Which best describes you?
My Home and Solar
Solar Prep
Why should I switch to solar?
The sun rises every day. That's why solar power is a completely renewable, reliable and clean energy source. It reduces our reliance on dirty sources of power such as oil, coal and natural gas, which produce harmful emissions affecting our health and environment.
Sunrun pioneered the "solar-as-a-service" model in 2007. Since then, we have been delivering on a vision to create a planet run by the sun and provide Americans with affordable, reliable and clean energy. Residential solar energy systems represent an investment in the future of the planet, conserving non-renewable energy sources and protecting the environment.
In addition, solar panels and home batteries are becoming more affordable, accessible, resilient and efficient. They provide peace of mind and energy security for households when the power goes out or the next storm strikes. Unlike those from your utility, Sunrun customers pay predictable, affordable rates for 20 to 25 years. With home solar, you get to control your energy future.
Is my home good for solar?
A lot of things affect how well-suited your home is for solar, including where your home is, the angle of your roof, how much shade it gets throughout the day, and how old your home is.
Our solar advisors can help you determine if your home is a good fit for solar at the moment. They’ll run a custom analysis of your home with our proprietary solar design technology, BrightPath,™ and they’ll get a sense for your energy needs.
How many solar panels will my home need?
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. We’ll go over this with you in detail during your free 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 much sun reaches the ground where you are.
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 called BrightPath™ to help us create a customized system that maximizes energy production better and faster than if we did it by hand.
Why do you need my historical electricity usage?
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.
How do you customize my solar system?
We customize your home solar system by taking into account your past usage, the available roof space and your design preferences to make sure the system will work for you and your home.
We start with your historical usage and design a solar system that will provide you with the right amount of power based on how much you normally use.
Then we look at your roof via satellite imagery to see how many panels can fit on each roof plane, keeping in mind that south-facing roofs are the best for solar.
We verify our measurements and system design with a site survey,a visit to your home to check the roof and your main electrical panel.
Finally, we reconfirm our final design with you so you know exactly what it will look like and how much electricity you'll receive 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 your sales consultant.
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Installation
Who will help me when I have questions?
From design and installation to a lifetime of service and care, Sunrun pairs you with the perfect person to guide you through it.
Your sales consultant will work with our design team to customize your solar system and find the right payment plan for your needs. Then a project coordinator who is well-versed in your region will manage the rest of the process.
After your system is up and running, our customer care team will be your go-to for any questions or concerns you have.
There are a lot of people behind the scenes to make sure your solar panels are producing as much power from the sun as possible — now and in the future.
Learn more about the Sunrun team.
What happens during an installation?
Once we have finalized 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 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.
What happens to my roof when solar panels are installed?
Since Sunrun home solar systems are roof-mounted, we do 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.
What is installed as a part of a solar system?
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) 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. 4) Main electrical panel Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home. You probably know it by its other name, "Fuse Box." 5) 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.
How long does the installation usually take?
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.
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My Solar Options
Home Solar
How does a home solar system work?
A home solar system is made up of components that all work together to convert the power of sunlight into usable energy for your lights, appliances and devices.
1. Solar panels
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to direct current electricity (DC electricity). As long as the sun ray’s are making contact with your roof, your panels are converting solar radiation into DC electricity. Even when it’s cloudy, you can still expect your panels to produce 10% to 25% of their normal output. But your electricity isn’t ready just yet. You’ll need an inverter to get the kind of power you need to turn the lights on.
2. Inverter
The inverter takes the DC electricity produced by your solar panels and turns it into alternating current electricity (AC electricity). It’s typically installed on an exterior wall of your house, or in the garage.
3. Main electric service panel
Solar electricity from your inverter flows to the electrical panel, and then into to your home where it powers your lights and appliances. If your panels generate more solar energy than you use, the excess power will flow to the utility grid. Even better? You might even earn energy credits from your local utility for the power you send.
4. Sunrun meter
Your Sunrun meter monitors your system production and sends the information to us through a wireless signal. Since it tracks your energy production 24/7, it will automatically alert Sunrun if it detects problems or irregularities. That way, we can make sure your solar system is in the very best shape without you ever having to lift a finger.
5. Utility meter
When your system produces more than you need, the excess energy is sold back to your utility and credited to your monthly electric bill. When you need more energy than your solar system can produce, your home will automatically pull the energy from your utility. Your utility meter measures how much energy comes from and goes to the grid.
What is installed as a part of a solar system?
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) 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. 4) Main electrical panel Your electrical panel distributes AC electricity to your entire home. You probably know it by its other name, "Fuse Box." 5) 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.
Can I add more panels to my system?
We aren’t able to add solar panels to existing home solar systems. However, if you qualify, Sunrun can add a second home solar system under a second agreement. If you’re interested, please talk to a solar advisor or Customer Care.
Can I add Brightbox to my solar system?
At this time, Brightbox™ is only available to new Sunrun customers. We can’t install Brightbox if you already have an existing solar installation or if it isn’t offered in your area.
If you’re still interested in Brightbox, please let us know. You’ll be the first to know when we’ve come up with a solution. We’re hard at work on optimizing our technology to provide a better customer experience.
