Is Sunrun legit?

Sunrun is a legitimate residential solar company that sells and leases customized solar panel and battery storage systems. It offers free energy consultations and quotes, and customers can get started with $0 down. Sunrun also provides a 25-year warranty on installed equipment. Over the last two years, most customers have reported satisfaction, especially in areas related to cost savings, technician quality and system maintenance.

What is Sunrun?

Sunrun is a solar energy company that installs, finances and maintains residential solar panel systems. It also offers energy storage and grid support services. The company was founded in 2007 in San Francisco, California, and now operates in 17 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

» MORE: Sunrun equipment, services and costs

What Sunrun customers say

We’ve heard from more than 3,000 verified Sunrun customers. While experiences vary, the majority say they’re satisfied with the company’s products and services.

Many reviewers highlight smooth installations, strong system performance and noticeable savings on energy bills. Steven in California told us, “Everything was done fast. …I really appreciate being able to go online to check how much power we're producing, especially on cloudy days.” Similarly, Jeff in New York noted that his winter electric bill dropped to $0.

However, not all feedback is positive. Some customers report poor communication, delays and confusing contract terms. Stacie in Texas, for instance, said they felt pressured into a 20-year contract and misled about expected energy coverage. A reviewer in Massachusetts described their experience as a “legit safety concern.”

These types of complaints are common throughout the solar energy industry and are not especially unique to Sunrun. As Timothy in New York put it: “I believe some [negative reviews] are very legitimate. Yet common sense tells me many others are just a means for people who like to complain.”

Recent Sunrun reviews

• “I decided to go with Sunrun because they offered a solar panel setup at no upfront cost to me. Instead of purchasing the panels, I chose to lease them for 20 years, which was appealing since I don’t have to worry about maintenance or ownership responsibilities. … Overall, I am very satisfied with my Sunrun experience.” — Ronald in Illinois
• “We had a Sunrun representative come over and he explained everything about Sunrun. The enrollment process was fairly easy. However, the communication seemed like it was internal to their process. … But we got through it. Their app is wonderful too. It explains everything and it's easy to understand.” — Sallie in New Jersey
• “Sunrun approached me with an offer stating that everything would be free. However, after the first month, I received a bill, which was somewhat unexpected because it was buried in the fine print. … In terms of recommending Sunrun, it's a mixed opinion for me. If you don't consume much electricity, their service might work for you, but for me, the changes in billing have been a bit frustrating as they slowly increase their charges.” — Riaz in Illinois
• “I have been satisfied with my experience with Sunrun thus far. I've been quite impressed. The delight in utilizing solar energy stems from a desire for sustainable power without the downside of waste products like discarded wind turbines. The solar panels have met my expectations and more.” — Lon in Arizona

» MORE: Sunrun customer reviews

Bottom line: Is Sunrun a scam?

No, Sunrun is not a scam. Solar energy's financial benefits depend on where you live and how much energy your household consumes. With that in mind, Sunrun may not be the right choice for you, but its products and services are not a scam.

However, the company has faced some legal challenges. In 2024, the state of Connecticut filed a lawsuit against Sunrun and other solar companies, alleging deceptive and unfair sales practices. Another active case accuses Sunrun of tricking an elderly Spanish-speaking man into a long contract and installing faulty solar panels without his consent. As of publishing, neither lawsuit has been resolved.

» MORE: How much do solar panels cost in 2025?

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