Is Sunrun Legit?

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 20 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

In addition to selling residential solar panel systems, Sunrun offers a subscription plan. With this option, Sunrun maintains ownership of the solar equipment and charges customers a predictable monthly leasing fee. Whether you buy or lease solar panels from Sunrun, you’ll receive a 25-year warranty on the equipment, which covers the cost of repairs or replacements, and 24/7 system monitoring.

» MORE: Sunrun equipment, services and costs

What Sunrun customers say

We’ve heard from almost 4,000 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’m extremely happy with Sunrun. The installation team was professional, efficient, and respectful from start to finish. They showed up on time, kept the work area clean, and clearly explained each step of the process. The roof solar installation was done with great attention to detail, and the electrical work was outstanding, everything was neat, safe, and well organized. The system looks great and performs exactly as expected. Overall, a smooth, hassle-free experience. Highly recommend.” — Valentin in California
• “I've been quite happy with Sunrun. They were the one that offered a plan that looked good to us. Our transition to solar was easy. Dealing with the town was probably the most time-consuming thing. The installation was very good. They did a good job, and they cleaned up. The inspector had them do one thing. Everybody that I dealt with along the installation has been great.” — Eric in Massachusetts
• “...I was looking for a solar system for my house. I walked into Costco and saw Sunrun's stand there. I got to talk to the salesperson then I compared them to other companies and looked at their reviews…The system turned on like they instructed me and my electric bills have gone down significantly…the price I paid for getting the solar panels was reasonable. If they'd given it to me cheaper, I would have been happier. But they weren't more expensive or cheaper than others.” — M. in California
• “Had our system for about two years. The inverter went out in October 2025. Ended up paying around $400 to $500 per month instead of around $50 in addition to the lease payment of $192 per month. Got the runaround; appointments were scheduled and then rescheduled 4 months away. Finally, in March of 2026, the inverter got replaced, and the system was running fine. I requested compensation for the 5 months that the system was down, and they offered "maximum of $500." I was appalled at their offer, so I declined the offer. Lousy service.” — Rey in Hawaii

» MORE: Sunrun customer reviews

Bottom line: Is Sunrun a scam?

No, Sunrun is not a scam. Sunrun is a licensed and legitimate solar installation company offering a variety of products and services. 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.

That being said, 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 notable case accuses Sunrun of tricking an elderly Spanish-speaking man into a long contract and installing faulty solar panels without his consent. The latter case was resolved in favor of the consumer. The former case has not yet been resolved as of publishing.

You should properly research and vet any solar panel company before signing a contract. Even a legitimate company may sometimes use misleading sales tactics or promises of “free solar panels.” You should also be mindful of solar scams, including scammers contacting you claiming to be a representative of a company like Sunrun.

» MORE: How much do solar panels cost in 2026?

FAQ

Compare Sunrun to other solar companies