Home Solar and Battery
What states is Brightbox offered in?
Sunrun currently offers Brightbox battery service in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Texas and Vermont.
What is Brightbox?
Brightbox is Sunrun’s solar battery service.
Depending on where you live, the battery can be used for backup electricity in the event of a power outage or better control over your power costs.
It is currently available in select states {link to https://www.sunrun.com/solar-battery-storage} for new Sunrun solar customers.
What is installed as a part of a Brightbox system?
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) Battery
Your battery stores extra solar energy for later use, like during a power outage.
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.
5) Main electrical panel
Your electrical panel, or more familiarly the "fuse box," distributes AC electricity to your entire home.
6) Backup panel
Your backup panel connects your battery to the breakers you chose to backup during installation.
7) 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.
How does Brightbox work during a power outage?
Sunrun’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.
If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed-up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery lasts will depend on how much energy you use.
Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:
Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use
The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.
Remember, you can always check the charge of your battery to help you plan your usage and make sure you have power through the night.
If you live in Hawaii, your backup solution may be slightly different. A quad outlet installed near your inverter will allow you to plug in up to four things during an outage if we are unable to back up your breakers directly.
What can my battery back up?
During a power outage, Brightbox allows you to backup your kitchen (including the refrigerator), bedroom and bathroom lights, garage door opener and wifi for approximately 8 to 12 hours. When the sun rises again, your solar panels will recharge your Brightbox battery. The most important rooms and appliances in your home will be powered by your home battery until the grid is up and running again. Learn more about how home solar batteries work.
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Brightbox in AZ
What are the benefits of Brightbox in Arizona?
Having a home solar battery service in Arizona will help save money by offsetting high time-of-use (TOU) rates while offering peace of mind when the power goes out. Your system is also covered by our Sunrun Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.
How does Brightbox work in Arizona?
WITH BRIGHTBOX YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Sunrun does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.
SUNRUN HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Sunrun has designed and programmed your system to optimize your utility rate offset, environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money!
YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Sunrun’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.
If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.
Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:
Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use
The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.
BRIGHTBOX PROTECTS YOU FROM PEAK UTILITY RATES
Brightbox will power your home during peak rate times, and sell any extra energy back to the grid when rates are highest.
If you aren't already on TOU rates, you can ask your utility to update your account.
From there, it’s all automatic. We’ll program your battery to pay attention to how much your utility is charging for energy and take over when prices spike.
WE WILL ALWAYS SAVE SOME POWER IN THE BATTERY IN CASE OF A POWER OUTAGE
No matter how profitable it is to send energy into the grid, we always reserve 20% of your battery’s capacity for its primary function: keeping the lights on during a power outage.
Does Arizona offer any incentives for home batteries?
One of Arizona’s best solar incentives is the state’s Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit, covering 25% or up to $1,000 of your system’s cost. Another major incentive is the federal solar tax credit, which gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax equal to 30% of the final cost of solar energy systems you install on your home. Starting in 2020, the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends.
Other Arizona incentives include sales and property tax exemptions and Arizona Public Service’s Solar Export Plan (or net feed-in tariff). Learn more about Arizona solar incentives.
For customers with our BrightSave Monthly and Prepaid products, Sunrun applies for these rebates and tax credits, and automatically includes the benefits from these rebates in the price we offer our customers.
How many batteries does my Arizona home need?
For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to power your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Brightbox battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup power. When the sun rises, your solar panels charge your battery so you can continue to back up your home until utility power is restored.
What is time-of-use?
Think of it as energy surge pricing. Time-of-use (TOU) rates are electricity rates in which utilities charge for both how much and when you use energy. Under these rates, energy tends to cost more during peak demand times, such as late afternoon and evening when demand is highest.
Brightbox helps manage TOU rates by optimizing your battery’s charge and discharge behavior to offset power when it is most expensive.
Brightbox in CA
What are the benefits of Brightbox in California?
Having a home solar battery service in California will help save money by offsetting high time-of-use (TOU) rates while offering peace of mind when the power goes out. Your system is also covered by our Sunrun Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.
How does Brightbox work in California?
WITH BRIGHTBOX YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Sunrun does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.
SUNRUN HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Sunrun has designed and programmed for optimum utility rate offset, environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.
YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Sunrun’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.
If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.
Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:
Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use
The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.
BRIGHTBOX PROTECTS YOU FROM PEAK UTILITY RATES
Brightbox will power your home during peak rate times, and sell any extra energy back to the grid when rates are highest.
If you aren't already on TOU rates, you can ask your utility to update your account.
From there, it’s all automatic. We’ll program your battery to pay attention to how much your utility is charging for energy and take over when prices spike.
WE WILL ALWAYS SAVE SOME POWER IN THE BATTERY IN CASE OF A POWER OUTAGE
No matter how profitable it is to send energy into the grid, we always reserve 20% of your battery’s capacity for its primary function: keeping the lights on during a power outage.
Does California offer any incentives for home solar and batteries?
