Typical solar installation services: Residential solar panels, Battery backup systems, Solar pool heating, +4 more
What to Compare
Both are viable but local Florida installers often beat both on price and service.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Sunrun
Features and considerations
- BrightBox battery storage integration available
Limits and questions
- Lease/PPA contracts can complicate home sales — transferability issues
- Pricing is not competitive vs. local Florida installers
Vivint Solar
Features and considerations
- SunPower Equinox all-in-one system is cleaner aesthetically
Limits and questions
- SunPower/Vivint merger created service disruption in some markets
- SunPower's 2024 bankruptcy filing created installer uncertainty — verify current status
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Sunrun | Vivint Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Brand | Various (Sunrun branded) | SunPower (premium) |
| Panel Efficiency | Ask the Sunrun provider to document panel efficiency for the exact offer. | Ask the Vivint Solar provider to document panel efficiency for the exact offer. |
| Financing Options | Ask the Sunrun provider to document financing options for the exact offer. | Ask the Vivint Solar provider to document financing options for the exact offer. |
| Battery Storage | Yes (BrightBox) | Yes (SunVault) |
| Production Guarantee | Ask the Sunrun provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Vivint Solar provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Warranty | Ask the Sunrun provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. | Ask the Vivint Solar provider to document current quote and terms for the exact offer. |
| Florida Availability | Ask the Sunrun provider to document availability for the exact offer. | Ask the Vivint Solar provider to document availability for the exact offer. |
| Typical System Cost (6kW) | Request an itemized quote for Sunrun; compare the same scope and payment period. | Request an itemized quote for Vivint Solar; compare the same scope and payment period. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Florida?
Compare Sunrun and Vivint Solar on equipment brand, panel efficiency, financing options, using the actual models or local proposals. Ask for supporting documentation and a written explanation of how the proposed option meets your needs.
How does Florida's net metering affect solar ROI?
Compare Sunrun and Vivint Solar on equipment brand, panel efficiency, financing options, using the actual models or local proposals. Ask for supporting documentation and a written explanation of how the proposed option meets your needs.
What happened to SunPower's Florida operations?
SunPower filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2024. Vivint Solar (formerly a SunPower subsidiary) continues to operate in some markets. Verify current operational status in your area before contracting.
Consumer resources
Use these official resources when evaluating an offer. They provide general guidance and do not establish a winner between these options.
- FTC: checking home-repair offers and written agreements — General consumer guidance; not evidence of either brand's price or performance.
Browse Florida Solar Installation Listings
These public listings share the broad solar installation category. Inclusion does not confirm that a business supplies the products or specialist services discussed above. Ask about the exact work, credentials and current availability before requesting a quote.
Florida Electric & Solar
ClaimTypical solar installation services: Residential solar panels, Battery backup systems, Solar pool heating, +4 more
MidKnight Solar
ClaimTypical solar installation services: Residential solar panels, Battery backup systems, Solar pool heating, +4 more
Typical solar installation services: Residential solar panels, Battery backup systems, Solar pool heating, +4 more
Transform Solar
ClaimTypical solar installation services: Residential solar panels, Battery backup systems, Solar pool heating, +4 more
US SOLAR CONNECT
ClaimTypical solar installation services: Residential solar panels, Battery backup systems, Solar pool heating, +4 more