SunPower vs Tesla
SunPower and Tesla are both well-known names in the solar industry. SunPower is a leading manufacturer in the industry with over 30 years of experience, a substantial period of time in which the company has pioneered a wide range of solar technologies. Tesla has been in the sustainable energy business for over two decades and unveiled its solar technology in 2016. Both companies manufacture high-quality and high-performance solar products, including solar panels and solar batteries.
Continue reading for a breakdown of SunPower and Tesla reviews on BestCompany.com, as well as a detailed comparison of each companies’ solar products and services.
Overview
SunPower
SunPower
SMA
SunPower
25 Years
25 Years
Yes
N/A
39 Years
Tesla
Tesla
Tesla
Powerwall
12.5 Years
25 Years
N/A
Loan, Cash
21 Years
Ratings
SunPower
Tesla
Pros & Cons
SunPower
PROS
- High-Efficiency Panels
- Solar Monitoring with Panel Level Data
- Industry-Leading Warranties
CONS
- Customer Service Complaints
Tesla
PROS
- Solar battery storage solutions
- Tesla app for system monitoring
- Available in all states
CONS
- Limited financing options
- Consultation fee
Reviews
SunPower
Reviews
Tesla
Reviews for SunPower
Helpful Favorable Review
Ethan Furman
January 31st, 2024
Pasadena, CA
DETAILS
I had a great experience with SunPower. Very high quality panels, excellent warranty, and great savings compared to what I’m paying for with the utility. Given SunPower has been in business for decades, I feel very comfortable using their products.
Helpful Critical Review
James Meador
May 14th, 2024
DETAILS
Took for ever for install then Installers left trash all over. Worked for a while then the system went down and it’s been 11 months and counting. My “production guarantee” won’t be paid until the system is fixed so they keep billing me for a system that dosnt work and no lead time on repairs I now have double the electric bill because I’m paying the power company and SunPower
Reviews for Tesla
Helpful Favorable Review
no sugarcoating
June 23rd, 2022
Cheshire, CT
Review Source
Assuming I am reviewing the one and only Tesla, I had a quote from them for solar panels + whole house battery system and they provide the best industry terms, warranty AND at the best price. They only offer one simple option to finance, no gimmicks. The only reason why I didn't give 5 stars is their current backlog, over 6 months waiting now (to be fair 5 months on Tesla and 1 month on my energy company) and still no final word on where things stand. I will update this review when I hear back or move forward with them
Helpful Critical Review
Stacy Milyard
December 3rd, 2023
Glendale, AZ
DETAILS
Horrible company…had to take over a 20 year lease as part of buying our home. First of all they don’t make any difference, our electric bill is high, when I ask for assistance with these I’m told “they can see they’re working fine” and I ask to send someone over to check, they only do that if I want to buy more which I definitely do not…scam scam scam this company needs to be shut down
The Final Word
Availability
SunPower solar equipment is currently available in 38 states, while Tesla solar solutions are available in all states.
SunPower systems are available in the following states:
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Equipment and Customization
SunPower offers residential solar panel, energy storage, and EV charging solutions that are tailored to meet the unique solar needs and preferences of each customer. The company’s products are available in two different systems, each of which are available for installation by SunPower dealers/installers. SunPower’s solar systems include the following:
- SunPower Equinox® system — A comprehensive solar system that includes SunPower’s minimalist solar panels. The system is designed to generate more power in less space while also eliminating unnecessary hardware and utility boxes on your home’s exterior walls.
- SunVault® storage system — SunPower’s solar battery system that can be paired seamlessly with the Equinox system. The system uses excess generated energy to power essential home appliances during a power outage, while also reducing your peak-time electricity charges.
It’s worth noting that SunPower’s solar panels are some of the most efficient in the industry. The company’s M-Series (440W panel) offers up to 22.8 percent efficiency — the average efficiency range of most residential solar panels is 15 to 20 percent.
Tesla offers similar solar options to that of SunPower, including solar panels, solar batteries, and EV charging stations. However, Tesla sets itself apart in the industry with its Solar Roof and Powerwall products:
- Tesla Solar Roof — A roof shingle solution that is composed of glass and steel solar shingles that operate similarly to traditional solar panels. The Solar Roof can cover the entire roof of your home, maximizing surface coverage area for power generation. Compared to traditional solar panels the Solar Roof also offers a more durable and aesthetically pleasing solar solution.
- Powerwall — Tesla’s solar battery storage system that is compact and provides 24/7 energy security. The Powerwall system is available from a wide variety of solar installation companies and it can be easily paired with the Solar Roof.
It’s important to note that while Tesla’s Solar Roof product offers increased energy efficiency and a more aesthetically pleasing design, it’s a far more expensive option when compared to traditional solar panels. The average cost of installing solar panels ranges from $9,000 to $50,000, whereas the cost of installing a Solar Roof (including roof replacement and Powerwall products) is upwards of $150,000.
Warranties
SunPower provides various warranties to protect different components of your solar system. SunPower’s warranties include the following:
- 25-year Complete Confidence product warranty (equipment warranty)
- 25-year workmanship warranty
- 25-year performance warranty
Tesla provides the following warranty coverages:
- 25-year panel performance warranty
- 10-year comprehensive warranty
Installations and Monitoring
SunPower and Tesla solar products are primarily installed by dealers. In addition to installing solar products, dealers will also typically act as the customer care center for your solar system.
Both SunPower and Tesla provide solar monitoring after installation through streamlined mobile apps — SunPower provides the mySunPower® app and Tesla provides the Tesla app. Both companies’ apps allow you to manage your home solar, storage, and electricity use directly on your phone, ensuring that you can keep an eye on your solar system’s productivity from anywhere.
Financing Options
SunPower offers increased flexibility in financing options for your solar system. You can purchase a SunPower solar system outright or you can finance your system with a solar loan, power purchase agreement (PPA), or a solar lease.
Similarly, you can purchase a Tesla solar system outright, but the only financing option the company provides is Tesla Financing, an option that allows you to purchase your solar energy system without paying all costs upfront.
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