There are many reasons to go solar with battery storage in California, including a great incentive available to households that purchase home batteries. The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) incentivizes PG&E, SCE, SCG or SDG&E-powered households when they install a home solar battery to help defray costs for installing batteries. The incentive value will decrease as more households apply for it, so take advantage of it as soon as you can.
Other California incentives include rebates from your local utility and the federal solar tax credit, a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the value of the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends. Get more information on California solar incentives. {Link to https://www.sunrun.com/solar-by-state/ca/california-solar-tax-credit]
For customers with solar leases, Sunrun applies for these rebates and tax credits, and automatically includes the benefits in our pricing.
How many batteries does my California home need?
For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to power your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Brightbox battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup power. When the sun rises, your solar panels charge your battery so you can continue to back up your home until utility power is restored.
What is time-of-use?
Think of it as energy surge pricing. Time-of-use (TOU) rates are electricity rates in which utilities charge for both how much and when you use energy. Under these rates, energy tends to cost more during peak demand times, such as late afternoon and evening when demand is highest.
Brightbox helps manage TOU rates by optimizing your battery’s charge and discharge behavior to offset power when it is most expensive.
Brightbox in FL
What are the benefits of Brightbox in Florida?
Having a home solar battery service in Florida will help you power through blackouts, lock in low rates with flexible financing options, and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.
Your system is also covered by our Sunrun Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.
How does Brightbox work in Florida?
WITH BRIGHTBOX YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Sunrun does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.
SUNRUN HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Sunrun has designed and programmed your system to optimize your utility rate offset, environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.
YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Sunrun’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.
If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.
Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:
Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use
The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.
BRIGHTBOX PROTECTS YOU FROM PEAK UTILITY RATES
Brightbox will power your home during peak rate times, and sell any extra energy back to the grid when rates are highest.
If you aren't already on TOU rates, you can ask your utility to update your account.
From there, it’s all automatic. We’ll program your battery to pay attention to how much your utility is charging for energy and take over when prices spike.
WE WILL ALWAYS SAVE SOME POWER IN THE BATTERY IN CASE OF A POWER OUTAGE
No matter how profitable it is to send energy into the grid, we always reserve 20% of your battery’s capacity for its primary function: keeping the lights on during a power outage.
How many batteries does my Florida home need?
For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to power your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Brightbox battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup power.
When the sun rises, your solar panels charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until utility power is restored.
Does Florida offer any incentives for home batteries?
Florida solar incentives like its Property Tax Exemption offers tax benefits at an average of $15,000. Another major incentive is the federal solar tax credit, which gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the value of the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends. Get more information on Florida solar incentives.
For customers with solar leases, Sunrun applies for these rebates and tax credits, and automatically includes the benefits in our pricing.
Brightbox in HI
What are the benefits of Brightbox in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, our home solar and storage service helps you make the most of your solar power. By storing power for later use, you maximize your solar production while minimizing your reliance on the grid.
Brightbox offerings in Hawaii start at $0 down and come backed by the Sunrun Guarantee with coverage of monitoring and system maintenance for the lifetime of our agreement.
How does Brightbox work in Hawaii?
WITH BRIGHTBOX YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Sunrun does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.
BRIGHTBOX HELPS YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM
Every killowatt-hour you create is a killowatt-hour you don’t have to buy from your utility, so between the sun shining all day and your battery running at night, you can control your costs by not buying a whole lot of killowatt-hours from the utility.
Here are a couple easy things you can do to save even more:
Avoid using multiple energy-intensive appliances at once
Do laundry and dishes during the day.
Turn off the air conditioning at night.
BRIGHTBOX PROVIDES YOU WITH EMERGENCY POWER
During a power outage, you will be able to use power by plugging into the quad outlet that was installed with your system.
Does Hawaii offer any incentives for home batteries?
Hawaii has some great solar incentives in place, offering even more reasons to go solar in the Aloha State. One of its best incentives is the Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit, covering 35% or up to $5,000 of the cost of your solar system. Another major incentive is the federal solar tax credit, which gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the value of the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends.
How many batteries does my Hawaii home need?
Just like solar panels, the size of your Brightbox solar home batteries is determined by your unique energy needs and habits. Our solar advisors are here to help select the right home battery solution for you.
How can I get the most value from my battery?
To maximize your solar production with Brightbox, aim to use more power during the day while the sun is shining brightest. That could mean running appliances like the dryer or dishwasher while you’re out at work. The more power you use when the sun’s up, the more effectively you can save with your Brightbox battery.
Brightbox in MA
What are the benefits of Brightbox in Massachusetts?
Having a home solar battery service in Massachusetts will help you power through blackouts and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.
Your system is also covered by our Sunrun Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.
How does Brightbox work in Massachusetts?
WITH BRIGHTBOX YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Sunrun does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.
SUNRUN HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Sunrun has designed and programmed your system to maximize your environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.
YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Sunrun’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.
If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.
Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:
Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use
The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.
Does Massachusetts offer any incentives for home batteries?
