A home solar system works through the combination of the six following elements: 

1. Solar Panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).

2. Inverter: The inverter converts energy into alternating current electricity (AC), which is what your appliances and devices use.

3. Electrical Panel (already at your home): Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home.

4. Sunrun Meter: Solar production and usage are measured and monitored by your Sunrun meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.

5. Battery: When solar energy is generated and not immediately used, it can be stored in a solar battery for evening use or during outages. 

6. Utility Meter (already at your home): When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter, and nighttime, you may still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Whenever you send any extra solar energy to the grid, this meter will run “backwards” logging how much energy you exported.

The sun rises every day providing abundant energy that often goes uncaptured. With a home solar and battery system you can generate energy right from your roof that can power your home during the day, be stored in a battery for use at night or in outages, and reduce your reliance on the utility grid. 

Unlike those from your utility, Sunrun customers pay predictable, affordable rates for the lifetime of their contracts. This set up provides peace of mind for your home expense and energy security for the unexpected storms and outages you may experience. With home solar, you get to control your energy future with the power of the sun.

Every household is different. When determining the number of solar panels your home needs, consider the following questions:

How much power do I need? Check your electric bills to see how many kilowatt hours (kWhs) you use throughout the year. Also consider if your energy needs are going to change in the future due to a growing family, appliance upgrades, purchasing an EV, etc. We’ll go over this with you in detail during your complimentary solar consultation to figure out just how much power your panels will need to produce.

What’s your climate like? The number of panels you need depends on how many sunny days you get and how much sun reaches the ground where you live. We can determine how much energy each panel will produce in a year based on your geographical location and home orientation.

How much direct sun hits your roof? Shading, which direction your roof faces, and any aesthetic preferences you have can impact how big your system needs to be.

At Sunrun, we have proprietary solar design technology to help us create a customized system that maximizes energy production by taking into account all the factors mentioned above.

A lot of things affect how well-suited your home is for solar and battery storage, including your home’s geographic location, the angle of your roof, how much shade it gets throughout the day, and how old your home is.

Sunrun consultants can help you determine if your home is a good fit for solar and battery backup at the moment. They’ll run a custom analysis of your home based on your previous energy usage, your future energy needs, and taking into account all the physical elements that affect how much sun your roof receives through the seasons. Call (833) 324-5886 today for a free, no obligation consultation.

Your historical electricity usage allows us to design a custom solar system that is the right size for your home.

Electricity usage varies from person to person and from season to season. That’s why we request a full year of your electricity bills so we can build a system that’s right for you.

Your sales consultant is trained to review a year’s worth of usage data so we can get the full picture. Energy usage can change with the seasons so we look at 12 months of data to best understand your home’s usage patterns and needs.

Leasing and buying solar panels come with their own unique advantages.

Purchasing solar generally requires upfront investment which can make it cost-prohibitive for many. That’s why Sunrun offers stress-free solar leasing so you can switch to solar for as little as $0 down. When you lease solar panels or pay for power through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), you are only responsible for a locked-in monthly payment. Since Sunrun owns the system when it is leased, we’ll also provide top-notch monitoring and maintenance during the length of your agreement, all included. That means abundant, worry-free energy. And if anything breaks, we’ll fix it.

We also know that some people want to own their equipment which is why Sunrun also gives you the option to buy your solar panels. When you own your solar system, you own your production and all the benefits that come with solar investment. That means any available solar incentives like state solar rebates will go directly to you. However, you’ll be responsible for any repairs and maintenance your solar system needs outside the scope of your solar system’s warranty.

To learn more about which solar plan is right for you, get connected with a Sunrun Consultant today at (833) 324-5886.

Knowing there had to be a more affordable way to bring solar energy to the people, we pioneered solar leasing and power purchase agreements, or PPAs. So instead of purchasing a system outright, we offer additional options that require little to zero upfront costs.

The difference between a solar lease and solar PPA is simple: With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly “rent” in return for use of the system. With a PPA you pay a fixed price per kWh for power generated. We’ll help you determine which option is available for you based on where you live. So now that you know what a solar lease and PPA is, you’re probably wondering why it might not make sense to buy a home solar system outright. Here are a few reasons why:

Get started for as little as $0 down: Skip the hassle of ownership. Sunrun will handle installation, maintenance, monitoring, and insurance for the life of the agreement.

