Sunpro Solar Recommended Alternate Power Source Company
Sunpro Solar has made big waves in the solar market since 2008. Sunpro Solar sells exclusively renewable energy systems and doesnt offer leasing solar panels. Plus, they provide high-quality storage solutions.
Sunpro Solar offers comprehensive warranties, system monitoring, and has an A+ rating from the BBB, making Sunpro Solar a reliable provider for homeowners looking into solar. To further the customer support you receive, this company is owned by one of the most reputable names in home security, ADT. *Read more in the section: Quick pick in history and future!
Sunpro Solar has earned the home service industrys coveted Angies List Super Service Award for the seventh consecutive year. That must say something about this brand, right?
Highlight
- Power output rating ranges between 150watts to an amazing 540 watts
- Efficiency between 1520%
- Type of panels: Monocrystalline panels
Sunpro Solar refer and earn
With SunPro Solar, you can go solar and earn money. You might ask how? This brand offers the Sunpro Solar Referral app.
This app lets you earn by referring your friends to Sunpros solar or roofing services.
So, receive $35 for each qualified referral or $25 for your friend meeting with the company. If your referral goes through and decides for their solar services, you receive an additional $1,000, or if they decide to get a new roof, you receive $500 on top of all, each time someone in your network submits a solid solar referral, you receive $200 for no extra work!
Pros
Sunrun Vs Sunpower: Which Is Cheaper
Sunrun bests SunPower when it comes to price. At $3.93 per watt, Sunruns solar panel installation fee is far less than SunPowers $4.60 per watt installation fee. Moreover, the fact that Sunrun offers more leasing options helps to bring down its prices. But in paying less for your solar panels with Sunrun, you sacrifice the quality of product offered by SunPower.
Sunpower Battery Vs Tesla Powerwall: Which Is Better
With energy prices rising across the world, many people are looking into ways to reduce their energy bills using renewable energy such as solar power. While the initial costs are still high, many countries around the world offer homeowners support and incentives. The savings on yearly electricity bills are also substantial with solar panel systems.
But with so many options available, how do you know which system is the best for you? In this article, we compare two popular solar systems, the Tesla Powerwall and SunPower.
Read on to find out how the two compare.
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Sunpower Solar Panels Have The Highest Efficiency
SunPowers record-setting cells create the most efficient panel: 22.7% compared to conventional cells at 18%. They generate more energy production per square foot than other solar panels, turning more sunlight into electricity. This translates into a smaller solar footprint on the roof, and fewer panels help minimize roof penetrations.
Getting To Know Sunpower
On the other hand, SunPower is a company dedicated to developing and installing solar energy systems. This commitment to solar innovation translates into impeccable products that outperform their peers.
In terms of solar panels, their primary offering is the SunPower 415, which boasts 22.3% efficiency compared to a conventional panel on same-sized arrays .
SunPower also claims to have the highest D.C. power output protection in the solar industry, with 92% D.C. power after 25 years of usage.
Also Check: Payback Period For Solar Panels
Example Of Sunpower Pv Vs Tesla Roof
Lets consider Scenario 1 in which a Texas homeowner wants to reduce their energy consumption but does not need a new roof. Based on a 3,000-sq. ft. house, a solar roof utilizing 40% of available space will generate $29,200 in energy savings over 30 years using Teslas own calculations.
The cost of the solar roof is $84,200. In comparison, a SunPower system with half the footprint will generate ~$65,000 in lifetime energy savings.
The total cost of the fully-installed SunPower system, which uses the most efficient solar panels available, is $50,000.
Teslas solar roof is ~70% more expensive and produces half as much electricity as a SunPower system. In this scenario, the SunPower system is more productive, cost-effective, and doesnt require a roof-replacement.
What Customers Say About Sunrun
Sunrun has a reputation for poor customer service, with many homeowners complaining about the lack of service after installation. Calling on the warranty for coverage is, unfortunately, one of the biggest issues.
Sunrun pushes leases, which are less beneficial for the homeowner in the long run, providing fewer savings and fewer solar incentives, including the federal tax credit. As such, the company gets negative attention for promising energy savings that dont always come to fruition. Many customers complain about the following:
- Misleading sales tactics
- Poor customer service following contract signing
- Slow response times to warranty claims
- Issues with the equipment that go unfixed, despite warranty coverage
- System size not matching energy needs
Still, there are many customers who seem satisfied with the work and the products, especially if they knew what they were getting into when they signed a solar lease.
Below, well include a positive and negative review for Sunrun pulled from real customers:
Sunrun does not take care of solar as promised. I have been trying to get someone out here to look at our system since Aug 1. It keeps blowing the breaker. This could result in a fire. I have called and emailed 2-4 times a day. Per the customer service manager yesterday I was to get a call today. Still have not heard anything. They have salesmen that promise you things and dont follow through. I am getting very frustrated. Charles G. via BBB
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The Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy
When it comes to solar energys pros and cons, we must say that the common misconception is that it is for hippies, its too expensive, or it doesnt work. Yet more and more solar energy systems are being installed on homes and businesses. This section will explain some key facts about the pros and cons of solar energy, but first, lets see: Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels are efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly, and the 26% federal tax credit makes solar even more attractive from 2022. However, going solar wont make sense for every homeowner the benefits depend on their geographic location, roof orientation, and current electricity usage. A free consultation can be the quickest way to see if solar is right for you.
