SunPower and Tesla are two of the biggest names in solar, but which one is the better solar installer? I’ve spent a lot of time researching solar companies, writing about solar technology, and comparing solar brands, and I’ve also converted my own home to solar, so I’m well equipped to give an expert opinion on which company installs the better systems.
In this article, I’m going to use my experience in the solar industry to explain which company I’d choose and whether SunPower vs. Tesla is the better solar company. I take an in-depth look at each company, comparing them on the basis of value, reputation, products offered, and more.
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My Take: SunPower Vs. Tesla Solar
My pick: SunPower
SunPower and Tesla are two of the most widely recommended residential solar companies in the United States. Both are known for offering some of the most technologically advanced solar equipment available on the market today, but there are enough differences between the two companies to make one the clear winner in my eyes.
SunPower has the highest quality panels (made by its sister company, Maxeon) of any solar installer in the residential solar business. These panels have a 24.7% efficiency rating, which is the highest efficiency rating of any home solar panel. SunPower is a premium solar installer through and through, which means its systems are quite expensive.
Tesla, on the other hand, has recently become more focused on providing more affordable home solar systems. The company no longer manufactures its own solar panels and now installs a more budget-friendly panel made by Qcells. Tesla is also the most widely available solar installer in the country, thanks to its extensive network of third-party installers.
Overall, I give the nod to SunPower. The company has an outstanding reputation, installs high-quality panels and equipment, and is known for its excellent customer support. Tesla is also a good option — especially if you’re looking to save money — but its customer experience is lacking since it exclusively uses third-party contractors for installations.
SunPower Best For Panel Efficiency | Tesla Best Technology | |||
4.4 / 5 | Our Score | 4.3 / 5 | ||
$4.60 | Average Installation Cost per Watt | $2.30 | ||
Maxeon Solar: A Series, X Series, E Series, and P Series | Panels Offered | Qcells | ||
Cash, loan, or mortgage | Financing Options | Cash & loans | ||
19.8% to 22.8% | Power Rating / Efficiency | 19.3% to 20.6% | ||
25 years | Warranty | 10-25 years | ||
In-house & third-party installers | Installer Options | Third-party installers | ||
The following sections take a closer look at each company individually. I’ll dive into a comparison of SunPower and Tesla after we get to know each company’s strengths and weaknesses.
SunPower
4.4
Our Rating
SunPower is a premium home solar brand. It’s known for its high-quality Maxeon panels, which are the highest-rated residential panels on the market. High-efficiency panels are better at converting sunlight into electricity, which means that you might be able to get away with installing a smaller system than you would if you chose a less efficient panel.
SunPower also sells SunVault solar batteries, which are close competitors to Tesla’s Powerwall batteries — more on that later. SunPower customers manage their systems through the convenient mySunPower app on their mobile devices.
One of SunPower’s biggest strengths is the company’s dedication to providing high-quality customer experiences. The company’s warranty is among the best in the industry and it’s known for speedy warranty claims handling and outstanding communication during and after installation.
The only negative thing I have to say about SunPower is that its systems are expensive. I feel that the elevated cost is worth it since you get what you pay for and then some, but SunPower is not the company for you if you’re looking for an affordable solar power system.
Tesla Energy
4.3
Our Rating
Tesla Solar is the clean energy arm of Elon Musk’s California-based company, and it is a bit of an oddball compared to other solar companies. On the one hand, the company is known as a leader in solar technology thanks to its Powerwall batteries, solar roofs, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. On the other hand, it handles all of its installations via third-party installers and recently stopped manufacturing its own Tesla solar panels.
Relying on third-party installers isn’t inherently a bad thing, but it leads to a high degree of variability in customer experiences. Basically, how smoothly your installation process goes depends on the quality of your local Tesla-certified installer.
Similarly, Tesla’s decision to start installing Qcells panels instead of its own in-house brand isn’t automatically a bad thing, but it does feel like a slight downgrade.