Massachusetts has several incentives for going solar. One of them is the Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit, covering 15%—or up to $1,000—of your solar system’s installation cost. Another major incentive is the federal solar tax credit. The federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the value of the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends.
How many batteries does my Massachusetts home need?
For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to power your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Brightbox battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup power.
When the sun rises, your solar panels charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until utility power is restored.
Brightbox in NJ
What are the benefits of Brightbox in New Jersey?
Having a home solar battery service in New Jersey will help you power through blackouts, lock in low rates with flexible financing options, and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.
Your system is also covered by our Sunrun Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.
How does Brightbox work in New Jersey?
WITH BRIGHTBOX YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Sunrun does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.
SUNRUN HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Sunrun has designed and programmed your system to maximize your environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.
YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Sunrun’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.
If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.
Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:
Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use
The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.
Does New Jersey offer any incentives for home batteries?
New Jersey’s biggest solar storage incentive is the federal solar tax credit. covering 30% of the total system cost when you purchase your own system. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends. We highly recommend you consult with a tax professional to get a full understanding of the credits you’re eligible for.
How many batteries does my New Jersey home need?
For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to backup your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Brightbox battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup and powers your critical rooms and appliances when fully charged.
When sun is back up, your solar panels will charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until utility power is restored.
Brightbox in NY
What are the benefits of Brightbox in New York?
Having a home solar battery service in New York will help you power through blackouts, lock in low rates with flexible financing options, and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.
Your system is also covered by our Sunrun Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.
How does Brightbox work in New York?
WITH BRIGHTBOX YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Sunrun does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.
SUNRUN HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Sunrun has designed and programmed your system to maximize your environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.
YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Sunrun’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.
If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.
Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:
Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use
The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.
Does New York offer any incentives for home batteries?
One of the best reasons to own a solar system in New York is its Megawatt Block Solar Incentive, where you’ll receive a rebate on your system based on where you live, your utility, and the size of your system. The best part? State-approved solar installers will automatically apply the rebate to your bill so you don’t have to lift a finger. Plus, there's the New York’s generous Solar Energy System Equipment Credit, which covers 25% or up to $5,000 of your system cost. Finally, you can take advantage of the federal solar tax credit, which gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 30% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2019. Starting in 2020, the value of the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends.
How many batteries does my New York home need?
For most households, one solar battery is sufficient to backup your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Brightbox battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup and powers your critical rooms and appliances when fully charged.
When sun is back up, your solar panels will charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until utility power is restored.
Brightbox in TX
What are the benefits of Brightbox in Texas?
Having a home solar battery service in Texas will help you power through power outages, lock in low rates with flexible financing options, and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.
Your system is also covered by our Sunrun Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.
How does Brightbox work in Texas?
WITH BRIGHTBOX YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Sunrun does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.
SUNRUN HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Sunrun has designed and programmed your system to maximize your environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.
YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Sunrun’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.
If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.
Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:
Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use
The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.
Does Texas offer any incentives for home batteries?
Texas’s biggest solar storage incentive is the federal solar tax credit. Currently, the federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax equal to 30% of the final cost of solar energy systems you install on your home. Starting in 2020, the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends. We recommend you consult with a tax professional to get a full understanding of the credits you’re eligible for.
How many batteries does my Texas home need?
For most households, one battery is sufficient to backup your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Brightbox battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup, powering your critical rooms and appliances when fully charged.
When the sun is back up, your solar panels will charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until power is restored.
Brightbox in VT
What are the benefits of Brightbox in Vermont?
Having a Vermont solar battery service will help you power through blackouts, lock in low rates with flexible financing options, and get a clean alternative to loud and potentially dangerous diesel generators.
Your system is also covered by our Sunrun Guarantee, so we handle maintenance and repairs at no additional charge.
How does Brightbox work in Vermont?
WITH BRIGHTBOX YOU ARE STILL ON THE GRID
Sunrun does not offer “off the grid” systems. Even with a battery, you will still be connected to your utility. This ensures you still have power if your panels or battery ever stop working.
SUNRUN HAS OPTIMIZED YOUR BATTERY SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR BENEFITS
You will not be able to control when you are charging or discharging the battery yourself. Sunrun has designed and programmed your system to maximize your environmental impact and back-up benefit. Manually changing when your battery charges and discharges would only end up costing you money.
YOUR BATTERY WILL KICK IN AUTOMATICALLY DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Sunrun’s batteries can back up four breakers. During installation, we will help you decide what to back up. Many customers choose to back up their refrigerator, lights, wifi and a garage door.
If there is a power outage, your battery will take over sending power to your backed up breakers within a few seconds and will continue to do so until power is restored or the battery runs out of energy. How long the battery last will depend on how much energy you use.
Your system is designed to supply approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup energy, plus whatever the sun provides during the day. But that can vary based a variety of factors:
Whether the outage happens during the day or at night
What season it is
What you’re backing up
How much energy you use
The battery will recharge when the sun comes up, so you will be able to power through multi-day outages should they ever occur.
Does Vermont offer any incentives for home batteries?
