Vivint Solar: Reviews, Services and Costs (2023)

Solar panels are not known for being the most easily transportable item, so we understand switching to solar energy might seem daunting if your current home isn't your forever home. But Vivint Solar make it simple for homeowners to move their solar panel systems with them. This included easy transfer agreements and relocation of solar panels for no additional cost. In 2020, Sunrun acquired Vivint Solar and Vivint Solar currently operates under the Sunrun brand.

At the Guides Home Team, we have conducted in-depth research on the best solar companies in the United States. Our research has included paying close attention to the estimated lifespan of solar panels and their attached warranties. This Vivint Solar review will guide you through the provider's background, reputation history and 2020 acquisition by Sunrun Solar.

Vivint Solar started in 2011 to provide clean energy solutions at affordable prices for homeowners. In addition to this pursuit, the company is known for its customer service and customization. Its reputable customer service landed it a 2017 Customer Service Complaints Team of the Year Silver Stevie Award.

In 2020, Sunrun, another reputable residential solar panel and battery provider, acquired Vivint Solar. The company operated as an independent subsidiary of Sunrun. In 2022, Vivint Solar officially merged under the Sunrun brand.

Sunrun offers its services in Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C. and the following 20 states:

To learn more: Sunrun Solar review

Here are our key highlights for Vivint Solar:

Vivint Solar only offers monocrystalline solar panels. These are the most efficient type of solar panels on the market, and Vivint aims to increase their efficiency through passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) solar cells. PERC solar cells are one of the most efficient cell designs available, as they generate more power with less space. Vivint works with various solar panel manufacturers to offer these panels, but the company's primary partnership is with LG.

Vivint also offers solar battery installation. These backup batteries provide electricity at night and during power outages. Vivint offers two of the most popular solar batteries: the LG Chem battery and the Tesla Powerwall.

The company also installs electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Vivint offers private Level 2 EV chargers. These EV chargers are faster and more efficient than public chargers, and you can view insights and data into your vehicle through Vivint's mobile app.

Vivint Solar follows a simple, five-step installation process. This approach allows the company to create fully customized solar energy systems for homeowners. In addition, Vivint Solar may include different inverters and solar energy storage devices based on your energy needs and saving goals. Vivint's installation process follows these steps:

In addition to a fast installation, Vivint's solar panels are excellent for those who know they will move soon or plan to move in the future. Customers have four options to choose from if they need to move while under contract with Vivint:

Vivint Solar offers a 10-year workmanship warranty to cover the quality of installation. It also includes a 25-year linear performance warranty on its solar panels. If your Vivint solar panels begin to malfunction or drop in efficiency, the company will work to remedy the issue through either repair or replacement.

Despite Vivint Solar not providing any cost information online, you can expect the company's pricing to align with the average cost of solar panels. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates the average cost of residential solar panel systems in the United States is around $2.94 per watt.* This means a standard, 5-kilowatt (kW) system costs about $11,000 before installation fees.

Solar installation companies tend to charge between 100% and 200% of the cost of panels for installation. Therefore, a Vivint Solar system would cost approximately $22,000–$33,000.

Vivint Solar offers four different ways to pay for its solar energy systems:

*Based on a June 2021 report

Sunrun owns Vivint Solar, so reviews for the company reside on Sunrun's Better Business Bureau (BBB) page. Sunrun holds an A- rating and accreditation from the website, but Vivint Solar does feature government actions from the Attorney General's Office in both New Mexico and New Jersey. Both lawsuits revolve around Vivint's misleading marketing and sales material that resulted in salespeople advertising misleading concepts like "free solar panels." In addition, many customers signed contracts without knowing they were agreeing to a 20-year contract, or they did not obtain the savings they believed they would.

Because Sunrun owns Vivint Solar, customer reviews focus on Sunrun's customer service team. When you work with Vivint Solar, you will also be dealing with Sunrun's employees. Positive reviews for the company mention the quality of the solar panels and the speed and ease of the installation. More critical reviews mention little to no changes in monthly electric bills and aggressive sales tactics, such as spam phone calls.