With all of that said, Tesla’s Powerwall batteries are generally regarded as the gold standard for residential solar batteries. They have excellent battery storage capacities for the price and seamlessly integrate with the rest of your solar energy system. They also have innovative features like Storm Watch that you won’t find anywhere else and the ability to quickly change your system from prioritizing maximum savings to favoring maximum storage.
Tesla’s systems are also very affordable, and the company offers an outstanding price-matching program that means you literally can’t find a more affordable system — with similar specs — anywhere else.
Solar Panels Offered: SunPower Vs. Tesla Solar
Winner: SunPower
Let’s start with SunPower. In terms of pure performance, you’re not going to find a residential solar panel that’s better than the Maxeon panels SunPower installs. They have the highest efficiency rating available on the market today, degrade less over time than most panels, and have above-average durability.
SunPower solar panels are more efficient than other panel brands, which means they generate more energy in less space, saving you money by requiring fewer panels to meet the same energy needs. Specifically, Maxeon’s flagship 400W solar panels produce 224 W/m2 (watts per square meter), while the average panels used in most rooftop solar installations only produce 192 W/m2.
SunPower’s panels have an excellent degradation rate of just 0.2% per year, which is well above the average of 0.75% per year seen across the industry.
On the other hand, you can do far worse than the Qcells panels that Tesla installs. Qcells panels have an efficiency rating of 20.6%, which isn’t quite as good as Maxeon’s 24.7% but is efficient enough for home use. The manufacturer’s warranty for Qcells panels guarantees that energy production won’t drop below 90% of its initial value within 25 years, which is great for peace of mind.
Neither SunPower nor Tesla offers any other panel brands, which means they’re both not great for people who want a selection to choose from.
| Sunpower | Solar Panels Offered | Tesla |
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Monocrystalline
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Polycrystalline
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PERC
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Maxeon |
Brands Offered
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Qcells |
Solar Installation Costs: SunPower Vs. Tesla Solar
Most affordable: Tesla / Best value: SunPower
SunPower’s high cost is the number one disadvantage it has compared to Tesla. SunPower’s systems cost $3.30 per watt, on average, which is well above the industry average of $2.66. Even so, I still think SunPower offers better value for the money since its high-efficiency systems will save you more money in the long run.
Tesla’s Qcells panels are more affordable, and the average cost of a Tesla solar system is just $2.72 per watt, depending on the system size you purchase.
Tesla also offers price matching for any similarly scoped system. As long as you find a better price within 14 days of your Tesla purchase and the system you’re price matching has a similar capacity to the Tesla system you purchase, Tesla will match the price of the cheaper system. This is a major point in Tesla’s favor since it essentially means you can’t find a more affordable system from another solar company.
Solar Financing Options: SunPower Vs. Tesla Solar
Winner: SunPower
SunPower offers more financing options than Tesla, which gives it another win in this category.
SunPower accepts cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Tesla only accepts cash and solar loans, which makes its systems harder to afford for people on tight budgets. Tesla’s price-matching program takes some of the edge off, but I’d still like to see Tesla offer more financing options for people who can’t afford the high upfront costs of a solar panel system.
4.4
Solar Warranties Offered: SunPower Vs. Tesla Solar
Winner: SunPower
SunPower’s warranty covers at least 25 years for equipment, performance, and workmanship, with some Maxeon panel models coming with a 40-year manufacturer’s warranty. Twenty-five years is the standard length of equipment and performance warranties in the solar industry, but 25 years for workmanship is well above the industry average of 10 years.
Tesla’s warranty is solid but not quite as good as SunPower’s. Tesla offers coverage for equipment and performance for 25 years and workmanship coverage for 10 years. I can’t necessarily fault Tesla for toeing the industry line, but its warranty coverage is simply not as good as SunPower’s.
Something I can fault Tesla for is the reputation it has for not handling warranty claims in a timely manner. I’ll talk more about customer reviews of each company in a later section, but it’s worth mentioning here that Tesla is notorious for having a difficult warranty claims process and long waiting times.
