Frequently Asked Questions – See the states where Sunrun is currently available and the solar incentives that might be offered where you live. Some of the most common solar incentives include tax credits, property tax exemptions, and rebates. No matter what state you live in, you may be eligible for the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) ** if you decide to purchase a home solar energy system.
You can get a Sunrun monthly plan to lease your solar panels or prepay for your renewable energy through a solar power purchase agreement or PPA plan. As a result, any incentive savings you would receive through tax credits and rebates with a system purchase can be passed to you in the form of a lower solar bill.
You can’t talk about solar panels without talking about silicon. Silicon is a non-metallic element and the second-most abundant material on earth.4 It can also convert sunlight into electricity, and it’s a key component in a solar system (also known as a photovoltaic, or PV system).5 Solar panels, solar cells, or PV cells, are made by slicing crystalline silicon (also known as wafers) that are millimeters thin.
These wafers are sandwiched between protective glass, insulation, and a protective back sheet, which make a solar panel. The back sheet helps to regulate the temperature and humidity to optimize the solar panel’s efficiency.6 Multiple solar panels connected together create a solar array, and ultimately, a solar system.
Then there’s the physics of how solar cells work: Electricity is made when electrons move between atoms. The top and bottom of a silicon wafer in the solar cell are treated with small amounts of atoms of extra materials—such as boron, gallium, or phosphorus—so that the top layer has more electrons and the bottom layer has less.
- When the sun activates the electrons in these oppositely charged layers, the electrons move through a circuit attached to the panels.
- This flow of electrons through the circuit is what generates the electrical current that ultimately powers a home.7 1.
- Monocrystalline solar panels: Monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency and power capacity out of all other types of solar panels.
Another reason why people choose them is because of how they look. The solar cells within monocrystalline panels are square-shaped and have a single, flat black color, making them the most popular type of solar panels among homeowners.8 Sunrun uses monocrystalline PV modules in all its home solar systems.2.
Polycrystalline solar panels: The manufacturing process of polycrystalline solar panels is less costly than monocrystalline panels, but it also makes them less efficient. Usually, polycrystalline solar panels don’t have the corners cut off of them, so you won’t see the large white spaces on the front of the panel that you see on monocrystalline panels.8 3.
Thin-film solar panels: Thin-film solar panels are less costly and easier to install than their counterparts. Still, they aren’t the best option for a home solar installation due to their efficiency, lightweight material, and durability.8 When you consider investing in a solar installation, you might wonder how long home solar panels last.
- Studies show that solar panels can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, or sometimes longer.9 Still, this doesn’t mean the panels on your roof will stop producing electricity after a couple of decades.
- It just means their energy production will decrease by what solar panel manufacturers consider optimal to meet the average household’s energy needs.
All of our solar equipment is backed by factory warranties. On top of that, our monthly solar lease plan and prepaid solar plan (also known as a solar PPA) come with 24/7 proactive monitoring and free maintenance on us. If we notice that your rooftop panels or solar battery aren’t working at their full capacity, we’ll send an expert over to fix it without you lifting a finger.
This benefit sets Sunrun apart from the other solar installers in the country. After you enter a few details about your home, our Automated Site Modeling tool will analyze hundreds of thousands of variables in home solar system designs to build a high-resolution image of the ideal system for your roof.
These factors include your home’s pitch, seasonality, sun exposure, shading, and roof obstacles. This helps Sunrun guarantee you receive maximum benefits from your new home solar system. After you answer a few simple questions about your home’s details, lifestyle, and electricity usage, Sunrun’s Product Selector will let you know if a monthly lease plan, prepaying for your solar energy, financing a system, or purchasing outright—along with a back-up power service —is the most cost-effective solution for your unique needs.
- Yes. At Sunrun, we’re committed to providing you with the best technology, services, and tools, like our Automated Site Modeling tool and Product Selector, to make your switch to solar as affordable and straightforward as possible.
- This can help you worry less about controlling your electric bills and protecting your home during outages while reducing your carbon emissions for decades.
