Overview
Sunrun
Canadian Solar
SolarEdge
N/A
20 Years
25 Years
N/A
N/A
Undisclosed
SolarCity
SolarCity
SolarCity
N/A
10 Years
20 Years
N/A
N/A
Undisclosed
Ratings
Sunrun
SolarCity
Reviews
Sunrun
Reviews
SolarCity
Reviews for Sunrun
Helpful Favorable Review
Heather Nuffer
May 7th, 2025
Lindon, UT
Edited June 18th, 2025
I've heard great things about Sunrun, and I can see why so many people recommend them. I appreciate how they focus on long-term savings and clean energy, not just quick sales. I'm really looking forward to working with them and making the switch to solar 🌞💡. If you're considering going solar, definitely give Sunrun a look!
Helpful Critical Review
Rosa R
April 4th, 2022
Lathrop, CA
DETAILS
Please be careful this company has terrible customer service and they steal in the bill, they have robbed me for a year and I have spoken to get an answer and they only open one case after another and that's how they go, I'm disappointed, stressed and wanting to get out of that contract. They are good at tricking people.
Reviews for SolarCity
Helpful Favorable Review
Sawyer D
April 26th, 2019
Ogden, UT
DETAILS
Thanks for allowing a system size under 3 KW. I was told you wouldn't for a loan, but for cash, you did. Haven't had any technical issues. I'm afraid if I did, I'd be on my own or face long long hold times. Also, your offer of move the panels for $2000 is too good to be true. They should have insisted on attic run for conduit. Very nice crew, they did offer some special install services, but attic run should have been seriously impressed on me.
Helpful Critical Review
Brad
November 21st, 2021
Moreno Valley, CA
DETAILS
Solar city installed solar panels. now Tesla bought them out. Have been trying to get in touch with Tesla for about a year but have had no success. Solar city monitored the system but Tesla will not. The monitor has not worked for a year
The Final Word
Sunrun and SolarCity both provide solar services in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington D.C. Sunrun also operates in Florida, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico, while SolarCity does not. However, SolarCity offers service in Oregon and Washington, while Sunrun does not.
Payment Options
Both Sunrun and SolarCity offer a variety of ways for customers to get a solar energy system on their roof, including outright purchases, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Sunrun has a bit of an edge in terms of solar leasing and PPA agreements, as the company pioneered those options and made them a large part of its business model today.
Equipment
Sunrun utilizes high-quality equipment from reputable manufacturers such as Canadian Solar and SolarEdge for its projects, while SolarCity manufactures its own solar equipment, including Tesla’s Solar Roof product, which is a unique option within the industry.
Installations
While Sunrun performs most of its solar installations with its own crews, the company will occasionally outsource installations on remote homes to third parties, which may lead to variance in workmanship quality and overall experience. SolarCity, on the other hand, does not outsource any of its installations, but some customers have reported problems with delayed and incorrect installations.
Warranties
With up to a 25-year equipment warranty and a 20-year workmanship warranty, Sunrun offers lengthier product and labor coverage than SolarCity, which provides a 20-year equipment warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Battery Storage
Both Sunrun and SolarCity offer battery storage options. Sunrun’s battery storage option is called Brightbox, and it can be purchased or leased. SolarCity provides Tesla Powerwall batteries, which are compact and made to seamlessly integrate with other SolarCity equipment, but must be purchased; there is no lease option.
Referral Program
Sunrun and SolarCity both offer a referral program. Sunrun pays customers $350 for each friend they refer to the company, while SolarCity offers a $250 referral payout.
Recommendation
Sunrun and SolarCity offer similar payment options and battery storage selection. Sunrun has a bigger service area than SolarCity, offers longer equipment and workmanship warranties, and provides a larger referral bonus. For these reasons, Sunrun is recommended over SolarCity for individuals who live within the company’s operational area.
Top Choice