Vermont’s biggest solar energy storage incentive is the federal solar tax credit. Currently, the federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax equal to 30% of the final cost of solar energy systems you install on your home. Starting in 2020, the tax credit will step down to 26%, and then again to 22% in 2021. After 2021, the tax credit for residential solar ends. We recommend you consult with a tax professional to get a full understanding of the credits you’re eligible for.
How many batteries does my Vermont home need?
For most households, one battery is sufficient to backup your most important appliances. In the event of a blackout, your Brightbox battery provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup, powering your critical rooms and appliances when fully charged.
When the sun is back up, your solar panels will charge your battery so you can continue to backup your home until power is restored.
Finance Options and Benefits - Solar Lease
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels?
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, free of charge. That means clean, worry-free energy. And if it breaks, we’ll fix it.
We also know that many 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 solar incentives like state solar rebates, net metering and the federal solar tax credit 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 one of our solar advisors today at 1-844-321-6937
What's a solar lease or PPA?
Knowing there had to be a more affordable way to bring clean energy to the people, we invented 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 decide which option is best for you. So now that you know what a solar lease and PPA is, you’re probably wondering why you shouldn’t just 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. 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.
Sunrun’s BrightSave plans pass down the benefits of rebates, tax incentives, and credits in the form of a low, locked-in bill.
Flexible financing options let you pay as you go, or you can receive the lowest possible rate with a prepaid option that eliminates monthly billing from Sunrun.
Want more reasons to get a solar lease or PPA? Our top five reasons to lease your solar system will show you why it’s the smartest way to go solar.
Can I really go solar for little to $0 down?
Yes. Qualifying Sunrun customers can take control of their long-term electricity costs for as little as $0 down with BrightSave Monthly. The benefits of solar are rolled up into a low, predictable monthly rate for solar power that replaces all or some of the power you used to receive from the grid.
How does a prepaid solar lease work?
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, and is usually lower than what the local utility charges for electricity.
With BrightSave Prepaid, you can go solar with just one, up front payment that covers 25 years worth of solar power. When you choose BrightSave Prepaid, we’ll also actively monitor and maintain your solar panels over the life of your agreement, so all you have to do is enjoy that glorious solar energy made right on your roof.
Finance Options and Benefits - Solar Purchase
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels?
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, free of charge. That means clean, worry-free energy. And if it breaks, we’ll fix it.
We also know that many 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 solar incentives like state solar rebates, net metering and the federal solar tax credit 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 one of our solar advisors today at 1-844-321-6937
What is the average cost to buy solar panels?
Depending on the state, a home solar system can cost between $15,000 to $29,000 for system sizes ranging for 4kW to 8kW.* The more power your household uses, the more solar panels you’ll need, which will add to the cost of your solar system.
Sound like a lot? The upfront cost of a solar system doesn’t have to keep you from going solar. Get in touch with a Sunrun solar advisor to see how you can go solar for as low as $0 with our flexible financing options.
*Figures based on national averages: https://www.solar-estimate.org/
Will owning solar panels increase my home value?
Studies have shown that owning home solar panels can significantly increase your property value.* Solar homes in California sell for $20,000 more on average, while solar homes in other states sell for about $15,000 more. With numbers like that, you can likely recoup the cost of your solar system when you sell your home. Not only will you enjoy clean, reliable energy, you’ll know you've made a smart investment.
*Source:https://emp.lbl.gov/publications/selling-sun-price-premium-analysis
How does a solar system purchase work?
When you purchase a home solar system from Sunrun, you purchase the equipment and Sunrun takes care of everything related to the installation. When you buy your own system, you will directly receive the applicable federal and state solar incentives, tax credits and rebates.
Sunrun offers two different ways to finance your solar purchase: BrightBuy and BrightAdvantage.
BrightBuy is the full upfront purchase option where you would pay for the full price of the system at installation.
BrightAdvantage allows you to finance your solar system purchase with low, fixed monthly payments, upon qualification, at a competitive interest for as little as $0 down.
With either solar purchase option, you also have the option to add Protection Plus which is our service package that includes system monitoring and maintenance for the lifetime of the agreement.
What is the benefit of home solar financing?
With BrightAdvantage, you can enjoy the benefits of going solar like a lower electricity bill, tax credits, solar rebates and hassle-free financing without having to pay the full cost of a solar system up front. We partner with trusted loan providers to help you get fast approvals and low, fixed interest rates, hassle-free.
By financing your system, you can enjoy the benefits of going solar at little to no up-front cost.
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Why Go Solar with Sunrun
What makes Sunrun the best choice for home solar?
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 20 years or more. 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. Join the more than a quarter of a million American households who have gone solar with Sunrun.
Hear from our customers about why Sunrun is the best choice for home solar.
How does Sunrun compare to other solar companies?
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. Most solar companies offer the bare minimum for what you need to put up a home solar system, while extra benefits like warranties, maintenance, and repairs can come at an extra cost. 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.
Lifetime maintenance on your system should be included, not an add-on.
An honest provider won’t sell you solar if it can’t save you money—insist on 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 BrightSave® solar lease or PPA plans, your solar system comes with 24/7 maintenance and performance guarantees.* Get a free quote today.