Rooftop solar panels can get hot, particularly during scorching summer days. If the panels do get hot or overheat, they can produce less energy as the temperature rises above their optimal energy production range. In general, residential solar panels are designed to reach their peak efficiency level at 77 °F (25 °C), but their efficiency will decrease by 0.5% for every degree above this temperature.
The actual percentage of lower production varies by the solar panel’s manufacturer and model. Ultimately, you want to aim for an exterior temperature range of 59 to 95 °F (15 to 35 °C). Yet, it’s unrealistic for rooftop solar panels to stay within this range all year, especially in places where temperatures can go past 100 °F (37.8 °C).
Fortunately, most solar panels can withstand heat up to 149 °F (65 °C).10 Nonetheless, solar panel overheating can be prevented. Many solar panel manufacturers cover the panels in a material that generally conducts and vents heat away from the glass. In addition, solar panels are usually mounted a few inches above the roof, which allows airflow space to help move heat away from the panels.
- Despite the reduction in efficiency from extreme heat, solar energy generation doesn’t stop.
- The lower electricity production due to scorching weather balances out with the longer days of sunlight throughout the seasons.
- Although solar panels work best on cold, sunny days, they produce solar power year-round in nearly every location and climate.
Solar panels create energy from sunlight—not the sun’s heat. In fact, solar panels produce electricity more efficiently in cooler conditions. Even in the most frigid weather, solar panels can turn sunlight into electricity. How does this work? Colder temperatures enhance solar energy production efficiency, which increases the amount of electricity produced.
Electrons are at rest in cooler climates. When the electrons in solar panels are activated by increasing sunlight, a voltage difference is attained that creates an electric current. Warmer summer temperatures raise the overall energy levels of electrons in solar panels. This increased energy level decreases the energy differential that can be gained, producing less energy.
A higher energy state interferes with solar panel electricity production since some energy transfers into heat instead of electricity. Your home doesn’t need to be in a warm-weather state like Arizona, California, Nevada, or Texas to generate year-round reliable solar power.
- While solar panels need sunlight to create electricity, there are two ways you can benefit from solar power during the nighttime: enroll in a net energy metering (NEM) program (if it’s offered where you live), or add a home battery storage service, like Sunrun’s Brightbox,1.
- Net energy metering (NEM): Lower-cost grid energy at night If NEM is offered in your state and by your utility, you may be eligible to earn credits on your bill for the excess solar energy you produce and send to your utility company.11 At night, you could use those credits toward drawing electricity from the grid at a lower cost.
Net metering may help you save money on your future electricity bills. Visit your utility company’s website for more information.2. Solar battery storage: Reliable, affordable back-up energy, day and night A battery storage service like Brightbox can let you store the excess solar power you produce for later use.
This stored solar energy can help keep your devices and appliances running at night, during outages, cloudy days, and rainy afternoons. Brightbox offers two lithium-ion solar battery storage options: Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem, Tesla Powerwall can help yo back up your entire home while LG Chem can help you back up to four circuits inside your home.
There are also differences in software and app functionality. Request a free, personalized quote to connect with a Sunrun Solar Advisor and determine which Sunrun back-up solution would work best for your home. Brightbox allows you to store the excess energy your solar energy system produces during the day to use it in the evening, at night, or when the electric grid fails due to physical damage or an extreme weather event or.
- Aside from very rare exceptions, Sunrun’s Brightbox service includes rooftop solar panels.
- Brightbox can store 100% clean, renewable, home-grown solar power directly from the rooftop panels when the sun is out, so you can use it when you need it most.
- At this time, Brightbox with a Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem solar battery is only available in the installation of a new Sunrun home solar system due to tech compatibility issues.
We can’t install rooftop solar panels or a home battery if you already have an existing solar installation or if Brigtbox’s battery storage service isn’t available in your area. Once you’re approved for a solar installation, your property will undergo a site assessment, and an expert solar technician will schedule a visit with you to confirm your system design.
- After that, our Solar Design Experts will make any necessary adjustments to your design and get your final approval.
- Once it’s approved, we’ll submit your design to the city for permitting, which can take up to eight weeks.