Rain or shine, we guarantee solar system performance: If the system doesn’t produce the electricity we promised - for any reason - you’ll receive a refund for the difference as outlined in your Sunrun agreement. If the system overproduces, you keep the excess power.

Sell your home with ease: Sunrun has a team of service transfer experts and we guarantee a seamless agreement transfer to the new buyer.

Flexible financing options: You can choose between monthly payment or get the lowest possible rate with a prepaid option that keeps all the benefits of a PPA or lease while eliminating a monthly bill from Sunrun.

Yes. Qualifying Sunrun customers can take control of their long-term electricity costs for as little as $0 down with a Sunrun Solar Subscription. The benefits of solar are rolled up into a low, predictable monthly rate for solar power and battery storage that minimizes the energy you receive from the grid while also protecting you from outages.

With a solar power purchase agreement, or PPA, you pay for the power, not the panels. The amount you pay is based on a per kilowatt-hour rate for the electricity produced by your solar panels.

With a prepaid Sunrun Subscription Plan, you can go solar with just one, up front payment that covers 25 years worth of solar power and battery backup. With a prepaid option we’ll also still actively monitor and maintain your solar equipment over the life of your agreement.

Every solar system we design is custom to the current and future needs of the household. We do this by getting a copy of your utility bill and reviewing your 12-month historical usage. After looking at your past energy usage we discuss with you any future energy changes whether that be adding a hot tub, charging an EV at home, or growing your family. Taking into account both your past and future we are able to use advanced software to estimate where your solar panels should be placed to get the right amount of solar panel production each year and how many home batteries we recommend.

Once that’s complete, we may have a technician come view your roof, attic, home structure, electrical panels, and any other information that our solar system design team may need. Our solar system design team then takes all the data we’ve collected and uses it to design a customized solar energy system for your home.

Here’s a breakdown of what that looks like:

1. Collect historical energy data

2. Discuss future energy changes to estimate the right system size 

3. As needed, visit your home and review available roof space, attic, electrical panel, direction of home, roof tilt, azimuth, etc.

4. Verify home measurements and create customized solar system design.

5. Go over the final design with you, so you know what your system layout will look like and how much electricity you will be receiving from solar.

If you want to learn about the efficiency of your panels or review what the equipment will look like for your specific home, talk to a Sunrun consultant.

While we aren’t able to add solar panels to existing home solar systems, we can add a second system to your home under a separate agreement. This allows you to still receive more solar energy for your home with the addition of more equipment and panels. If you’re interested, please talk to a Sunrun consultant or with our Customer Engagement team.

The vast majority of modern solar panels are made from silicon, a highly durable element that converts sunlight into electricity via photovoltaic (PV) cells. Most residential systems use monocrystalline silicon, which is crafted from a single, high-quality crystal structure similar to the tech found in computer chips. These panels are typically dark black and feature "clipped" corners to help electrons flow more efficiently. Their uniform structure makes them the most efficient and space-saving option for your roof.

You may also encounter polycrystalline panels, which are made by melting multiple silicon crystals together. These are recognizable by their blue tint and "shimmering" appearance, though they are generally less efficient because the gaps between crystals can trap electrons. At Sunrun, we prioritize high-efficiency, monocrystalline panels which also have superior aesthetics. We often utilize PERC technology, which adds a specialized layer to the back of the solar cell to capture more light and boost total energy production.

Your system design is located in your Sunrun agreement, which you can find under the “Contracts & Docs” section in the Sunrun App or when logged into Sunrun.com. If your agreement is not available in the Sunrun app, you will be able to request a copy from our Customer Engagement team via live chat in the app or by calling 1-855-478-6786.

With a lease or PPA plan, Sunrun takes complete care of your solar system, which includes making any necessary repairs or replacements to the equipment over the course of your agreement.

If you have reason to believe the solar system is damaged or not working as expected, please let us know by logging into the Sunrun app and navigating to Support where you can chat with an agent.

Once we finalize your system design and have all of the necessary approvals, it will be time to install the solar panels on your roof.