*Sunrun direct sales PPA compared to SolarCity and Vivint Solar PPA, and SunPower and NRG lease. Claims based on contracts created in February, May, & July 2014
I heard about Sunrun through another solar company. How does Sunrun work with partners?
Our nationwide network of certified partners are the bedrock of our business because they allow us to provide stellar Sunrun service where you live.
We only work with the best so you can rest easy knowing that whether Sunrun installs your system or one of our trusted partners does, you’ll have top-notch service as long as you’re a customer.
My Life with Solar
Solar Electricity Production
What is a kWh?
kWh stands for kilowatt hour, and a kilowatt is 1,000 watts. A kilowatt hour is the standard unit of measure for electricity. It represents the amount of energy required to power a 1 kilowatt appliance for one hour.
The more power an appliance consumes, the faster it will use up 1 kWh. For example, a power-hungry, 500-watt vacuum cleaner will use up a kWh in two hours, whereas the same amount of energy will power a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.
Your utility will track how many kWh your buy from them, as well as how many kWh you send into the grid.
Sunrun will track how many kWh your solar panels produce.
Will my panels work when it is cloudy?
Solar panels are capable of producing electricity in all types of weather all year round. You will notice that performance will vary from day to day. On a cloudy day a solar system typically performs at 10% to 25% of its capacity.
When we design our systems and estimate their production, we take in to account the amount of sunlight that your specific region receives each year. This means that your system will be sized appropriately for the amount of sunny (or cloudy) days you receive each year.
Will my panels work in winter?
Yes, your solar system will provide your home with power all year, though the amount of power 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 all four seasons in mind, and this seasonal fluctuation will be factored into your solar production estimate.
Do solar panels work at night?
Solar panels need sunlight to create electricity--they’re dormant at night. However, you do still have power at night when you go solar through net metering or a home battery.
Net Metering Makes the Most of Your Solar Production
Connecting your solar installation to the grid enables net metering. When your solar panels produce excess energy, it's sent to the grid. The utility company then provides credit on your account. At night, you can apply those credits toward drawing electricity from the grid so your solar power never goes to waste. Net metering exists in some form in all of the markets that Sunrun operates in except for Hawaii.
Solar Battery Storage Offers Energy Independence
Since there is no Net Energy Metering available for new customers in Hawaii, we use battery storage to make use of solar power at night. Solar batteries maximize your panels’ daytime energy production and provide electricity for later use. So instead of sending your excess electricity to the grid, store it and use your own energy. You'll consume electricity from the battery first before drawing from the grid.
A home battery or net metering enable your solar installation to access free or reduced-cost electricity at night. That’s how solar is a 24/7 affordable energy option. Sunrun solar panels and a Brightbox battery will have you covered both day and night.
What happens during a blackout?
During a power outage, Sunrun solar systems automatically turn off to protect utility workers that may be working on power lines. This means that the solar system will not provide power to the house during an outage. It will turn back on automatically when the utility restores power to the grid.
The exception to this is home solar systems that have Brightbox, Sunrun’s solar battery service.
Depending on where you live, Brightbox can be used for backup electricity in the event of a power outage or better control over your power usage.
It is currently available in select states {link to https://www.sunrun.com/solar-battery-storage} for new Sunrun solar customers.
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Solar Service and Care - Lease and PPA
How do I care for my solar panels?
Sunrun covers all system maintenance and guarantees that you will receive a certain amount of power from your system when you sign up for a lease or PPA. There are also few things you can do as a solar homeowner to make sure you are gettting the most out of your solar system.
Trim back trees.
The more sun on your panels, the better. It's a good idea to keep nearby trees trimmed to allow the sunshine to reach your panels for as much of the day as possible.
Spray dusty panels.
Just a few rainy days a year is enough to clean your panels. If you live in a particularly dusty area, you may want to hose them off — just do it from the ground to be safe.
Watch out for falling snow.
It's normal for snow to stick to your panels. Please resist the urge to clean them. The snow will eventually slide off. Try to avoid parking in the landing zone.
Who do I reach out to if I have a question or concern?
As a Sunrun customer, you have a team of experts that are ready to help whenever questions come up.
Throughout the installation process, your project coordinator will be your main point of contact should you have any questions or concerns. Our project coordination team is based out of Denver but specialize in managing projects within a specific region. Their contact information can be found on mysunrun.com.
You will also have an installation coordinator that will help you with the logistics around your installation day. They are local to your area and work directly with the install team and local building inspectors to manage the on-site work. You’ll receive their contact information when you schedule your installation.
Once your system is activated, the customer care team is your long-term support system. They are dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring, and are available during the office hours below to help you find a solution to any kind of problem.
If you ever have any issues or questions, reach out to the Customer Care team at 855-478-6786.
Does Sunrun monitor my system?
Yes! We have an entire team dedicated to keeping an eye on your system, the Monitoring Team, and they’re watching all the time. This is how it works:
1 – We Record Production (in Real-Time)
Among the various components of your solar system is the Sunrun Meter. It counts your kilowatts as they’re produced.