- From there, either Sunrun or one of our local certified partners will start your solar installation.
We only partner with the top-rated solar installers, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll have the highest quality solar installation available. When your installation is finished, the city or county will perform a final inspection of your system. Once it’s approved, it’ll be connected to the grid, and we’ll submit your documents to the utility company.
After your utility company grants Permission to Operate (PTO), you’ll be all set to start powering your home with the sun. We have an entire team of professionals standing by to help you sell your solar home and transfer your contract, if applicable, to the new owners. Sunrun makes it easy to pass your solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) to the new owners.
Our Service Transfer Specialists handle everything from educating realtors and potential buyers to working with escrow officers, title agents, home inspectors, as well as anyone else who might need to know about your system and solar lease or PPA agreement.
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Does Sunrun use LG panels?
What do I get from Sunrun? – Sunrun is different from the average solar company in the way it conducts business. Its bread and butter is solar-as-service. This means the vast majority of its customers (80 to 90%, according to a 2021 presentation to investors ) lease panels for a monthly fee. Now playing: Watch this: Is there such a thing as dirty solar? 12:40 If you’re going to buy panels from Sunrun, you’re likely to get quality equipment. A Sunrun spokesperson confirmed the company uses multiple suppliers for solar equipment. Its preferred panel manufacturer, LG, stopped making solar panels in early 2022, so Sunrun is now working “with their other module manufacturing partners to supply tier one panels,” a spokesperson said.
Tier one panels typically come from established companies with a long track record of quality. You should receive panels with high efficiency ratings and strong warranties. Likewise, Sunrun should be able to accommodate a preference for a specific panel. Before you buy, make sure you read your purchase agreement and warranty.
That’s especially important, because while Sunrun offers “bumper-to-bumper” coverage, maintenance and monitoring for its solar-as-service customers, those who purchase solar arrays from them are left to rely on manufacturers’ warranties. While 25 years is becoming more common, it’s still not ubiquitous.
- Sunrun also offers a 10-year workmanship warranty against damage to your roof or installation problems.
- Sunrun offers Tesla Powerwall for whole-home backup and an LG Chem battery, which the company says can back up “just the essentials,” or four circuits (a circuit is everything connected to a breaker in your breaker box or electrical panel).
Sunrun also offers battery storage to its solar-as-service customers through its program called Brightbox. Neither of the battery options are exclusive to Sunrun, so it shouldn’t be your deciding factor. Both battery options come with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Powerwall batteries can be installed indoors or outdoors.
- They’re about 6 inches deep, 2.5 feet wide and almost 4 feet tall, so they’ll fit most places.
- LG Chem batteries are a bit smaller, though they’re also deeper.
- Powerwall holds 12.2 kilowatt hours of usable energy, while the LG Chem batteries offer 9.2 to 16kWh of usable energy, depending on the model.
(LG Energy Solutions has recalled some of its batteries for a possible fire risk.) It’s not clear which inverters Sunrun will use now that their preferred option, LG again, is no longer available. (Again, be sure to read your agreement and make sure you’re happy with the proposed equipment.) Sunrun also has an app through which you can monitor your system’s production. The majority of Sunrun’s business is in third-party ownership. Sunrun
Which is better Sunrun or SunPower?
SunPower has overall higher quality solar panels than Sunrun. Thanks to its superior output ratings, efficiency ratings, and warranties, SunPower solar panels dramatically outperform Sunrun panels. The SunPower M Series solar panels are the best solar panels on the market today.
Are Sunrun solar panels made in China?
