
Sunnova offers a range of renewable energy options, including solar and battery storage systems, to help customers power their homes with clean energy.
Their solar systems are designed to be easy to install and require minimal maintenance, making them a great option for homeowners who want to go green.
Sunnova's battery storage systems can store excess energy generated by your solar panels during the day for use at night or during power outages.
Sunnova's customer support team is available to help with any questions or concerns you may have, and they offer a range of resources to help you get the most out of your renewable energy system.
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Business Model and Services
Sunnova's business model is built around providing energy as a service (EaaS), allowing homeowners to adopt solar energy with little to no upfront costs.
This model is made possible by offering various financing options, including solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Homeowners pay for the energy produced by the solar systems over time, rather than paying a lump sum upfront.
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Sunnova's products and services are designed to meet the needs of homeowners, from customized solar energy systems to comprehensive repair services.
Here are the key services offered by Sunnova:
- Solar panel installation: Sunnova provides customized solar energy systems for residential properties, including design, installation, and maintenance.
- Energy storage solutions: The company offers battery storage systems that allow homeowners to store excess solar energy for use during power outages or at night.
- Sunnova Repair Services (SRS): Sunnova provides comprehensive repair services for solar systems, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
- Rooftop solar removal and reinstallation (R&R): Sunnova offers services for the removal and reinstallation of solar panels during roof repairs or replacements.
Financial and Controversy
Sunnova has faced its fair share of controversies and criticism, primarily related to customer service and contract disputes. However, the company has made significant improvements to address these issues.
Sunnova has taken steps to enhance its service offerings and customer support systems, showing a commitment to resolving customer complaints. This proactive approach has likely helped to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The company's efforts to address its controversies have likely helped to mitigate the negative impact on its reputation and business operations.
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Financial Performance
Sunnova's financial performance has been a rollercoaster ride. The company went public in 2019, trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "NOVA".
Its financial performance was bolstered by increased demand for residential solar energy and energy storage solutions. However, the company's stock took a huge hit in 2025 when shares fell by as much as 71% on March 3 following the release of its end-of-year financial results for 2024.
The financial results included a concerning note, a "going concern" statement, warning investors that the company could run out of money to operate within the year. This statement created substantial doubt regarding Sunnova's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least one year.
Roughly $400 million of Sunnova's $8.5 billion in debt was bought up by Oaktree Capital Management in a couple of days. This significant purchase gives Oaktree a major role in the discussions with Sunnova's creditors as the company prepares for negotiations.
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Controversies and Criticism
Sunnova faced criticism and legal challenges, primarily related to customer service and contract disputes. However, the company has addressed these issues by improving its service offerings and customer support systems.
Sunnova's efforts to resolve these issues are a testament to the importance of prioritizing customer satisfaction.
Improving customer service and support systems can have a significant impact on a company's reputation and overall success.
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Renewable Energy and Solutions
Sunnova offers a customer-centered approach to getting solar panels, with a simple process for rectifying any problems that may arise.
Their pitch is designed for those looking for a set-it-and-forget-it approach to solar, with no need to worry about money upfront and an agreement that ensures your solar system is producing for a quarter century.
Sunnova works with a network of vetted installers to offer its solar packages just about anywhere in the country.
They use a list of approved equipment manufacturers and specific products that have been vetted by Sunnova, including a wide array of panels, inverters, batteries, and EV chargers.
Sunnova doesn't make it a practice to price match, but installers do have price thresholds that they aren't allowed to go above or below.
Getting multiple quotes from installers in your area and doing your own research is crucial before making a decision.
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Purchasing and Support
Sunnova offers a comprehensive solution that goes beyond just solar panels, including integrating batteries, load controls, and EV chargers.
They package this technology together for the homeowner, taking care of the burden of bringing it all together.
This means you can have a fully integrated "adaptive home" that's managed by Sunnova for 25 years.
What Do I Get?
Sunnova offers a comprehensive package for homeowners that goes beyond just solar panels. This "adaptive home" includes integrating batteries, load controls, and EV chargers.
The company will manage this technology for you for 25 years, taking care of any issues that arise. They've even fixed damaged systems at no charge to customers in the past.
Sunnova has partnered with The Home Depot to offer its services in hardware stores nationwide. You can visit a Home Depot store to get questions answered and advice from Sunnova and local installers.
By enrolling in Sunnova's virtual power plant networks, you can earn financial incentives or credits on your power bills. This is available in several states, including California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and Texas.
Sunnova promises to service and take care of its systems for 25 years. If service or warranty concerns come up, you can simply call Sunnova and they'll send a truck to make repairs.
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Offer System Monitoring
Sunnova offers system monitoring through their web portal and app, which provides information on how your system is performing, including the state of battery charge.