Our local installation crews are experienced and efficient. A lot of times, they can complete installations in one day. Here's what a typical installation day looks like:

Step 1: Crew arrival and preparation

First things first. We introduce ourselves and map out where we’ll be working and parking our vehicles.

Step 2: Review system design and equipment location

Your foreman will review the plans with you and confirm the equipment and where it will go.

Step 3: System installation

The crew will install the solar panels and wiring on your roof, while the foreman installs your inverter, battery, and other electrical equipment.

Step 4: Crew clean up

We clean up as construction winds down to make sure we leave your property exactly as we found it.

Step 5: Final walk-through

Once installation is complete, your foreman will explain how your new home solar system works and how to power it on when the time comes.

Since Sunrun home solar systems are roof-mounted, we drill holes in the roof to anchor the racking equipment for the panels during installation. All our roof penetrations are made watertight and are guaranteed by a workmanship warranty. 

One little known benefit, once the solar panels are on your roof, they can protect the underlying sections from normal weathering and increase its longevity.

Each home is different, and the equipment we install can vary from house to house. In general, here’s what you can expect.

1. Solar panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity (DC).

2. Inverter: Your inverter tells energy where to flow and converts it into alternating current electricity (AC), so it can be used in your home.

3. Home battery: For those who choose to get a home battery(ies), solar energy that is generated and not immediately used  can be stored in a battery for evening use or during outages. 

4. Sunrun meter: Solar production is measured and monitored by your Sunrun meter so we can make sure your system is producing as much energy as possible.

There are also a few pieces of equipment that you already have at your home that are connected to the solar system.

5. Main electrical panel: Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home. You probably know it by its other name, "Fuse Box."

6. Utility meter: When the sun is shining, you may get all of your energy from solar, but due to things like weather, winter and nighttime, you will still have to buy some energy the old-fashioned way. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.

The process of having the solar system installed on your roof can be relatively quick — many Sunrun installations are completed in one day.

Before our crew comes to your house, it takes several weeks to prepare your project so that you have the smoothest installation day possible. Whenever possible, we’ll do the work for you, and we’ll keep you updated along the way. Here’s what we’ll do:

• Conduct a site survey to look at your roof, attic and electrical panel

• Finalize your custom design

• Apply for permits and wait for approval

• Collect other necessary approvals and documentation that is specific to your neighborhood (such as HOA approval)

When it comes time to install the system, we’ll let you know how long the construction process will take for your home and what you can do to prepare.

All homeowners associations (HOAs) are different. It’s a good idea to reach out to your HOA to find out about their solar approval process. Let your sales rep and CX Install Expert know, and they’ll help you take care of as much of the paperwork as possible.

Yes, they can. Anything blocking your solar panels has the potential to decrease their efficiency. Aside from the weather, this can include shade from nearby trees, fallen branches, or debris.

Your safety will always be our number one priority. You must keep your trees trimmed so they are not blocking the sun from shining on your panels.

Once your system is activated, you can track your energy production on the Sunrun app or when you log in to Sunrun.com. The number next to kWh on the home screen indicates that your solar system is on and producing solar power. In the “Charts” section you can also view your annual solar production to see if it is performing as predicted with the changing seasons. If production is at or above the green “Target Zone” then your system is doing just great. 

If you lease a system from us, purchase electricity under a PPA, or own your system and have chosen the Protection Plus program, you also get the benefit of Sunrun's monitoring team who keep a close eye on the system to make sure it is producing as expected.

While a more manual process, you can also read your inverter display to see your production data or troubleshoot your solar system if necessary. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. For customers with solar or service subscriptions, we have a team in charge of monitoring your solar production for anything out of the ordinary, so we can identify issues and provide solutions before you even notice a problem.

While solar production fluctuates with the weather, your system is designed with your local climate in mind. Cloud cover and rain naturally reduce sunlight exposure, leading to lower daily output; however, rain provides a helpful panel cleaning by washing away some dust or build up on the panels. Interestingly, cold temperatures actually improve solar efficiency, as panels perform better when they aren’t losing energy to extreme heat.