Differences Between Sunrun and Tesla – There are many differences between SunRun and Tesla regarding solar panels. Here are a few key points:
Sunrun offers homeowners the installation of solar panels at a lower cost than Tesla.Sunrun has been in business since 2007, while Tesla only entered the solar market in 2016.Sunrun’s solar panels are made in the USA, while Tesla’s are made in China.Sunrun offers a broader variety of financing options for solar panels, while Tesla only offers a lease-to-own option.Sunrun is the better choice for those looking to save money on their electricity bill and go green. Tesla is the better choice for those who want the latest and greatest technology – and for something with the wicked-cool Tesla “T” logo on it.Solar panel installation from Sunrun will result in immediate savings on your electric bill, while Tesla’s solar panels will take longer to pay for themselves due to the higher installation costs.Sunrun solar panels have a warranty of 20 years, while Tesla’s solar panels only have a warranty of 10 yearsIf you live in an area with lots of suns, Sunrun is the better choice. If you live in an area with less sun, Tesla is the better choice.Sunrun gives homeowners more control over their solar experience, while Tesla offers a more all-inclusive approach.Sunrun allows homeowners to choose from various solar plans and products, while Tesla’s Solar Roof is a single product that includes both solar panels and roof tiles.Sunrun offers lease and PPA options, while Tesla only offers a loan.When it comes to solar panels, Sunrun uses high-efficiency solar panels from leading manufacturers, while Tesla produces its solar panels.Sunrun’s solar panels have an average efficiency of 20%, while Tesla’s are slightly higher at nearly 22%.Sunrun’s focus on giving homeowners more control and choice makes it the better option for those who want to go solar. Tesla’s all-inclusive approach may be better suited for those who want a simple solar solution.Sunrun has a wide variety of solar plans and products, while Tesla offers a more streamlined approach with its Solar Roof product.
See Related: Solar Panels for Sheds: What You Need to Know
Where does Sunrun get its panels from?
Panel manufacturer – The price of your panels will depend on the manufacturer. Sunrun partners with LG, a world leader in solar technology and panels. Striking the right balance between quality, efficiency and affordability, LG offers some of the best solar panels on the market today.14 For a given manufacturer, higher efficiency panels cost more.5 The good news is that the highest efficiency panels aren’t always needed, especially if your roof gets plenty of sun.
Does Sunrun use Tesla solar?
Reliable Solar Power for Your Whole Home – Sunrun is helping Americans take control of their home energy. Through Sunrun’s premium Brightbox™ solar storage service, you can now get whole home backup with Tesla Powerwall for as little as $0 down.
Is there a lawsuit against sunrun?
Sunrun, a residential solar energy company, was slapped with a lawsuit Friday in Texas Southern District Court over alleged violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Is sunrun going out of business?
Sunrun is currently under evaluation in probability of bankruptcy category among related companies.
What is the number 1 solar company in the US?
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Is Sunrun backed by Costco?
Does Costco back Sunrun’s warranties? – No. Although Costco and Sunrun are partners in advertising solar, Costco does not back the warranties for your solar panel system – all they provide is a Costco Cash Card and access to their Costco Member Service Hotline.
Is Sunrun a good deal?
Final Thoughts on Sunrun Solar – Sunrun’s mission, size and breadth of services make it one of the most well-known solar providers in the country today. However, its B+ BBB rating and poor reputation for customer service may make some buyers wary. An average customer experience with Sunrun will depend greatly on the quality of the sales representative assigned to your area, and many homeowners have run into bad experiences.
| Sunrun Pros | Sunrun Cons |
| Expansive service area | Expensive labor |
| Backup battery services | Frequent customer service issues |
| Free maintenance on leases | |
| Flexible financing and lease options |
Sunrun is a good and practical choice for customers looking to quickly and simply save money on their energy bills through a solar lease. However, for homeowners looking for attentive customer service both before and after installation, we advise you to shop around. You can start getting free quotes from a number of solar installers near you below.
Is Sunrun a good company?
Sunrun Solar Reviews – Sunrun is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A- rating. BBB established this rating by evaluating Sunrun’s interaction with customers and handling of customer complaints. The company has received mixed reviews, with some customers citing positive experiences with sales representatives and others experiencing issues with payments.
Here are a few Sunrun reviews from BBB users: “Had our Sunrun system turned on since May in the Denver metro area and it was easy and seamless! We used to pay $80/month for electricity, now we pay $60/month. More importantly, we are no longer supporting the local coal industry—every day the sun is out powers our home! It’s pretty cool.
