Sunrun vs Tesla: What’s Better?

Sunrun vs. Tesla: what’s better? Sunrun and Tesla are top-of-the-line solar panel companies, but which is better? Sunrun is cheaper, but Tesla has a wider range of products. Sunrun is more environmentally friendly, while Tesla is more efficient. 

Sunrun is easier to install and has a better warranty, while Tesla is more reliable and provides more power with a single panel.

Sunrun might be better for those who want to be more environmentally conscious and save money, while Tesla might be better for those who want the best value for their money.

So which do you choose?

Solar is becoming America’s fastest-growing renewable power source. Many homeowners realize the benefits of utilizing solar systems to light and power their properties.

Installing solar panels on residential or commercial properties will give a more energy-efficient alternative. Solar electricity has significantly lower operating costs as far as maintenance is concerned.

Following the increasing demand for solar cells, numerous manufacturers have entered the solar panel production business with high-quality products, such as Sunrun and Tesla.

What is Sunrun?

Sunrun is a solar energy company known for organizing the installation and maintenance of solar panels for homes and businesses. They offer several services, including home solar, business solar, and solar storage solutions. Sunrun is one of the largest solar energy providers in the United States.

Sunrun Solar Panels

Sunrun is one of the leading solar companies in the United States. They offer homeowners various solar panel options and a leasing program that makes it easy to switch to solar power.

See Related: Best Solar-Powered Laptops to Buy Today

Sunrun Batteries

Sunrun helps install solar panels and also manages solar home batteries. It is one of the leading providers of home batteries in the United States. Sunrun’s home batteries are known as Brightbox.

The Brightbox is a lithium-ion battery that stores energy from solar panels. The battery can provide power to your home during a power outage or high electricity rates.

Third-Party Ownership

Sunrun is a third-party solar company, meaning it does not produce, own, or operate solar panels. Instead, it provides a platform for homeowners to connect with installers who install and maintain the panels.

Sunrun handles billing, customer service, and other logistics, so it can offer lower prices and more flexible financing options than Tesla.

Systems and Financing Multiple Quotes

SunRun offers systems and financing multiple quotes so that you can find the perfect solar system for your home. Tesla also offers solar panels, but their systems are more expensive. If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills, Sunrun is the best option.

Solar Lease

Sunrun is a solar lease company that allows homeowners to go solar for even less. Sunrun owns, maintains, and monitors the solar system, while homeowners enjoy lower energy costs for the life of the lease. Sunrun has a hassle-free process and offers competitive rates.

Warranties

Sunrun offers a 20-year warranty on its solar panels, while Tesla only offers a 10-year warranty. Sunrun also guarantees that its solar panels will produce electricity for at least 25 years, while Tesla does not guarantee their lifespan.

Hardware

Tesla solar inverters offer several features and benefits that may appeal to some homeowners. For example, they are designed to work with Tesla Powerwall batteries, which can store energy collected from the solar panels for later use.

See Related: Sunrun vs Sunpower: What’s Better?

What is Tesla?

Tesla is a company that makes electric cars and solar panels. It is a top-rated company, and its products are typically high quality. Some might say that it is the best in the business.

See Related: Best Solar Power Banks to Buy Today

Tesla Solar Panels

Tesla solar panels are some of the most efficient on the market. They can convert more sunlight into electricity than most other panels, making them ideal for those who want to reduce their reliance on the grid.

Tesla also offers a unique lease program that allows homeowners to finance their solar panel system with no money down and low monthly payments.

See Related: Sunrun vs Sunpower: What’s Better?

Features of Tesla Solar Panel Systems

Historically, Tesla has used Peak Duo BLACK Sun Power cells by Hanwha Q CELLS, specifically Q.Power Duo BLkG6+ modules.

Eventually, Tesla said it was moving towards solar panel technology. Tesla’s solar panels come in two models — an H Series and an S Series. We examine the performance of these panels:

What Do You Get from Tesla Solar Panels?

