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Sunrun vs SunPower — Florida Solar Showdown

Updated for 2026 · Solar Installation · verified Florida pricing + warranty details

By the I'm Moving to Florida Editorial Team · Last reviewed April 21, 2026

The 30-Second Verdict

SunPower (now merged with Complete Solar) installs premium Maxeon panels with the highest efficiency in the industry (22%+) and a 40-year panel warranty. Sunrun is the largest residential solar installer in the US, offers more financing options (lease, PPA, loan, cash), and has a larger Florida service network. For a Florida homeowner paying cash or with excellent credit, SunPower's premium panels deliver better long-term performance on limited roof space. For no-money-down options (leases or power purchase agreements), Sunrun has the broader and more flexible offering. Important: SunPower Corp filed for bankruptcy in 2024 — existing warranties are now handled through Complete Solar and the SunPower equipment brand, but financial stability concerns remain.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

Sunrun

Pros

Largest US residential solar installer — extensive Florida service network
Most flexible financing: $0 down lease, PPA, loan, and cash options
25-year production guarantee on lease and PPA plans
Publicly traded — financial reporting transparency

Cons

Lease/PPA customers don't own the system — reduces home resale value and complicates sale
Standard-efficiency panels (19-21%) vs SunPower's Maxeon 22%+
Installation subcontractors vary in quality — ask for the local installer's track record
Aggressive door-to-door sales in Florida during 2024-2025 have hurt brand reputation

SunPower

Pros

Maxeon panels: 22.8% efficiency — highest in residential solar
40-year panel warranty, 25-year workmanship — longest in industry
Tighter panel tolerance — more power per square foot (matters for smaller Florida roofs)
Microinverter and power-optimizer options for partial shade

Cons

Premium pricing: typical Florida install $3.80-$4.80 per watt installed ($23,000-$38,000 for 6kW)
SunPower Corp (parent company) filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024
Warranty service now handled through Complete Solar after bankruptcy transition
Smaller dealer network in Florida vs Sunrun

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Sunrun	SunPower
Panel Efficiency	19-21% (Qcells or LG)	22.8% (Maxeon 6)
Typical Florida Price ($/watt)	$3.20 – $3.80 installed	$3.80 – $4.80 installed
6kW System Cost (cash)	$19,000 – $24,000	$23,000 – $38,000
Panel Warranty	25 years	40 years
Workmanship Warranty	10 years (lease is 25)	25 years
Financing Options	Lease, PPA, loan, cash	Loan, cash (lease limited post-bankruptcy)
Best For	Flexible financing, larger roof space, established company	Cash buyers, small roofs, forever-home, premium quality
Florida Dealer Network	Extensive (every major metro)	Limited (major metros only)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SunPower still in business after the bankruptcy?

SunPower Corp filed Chapter 11 in 2024 and most of its assets were acquired by Complete Solar and Dealers Industry. The SunPower product brand continues and new installations are being completed. Existing warranties have been transitioned to Complete Solar as the warranty servicer. For Florida homeowners considering SunPower in 2026, confirm which entity is actually selling and servicing the system — the brand, corporate structure, and warranty paths have all changed.

Should I lease, PPA, or buy solar in Florida?

Buy (cash or loan) if you can. Leases and PPAs transfer 100% of tax credits, rebates, and resale value to the installer. Cash buyers in Florida capture the 30% federal ITC, any local rebates, full net-metering benefits, and the resale premium. Loan financing (6-9% APR for solar loans) is almost always a better long-term deal than lease/PPA. Sunrun pushes leases hard; SunPower pushes loans.

What about Florida net metering changes?

Florida net metering is under political pressure — FPL and Duke Energy have lobbied to reduce the 1:1 credit ratio. As of 2026, most Florida utilities still offer full net metering, but this could change. When comparing quotes, ask both installers: (1) what happens to my payback if net metering ratio drops to 0.75 or 0.50, (2) are battery backup options included, and (3) what's the payback period under each scenario.

Which handles Florida hurricanes better?

Both systems use Florida-code-rated mounting (typically tested to 140-160 mph winds). SunPower's Maxeon panels have tighter shingle-style construction that some data suggests holds up better to hail and debris impact, but hard real-world hurricane comparison data is limited. More important: confirm your installer uses Florida-specific flashing, sealant, and mounting that's warranted against hurricane damage. Get that in writing.

Any cheaper Florida alternatives?

Yes — extensively. Local Florida solar installers (ESA Solar, Mirasol Solar, Solar Bear, Momentum Solar, Florida Power Services) often install comparable Qcells or REC panels at $2.80-$3.40 per watt — 15-30% below either national brand. The premium brands offer longer warranties and (in SunPower's case) higher efficiency, but for most Florida homes, a mid-tier panel from a reputable local installer with a solid 25-year product warranty is the best value. Always get 3 quotes.

Top-Rated Local Florida Solar Installation Alternatives

You don't have to pick a national brand. These Florida-based solar installation companies have the highest real Google ratings in our directory — often at a fraction of the franchise price.