The app also allows you to see when you're pulling energy from the grid and how "dirty" the grid sources are, such as coal vs. renewables.
The Sunnova app has received relatively good reviews, with 3.5 stars on Google and 4.5 stars on Apple's app store.
How I Order in My State?
Ordering a solar system from Sunnova is a straightforward process. You can get connected to an approved Sunnova dealer or installer through their website or by direct contact with a dealer.
The local dealer will have a conversation with you to understand your needs and check out your property using satellite imagery. They'll then put together a package of equipment from Sunnova's approved list for your approval.
Options such as batteries and EV chargers will be discussed with you during this process. The final system design is reviewed by Sunnova for a quality-control check before being approved.
Once approved, Sunnova will initiate the process of permitting, installation, and account activation. This ensures a seamless transition to new solar service.
Offer Financing Options
Sunnova offers financing options for customers, including leases and power purchase agreements. This can be a great way to get solar installation without upfront costs.
One option is a financing plan that allows for solar installation with no money down. However, it's essential to run the numbers and read the fine print before signing anything, as the company may have specific terms and conditions.
Sunnova operates in multiple states, offering financing options to residents in these areas: California, Washington, Ohio, Florida, New Jersey, Michigan, Texas, Virginia, Alabama, Arizona, Maryland, and Oklahoma.
If you're considering solar installation through Sunnova, be sure to check if financing is available in your state and review the terms carefully to ensure it's the best option for you.
Reviews and Evaluation
Sunnova reviews show a pattern of customer complaints, including deceptive sales practices, poor customer service, and installation and repair issues. Over 500 complaints were filed with the Better Business Bureau in the past 12 months.
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Sunnova's BBB accreditation was not renewed in 2019 due to the pattern of complaints and a government action against the company in Puerto Rico. The company has since resolved the issue.
Despite the complaints, Sunnova claims to have engaged in approximately 1.3M interactions with existing customers, with only 537 (0.041%) associated with BBB cases.
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Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews can be a mixed bag, with both positive and negative reviews floating around online. However, it's worth paying attention to the Better Business Bureau's "pattern of complaint" for a company.
The BBB has noted a pattern of complaints against Sunnova, including allegations of deceptive sales practices and poor customer service. This is a red flag to watch out for.
Sunnova's BBB accreditation was not renewed starting in 2019 due to this pattern of complaints and a government action against the company in Puerto Rico. This is a serious issue that raises concerns about the company's reliability.
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According to the BBB, customers reported issues with installation and repair technicians not arriving as scheduled. This is a common complaint that can be frustrating and inconvenient.
Sunnova claims to have engaged in over 1.3 million interactions with existing customers, with only 537 (0.041%) associated with BBB cases. This is a relatively small percentage, but it's still a significant number of complaints.
The company says that nearly 99.9% of these cases are currently marked as resolved, which is a positive note. However, it's worth asking questions about how these issues were resolved and whether customers felt satisfied with the outcome.
It's also worth noting that Sunnova has made recent investments in a new national operations control center, which allows for real-time monitoring and optimization of their solar and battery storage systems. This could potentially improve their response times and efficiency.
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Evaluating Solar Companies
Evaluating solar companies can be a daunting task, but it's essential to make an informed decision. We focus on three key areas: equipment, warranties, and service.
To measure these areas, we score companies based on their panel and inverter quality, battery systems, and warranties covering workmanship and weatherization against leaks. Companies also earn points for offering a price match, price transparency, and a well-rated app for monitoring solar production.
We don't consider the average price of a company's installations in their score due to its difficulty in comparison. This information is often hard to find and may vary significantly from one project to another.
Companies can lose points for major issues with customer service, such as lawsuits, investigations, or a reputation for shoddy service. These issues are always detailed in our reviews.
We've found that some companies, like Sunnova, promise a worry-free solar solution with a 25-year guarantee. However, this may not be the best choice for everyone, especially if you're not provided with information on pricing and equipment options.
Sunnova's dealer model can also add complexity to the research process, requiring you to vet both the company and the local installer they connect you with.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is going on with Sunnova?
Sunnova, a residential solar and storage provider, has filed for bankruptcy with estimated assets and liabilities ranging from $10 billion to $50 billion and total debt of $10.67 billion. The company has also significantly reduced its workforce, laying off 55% of its employees.
Why is my Sunnova bill so high?
High Sunnova bills may be due to excess energy usage during high-demand periods, requiring additional power from the grid and resulting in charges on your electric bill
Who bought out Sunnova?
Sunnova Energy sold its ServiceCo platform to Omnidian for $7 million cash. Omnidian is a residential and commercial solar lease and asset management firm.
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