Sunrun trounces Tesla in Q1 solar installations

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Sunrun overtook Tesla as leading US residential PV installer (public listed) in the second quarter of 2018. The seasonally weak first quarter played its part with both competitors as Sunrun’s deployments fell from 115MW to 86MW but a fraction higher than previously guidance of 83MW to 85MW. Image: Sunrun

Leading US residential PV installer, Sunrun reported deployments of 86MW in the first quarter of 2019, a 27% year-over-year increase that was in stark contrast with former leading installer, Tesla that recently reported deployments of 47MW for the same quarter.

Sunrun overtook Tesla as leading US residential PV installer (public listed) in the second quarter of 2018. The seasonally weak first quarter played its part with both competitors as Sunrun’s deployments fell from 115MW to 86MW but a fraction higher than previously guidance of 83MW to 85MW.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Sunrun reported deployments of 86MW in the first quarter of 2019, a 27% year-over-year increase that was in stark contrast with former leading installer, Tesla that recently reported deployments of 47MW for the same quarter.

As a result, revenue in the reporting quarter was US$194.5 million, up US$50.1 million, or 35% from the first quarter of 2018 but significantly lower than the US$240.1 million record set in the previous quarter.

Sunrun reported first quarter 2019 revenue of US$194.5 million.

Lynn Jurich, Sunrun’s Chief Executive Officer and co-founder said, “Sunrun is proud of our 242,000 customers who are helping to create a resilient and decarbonized energy system. We exceeded our deployment guidance in Q1 and are raising our margin target for the full year. At the same time, we are investing in a superior experience for our customers and advanced services that will build our future energy system.”

Sunrun reported that its total cost of revenue was US$147.3 million in the quarter, an increase of 24% year-over-year. Total operating expenses were US$238.7 million, an increase of 19% year-over-year.

Net loss attributable to common stockholders was US$13.9 million in the first quarter of 2019.

Guidance

Sunrun said that it expect deployments in the second quarter of 2019, to be in the range of 102MW to 104 MW. This compares to prior year quarter deployments of 91MW. 

Deployments for the full-year were reiterated to be in the range of a 16 to 18% increase from the prior year, or 434MW to 441MW. 

16 June 2026
Napa, USA
PV Tech has been running PV ModuleTech Conferences since 2017. PV ModuleTech USA, on 16-17 June 2026, will be our fifth PV ModulelTech conference dedicated to the U.S. utility scale solar sector. The event will gather the key stakeholders from solar developers, solar asset owners and investors, PV manufacturing, policy-making and and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out the PV module supply channels to the U.S. out to 2028 and beyond.
13 October 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 13-14 October 2026 is our fourth PV CellTech conference dedicated to solar manufacturing in the USA. From polysilicon, wafers, ingots, cells and modules, to critical component suppliers including glass and frames, the event connects every stage of the value chain under one roof. PV CellTech USA also brings together investors, innovators, manufacturers and industry stakeholders to collaborate and strengthen domestic solar manufacturing across the United States.

Read Next

May 26, 2026
ACME Solar has signed a 25-year PPA with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for 300MW/1,200MWh of ISTS-connected FDRE project. 
May 26, 2026
EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA), the subsidiary of Portuguese energy utility EDP, will build a 100MW solar PV project in the US for the Appalachian Power Company.
May 26, 2026
Spanish energy company Repsol has begun commercial operations at its 825MW Pinnington solar project in Texas. 
May 26, 2026
German developer Blue Elephant Energy has begun constructing a 268MW solar PV plant in Germany. Power from the project will be bought by Germany train operator, Deutsche Bahn.
May 25, 2026
Mining giant Fortescue has begun construction on the 690MW Turner River solar PV power plant in Western Australia's Pilbara region.
May 25, 2026
Australia's CIS Tender 7 has seen 19 successful projects, which will deliver 7.8GW of renewable energy generation across the NEM.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 2, 2026
Johannesburg, South Africa
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California