In most situations and areas in the U.S., solar panels are a worthy installation that provides you with a good return on investment. What is even more important is that there are benefits to the environment.
Pros
- Solar panels are a proven technology that was invented over 65 years ago.
- Modern residential solar systems can work in different weather and climates.
- Home solar is more affordable than ever.
- You will be worry-free for 40 years or more
- Solar panels can increase a homes resale value.
Cons
Cons that belong to the past
Lets see some of the cons that apply to older or less advanced home solar technologies
Sunpower Is The Best Value Over Time
If youre looking for the worlds best solar, look no more. SunPoweris your answer to a clean and renewable energy future with panels backed by an industry-leading solar panel warranty. They may be pricier than other options, but they offer a better return on investment. Even if the upfront cost is higher, over time, they cost less because they produce more power and last longer. With sleek aesthetics and a comprehensive warranty covering your complete system for 25 years, theres never been a safer bet when installing solar on your own property.
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Best Solar Panels For Wind Prone Areas
Nobody wants to invest a cool $20k on solar panels only to have them wrenched from the roof or mangled beyond recognition in a wind-storm. So, if you live in a particularly wind-prone area and are considering a solar array, look for panels with extremely strong framing and a reputation for standing up to a good whipping wind.
Some good options include Winaico and Q.Peak DUO panels from QCELLS. Winaicos panels have an impressive reputation for durability and the company has led the way for years on durability and innovation to make panels more resistant to wind, hail, and other weather extremes.
Walmart Lawsuit And Project Titan
SolarCity installed and managed solar panels on the roofs of more than 240 Walmart stores. After fires on the roofs of seven of those stores, Walmart filed a lawsuit against Tesla on August 21, 2019, claiming that the fires were caused by negligent installation and maintenance that relied on “untrained and unsupervised personnel”.
At around the start of the lawsuit, it was revealed that Tesla had initiated a secretive program, “Project Titan”, to replace solar panel parts that could cause fires. Former employees said that Project Titan involved replacing two parts believed to be causing the fires: the connectors between the panels made by Amphenol and the power optimizers built by SolarEdge. Tesla said that it believed Project Titan was successful in addressing issues with the connectors and their higher rate of failure.
On November 9, 2019, it was announced that Walmart and Tesla had settled their lawsuit. A joint statement provided by Tesla stated the companies were “pleased to have resolved the issues raised by Walmart” concerning the installations, and looked forward to “a safe re-energization of our sustainable energy systems.” The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Read Also: How Do I Know If I Am A Sole Proprietor
How Solar Installation Works
Solar installation isnt as complicated as you might think. Your solar provider handles almost all of the process. The company begins by consulting you about your energy needs, then designs a solar power system based on your homes specifications. The solar provider handles all permitting and schedules an installation day that fits your schedule. Finally, the company conducts final inspections.
Below is a video weve put together to help explain the solar installation process in more detail:
Are Sunpower Solar Panels The Best
Yes, SunPower panels are the best because they offer a better return on investment. Even though the upfront cost may be higher, over time, these panels produce more power and last longer. Plus, their installation is aesthetically superior, with no wires or unsightly equipment. Their comprehensive warranty covers everything and is the best whole-system warranty. The price, however, can be higher than LG and Panasonic solar systems.
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Costs And Financing Options
SunPower manufactures some of the best panels in the business, but they come at an above-average cost. SunPower panels range from $2.85 to $3.25 per watt in most cases, while Teslas solar panels average around $2.50 per watt.
Tesla also offers price matching to keep costs as low as any competitors.
SunPower accepts all payment options, which means its products and services remain accessible to most homeowners. These options include:
- Leases for solar panels
- Power purchase agreements
Tesla only accepts cash purchases and solar financing , so its products are a bit less accessible.
How Much Do Tesla Solar Panels Cost
You can expect to pay about $2.30 per watt for Tesla solar panels, before the federal solar tax credit. But the price can vary depending on where you live, ranging from $2.00 per watt to $2.75 per watt. Teslas prices are cheaper than the national average cost for solar, which typically falls between $2.60 per watt and $3.00 per watt.
Tesla has made buying solar panels as easy as buying a new shirt by offering standardized solar system sizes that start at 4.80 kW, and go all the way up to 24 kW in 2.4 kW increments. The following table lists the system sizes and their costs:
| System size |
|---|
| $55,680 |
*Based on price of $2.32 per watt
To order Tesla solar panels, all you have to do is go to their website, enter your address, and Tesla recommends what system size is best for you based on your energy usage. You can also pick one of their other sizing options if you dont think their recommendation works for you.
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How Do Solar Panels Work
Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and releasing the electrons. The free electrons generate electricity, which flows to the solar panels microinverter, converting it into power that your home can use. Any excess electricity your solar panels produce is stored in your solar battery or sent back to the electrical grid.