Solar Installation Process: SunPower Vs. Tesla Solar
Winner: SunPower
SunPower is currently in the process of moving all its installations in house, which means you’ll interact directly with a SunPower representative and the work will be done by SunPower installers. The company already handles many of its installations internally, but soon it will be 100%.
The take-home point is that SunPower’s installation process is already smooth and well-regarded, according to the vast collection of customer reviews on the internet.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Tesla. Unlike SunPower, Tesla relies on third-party contractors to install its systems, which leads to a lot of variability in customer experience and satisfaction. Some Tesla-certified installers are excellent, but seemingly just as many are hard to deal with, non-communicative, and slow.
Your experience with Tesla may vary, and that’s the crux of the problem. If you’re thinking of going with Tesla, you should research your local installers to get a sense of what you’re getting into. You might be lucky enough to live near some high-quality Tesla installers, or you might not.
Basically, your experience with SunPower from getting a quote through the installation and beyond is very likely to be excellent and stress-free, while the outsourcing from Tesla can lead to some delays and frustration in some cases.
Additional Solar Products Offered: SunPower Vs. Tesla Solar
Winner: Tesla
Finally, an outright win for Tesla. With the decision to cease manufacturing its own panels, Tesla has to rely on its other solar equipment to set it apart from other solar companies. Thankfully, that seems like a good move because Tesla offers some of the best additional solar products of any solar installer.
Tesla’s Powerwall batteries are largely considered the best in the business. The cost of Tesla Powerwall batteries is $14,700 before the federal tax credit or any other solar incentives, they have a massive 13.5 kWh (kilowatt-hour) storage capacity, and they are easily managed through the Tesla app. Powerwalls make a great addition to a Tesla system since storage solutions like the Powerwall help keep utility bills down even when you’re panels aren’t producing enough energy to power your home.
SunPower’s home battery, the SunVault solar battery, costs $16,000 and has a 13 kWh capacity, which gives it a slightly worse value. It has a similar continuous power output to the Powerwall and will last almost as long during power outages, but it’s more expensive and has a lower capacity.
Tesla also offers an EV charging station that lets you charge your Tesla or other electric car if you have an adapter. Tesla’s EV charging station is one of the best Level 2 chargers on the market. SunPower’s charging station, the Wallbox Pulsar Plus, is also a high-quality Level 2 charger but is generally not regarded quite as highly as Tesla’s charging station. In my opinion, they’re about equal, but the general consensus says otherwise.
Finally, Tesla makes the Tesla solar roof, a low-profile rooftop solar option that more closely resembles shingles. Tesla is virtually the only company that offers a solar roof, so you’ll have to go with the company if you want an alternative to a traditional roof-mounted solar array.
| Sunpower | Solar Products Offered | Tesla |
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EV Charging Stations
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Customer Reviews: SunPower Vs. Tesla Solar
Winner: SunPower
SunPower easily wins this category. The company has been around for more than 30 years and has amassed a wealth of glowing reviews from satisfied customers. SunPower’s customer support is renowned throughout the solar industry, and the positive reviews scattered around the internet are proof that SunPower is committed to standing behind its products.
I can’t say the same for Tesla. The internet is full of negative customer reviews calling out Tesla for failing to address warranty claims in a timely fashion. Tesla is also notoriously difficult to get in touch with, making it a struggle to get issues resolved. Part of the problem is the reliance on third-party installers, but even direct interactions with Tesla are hit or miss, according to many online reviews.
Overall, SunPower receives above-average customer ratings and better-than-average customer reviews, while Tesla, unfortunately, falls on the other side of the spectrum. Tesla has more negative reviews regarding customer service than most competitors, while SunPower dominates the space.
Coverage Area: SunPower Vs. Tesla Solar
Winner: Tie
SunPower and Tesla are both available in all 50 states, although whether or not either company services your area depends on where you live. Tesla is the most widely available solar company, it’s true, but it doesn’t outstrip SunPower by enough to give it the win.
