When exploring solar power options, two top providers often stand out: Sunrun and Tesla Solar. Tesla typically offers lower-cost systems, but it expects homeowners to manage more of the process themselves. Sunrun charges slightly more on average since it provides end-to-end service, from installation to system monitoring. Sunrun also offers flexible financing options like leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
To find out if Sunrun or Tesla Solar is the better option for you, consider what factors matter most for your solar needs. Enter your location below to get connected with a local solar contractor and learn more about the pros and cons of each option.
Our Take: Sunrun vs. Tesla
Get an idea of what each solar installation company offers in the table below.
| Comparison Factor | Sunrun | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
|
Solar Panel Brands |
Various |
Q Cells |
|
Efficiency Rating |
15%–20% |
19.6%–20.9% |
|
Warranty Options |
10-year product, roof penetration, and workmanship |
25-year performance, 10-year product, and workmanship |
|
State Availability |
20 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico (available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin) |
50 states (varies by ZIP code) |
|
Financing Options |
Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA |
Full purchase, loan (in select areas) |
|
Customer Support Options |
Phone, email, app |
Phone, email, app |
|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating* |
A+ |
NR |
*BBB information accurate as of June 2023
Sunrun Company Overview
Sunrun offers unique leasing options tailored to homeowners who aren’t interested in full system ownership. The company’s prepaid and leased systems include 25 years of system servicing, ongoing monitoring, and theft insurance. These features make Sunrun ideal for homeowners who are more interested in generating clean energy than they are concerned about financial incentives.
Sunrun
Sunrun offers solar panel installation and solar storage equipment installation. Namely, the company installs monocrystalline solar panels from various manufacturers with an average efficiency rate of 15%–20%. The brand of solar panels you receive will depend on your location. The company has a positive reputation among its customers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides system monitoring that signals issues
- Provides electric vehicle (EV) charging and solar battery products
- Offers unique financing options to suit various financial goals
Cons
- Does not have solar battery installation available in every state
- Requires loan and cash purchase customers to pay additional fees for the same coverage included in its leases
Services
- Solar panel installation
- Solar battery installation
Tesla Company Overview
Tesla is known for its cutting-edge technology with electric vehicles, and it provides the same focus on high-end tech with its solar products. Tesla is one of the few solar companies to provide potential customers with an up-front solar quote on its website. The company is also responsible for the Tesla Powerwall, which has become one of the industry’s most popular solar batteries.
Tesla Solar
Tesla offers minimalistic solar panels with no visible grid, a concealed edge, and a low profile. These panels offer a sturdy design and withstand temperatures up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Tesla makes the ordering process simple, offering solar systems in standardized sizes: small (12 panels), medium (24 panels), large (36 panels), and extra-large (48 panels).
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Designs sturdy and highly efficient solar panels
- Provides transparent online quotes with full pricing details
- Sells solar roofing options that replace your entire roof
Cons
- Only works with third-party installation services
- Lacks customization
Services
- Solar panel installation
- Solar battery installation
Cost: Sunrun vs. Tesla
Sunrun and Tesla are both known for offering competitive pricing on solar panel installation. Both companies’ prices fall near the average solar panel cost of around $15,960 for a standard 6-kilowatt (kW) system. However, the cost-effectiveness of your solar investment depends on the solar financing option you choose.
Sunrun Financing
Sunrun offers five solar plans and service options, which is more than most solar installers offer. The company offers monthly leases, lease systems, power purchase agreements (PPAs), purchase systems, and monthly loans. The specifics of each financing option vary according to each homeowner’s contract terms, but Sunrun provided us with a rough outline of what each plan could look like.
Be aware that while a solar lease allows you to avoid certain installation costs and helps reduce your monthly energy bills with renewable energy, it’s not always the most cost-effective payment option. Solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) do not let you own solar panels. Instead, the company remains the owner of the panels. This means you can’t apply for solar tax incentives, such as the federal solar tax credit, also known as the solar investment tax credit (ITC).
