Blue Raven Solar vs Vivint Solar
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top solar panel companies picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
Blue Raven Solar
Ranked #5 of 15 in this directory
Fast-growing solar installer with unique financing options
Vivint Solar
Ranked #4 of 15 in this directory
Smart home integrated solar from the Vivint ecosystem
Our pick: Vivint Solar. Our editors rank Vivint Solar higher overall in Solar Panel Companies — but Blue Raven Solar can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Blue Raven Solar | Vivint Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Residential Install | Residential Install |
| Editorial rank | #5 of 15 | #4 of 15 |
Strengths
Blue Raven Solar
- ✓BluePower Plus+ financing offers 18 months of free solar energy
- ✓No upfront costs or down payment required
- ✓Handles entire process from permit to installation
- ✓Fast installation timelines compared to many competitors
Vivint Solar
- ✓Seamless integration with Vivint smart home security systems
- ✓Multiple financing options including no-money-down lease
- ✓Professional installation with dedicated project management
- ✓Energy monitoring through Vivint smart home platform
- ✓Now backed by Sunrun's scale and resources
Watch out for
Blue Raven Solar
- !Not available in all states
- !Financing terms may result in higher total cost long-term
- !Panel brand options may be more limited than independent installers
Vivint Solar
- !Availability limited to Sunrun service areas post-merger
- !Long-term lease commitments can be difficult to exit
- !Pricing may not be as competitive as independent installers
- !Equipment choices may be limited compared to custom solar companies
Best use cases
Blue Raven Solar
- →Homeowners who want immediate savings with deferred payments
- →Customers seeking a hassle-free solar installation experience
- →First-time solar buyers attracted to the no-money-down model
Vivint Solar
- →Vivint smart home customers wanting to add solar to their ecosystem
- →Homeowners interested in a connected smart home and energy platform
- →Customers wanting professional installation with lease financing
About each tool
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar has grown rapidly by offering a unique financing program called BluePower Plus+ that lets homeowners go solar with no upfront costs and enjoy 18 months of free solar energy before payments begin. The company handles the entire process from design to installation and monitoring.
Vivint Solar
Vivint Solar, now part of Sunrun, offers solar installations that integrate with the broader Vivint smart home ecosystem. The company provides lease, PPA, and purchase options with a focus on creating a connected energy-aware home. Existing Vivint smart home customers benefit from a unified platform experience.
Still deciding? Browse all 15 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
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