Vivint Solar Review 2019

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Vivint Solar

Vivint, headquartered in Lehi, Utah, is known foremost for its suite of security and smart home automation products. In 2011, the company launched Vivint Solar and has since gone on to install nearly one million systems, becoming among the largest residential solar providers in the country.

Vivint quickly burst into the solar industry with its aggressive door-to-door sales tactics and by being among the first rooftop solar companies to offer a power purchase agreement (PPA). As a PPA pioneer, Vivint and its business practices have had widespread ramifications throughout the residential solar industry.

Vivint Key Features

Vivint offers solar panel installations in 22 states
Pioneered Solar Purchase Plan Agreements as a finance option
10-year equipment warranty and a 25-year linear performance warranty

Average Customer Rating

Vivint used to be among our top-rated solar power companies. However, a decline of customer satisfaction in the average review caused us to drop Vivint from our 2019 list.

In our research, we evaluated customer reviews from Consumer Affairs, Solar Reviews and Best Company.

Vivint averaged 3.13 out of 5.0 across 1,195 reviews.

Positive reviews remark how friendly and caring sales representatives are, and how professional the solar panel installers are throughout the installation process. Many reviews comment about Vivint representatives following up with customers after the installation was complete to ensure things are functioning properly.

Negative reviews mention poor communication during the sales process about how long after installation it takes for the solar panels to be active. Others comment about faulty equipment, an increase in electricity payments, and shifty sales tactics to push customers into buying more panels than they need.

Vivint Solar Finance Options

Vivint customers are able to pay for their solar system outright with cash or through a Vivint-financed solar loan, PPA or lease.

Vivint’s finance programs are often long-term contracts that include annual price increases to the payments agreed upon in the terms of your contract. Vivint representatives state this increase is to accommodate for utility cost inflation. The price increase is currently set at 2.9 percent annually, according to Best Company.

Solar Purchase

No monthly payment to Vivint Solar Maintenance options available Product & workmanship warranty** Benefit from tax credits and incentives

Solar Loan

Low monthly payment to financing partner Maintenance options available Product & workmanship warranty** No upfront cost, benefit from tax credits and incentives

Solar PPA

Low monthly payment to Vivint Solar Maintenance Included Product & workmanship warranty** No upfront cost, potential to save on your utility rate

Solar Lease

Low monthly payment to Vivint Solar Maintenance Included Product & workmanship warranty** No upfront cost, potential to save on your utility rate

Solar Panels & Equipment

Vivint uses industry-standard black-on-black monocrystalline panels. The company also provides customers with the option of a microinverter or a string inverter.

When your contract with Vivint ends, PPA and lease customers can renew the contract for an additional five years or purchase the system at market price. Customers who are no longer interested in having solar panels can get Vivint to remove the system for free.

Panel Size and Configuration

Vivint can install solar panels on most roofs that are in good condition. The average panel Vivint uses weighs 40 pounds and is 65 x 40 x 1.5 inches large.

In our research, we didn’t uncover any specific configuration requirements or limitations.

Solar Panel Warranty

Vivint’s warranty guarantees the installation is free from material defects for 10 years. The company also states the solar panels carry a 25-year linear performance warranty, and solar inverters carry the minimum 10-year manufacturers' warranties.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

As with most solar panel installers, you as the homeowner are responsible for any routine maintenance, such as cleaning the solar panels.

Any post-installation issues should be directed toward a Vivint representative.

Interested in Vivint?

Do you think solar energy is a great fit for your home? Give us a call or request a quote and our team will provide you with an honest assessment so you can save energy and money.

If you’d like to explore more solar power companies before making a decision, read our review of the top solar companies in 2019.

Solar Power Authority’s reviews are written based on our research and conversations with solar power companies. However, we are unable to test the company’s solar system units ourselves. We recommend you perform additional independent research before signing a contract. Read our disclaimer to learn more about our review process.

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