“An absolutely terrible company to deal with. Due to a problem with the equipment, [Tesla] shut down the system for two months. [Tesla] still billed us (an estimated usage) for the time the system was shut off. I called customer service to ask when the system would be repaired and they didn’t know. The customer service is one of the worst I’ve ever dealt with. I wish I worked with another company.” —Lee J. via the BBB
Sunrun and Tesla Solar are among our top choices for homeowners considering a switch to solar power. Tesla manufactures sleek and powerful solar panels and batteries, while Sunrun offers one of the best solar lease programs available.
Sunrun might make more sense if you are looking for a hassle-free lease service, while Tesla is a solid choice if you prefer modern solar solutions or need additional services like an electric vehicle (EV) charger.
Finding the right solar company depends on your specific energy needs and budget. When comparing providers, consider important factors like system cost, equipment quality, warranties and brand reliability. Knowing what solar services you need can help you choose a company with the right products to maximize your electricity bill savings. We recommend comparing quotes from these providers as well as our other recommendations for you using the form below before making a final decision.
Sunrun does not use solar panels manufactured by Tesla. Sunrun does not disclose which solar panels it uses online, but the company generally installs monocrystalline panels. However, Sunrun offers the Tesla Powerwall battery storage.
Sunrun ranks among our top picks for solar installers nationwide. Sunrun offers high-quality solar products with several solar financing programs, including leases with daily system monitoring and maintenance. It has an average cost of $20,000 to $25,000 for an 8 kW system. However, the company has received recent negative feedback about its speed and responsiveness.
Sunrun is a publicly owned renewable energy company. Its owners include institutional shareholders and some Sunrun employees.
The Tesla Powerwall is one of the best solar batteries on the market, costing $11,500 with installation or $9,200 without. The battery is built using energy-dense lithium-ion cells and has a high depth of discharge and efficiency. It can help homeowners fight power outages and reduce energy bills in areas with unfavorable net metering programs.
The Powerwall also employs several smart features such as remote monitoring, online upgrades and storm watch. Overall, the Tesla Powerwall is worth buying if it makes sense to add a solar battery to your system.
Based on quotes we obtained from the company’s website, the Tesla solar roof costs $13 per watt of installed capacity. This rate is much higher than the cost of traditional solar panels, with a national average price of $2.85 per watt. The cost of Tesla solar roof tiles will vary based on factors such as your energy needs, roof size and type, and location.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.