2 – We Collect Your Production Data (Every Six Hours)
Four times a day, your Sunrun Meter sends your production data to our Denver, CO based Monitoring Team, where all production data is collected, stored and analyzed.
3 – We Evaluate Your Production (Every Day)
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 Necessary)
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.
What happens if my system breaks or isn't working as expected?
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 mySunrun app and navigating to Support where you can chat with an agent.
Will my home solar system have a warranty?
Yes, all of our solar equipment is backed by robust warranties. When you choose BrightSave, your solar system will also come with 24/7 monitoring and maintenance. So if it breaks? We’ll fix it, free of charge.
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Solar Service and Care - Purchase
How do I care for my solar panels?
Solar systems generally operate without the need for much care and maintenance but there are a few things you can do as a solar homeowner to make sure you are gettting the most out of your solar system.
Trim back trees.
The more sun on your panels, the better. It's a good idea to keep nearby trees trimmed to allow the sunshine to reach your panels for as much of the day as possible.
Spray dusty panels.
Just a few rainy days a year is enough to clean your panels. If you live in a particularly dusty area, you may want to hose them off — just do it from the ground to be safe.
Watch out for falling snow.
It's normal for snow to stick to your panels. Please resist the urge to clean them. The snow will slide off when it's ready. Try to avoid parking in the landing zone.
Who do I reach out to if I have a question or concern?
As a Sunrun customer, you have a team of experts that are ready to help whenever questions come up.
Throughout the installation process, your project coordinator will be your main point of contact should you have any questions or concerns. Our project coordination team is based out of Denver but specialize in managing projects within a specific region. Their contact information can be found on mysunrun.com.
You will also have an installation coordinator that will help you with the logistics around your installation day. They are local to your area and work directly with the install team and local building inspectors to manage the on-site work. You’ll receive their contact information when you schedule your installation.
Once your system is activated, the customer care team is your long-term support system. They are dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring, and are available during the office hours below to help you find a solution to any kind of problem.
If you ever have any issues or questions, reach out to the Customer Care team at 855-478-6786.
What happens if my system breaks or isn't working as expected?
If you have reason to believe the solar system is damaged or not working as expected, please let us know by logging into the mySunrun app and navigating to Support where you can chat with an agent.
Will my home solar system have a warranty?
Yes, all of our solar equipment is backed by robust warranties. We only choose best-in-class equipment, including solar panels and batteries, with the highest quality workmanship, backed by 20 years of residential solar experience.
My Bills
Solar Billing
How is the way I pay for power different with solar?
When you go solar, the way that you pay for your power also changes.
Whether you choose to purchase your solar system or pay monthly, you will still receive a utility bill as you will now receive power from two sources, your solar system and the gird.
The payment you make to Sunrun, whether upfront or on a monthly basis is for your solar. Your utility bill will then be for any extra power that you need that month that the solar system does not produce. How much energy you end up having to buy from your utility depends on the size of your solar system and how much energy you're actually using. With weather and seasonal changes, your utility bill will vary. For this reason, it helps to think about your energy costs on an annual basis.
Why do I still receive a utility bill with solar?
You still receive a bill from the utility when you have solar because you remain connected to the grid. Even in months where your solar system provides all of the electricity you need, you can expect to pay standard utility connection fees.
Being connected to the grid is a good thing. It allows you to have power when your are producing less than you need, like on a cloudy day, during the winter or when you're running your air conditioning. It also allows you to take advantage of net metering so your solar power never goes to waste.
How does paying for solar power help control my costs?
Utility rate increases are unpredictable, and they’re only expected to get worse. When you replace utility power with solar power, you take control of your costs with a predictable, locked-in rate.
The more your utility increases its rates, the greater the benefit you can see from solar.
How much can I expect to save when I go solar?
When you sign up for a free quote, our in-house Solar Advisors will work with you to determine how much you can expect to save on your monthly energy bill. This relies on factors like your utility, how much electricity you use and how much sunlight your home gets. We’ll only recommend solar if it’s the right fit for your home energy needs and profile.
My Community & Utility
Utilities & Solar
How can I prepare for rolling blackouts in my area?
Installing home solar and a battery as backup electricity supply is a smart wasy to prepare for rolling blackouts. Unpredictable outages emphasize the value of having solar for your household's energy security and peace of mind.
Utility companies are increasingly implementing rolling blackouts, known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), to reduce risks during extreme weather conditions and wildfires.The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) authorizes companies to de-energize the electric grid as a preventative measure to protect public safety and maintain the grid's viability.
Blackouts now disrupt power to millions of Californians each year and, of course, extreme weather and power outages are not exclusive to the Golden State. Whether you are looking to power through a planned outage, winter storm or a hurricane, traditional fuel-powered generators are not a dependable solution for your emergency plan. A Sunrun solar system and Brightbox battery can safely and reliably power your home through an outage.
What is net metering?
Net metering means that your utility will keep track of the solar power that you send into the grid when you are producing more than you’re using. In some months, you may run a credit for this extra power while in others you will need to buy grid power to meet the energy demands of your home.