Snow, ash, and hail are rarely long-term issues. Most panels are built to withstand heavy weight and high-impact hail. Snow typically melts or slides off on its own, and a few days of low production won’t significantly impact your annual savings. While occasional rainy weather helps, we recommend an annual professional cleaning to remove stubborn grime, bird droppings, or heavy pollen, ensuring your system operates at its optimal level year-round.

In the event of extreme weather like hurricanes or fires, your system is protected by high-standard installation and comprehensive warranty options. While severe storms carry risks, our experts design your array to be as resilient as possible. You can always monitor your system's real-time performance through your Sunrun app or when logged into Sunrun.com to ensure everything is functioning correctly after a storm. And remember, with a Sunrun subscription plan, if weather or other conditions do cause a significant decrease in your predicted product, with our Performance Guarantee you’ll be compensated every few years for unmet production as outlined in your Sunrun agreement.

Solar production is seasonal, peaking in the summer and dipping in the winter. During the summer, longer days and a higher sun angle provide maximum exposure, often allowing you to generate more energy than you consume. You can maximize this excess solar energy by storing it in a home battery or sending it back to the grid for net metering credits, which help offset utility costs when production is lower.

In the winter, shorter days and a lower sun position result in less energy generation. However, your system is custom-designed to account for these fluctuations. If your utility offers net metering, the credits you banked during the sunnier summer months can be applied to your winter bills, balancing your energy expenses throughout the year.

Because seasonal production varies, we strongly recommend reviewing your utility’s specific solar plan. Understanding how they credit your excess energy will help you manage your habits and determine if a home battery is the right investment to keep your energy budget where you want it, year-round.

Yes, we provide proactive monitoring for homeowners with a Sunrun subscription plan. With an entire team dedicated to keeping an eye on your system and advanced AI technology you’ll be notified before you even know there’s an issue with your system. This is how it works:

1. We Record Production

Among the various components of your solar system is the meter. It counts your kilowatts as they're produced and can be viewed in the Sunrun app or when logged onto Sunrun.com.

2. We Collect Your Production Data

Your meter regularly sends your production data to our monitoring team, where all production data is collected, stored, and analyzed.

3. We Evaluate Your Production

We compare your production to the estimates included in your contract to confirm that your system is working as expected. We also check the weather and other systems in your neighborhood to make sure you're harvesting just as much sunshine as your neighbors.

4. We Fix What Needs Fixing

If your system isn't working as expected, we will dive deeper to identify the issue and rectify the situation. If we cannot fix your system with remote troubleshooting, we may need to send a technician to take a look at your system in person.

Prior to getting a home solar system, our expert technicians will learn about your roof age, qualification details, and if necessary, inspect it to determine if a roof replacement should happen prior to installing solar panels.

Once you have a solar system installed, if/when you need to have your roof replaced, then you will pay Sunrun to temporarily remove the solar panels while that work is completed. To learn more about this process, start by visiting https://www.sunrun.com/roofing

Yes, your solar system will provide your home with power all year, though the amount of energy that is produced does shift with the seasons.

Summer is when solar production peaks with the longest days of the year and consistent sunshine. During winter, solar production is at its lowest due to short days and more variable weather.

We design our systems with seasonality in mind, and this seasonal fluctuation is factored into your solar production estimate.

While panel cleaning is not essential, it is recommended to keep your system performing at its peak. While rainwater typically washes away light dust, significant buildup from bird droppings, pollen, or heavy dirt can gradually reduce production efficiency. Think of it like a car windshield—while the rain helps, a thorough car wash ensures total clarity.

Guidelines for Self-cleaning: 

If you choose to clean your panels yourself, keep these three factors in mind:

• Safety First: Never climb onto your roof. Use a telescopic hose attachment or squeegee from the safety of the ground.

• Timing: Only clean panels in the early morning or evening. Spraying cold water on hot glass during midday can cause damage.

• Nature’s Help: If the forecast calls for rain, let Mother Nature do the work for you to save time and water.

A True-Up is an annual statement from your utility that reconciles all solar energy sent to the grid versus utility energy consumed over a 12-month period. If you shared more energy than you consumed, in some areas such as California, the utility may retroactively adjust the rate per kWh that you’re credited which can result in an additional charge on your 12-month bill.  

Why the bill might be higher than expected:

• Increased Usage: Adding an electric vehicle, new appliances, or more residents can push your consumption past what your system was originally designed to cover.

