Overview
Based in Houston, Texas, Sunnova was founded in 2012. Primarily, this large company installs and upgrades solar systems. In addition, it offers battery storage and electric vehicle charging solutions for homes and businesses across America. As per the data available from 2021, the company’s revenue was recorded to be more than $241 million.
Solar Panels and Services
Specific Solar Panels Offered
Sunnova does not state which brands of solar panels it uses for installations, but it claims to use only monocrystalline panels. The construction of these modules ensures ample space for electrons to move freely, further enhancing the panels’ energy output. Their sleek, black appearance suits clients who value both function and aesthetics in their solar energy systems.
Specific Types of Solar Offered
Residential solar: While Sunnova solar systems barely malfunction, there are few occasions when the company installed dysfunctional rooftop panels. All systems installed by this company are connected to the utility grid.
Commercial solar: Sunnova doesn’t service businesses directly. Instead, it contracts third-party local dealers nationwide to install solar systems on commercial facilities in their respective jurisdictions.
Grid services: This does not involve installing any solar equipment but helps homeowners benefit from excess energy generated by their installed solar systems by selling that excess energy to stabilize the utility grids in their regions. Currently, Sunnova provides this service in only a few states, including New York and Pennsylvania.
Installation Costs and Processes
Sunnova’s installation process is slightly different for homes and businesses. For home projects, it starts with a consultation with a Sunnova energy expert who will help you understand how much power you need and what it might cost. After you and Sunnova agree to work together, they’ll prepare everything. They’ll secure all the solar equipment and official approvals needed. Then, Sunova will install your solar system and connect it to the local power network. Once the system passes inspection, it will be turned on.
For commercial projects, the business owner provides necessary information about their business structure’s energy usage for the last 12 months before the commencement of the installation process. Based on this data, Sunnova designs a custom solar system for the business. At this point, the client must sign a letter of intent indicating that they intend to contract with the company. Afterward, the commercial facility is surveyed by Sunnova’s staff, and the company prepares a formal contract for the project, which the client signs. Then, solar equipment and permits are obtained and given to the third-party installer, who’ll install the solar system on the business building.
Costs
Sunnova provides no rough estimate of how much its services could cost, but it provides free quotes to customers upon request. The company also offers many financing options for homeowners and businesses, including power purchase plans and solar leases. However, customers who leased their solar systems have reported unsatisfactory experiences regarding the additional costs they incurred. Generally, the company doesn’t appear to give customers the best value for their money.
Legitimacy
Sunnova has received many complaints from aggrieved customers on the Better Business Bureau. The bone of contention concerns questionable sales techniques, subpar customer service, and hiccups in transferring solar leases. Although a fraction of these issues have been tended to, they’ve cast a shadow over the company’s reputation. Reflective of these grievances, Sunnova scored an unfortunate F rating from the BBB.
Despite these criticisms, Sunnova is a recognized and licensed entity authorized to run its activities. It’s partnered with firms like Clean Power Alliance and EnergyHub to offer grid services. But with customer satisfaction as a central yardstick to measure a company’s authenticity, it’s quite a challenge to state Sunnova as fully legitimate unhesitatingly.
Maintenance
Sunnova’s solar systems come with a 25-year warranty, subject to specific terms and conditions. Feedback reveals issues with the company’s maintenance services and difficulty scheduling post-installation appointments. Additionally, handling customer concerns seems to be a weak point for Sunnova, leading to a lack of endorsement for their services among many customers.
The SolarEmpower View
Sunnova’s large-scale operation doesn’t match up regarding critical aspects such as quality goods, customer service, and craftsmanship. The company’s sheer size might contribute to these shortcomings, leading us to suggest going local for your solar needs as a more reliable alternative.
| 💲Cost: 6.1/10 | ✅Legitimacy: 4/10 |
| ⭐️Quality: 7.5/10 | 📞Customer Service: 6/10 |