Tesla also offers four solar panels up to 4.8 kW. They will include power walls with their solar panels for storage during peak periods or after sunset.

The panel is characterized by a sleek, slim design and is easy to install and use. That said, I think Tesla installations are, in fact, much more intrusive.

Tesla has a lot to gain. If you are concerned about who manufactures your products, how long their lifespan lasts, or how effectively it is vital.

Tesla Batteries

Tesla batteries are some of the most popular in the world. They are used in a variety of applications, from cars to homes. Tesla batteries are known for their high quality and performance and occasionally bursting into flames.

Performance

Tesla fans have argued that Tesla panels are “stronger” than most of its residential panels.

In truth, Teslas’ solar panels aren’t quite as “amazing” as they seem; rather, they are just larger than most commercial solar panels.

In this respect, the panels have more surface, allowing for more solar cells in the structure and improving the power intake. That doesn’t mean Tesla uses revolutionary tech, just larger amounts of existing tech.

The same solar cells produce as much power as other solar panel products available on the market—less than some solar panel manufacturers.

See Related: Most Eco-Friendly Cars for Any Lifestyle

10-Year Warranty

This comprehensive warranty covers your Tesla solar installation, power walls, solar inverters, roof mounting, and leaks.

There’s an extensive manufacturer guarantee, which means there are just a couple of companies to deal with for a problem.

Generally, your inverter and any other solar panel system will be from another company. It could be from a different manufacturer, so you might have to deal with several companies’ warranties.

A comprehensive warranty from an electric car manufacturer, such as Tesla, could reduce your costs and the amount of paperwork you have to fuss with.

Performance Warranty

As solar panel technology ages, the batteries can hold less charge. Generally speaking, warranties describe the extent of sunlight degradation with aging.

Tesla’s warranty says its panels can operate at 80% of their original power after a full year of use, and the battery capacity will supposedly remain constant for the rest of the warranty life.

Tesla Solar Loan

The Tesla Solar Loan functions as an ordinary loan for solar energy. You get credit from Tesla, paying them back each month for a specific duration.

With the Tesla loan for business, your company owns your system, which allows you to benefit from solar tax credits and other incentives, such as solar energy rebates.

See Related: Do Teslas Use Gas? Here’s What to Know

Sunrun Solar vs. Tesla Solar

Regarding solar energy, the game has two big names to consider: Sunrun and Tesla. But which one is better?

Let’s take a closer look.

Installation Costs

Installation expenses vary significantly depending on location type and brand of solar panels. Tesla Solar charges customers depending on location, current power bills, and installation. Many homeowners consider it one of the most affordable options available.

Tesla Solar has offered a cheaper product by avoiding door-to-door sales and cutting out middlemen. The company already has a solid reputation, so customers can easily find their way in.

However, solar panels and rooftop solar panels sourced from Sunrun are a little cheaper as they need to be marketed in many different ways. However, it is still among the first companies to offer customers solar loan contracts and energy purchases.

Real-World Performance

Tesla solar panels have temperature coefficients of 39 percent, meaning the energy output drops to 0.39 percent when the temperature goes below -25 degrees Celsius.

Sunrun’s energy efficiency is 0.258 percent lower by a degree Celsius and is, therefore, less effective at -25 degrees Celsius.

Tesla solar panels are also more durable in the real world.

See Related: Best Solar Driveway Lights: Energy-Efficient Options

Panel Type and Design

Solar panels come in various sizes and shapes, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin films.

The monocrystalline panel is the most efficient due to its square cells with a black tint that can absorb light quickly. Polycrystalline sheets are cheaper but less efficient because their tint is darker instead.

Thin films are lightweight, cheaper, and easier to install, although this option can be less efficient. Solar panels from Sunrun come in three different varieties, whereas Tesla focuses exclusively on mono and polycrystalline panels.

