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    Sunnova vs Sunrun in California: What Changed After Sunnova's Bankruptcy

    Last updated September 24, 2026 by Chad Simpson, Editor · Methodology

    Sunnova filed Chapter 11 in June 2025, and its contracts are now serviced by SunStrong Management. Sunrun is still selling. If you have a Sunnova contract, or an old Sunnova quote next to a Sunrun one, here is how they differ now.

    More company-by-company records are in the solar company reviews index.

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    At a Glance

    FactorSunnovaSunrun
    Service modelDealer network (before 2025)Direct + dealer
    Primary finance offeringLease, PPA, loan (existing contracts)Lease, PPA, cash
    California footprint28 systems approved Jan–May 2026; contracts serviced by SunStrongStatewide direct + dealers
    Warranty wrap25 yr Sunnova Protect25 yr BrightSave Monthly wrap
    Contract length20–25 years20–25 years
    Escalator typical0–2.9% annual0–2.9% annual
    Battery integrationTesla Powerwall, Enphase, SunVaultTesla Powerwall, Brightbox

    One major change: Sunnova filed Chapter 11 on June 8, 2025 (No. 25-90160, Bankr. S.D. Tex., CourtListener, checked September 24, 2026). Utility records list Sunnova Energy Corporation (CSLB #1003498) on 2,832 residential systems approved at PG&E, SCE and SDG&E in 2025 and 28 from January through May 2026.

    Sunrun (CSLB #750184) is listed on 37,367 systems approved in 2025, 88% of them leases or PPAs (California Distributed Generation Statistics, CPUC interconnection data through May 31, 2026, downloaded September 24, 2026). Confirm who will service a Sunnova-era contract before you rely on the warranty rows above.

    If You Have a Sunnova Contract

    • SunStrong Management now services it. Sunnova's Chapter 11 plan took effect on November 14, 2025, and its customer contracts moved to SunStrong. The Sunnova review has the case record.
    • Your signed terms still set the rules. The rate, escalator, term and Sunnova Protect coverage in your contract are the starting point. Ask SunStrong in writing how to request service and who honors the production guarantee.
    • Panel, inverter and battery warranties come from their makers. Keep the model numbers and the manufacturer warranty documents with your contract.

    Where Sunrun Wins

    • Scale and direct-install crews. In the biggest California markets (Bay Area, LA, San Diego), Sunrun often uses its own W-2 installers instead of subcontracting. That tends to mean more consistent quality and faster response for warranty issues.
    • Brightbox battery experience. Sunrun has been pairing Tesla Powerwall with solar at scale longer than any competitor in California.
    • Stronger post-NEM 3.0 design discipline. Sunrun's in-house design team has been sizing systems for NEM 3.0 self-consumption more conservatively than many dealer-network competitors.

    Where Both Deserve Caution

    • Long contract transfers at home sale. Both companies' 20–25 year contracts can complicate a home sale. Verify transfer terms before signing, not at closing.
    • Sales pressure at the dealer level. Dealer-network models (both companies use them) create variance in sales practices. Get the final contract in writing and walk away from any rep demanding same-day signature.
    • NEM 3.0 savings projections. Ask any rep who quotes a savings percentage under NEM 3.0 to show the export-credit, self-consumption and rate assumptions behind it.

    The Bottom Line

    Sunnova is no longer a practical choice for a new system: utility records show 28 Sunnova approvals from January through May 2026, and its contracts are serviced by SunStrong. If you are shopping now, compare Sunrun with other companies that are still selling in California, ask for the installer by name and check its CSLB license before signing. If you already have a Sunnova contract, start with SunStrong and the terms you signed.

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