I wish more people would share their positive experiences here, as I know multiple happy customers.” — George S. “I made the investment to install solar panels. I have had them about 5 or 6 years now. I am pleased with Sunrun. They have been professional & responded promptly when I needed to have them taken down this past year to have my roof replaced.
What I thought would be a big headache, turned into a smooth project.” — Nancy S. “Very happy and highly satisfied that I chose Sunrun for Solar Power. They made the process so easy and effortless on my part. The consultant explained everything so well and exact. The installation crew did a nice job and the representative kept me update on everything.” — Carlos G.
“Good luck getting your money back! We sold our house, and SunRun was only supposed to take a partial payment for the month that we vacated the house. Instead, they took the full payment from our account. I called on March 3rd to dispute this, and they said a check for the difference would be in the mail.
After 2 months, and at least 6 phone calls, I am STILL waiting on the refund! While we had the house with the solar panels, we had no problems. But if you ever sell your house before purchasing the panels, BEWARE!” — Lane E. ” many problems since I started service with Sunrun. I really want to help the environment with better air quality and reduce contamination.
That was the main reason why I decided to go solar. But I have had many problems the system connects and disconnects, and the company doesn’t really care about it.” — Celestina S. “Everyone that I dealt with at Sunrun was very knowledgeable professional friendly and committed to doing the job right.
They helped me find a company to reroof my house and got me a great price to have it done. They installed the solar panels in one day and cleaned up everything when they finished.” — John A. *BBB ratings are accurate as of August 2022. Sunrun offers five solar plans and service options, including a monthly lease, lease system, power purchase agreement (PPA), purchase system, and monthly loan option.
Though Sunrun doesn’t detail each plan online, it offers an outline of what each plan could look like if selected. Compare the five options below:
| 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 |
| Upfront 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 |
Sunrun does not offer any rebates specific to its brand. However, the company states that it will work with you to determine what tax incentives and rebates are available in your state. It also encourages homeowners to take advantage of the, This 30% tax credit applies to the cost of any solar energy system installed between 2022 and 2032. The rate will drop to 26% starting in 2033.
What kind of inverter does SunRun use?
A device used with solar arrays to convert the energy that is generated (Direct Current) to usable electricity for a home (Alternating Current). Each micro-inverter is connected to a single solar panel for maximum control and reliability.
What type of inverters does Sunrun use?
A device used with solar arrays to convert the energy that is generated (Direct Current) to usable electricity for a home (Alternating Current). Each micro-inverter is connected to a single solar panel for maximum control and reliability.
Is there a lawsuit against Sunrun?
Sunrun, a residential solar energy company, was slapped with a lawsuit Friday in Texas Southern District Court over alleged violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Is Sunrun going out of business?
Sunrun is currently under evaluation in probability of bankruptcy category among related companies.
Are Sunrun panels made in USA?
SunPower vs SunRun: Business Growth – Founded in 2007 in San Francisco, SunRun currently operates in 15 states, including New York. The co-founders, two Stanford Business School graduates, got into the business – not because they were inspired to make a difference in the world of solar – but because “the numbers worked.” SunRun’s claim to fame is the concept of “solar as a service,” commonly called solar leasing.
Company leaders pioneered this financing option, which is available from most solar installers today. Solar leasing is the most convenient way to go solar and is certainly the ideal financing option for some, but SunRun also offers prepaid leasing, solar loans and an upfront ownership option for people with other financing needs.
SunRun has installed more than $2 billion in solar systems since the company launched and currently has over 100,000 customers across the country. Support for investors such as JP Morgan, US Bancorp and Credit Suisse have made this possible. Unfortunately, some say SunRun’s business plan is not sustainable.
True, the company has been growing rapidly for the past few years, but once the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) expires at the end of 2016, the number of new solar leases signed is bound to plummet. While SunRun is based in the US, the company purchases a significant portion of its solar panel components from Chinese suppliers.
With the late 2014 implementation of tariffs on solar products from China and Taiwan, the price of SunRun solar panels have gone up, a trend that could spell disaster for the company once the ITC expires and new solar installations are cut in half.