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Teslas solar capacity deployed has been trending steadily lower, while SunPower is seeing installations gain
- Teslas installations have trended steadily lower since it acquired SolarCity, as it downsized the residential solar installation business, and has been slow to scale-up production of new products such as the Solar Roof, which embeds photovoltaic cells into glass roof tiles.
- SunPowers installations have been rising, driven partly by the introduction of its next-generation technology panels.
For more details and charts on Teslas solar business view our dashboard How Does Teslas Energy Business Compare With SunPower?
Teslas Storage business is larger than SunPowers, and likely accounts for a bulk of its energy revenues
- Teslas storage business has seen significant growth, with deployments rising from 358 megawatt-hours in 2017 to 1121 MWh over the first 9 months of 2019.
- SunPower, which reports its storage deployment in MW, has seen its number grow from 25 MW in 2018 to 44 MW over the first nine months of 2019.
Gross margins for Teslas storage business have largely been higher compared to SunPowers
- Gross margins for Teslas Energy business have risen from about 2% in 2018 to 12% in 2018 and stood at about 13% over the first nine months of 2019.
- SunPowers Gross Margins have ranged from 7.5% to 11%
- Teslas higher margins are likely due to its focus on storage and more differentiated solar products.
Returns
Recommended Reading: What Is Solar Home System
What Do I Get From Tesla Solar Panels
Tesla offers four sizes of solar panel installations measured in kilowatts: 4.8, 9.6, 14.4 and 19.2kW. Tesla allows you to package your solar panel purchase with a Powerwall, its well-regarded battery system that can store power for use during surge pricing, outages or after the sun sets.
As you might expect, Tesla boasts about its panels’ sleek, low-profile design. To my eye, Tesla’s installations are indeed less obtrusive than others. If that’s important to you, Tesla has an advantage here.
Unless you’re really particular about who manufactures your panels, what’s really important is how long they’ll last and how well they’ll work. Tesla’s warranty says your panels are guaranteed to work at 85% capacity after 25 years or it will replace them. That’s roughly in line with other major companies, though stronger than some.
Tesla’s solar panels have maximum efficiency ratings that range from 19.3% to 20.6%, which compare favorably with other panels .
Tesla’s first foray into solar power was not with panels, but with storage. Its Powerwall battery is still one of the top choices in the industry, to the point that other major solar companies offer the Powerwall with their installations.
Tesla’s warranty says your panels are guaranteed to work at 80% capacity for 25 years or it will replace them.
Powerwall’s warranty guarantees that the battery will hold at least 70% of its rated capacity after 10 years .
Why Should You Choose Sunpower Solar Panels
SunPower obtains a lot recognition as a creator of quality photovoltaic panels, and also a number of good evaluations direct towards its own items excellence. The amount of performance and also productivity coming from SunPower panels obtains large increases coming from its own most current Maxeon series.
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What Is Solar Energy
In simple words, solar energy is the energy from the sun that reaches the earth. Light, heat, and solar electricity are all made up of these energetic particles. Many companies have worked out how to harvest this energy and convert it into solar panels. This article elaborated on photovoltaic solar panels some use the suns heat to give you energy.
In general, sunlight is absorbed by roof panels and then converted to electricity, and they supply enough energy to run your house appliances. Although solar energy is still not widely used, more and more people are becoming aware of its benefits and are taking advantage of it.
Final Verdict: Sunrun Vs Tesla Solar
Overall, we would recommend Tesla over Sunrun. Tesla has some of the best equipment in the industry, and it matches the prices of competitors to keep installation costs down. It also doesnt accept leases or power purchase agreements, both of which are less appealing options overall for homeowners looking to go solar.
Both companies can cause some issues with customer service, although your experience largely depends on which third-party company is assigned to your installation. The table below provides a quick side-by-side comparison of these two companies.
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Is Tesla The Best Choice
As with any major purchase, you should get multiple quotes from multiple companies. Make sure they answer all your questions and provide the information you need. While Tesla doesn’t have a press office, its customer service representatives were easy to get in touch with and seemed knowledgeable. Still, it shouldn’t be your only call.
If you’re looking for the lowest prices and the backing of a national brand, Tesla is the way to go. Tesla’s price match means it will always be competitive in terms of cost. Likewise, the estimates it provides online come in well below the national average. If the look of your panels is really important, Tesla’s do sit closer to the roof and look sharp. Tesla also offers more information up front about its warranty than some of the other players. Still, make sure you can view it in detail before committing.
The Powerwall is widely considered an industry leader in batteries. It sets the Tesla’s equipment apart, but it’s also available from some other installers.
There is very little reliable customer service and satisfaction information for the solar industry. Tesla Solar doesn’t have a score on with the Better Business Bureau , but anecdotally Tesla’s customer service for solar is bad enough in cases to make some people regret their purchase. It’s customer service call center was responsive and it’s not hard to find customer service complaints for any of the major solar installers, but the complaints about Tesla seem louder and more numerous.