What are energy credits?
You receive energy credits from your utility company for power you produce and don't immediately use.* Your energy credits count towards any energy you get from the utility.
Most of the energy your panels produce is used right away. This energy does not appear on your utility bill because it never went to the grid. If you have a battery, the energy that it stores also does not appear on your utility bill.
*In Hawaii, energy that solar homeowners produce is not sent to the grid so utility customers do not receive energy credits.
Will I get credits from my utility with Sunrun?
Yes, your system will be grid tied and you'll get credits from your utility when you're a Sunrun customer whether you choose to own your system or go solar through a lease or PPA. These energy credits come from a billing system called Net Energy Metering (NEM). Net metering means that your utility will keep track of the solar power that you send into the grid when you are producing more than you’re using. In some months, you may run a credit for this extra power while in others you will need to buy grid power to meet the energy demands of your home. The only exception to this is in Hawaii where net metering isn't available.
What are tiered utility rates?
Tiered utility rates are a structure in which the more electricity you use, the higher your rate gets. You are allowed a certain amount of power (kilowatt hours) in each tier. Once you've exceeded the amount in the tier, you move into the next highest tier. The lower tier rates are affordable and the higher tier rates are very expensive.
When we customize your home solar system, we assess your energy needs to determine the number of solar panels you’ll need for your home. You’ll still be connected to the grid in case you need to source any extra energy. The goal with a solar system design will be to keep you in the lower tiers so you are only replacing the most expensive power with solar.
Not all utilities are created equal, and not all utilities have tiered utility rates. Contact one of our expert solar consultants to learn more about your utility rate structure and how solar can help you avoid paying for power when it is at its most expensive.
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Impact
What is the environmental impact of a Sunrun system?
There are many different ways that you can measure the positive environmental impact of your Sunrun home solar system. Here are just a few:
It takes just 10 months of solar production for a Sunrun home solar system to offset the carbon emissions associated with its manufacture.
Over its lifetime, the average Sunrun solar home will prevent harmful carbon emissions equal to driving 498,778 miles in an average car, which is more than enough to drive to the moon and back.
When you look at cumulative impact of all 233,000 Sunrun homes, we have had the same impact as recycling 2.6 trillion pounds of waste, which is like recycling 128 Eiffel Towers.
As more people like you join the solar movement, the amount of impact we are able to have becomes all the more significant.
How does going solar help my community?
Going solar means that you have adopted a clean source of electricity for your home. Instead of using power that was generated at a plant using fossil fuels, you get your power from the sun with zero emissions. This home grown power doesn't just help contribute to cleaner air, it also helps take strain off the grid during peak demand periods, which is safer for everyone.
What does Sunrun do to give back?
Sunrun believes in giving back to the communities where our customers and employees live, work and play. Here are a few examples of the work we've done, made possible by our customers.
Illuminating low-income homes. We partnered with GRID Alternatives to bring solar energy to 1,000 low-income families, providing over $25 million in lifetime savings and preventing as much pollution as 11,890 cars emit in a year.
Powering Puerto Rico's recovery. When hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, we rushed to equip eight blackout-stricken fire stations with solar and battery systems to power their urgent emergency aid work.
Training for jobs of the future. We partnered with the NAACP’s Solar Equity Initiative to bring job training and solar installations to low-income families across the United States.
My Financing & Agreement Options
Agreement
Can I change my agreement type? (How I pay)
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’re reconsidering or need clarity on your options, reach out to your sales consultant or project coordinator.
We understand everyone has different situations and needs. Our experts are well-versed in the benefits associated with our options. We are here to help you figure out what’s best for you.
Should I buy insurance on my Sunrun system?
Not necessarily. Depending on where you live, there may be state regulations that require you to insure the system. When this is the case, we will make sure that you are aware of the regulations but you will be responsible for working with your insurance company.
In states where insurance is not required, we still recommend that you tell your insurance company that you are getting a home solar system. It is likely already covered under your current policy, and may not include any additional fees for coverage.
What's the deal with solar tax credits?
The availability of solar tax credits is dependent on the region you live in and the solar product that you invested in.
The federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. The 26% tax credit applies as long as the home solar system is installed by December 31, 2022. Starting in 2023, the value of the tax credit will step down to 22%. After 2023, the tax credit for residential solar ends.
State or utility tax incentives vary depending on the region you reside in. To learn more about policies and incentives in your region, check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website.
What happens at the end of a Sunrun lease agreement?
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 (excluding New York homeowners).
2. You can renew your lease with us on an annual basis.
3. Sunrun can remove the system at no cost to you.
When you reach the end of your agreement, Customer Care will help you move forward.
What happens when I decide to move?
Sunrun makes it easy to transfer your solar lease agreement to the new homeowners. Our service transfer specialists handle everything from educating realtors and potential buyers to working with escrow officers, title agents, home inspectors, and anyone else who might need to know about your system or solar lease agreement. When you decide to move, contact us at 855.478.6786 ext 3 or servicetransfers@sunrun.com and we will get started on facilitating the transfer process. Learn More.