Service models: who owns and who maintains the system
Sunrun and Sunnova are known for offering different ways to get solar—ownership, loan-based purchases and contract-based arrangements are common among major residential providers. What matters for a homeowner is the split of responsibilities in the contract: who owns panels and batteries, who pays for repairs, who provides monitoring, and how service calls are handled. Ask each company to explain whether the system is company-owned or homeowner-owned, who performs maintenance, what triggers a service visit, and how warranty administration works. These are the differences that affect your experience more than the brand name on the proposal.
Financing choices and the questions to ask
Solar proposals can include cash purchases, loans, monthly payment plans, or long-term service contracts. Don’t assume the monthly number tells the whole story. Compare the length of the agreement, any annual price increases, down payment or upfront fees, buyout or transfer rules if you sell the house, and whether tax credits and incentives are passed through. Always ask for the full payment schedule and a clear explanation of who owns the system at each step. Remember: financing details and availability can vary by credit score, state incentives, and the company’s underwriting at the time you apply.
Why pricing differs from house to house
Several technical and local factors change a quote more than brand differences. Roof orientation, pitch, shading from trees, and usable roof area determine the system size and expected production. Local permitting costs, utility interconnection fees, and available incentives also affect the bottom line. Even two nearby homes with similar systems can receive different proposals because of difference in estimated production, the chosen inverter and battery sizing, and the particular installer assigned. That’s why sample numbers online are only a starting point; you need a site-specific estimate to know what you’ll actually pay.
Practical checklist for comparing Sunrun and Sunnova quotes
When you have written proposals from either company, compare them line by line: system size in kilowatts, estimated annual production, panel and inverter brands, battery make and capacity (if included), ownership status, maintenance responsibilities, length of contract, any escalation clauses, buyout or transfer terms, and who the installer will be. Ask for sample contracts and for the assumptions behind production estimates (tilt, orientation, shading). Get contactable customer references or online reviews that mention service and claim handling. These concrete details help you decide which proposal fits your situation, not a single brand label.