Solar Panel Efficiency and Output Rating

The efficiency of the solar panels determines the amount of energy a solar array generates. Most sun cells have output rates ranging from 200 to 600 watts.

Here’s the gen: Telsa solar cells are rated at 340 watts and have a 21.76 % efficiency. This rating is the highest in the business, and Tesla solar panels provide more power than a single panel.

The average Sun Run panel is rated at about 320 Watts. Its efficiency ratings range from 15 to 22 percent.

Manufacturer Warranty

You must check the available warranty when buying an electric and wind turbine solar installation system.

Solar panels are generally built for the longest time, but a warranty covers repairs and replacement of any damaged parts if they occur. Tesla solar panels are offered with full warranties for ten years.

These include the cost of installing solar power panels, solar panels, and roof mounts. Tesla repairs your roof for free for all roof damages resulting from rooftop installation. The firm also provides 25-year performance warranties.

Service

Tesla’s services are unbeatable. It produces Solar panels and owns a team of installers. In addition, it offers to lease solar panels. Sunrun produces no solar panels and usually subcontracts the installation of the system to its customers.

If you purchase your solar panel at Sun Run, your installer might not have the same expertise (and certainly not the same level of practice) as Tesla’s installers.

See Related: How to Make a Mobile Home More Energy-Efficient

Similarities Between Sunrun and Tesla

Sunrun and Tesla are two of the most well-known solar panel companies in the United States. Both offer unique customer benefits, but there are some similarities between them. Here are a few key points of comparison:

• Sunrun and Tesla are pioneers in solar energy, with each company having unique advantages.
• Sunrun is the largest residential solar installer in the United States, and Tesla is the most well-known producer of solar roof tiles.
• One similarity between Sunrun and Tesla is that both companies offer home solar installations.
• Both companies have financing options, making it easy for homeowners to go solar.
• Regarding power purchase agreements, Sunrun and Tesla both have a lot to offer and are market leaders. Sunrun is a leader in home solar, and Tesla is a leader in electric vehicles and renewable energy.

See Related: Best Solar Generators for Off-Grid Living

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 in the USA, while Tesla’s are 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 better for those who want the latest and greatest technology – and for something with the wicked-cool Tesla “T” logo.
• Solar panel installation from Sunrun will result in immediate savings on your electric bill. In contrast, Tesla’s solar panels will take longer to pay for themselves due to the higher installation costs.
• Sunrun solar panels have a 20-year warranty, while Tesla’s only have a 10-year warranty.
• If you live in an area with lots of sun, 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 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 various 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

Who Should Get Sunrun (And Why)?

Sunrun is a great choice for homeowners who want to save money on their energy bills and want the convenience of a loan.

Sunrun also offers a 25-year warranty on its solar panels, which is longer than Tesla’s 10-year warranty. The Sunrun solar system also has a lower annual degradation rate than Tesla’s.

See Related: Best Solar Charge Controllers 

Who Should Get Tesla (And Why)? 

Tesla solar panels are some of the best in the market. They are highly efficient and can provide great power to your home or business. If you want to go solar, the Tesla solar system is a great option – especially if you just want to deal with a one-stop solar shop.

See Related: Best Tesla Powerwall Alternatives to Buy Today

What Should I Get? Sunrun Solar or Tesla Solar?

There is no simple answer when it comes to Sunrun vs Tesla Solar. Both companies have their similarities and differences. Sunrun is a well-established company that has been around for over a decade, offering solar leasing options that can appeal to some homeowners.

However, Tesla’s solar panels are often considered to be of higher quality, and their Solar Roof product is a unique offering that Sunrun doesn’t have.

Although these are not the only two choices available for homeowners when it comes to acquiring solar panels, they are two of the greatest choices on the market. Ultimately, it comes down to preference and what works better for each homeowner. 

FAQs

Related Resources

• Best Solar Generators for Off-Grid Living
• Solar Panels for Sheds: What You Need to Know
• Best Solar-Powered Generators for Home Use