What Vivint Solar Offers
Vivint Solar is a residential solar company that installs rooftop solar panel systems on homes and handles the maintenance and monitoring of those systems. The company designs a custom system for your roof, handles permitting and installation, and then monitors the system remotely to catch problems early. You do not own the panels outright — instead, you enter into a long-term agreement where Vivint Solar owns and maintains the equipment while you buy the electricity it produces at a fixed rate.
The company operates in select states across the United States. Vivint Solar was acquired by Sunrun in 2020, so if you sign a contract with Vivint Solar today, Sunrun manages your account and service going forward. This matters because it affects who you contact for support and which terms explore to your agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Vivint Solar installs and owns the solar panels on your roof; you purchase the electricity they produce under a long-term contract, typically 20 to 25 years.
- You pay a fixed monthly rate for the solar electricity, which protects you from rising utility rates but locks you into that price for the contract term.
- Vivint Solar handles all maintenance, repairs, and system monitoring at no extra cost to you.
- Sunrun now manages Vivint Solar accounts, so your billing and service requests go through Sunrun after the initial installation.
- The company operates in certain states only; you can check their website or call to confirm service availability at your address.
How the Payment Structure Works
Vivint Solar uses a power purchase agreement (PPA), which means you do not buy the solar panels — you buy the electricity they generate. Each month, you receive a bill for the power your system produced, charged at a rate per kilowatt-hour that Vivint Solar sets at the start of your contract. That rate typically stays the same for the entire contract term, which is usually 20 to 25 years.
The fixed rate protects you from utility rate increases, but it also means your solar bill does not drop if electricity prices fall. You pay only for the power the system actually produces, so on cloudy days or during winter months when production is lower, your bill is lower. If your system produces more power than you use in a given month, most contracts allow you to carry that credit forward or, in some cases, receive a payment from the utility.
There is typically no money down to start service, though some customers choose to pay upfront to reduce their monthly costs. Vivint Solar may also offer a lease option in some areas, where you pay a fixed monthly lease payment regardless of how much power the system produces — this shifts the production risk to you but can be simpler to budget.
What Happens During Installation
Once you sign a contract, Vivint Solar handles the permitting process with your local government and utility company. This step can take several weeks. The company will inspect your roof to confirm it can support the panels and that the electrical connections are safe.
On installation day, a crew mounts the panels to your roof, runs wiring through your home, and connects the system to an inverter (a device that converts the solar power into electricity your home can use). The crew also installs a monitoring device so Vivint Solar can track the system's performance remotely. The entire installation typically takes one to three days, depending on your system size.
After installation, a local inspector from your city or county must approve the system before it can operate. Vivint Solar coordinates this inspection. Once approved, the utility company activates your system, and you begin receiving solar power.
Maintenance and Monitoring
Vivint Solar monitors your system 24/7 through remote sensors. If a panel stops working or performance drops, the company's monitoring team is alerted and can often diagnose the problem without visiting your home. If a technician visit is needed, Vivint Solar sends one at no cost to you — repairs and maintenance are included in your agreement.
You are responsible for keeping the panels reasonably clean (heavy snow or debris can reduce output), but Vivint Solar handles all repairs, inverter replacements, and electrical work. If a panel fails during the contract term, Vivint Solar replaces it. This is one of the main advantages of the PPA model: you do not pay for unexpected repairs.
Contract Terms and What to Know Before Signing
Vivint Solar contracts are typically 20 to 25 years long. This is a significant commitment, so understand what happens if you want to move, sell your home, or end the agreement early. Most contracts allow you to transfer the agreement to a new homeowner if you sell, but the buyer must be approved by Vivint Solar (now Sunrun). If the buyer does not want to assume the contract, you may be responsible for paying off the remaining balance or removing the panels.
Some contracts include an early termination fee if you cancel before the term ends. Read the contract carefully to understand this cost. A few contracts allow you to buy out the system at a set price after a certain number of years, which can be useful if you want to own the panels outright later.
Check whether your state and local area offer tax credits or rebates for solar installation. Vivint Solar can tell you what incentives are available, but you should also contact your state's energy office or visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) to confirm. These incentives can reduce your upfront costs or monthly payments.
How Vivint Solar Compares to Other Installation Models
There are three main ways to get solar panels: buy them outright, lease them, or use a power purchase agreement. Vivint Solar uses the PPA model, which falls between the other two. If you buy panels outright, you own them, get all the tax credits, and keep all the savings — but you pay the full cost upfront and handle repairs yourself. If you lease, you pay a fixed monthly fee regardless of production, which is simpler to budget but means you do not benefit if your system produces extra power.
With Vivint Solar's PPA, you pay only for power you use, maintenance is included, and you avoid the large upfront cost. The trade-off is that you do not own the panels, you do not get the federal tax credit (Vivint Solar does), and you are locked into a long-term contract. For homeowners who want low upfront costs and predictable monthly bills without the responsibility of ownership, the PPA model works well.
Contacting Vivint Solar and Getting More Information
You can reach Vivint Solar through their website to request a quote or check service availability in your area. The company will ask for your address and recent utility bill to estimate how much solar power your roof can generate and what your monthly costs might be. This estimate is free and does not commit you to anything.
If you have questions about an existing Vivint Solar account, contact Sunrun (which now manages all Vivint Solar customers) through their website or phone line. Have your account number or service address ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I move before my contract ends?
You can transfer the contract to the new homeowner if they are approved by Vivint Solar (now Sunrun). If they decline, you may owe a buyout fee or be responsible for removing the panels. Review your contract to understand the exact terms and costs.
Do I get the federal solar tax credit with Vivint Solar?
No. Because Vivint Solar owns the panels, the company claims the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), not you. This is reflected in the rate you pay for electricity — Vivint Solar passes some of the tax benefit to you through a lower per-kilowatt-hour price.
What happens if my roof needs repairs?
If you need roof work, contact Vivint Solar (or Sunrun) before the work begins. The company can remove and reinstall the panels, though you may be charged for this service. Discuss costs upfront with both your roofer and Vivint Solar to avoid surprises.
Can I cancel my contract early?
Most contracts allow cancellation, but you will owe an early termination fee. The amount depends on how many years remain on your contract. Some agreements let you buy out the system at a set price instead of paying a termination fee — check your contract for this option.
How much can I save with Vivint Solar?
Savings depend on your current electricity rates, how much sun your roof gets, and the rate Vivint Solar quotes you. The company provides an estimate before you sign, showing projected monthly costs and long-term savings compared to your current utility bill. Compare this estimate to quotes from other solar companies before deciding.