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 19, 2026
Michigan power utility DTE Energy has issued a tender for 1GW of new solar PV and wind power projects across the state.
May 19, 2026
Inox Clean Energy has completed the acquisition of US solar manufacturer Boviet Solar Technology in a deal valued at around US$750 million.
May 18, 2026
Naqaa Sustainable Energy has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 2.7GW hybrid renewable energy project in Mahout and Duqm, Oman.
May 18, 2026
The Vietnamese state power utility Vietnam Energy Generation Corporation 1 (EVNGENCO1) has proposed the development of 270MW of floating solar PV capacity on three hydropower reservoirs.
May 18, 2026
RUMSL has launched two solar-plus-storage projects in India designed to provide power supply during peak demand periods.
May 18, 2026
Danish IPP European Energy has started constructing a 225.5MW agrivoltaic solar PV project in Sicily, which it claims will be the “largest” such project in Italy.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
May 20, 2026
Porto, Portugal
Upcoming Webinars
May 27, 2026
9am BST / 10am CEST
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)