• Seasonal Balance: You typically build credits in the summer and use them in the winter; the True-Up settles the final "net" difference between these seasons.

• Connection Fees: Most utilities charge a small monthly fee to keep your home connected to the grid, which may be bundled into this annual total.

True-up policies vary by provider. We recommend logging into your utility’s online portal to view your usage trends or asking them about monthly payment options to avoid a single annual lump sum. For specific billing questions, your utility is the best point of contact.

Every home is different and your electricity demands are unique. Our experts are here to help you. Sunrun designs, installs, finances, insures, monitors and maintains solar home solar systems, while families receive predictable pricing for the lifetime of their contract. As the nation’s largest residential solar, battery storage and energy services company, we provide families with industry-leading service, products and financing options to be able to meet different peoples’ needs. Our solar leases offer the financial value and flexibility you deserve.

With Sunrun, you can take control of your own electricity, and not be left at the whims of your utility company with the next inevitable rate hike or power outage. Join over a million American households who have gone solar with Sunrun. Hear from our customers about why Sunrun is the best choice for home solar and battery storage.

You have a choice when it comes to solar providers. Since you’ll be working with your provider for the life of your system, you’ll want to choose an established one you can count on for the long haul. At Sunrun, we take all the guesswork out of going solar so that you don’t have to worry about the fine print or hidden fees.

Here are some key things to look for in a home solar company:

• A high volume of positive ratings and a great track record of service before, during and after installation.

• Solar companies that take care of the paperwork, inspections, and working with the city.

• Flexible payment options including solar leases and PPAs.

• An honest provider who offers a performance guarantee.

• Choose a provider with the most residential experience.

We’ll just make this easy for you and tell you that yes, our products include these services, and then some. We’re here to make going solar worry-free. That means helping you with designing your home solar system and controlling your electricity costs, and taking care of the technical details like paperwork, approvals, and installation. And when you choose our solar lease or PPA plans, your solar system comes with 24/7 monitoring, maintenance warranties, and performance guarantees.

Sunrun automatically programs your smart battery to manage energy for you, ensuring it is used when it is most economical. If your utility has Time of Use (TOU) rates, the battery will discharge during expensive peak hours so you can avoid high utility prices. While the system works to lower your costs, it always maintains a reserve charge (typically 20%) to ensure you have power ready for unexpected outages.

Backup Power During Outages: In the event of a grid failure, your battery kicks in instantly to power up to four essential breakers—usually covering the refrigerator, lights, and internet. While the battery typically provides 8–12 hours of backup, this duration depends on your usage and the time of year. Your panels will continue to recharge the battery during the day, though we recommend conserving energy during an outage to ensure the supply lasts until grid power is restored.

Maintenance and Warranty

• Subscription Customers: Sunrun monitors and manages your battery and will repair or replace it if it ever falls below warrantied performance specifications throughout the lifetime of your contract.

• Purchase Customers: Your battery is backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. If the unit degrades below warrantied levels during the 10- year period, your equipment repair or replacement will be covered.

When you sign up for a subscription plan with Sunrun, we promise that your system will produce a certain amount of energy each year or we will cover the difference. We keep our promises!*

We compare your system production to our estimates every 24 months. If your system has underperformed, you are eligible for a credit on your next Sunrun bill.

*Production guarantee applies to Monthly Lease and PPA agreements only, and production guarantee may not apply depending on where you live. See your solar agreement for details.

With a Sunrun subscription plan, you will receive a monthly bill (also known as an invoice) from Sunrun, that’s viewable on the Sunrun app, the logged in view of Sunrun.com, or via email. If you’d like a paper bill you’ll need to opt for that option and pay an additional fee.

The invoice that you receive each month will list a fixed monthly solar and battery (if applicable) charge. We take your estimated annual production in kWh, multiply it by your solar rate, and divide it by 12 so you can pay us a predictable amount each month even though your production amounts will vary with the seasons. Your bill will also list the cost per kilowatt hour ($/kWh) rate for the year along with your electricity production for the month in kWh.

Each year your Sunrun monthly bill will increase based on an escalator outlined in your Sunrun agreement. This is a predictable increase from start to finish of your Sunrun contract so you always know what to expect from your Sunrun bill. 