The table below explores all financing options with Sunrun.
| Plans | Monthly Lease | Lease System | PPA | Purchase System | Monthly Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Purchase Option |
Monthly lease option starting at $6 for the first six months |
Pay solar lease in full at the beginning of the contract |
Pay monthly payment for energy generated by the system |
Purchase in full |
Purchase and finance |
|
Ownership |
Sunrun |
Sunrun |
Sunrun |
Homeowner |
Homeowner |
|
Up-Front Payment |
As low as $0 |
25 years of energy cost |
None |
Full system cost |
Solar loans begin with $0 down |
|
Rate Protection |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Warranty |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Full Service |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
With Protection Plus |
With Protection Plus |
Tesla Financing
Tesla allows customers to buy their systems up-front in cash or take out a loan in select states. Solar loans work similarly to home and auto loans, with customers paying a monthly fee to own their panels and benefit from solar incentives.
- Cash purchase: This is Tesla’s most cost-effective option. When you purchase the system outright, you receive full ownership and avoid additional costs from interest rates. Due to your ownership status, you can take advantage of solar rebates and tax incentives.
- Solar loan: If you don’t have the cash up-front for a Tesla solar panel system, the company offers a solar loan option. With this option, Tesla will create a personalized loan based on your credit score. You’ll pay more over time due to interest. Also, the payment amount changes from ZIP code to ZIP code with Tesla.
Solar Panel Options and Services: Sunrun vs. Tesla
Both Sunrun and Tesla install top-tier, monocrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and cost-effective solar panel type available. While both companies offer solar panel installation and solar battery installation, their solar outputs and panel manufacturer options differ.
Sunrun installs solar equipment from LONGi—which made our list of recommended home solar panels—Costco, and Enphase. Sunrun protects its products and services with a 10-year bumper-to-bumper solar system warranty. The warranty covers free equipment replacement, system repairs, and parts and labor.
If you are more interested in tech, Tesla is a better option. The company’s systems are considered more high-end, and it partners with Q Cells to provide high-efficiency rates. In addition, Tesla is known for its solar battery backup, the Tesla Powerwall, which costs over $10,000. This equipment has become the industry standard for solar energy storage.
Tesla is also known for pioneering the Tesla solar roof. The system option uses solar shingles, which are monocrystalline solar panels designed to replace your roof. Solar shingles mimic the appearance of a typical roof while acting as a solar energy system.
Customer Reviews: Sunrun vs. Tesla
Both Sunrun and Tesla are reputable solar companies. However, Sunrun beats Tesla when it comes to customer service. Sunrun holds an A+ rating on its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile, while Tesla’s page has an F rating and lacks accreditation.
Based on our customer review analysis, Sunrun features a more personalized customer support staff and appears quicker to respond to complaints.
Sunrun Customer Reviews
Read what previous Sunrun customers have to say about their experiences below.
“Great service! Cordial and excellent customer service. Experienced a leak that turned out to be my gutter. They pitched and cleaned the gutter. Above and beyond in even the smallest details. Will highly recommend [it].” — Alan B., via BBB
“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. They handled all of the necessary paperwork, installation, and scheduled all of the required inspections.I recommended Sun Run to friends, relatives, and neighbors without hesitation. It’s nice to know that there are companies that place a priority on customer care. Sun Run is a wonderful example.” — Viola U., via BBB
“Last year before the installation, I was told by [a] Sunrun sales representative that there was a shortage of solar panels. After Sunrun had found the panels, there was a change order and the final price decreased around $1[,]400. I thought everything was good to go and signed the change order. After the installation, I received a loan document from GoodLeap and the amount had not been updated. When GoodLeap called me, I asked about this and the representative told me that I had to contact Sunrun to get it corrected. … Now I have a credit on my Sunrun account and cannot get a check from them.” — CC H., via BBB
“I am writing to share my feedback against SunRun regarding their inflexibility in lease transfer to same owner when owner moves locally. Despite my repeated attempts to communicate my concerns, there is no resolution or clause to have a transfer of lease to existing owner. SunRun should try to make thier terms flexible so people can continue their services.” — Asit G., via BBB
Tesla Customer Reviews
Here are what homeowners have to say about their experience using Tesla.
