Sunrun

Sunrun estimated the number of panels that they'd put up based on my usage. San Diego Gas & Electric is my utility provider and since I'm on net metering, they send me a little summary of my weekly use. I didn't get the solar system installed until October and then right away, we had a real rainy November and December. So, I didn't really get that much benefit out of it. I ended up paying about a $290 bill when I trued-up in November. Then this year, I started the same way so I just went ahead and paid the $200 bill. But right now, I am even and it looks like I'll probably actually get a little money back this year as opposed to a $1,000 electric bill in August. I've been very happy about that.

However, a new panel has to be approved by them. Also, initially, they had given me a 20-year warranty on the roof and 20 years on the sun panels then they said they'd give me 20 years on the solar panels but only 10 years on the roof. Once you put this thing on top, there are holes that will be created. But I think I won't have a problem because I went up one time to see and everything looks very professional.

Their customer service is somewhat okay. Sometimes, it takes them longer to get things done and sometimes they don't do what they say. They told me that if I give them new customers, they'll give $350 to me and $350 to the new customer. I gave them couple of names. They both got Sunrun, but Sunrun did not give any money to me or them. Also, the sales staff talk a little bit more than what they can deliver and they keep on changing. They have 100 emails with me. Who has got the time to read all that? Also, the documents are so complicated. If they are somewhat easier, then it will be a lot better.

Everybody should get a solar panel so we are cutting down the carbon footprint. We use green power. That's the best way to do it. In my subdivision, there are several people who are thinking about getting it. They talked to me and asked, "Are you happy? It's a year now." I told them I'm happy. My bill has gone down substantially. Last month, it was only $7. In January when there was not much sun, it was $64. That is a difference.

My only complaint is that when it was presented to me with the battery backup that I had to pick four circuits for it, I didn't pick the right ones because I wasn't aware of a couple things about how my house worked. For instance, I have a tankless water heater and it didn't occur to me to put that on as the backup. And now, I don't have hot water when there's a power outage. I talked to them but it can't be changed. That was pretty disappointing. Maybe I should have been given more time to think about it, or needed some more information. That's my biggest complaint. Also, at that time which was a year ago, the Tesla Powerwall wasn't an option. Now it is, and I'm also disappointed about that. But at the time when I did it, I thought that this would be enough capacity.

Also, I was asked at the time if I would ever add an electric car. At the time, I said no. And since then, I bought one, a Tesla, and I thought the system would be a little more nimble if I wanted to add more capacity, but apparently it's a bigger deal. I can't blame Sunrun for those because I didn't think it through well enough. But so far, I'm okay.

At the time it was installed, it was done well and quickly, that it corresponded to what I expected. They even fixed, free of charge, the roof on which the solar panels were going. Then, we had a trying experience that made it possible for me to appreciate their after-installation service much more. About two weeks after the installation was operational, the house got hit by a thunderstorm and it caused several damages to the house. I was lucky there was no fire, but we discovered that four out of the 14 panels had been burnt by the strike. They were the ones that noticed it because they constantly monitor my output to make sure the installation is working well which is something very unusual. They alerted me that I was not producing what was expected and they sent a crew who identified the issue, ordered new panels, and came later on to replace those panels. They were really, really beyond the call of duty.

Also, now that I have used my financial credit, I pay the connection fee to Vermont Electric, but I am not paying any kilowatts because I am manufacturing enough and I get a credit that can be used in bad months this winter. Financially speaking, it is a real benefit. And I noticed with such amusement that since I had my solar panel installed, two other houses in my neighborhood decided it was the right thing to do. It is kind of satisfying.

All in all, everything was a smooth process and it wasn’t a pressure situation. Everything worked according to clockwork. In the long term, it’s going to be a great benefit to me as far as the savings are concerned. From where I live, my energy bill is high in the summertime and I was able to see savings on my electricity bill. Plus, the energy is green.

I called customer service and was told that someone would call but they did not. I called back again and they said that it would be 30 days before a technician can come out. This is a brand newly installed solar system that does not work properly. Sunrun is not providing any assistance, care or urgency to correct the issue of installing defective panels and powerwall batteries that don't perform or operate.

Called sunrun. They are saying it performing ok. Not to mention that our inverter light has been off for over a year, send pictures to sunrun, nothing has been done. This is outrageous. We spend big chunk of money to get the system and now we owe over $1600 to Edison beside monthly payment of $100 that we have been making to Edison. Scam company. Do not trust them.

Month nine I call back, they apologize and say someone will get back to me. A few weeks later I get an email basically saying they reviewed my account and I'm using more energy than I'm producing. That's it. Company is a joke. The panels do not put out anything near what the contract says I should expect. I called back again to get another review of my account in 2021. They see the previous notes in the call and this time they assure me a manager will be in contact within 48 hours. It's been a month, still nothing. Save yourself money and aggravation. Their panels are mediocre on a good day, service is atrocious. Once you sign on the dotted line, they own you. I would absolutely never use them again or recommend them to anyone.

We sent a demand letter indicating we needed to remove the panels and install a new roof as the current roof is a health hazard and leaking. My mother is elderly and should not have been taken advantage in this manner. She told the rep she needed a new roof prior to install but they preyed upon her age and installed anyway and now they will not respond to her demand letter to remove the panels to install the needed new roof. STAY AWAY FROM ANY PPA from SUNRUN. They are a predatory company that will not respond to your requests after install. We have been assigned a case manager tier escalator that is non responsive.