Generally speaking, your solar system will produce a varying number of kilowatt hours each month. In a given month, if your home uses more electricity than your system produces, your utility will provide you with an additional bill for that supplemental electricity, plus any additional taxes and fees.

With a Sunrun subscription plan, your bill will be due each month on your system activation date. Your billing cycle and bill due date are listed on your invoice but if needed, can be adjusted once a year in the Sunrun app.

Your first bill will vary based on your agreement type, outlined below:

You can expect to receive your first Sunrun bill 30 days after your system activation date (also called your Permission to Operate or "PTO" date.)

That first bill is due approximately two months after system activation. If you are signed up for automatic payments with us, we will automatically process your payment on the last business day before your due date.

Flex Product: you will be billed on the first of every month. Prepaid Agreement: payment will be due on the day of installation

Enrolling in autopay as two main advantages:

1. When you're paying manually, it's easy for bills to slip through the cracks. Signing up for autopay helps you avoid unnecessary late fees by paying your bill on time, every time.

2. Enrolling in Autopay also makes you eligible to automatically get a discount on your monthly bill.

When you reach the end of your Sunrun agreement, you have three options:

1. You can purchase the solar system at the fair market value.

2. You can renew your lease with us on an annual basis.

3. You can request that Sunrun remove the system.

When you reach the end of your agreement, our Customer Engagement team will help you move forward.

In your Sunrun app or when logged into Sunrun.com, go to “Account” and tap or click “Contracts & Docs.” You should see it there. If you don’t see it, contact us and we’ll send you one. Visit the main Support page to find answers to your questions or contact Customer Engagement.

Once you have solar panels installed on your home, you cannot make a change to your agreement type.

You may have weighed a few different agreement options when you signed up. If you haven’t reached system installation yet and are reconsidering or need clarity on your options, reach out to your Sales Consultant or CX Installation Expert.

We understand everyone has a different situation and different needs, and our experts are well-versed in the benefits associated with our various options. We are here to help you figure out what's best for you, so please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Yes, you can choose to purchase a solar + storage system from Sunrun. If you originally signed up for a solar lease or PPA, you can switch to a system purchase up until the point when the equipment is installed. After that point, due to Tax Credit implications, you can purchase the equipment at the specific times detailed in your agreement. The purchase price will be the fair market value to be determined at that time by an independent assessor. Feel free to contact Sunrun Customer Engagement, and a specialized representative will help you process that transaction. Visit the main Support page to find answers to your questions or contact Customer Engagement.

An annual escalator is built into your solar pricing, which means your rate will increase by the rate defined in your agreement annually. Each year's rate will be outlined in your Sunrun agreement. This allows you to know for the life of your Sunrun agreement exactly what you’ll be paying Sunrun for your solar energy each year. If you’d like to have a Sunrun Subscription Plan without an escalator, consider a prepaid subscription.

There can be uncertainty about how long you’ll be in your home and what will happen to your Sunrun system if you move. Not to worry, we can help. We have a 98% transfer success rate and transfer over 24,000 homes to new buyers each year.* 

For Sunrun subscription plan homeowners, there are a few different options for you, but the most popular is transferring your system (more specifically, your Sunrun agreement) to the person who will be buying your home.

Our team will work with you, your real estate agent, and the new homeowner to explain the benefits of your solar energy system and help you easily coordinate the transfer. Learn more about the process here: https://www.sunrun.com/moving-made-easy.

*Based on completed transfers created by Sunrun through September 30, 2021, with "moving" as the reason for transferring the agreement. Includes no upfront, low upfront, and prepaid systems.

Not much. If you have a Monthly Lease agreement or a Power Purchase agreement, it’s pretty easy. Here’s what you’ll want to do:

1. Submit a transfer request using our Transfer Portal 

2. Once we have the contact info we need from the request, we’ll send you a “Transfer of Sunrun Solar Service Agreement” form.

3. You and the new homeowner sign it.

4. We’ll have the new homeowner complete a secure, online soft credit application.* This is simply a soft credit check and will not impact their credit or affect their home loan.

5. The transfer will be completed after escrow closes, and both you and the new homeowner will receive a confirmation email.