If you want to see whether there are any SunPower or Tesla installers near you, check out the handy map tool below.
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Bottom Line: Is SunPower or Tesla Solar Better For Your Home?
SunPower is the clear winner in this head-to-head, coming out on top in all but one category and tying Tesla in another. SunPower is one of the oldest and most well-respected solar companies in the industry, and the high-efficiency panels it installs give it a sizable performance advantage over Tesla.
With that said, Tesla is far from a low-quality solar company. Sure, it has its issues with customer service and warranty claims, but the renewable energy systems it sells are more than capable of offsetting your electricity bills.
If you want to learn more about SunPower or Tesla, use the buttons below.
Available in all 50 states
Mobile app to track performance
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FAQs About SunPower Vs. Tesla Solar
What are the advantages of SunPower over Tesla?
SunPower installs higher-efficiency panels than Tesla and has a much better reputation for customer service and support. SunPower also uses in-house teams to install its solar systems, while Tesla uses third-party contractors. That means it’s typically much easier to get in touch with SunPower if you have any questions or run into any issues.
Is SunPower cheaper than Tesla?
No, SunPower is more expensive than Tesla. SunPower’s systems cost about $3.30 per watt, on average, while the average cost per watt for a Tesla system with Qcells panels is around $2.72. Keep in mind that the overall cost of a solar system depends on what additional equipment you have installed, like solar batteries and EV chargers.
Which is better, SunPower or Tesla?
In my opinion, SunPower is better than Tesla. Even though the cost of a SunPower system is higher than the cost of a Tesla solar system, the SunPower system will have higher efficiency, better warranty support, and better customer support. I think that makes SunPower a better value than Tesla, but you should go with Tesla if you’re looking for a more affordable system.
Methodology: How We Compared SunPower vs Tesla Solar
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our solar ratings emphasize what matters most to you — a wide range of energy-efficient panels, reputable and reliable installation, and comprehensive warranties.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with solar industry experts.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories, converted to a five-star scale. We researched and analyzed dozens of solar installers and developed the following formula:
- Services Offered (20 points): What does each solar provider offer as a basic service with any solar installation plan? In-house labor led to companies being ranked higher than those that contracted their labor out to third parties. Similarly, battery system installation and panel monitoring were key factors that we looked for in each provider. Tesla offers more services than SunPower, but SunPower’s in-house installations give it a slight edge in this category.
- Warranty Period (20 points): Solar warranties can cover labor, components, or both. The length of these warranty plans is of chief importance. Companies that offer 25-year warranty coverage got our highest score in this category. Tesla’s warranty is right in line with the industry averages, but SunPower’s warranty goes above and beyond, offering 25 years' worth of workmanship coverage and up to 40 years of equipment protection.
- Other Offerings (20 points): Solar companies that provide secondary services are rated highly. These include obtaining permits to operate (PTO), providing financing and price-matching options, and mobile performance-tracking options. This category is basically a tie. SunPower and Tesla both offer similar solar monitoring and don’t offer in-house financing. Tesla’s price matching gives it a slight boost.
- Company Reputation (15 points): Our main metrics for rating company reputation were Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings and complaint response rate. These are reliable indicators of quality. Many of our best providers have a 100% complaint response rate. SunPower easily takes the win here as one of the most well-respected solar companies in the country. Tesla’s reputation is marred by negative customer reviews that call the company out for providing poor warranty support and for having a difficult installation process.
- Customer Service (15 points): Availability via phone and online is key for modern home service providers in any niche. Those that offer both, along with clearly posted business hours and in-person estimates, are rated highly. SunPower also wins this category easily. Tesla’s poor customer support practices and reliance on third-party installers means it’s much easier to get consistent support from SunPower.
- Availability (10 points): Companies with availability in more than 40 states received our highest score in this category. We rated providers with a more limited presence progressively lower, depending on exact reach. SunPower and Tesla are both national companies with a presence in all 50 states, so this category is a tie.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