“My review is about the installation of [a] solar roof…. The job was started when [Tesla] came through and stripped the roof and put on the underlayment in 1 day. They cleaned up and are only the materials they were leaving for Tesla to use were left on the driveway. The middle of the job was a bit of a jumble of deliveries of many pallets, portajohns[,] and other things and with the crazy weather had different crews on site for different parts of the job on different days…. The black gutters against the solar roof look beautiful.” — A. C., via BBB
“I had some previous issues in the past but I have seen much improvement. Most recently, my service appointment was handled efficiently and the staff were professional, and very helpful.” — Jeremiah O., via BBB
“Tesla Advisor and support are non-responsive and their customer support is terrible! Won’t return your call or respond to your inquiries. Only response you get is we’ve created a trouble ticket and someone will call you within 24 hours. No calls, no response.” — Braulio B., via BBB
“I got my solar panels 11 years ago through [a] lease agreement. This past year I had to get a new room due to leaks. I was told by my salesperson that they would pay for removal and reinstallation. What a joke!! I would be 2 months before someone came out and they would not guarantee the payment for removal and reinstallation and quoted a $5400 charge if they did not think the panels impacted the roof needing removal. We had to go through Tesla… No parts came. I called, emailed, spoke to multiple people, [and] asked for supervisors with little response.” — Marie G., via BBB
How To Save Money on Tesla or Sunrun Home Solar Systems
Choosing between Tesla and Sunrun gives you several opportunities to cut costs on your solar investment. Start by taking full advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct a significant portion of your system’s cost from your federal taxes. You qualify for this benefit if you purchase either brand’s solar system outright. Many states also offer additional solar rebates, tax credits, or renewable energy incentives, which can further lower your upfront costs.
Financing strategically can also reduce your total spending. Sunrun and Tesla offer solar loans, but Tesla encourages customers to explore third-party lenders. You can also consider using a home equity loan. If you’re leaning toward Tesla, look into its price match program. At the time of writing, Tesla will match a lower offer from a comparable solar provider, helping you secure the most competitive rate.
Our Conclusion
Both Sunrun and Tesla offer top-notch solar panel systems with solid warranties. Sunrun stands out if you’re interested in leasing your panels, especially if you’d prefer not to use tax incentives. It offers various leasing and financing options for its solar plans and services, giving you flexibility in how you pay for your system. Its solar options are also available in most states, which means Sunrun likely services your area.
Tesla is worth considering if you’re focused on using the most high-end solar technology possible. Tesla offers quality solar panels that seamlessly integrate with its solar storage system, the Tesla Powerwall. Tesla will also automatically monitor your panels if the Tesla app senses any unusual performance issues, which means you won’t have to worry about maintenance costs in a lease or loan.
If both companies service your home’s address, we suggest you get a quote from both and include a third solar company. This lets you compare pricing and typical offerings for your home and find the most efficient solar system for you.
FAQs About Sunrun vs. Tesla
Is Sunrun more expensive than Tesla?
On average, Tesla’s prices tend to be lower than Sunrun’s. However, Tesla offers less financial flexibility than Sunrun because it limits its system to four predetermined sizes.
Do Tesla’s solar panels work during a power outage?
A solar panel system works during a power outage if it has a solar battery. For example, if you have a Tesla Powerwall, it recharges your electricity system to run your home. A solar energy system without battery storage does not function during a grid outage.
Does Sunrun work with Tesla?
You can receive Tesla products through Sunrun. Namely, the company offers Tesla Powerwall installation as part of its services.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thThe This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