We reached out to Vivint Solar about this lawsuit, the negative remarks below and the cons listed in this article, but we did not receive a response.

Read over what Sunrun/Vivint customers have said about their experiences with the company below.

"We have solar panels installed by Sunrun on our main home … as well as our retirement home … and have been very satisfied with their service. From installation to monitoring to reporting issues and repairs, Sunrun has been responsive and effective. I check the health of our systems often with their monitoring software so we are aware of any issues. Sunrun also sends out info with many tips including when and how to keep our panels clean." —Steven M. via BBB

"I am a Finance Analyst: I have 2 systems, turned on Sys 1 (5.2kW), Feb, 2009, Sys 2 (4.?kW), Feb 2018. Both perform as promised. … Current savings over $4,000 per year. Seven of my neighbors all have Sunrun Solar Systems. (I did their initial cost/benefit analysis.)" —Tom Z. via BBB

"[Too] many problems since I started service with Sunrun. I really want to help the environment with better air quality and reduce contamination. That was the main reason why I decided to go solar. But I have had many problems the system connects and disconnects, and the company doesn't really care about it. And I end up paying them and [it's] expensive." —Celestina S. via BBB

"I was enrolled in Auto Pay with Vivint and when Sunrun bought Vivint, Sunrun started charging me for not being enrolled in Auto Pay even though I continued to be charged through Auto Pay. Sunrun refused to issue a refund." —Nathaniel C. via BBB

"The installation team was impeccable. They completed the task in less than 6 hours on the same day. My home and yard were in the same condition as when they arrived. As I waited for city inspection and electric company agreements, I had a team available to me by email, text, and phone just in case another question arose." —Barb C. via BBB

"They have given me the run-around [for months]. The installation crew [moved] insulation, drilled holes, and left the shavings and trash everywhere, left nails and screws on the floor, moved my personal items around." —Reginald J. via BBB

"They were very thorough in explaining how solar energy works, how the panels would be installed, and what savings we could expect. The installation was very well organized and completed in one day. At this point, the savings are more than expected." —Thomas P. via BBB

"Very straight forward process, Sunrun reps were super helpful. The town and the public utility slowed things a bit, but Sunrun stayed on top of it. Our savings, even through the winter, have been beyond our expectations." —John A. via BBB

*BBB information is accurate as of January 2023.

Though Vivint has a history of misleading and aggressive sales tactics, Sunrun's acquisition of the company has resulted in improved customer service with a more experienced network of solar experts. Sunrun has avoided controversy like this in the past, so the company's ownership of Vivint Solar now leads to a more reputable and accessible customer service experience.

Solar panels do not cause any damage to your home's roof. However, be sure you hire a licensed, qualified professional solar installer and your roof is in good condition before you agree to install solar panels.

Entering a power purchase agreement or leasing agreement with Vivint Solar requires a 20-year contract. A solar loan or complete system purchase helps you avoid this contract.

Yes, Vivint Smart Home and Vivint Solar are the same company. The home security company launched Vivint Solar in 2011, and Vivint was acquired by The Blackstone Group in September 2012.

Because solar panels are relatively expensive, your homeowners insurance premium will most likely increase. Adding the replacement cost of a solar energy system is also likely to increase your coverage limit.

We closely evaluated seven crucial factors according to our solar panel installation company methodology to rank the best providers in the industry. Based on a 100-point scale, we came up with each provider's score out of five stars. Here's how we assessed each company:

Alex Hawkins is an avid writer and researcher specializing in solar, pet insurance and home improvement. When he isn't surveying homeowners to understand their pain points or speaking with professionals in the industries he covers, Alex can often be found creating videos for his YouTube channel, Analysis with Alex, or attending a heavy metal show.

Roxanne Downer has more than 15 years as a news, finance and lifestyle writer and editor. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she has previously worked at Deutsche Bank, BNY Mellon, Financial Week and MSN Money.

Cost and payment options (20 points): Services (20 points): Reputation (20 points): Warranty (15 points): Customer Support (10 points): Industry Experience (10 points): Sustainability (5 points): Alex Hawkins Roxanne Downer

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