Run on Sun reviews
• last updated FEB 26, 2026Loading map...
The Verdict
Run on Sun will tell you not to buy solar if your electric bill is too low. We found one homeowner who was advised to skip the installation entirely because the numbers didn't make sense, while another reported that owner Jim Jenal insisted on rerouting sewer vents to code before mounting panels, even though it delayed the sale. That kind of integrity shows up across dozens of reviews. Reviewers mention Jim doing shade assessments himself on first visits (competitors send sales reps, then schedule a tech days later), and we couldn't find a single complaint about his follow-up after installation. One inverter failed seven months in, and Jim caught it by monitoring the remote server before the customer even noticed, then swapped the unit at no charge. The crew takes four days where rivals promise two, but we noticed 26 mentions of meticulous workmanship and clean wiring runs. If you want the fastest bid or the lowest quote, look elsewhere. But if you want an installer who will personally climb on your roof to adjust panel alignment because you're unhappy with the aesthetic, the slower pace pays off.
If you value candor over speed and want an installer who monitors your system long after the check clears, Run on Sun is worth the premium and the wait.
Reviews That Shaped Our Verdict
E.J. had Run on Sun install a solar system on their Pasadena home a little more than a year ago. They ended up with a neat, attractive installation that has performed flawlessly, and when they checked the annual electric bill summary they were pleased to find a credit. They have referred Run on Sun to others, and notably the company steered a friend away from installing after determining he didn’t use enough electricity to make it worthwhile — a detail that stuck with them as evidence the company cares about fit, not just making a sale.
Simon W. had a rooftop solar system installed on his home and has been running it for a year. When Jim from Run on Sun came to discuss the project, he arrived ready to perform a full shade assessment on the spot — the kind of one-visit thoroughness other companies usually postpone to a technician’s follow-up. Jim not only designed the array but planned to be the hands-on installer and the person to handle any future issues, and he walked through every detail until Simon felt satisfied. The install team wasn’t the cheapest option, but they proved super-reliable: after Simon voiced unhappiness with how the panels lined up, Run on Sun came back and made a small adjustment to the arrangement. What stands out for him is the continuity — the same knowledgeable installer who designed the system showed up, fitted it, and returned to tweak it afterward — a level of personal care that made the extra cost feel worthwhile.
Tim D. spent a month digging through Yelp, Nextdoor and review sites, narrowed solar contractors to four, and invited bids. He discovered a clear split: two big firms pushing preferred products, in-house financing and incentives, and two local Pasadena outfits that spent an hour-and-a-half on his roof measuring and answering questions. He ended up choosing Run On Sun. Jim Jenal, Run On Sun’s owner, showed up to do the measurements himself and answered every question. He came across as bluntly honest and more concerned with doing the right job than maximizing the sale. His initial design called for 18 panels — roughly 70% of the household’s annual usage — because several sewer vent pipes on the roof limited panel placement. Other contractors downplayed those obstructions, offering fixes like trimming pipes or mounting panels higher. Jim pushed back: routing a sewer exhaust under a panel violated code and would make future access expensive. The homeowner paid a handyman $375 to reroute the pipes up to the ridge so the array could be installed properly. Jim favored LG panels and Enphase microinverters, and explained why: LG’s broader corporate footprint strengthens long-term panel
Platforms Monitored
Performance by Work Type
How We Got To Trust Score 93
Clean Record
Unauthorized Activities
Passed screening
Misleading Claims
Passed screening
Background Check
Serving customers for 15 years
Among the longest-standing installers in the market.
BBB Rating
Not BBB rated.
Natural Review Patterns
Reviews were posted naturally over time.
Contractor License
License information could not be confirmed.
What You Can Expect
When Nicholas D. moved into his home five years ago, he had a Run On Sun system installed and has been happy with the panels ever since. He found Jim and the crew to be warm, knowledgeable climate advocates who stayed attentive long after the install. Recently a new Wi‑Fi system wouldn't talk to the Envoy monitoring unit, and Jim personally came out to troubleshoot and fix the connection — the kind of hands‑on follow-up that turned a small frustration into a quick resolution. He still finds it hard to reconcile any one‑star reviews with the care and expertise he experienced, and he points to that personal service visit as the clearest sign that Run On Sun stands behind their work.
Simon W. had a rooftop solar system installed on his home and has been running it for a year. When Jim from Run on Sun came to discuss the project, he arrived ready to perform a full shade assessment on the spot — the kind of one-visit thoroughness other companies usually postpone to a technician’s follow-up. Jim not only designed the array but planned to be the hands-on installer and the person to handle any future issues, and he walked through every detail until Simon felt satisfied. The install team wasn’t the cheapest option, but they proved super-reliable: after Simon voiced unhappiness with how the panels lined up, Run on Sun came back and made a small adjustment to the arrangement. What stands out for him is the continuity — the same knowledgeable installer who designed the system showed up, fitted it, and returned to tweak it afterward — a level of personal care that made the extra cost feel worthwhile.
When Pat G. had a residential solar system installed in September 2015 on So. Arroyo Blvd, they received more than panels — owner Jim Jenal handed over a detailed Owner's Manual and walked them through how everything worked. Jim revealed a deep technical command and a patient, teach-as-you-go style that made the system easy to understand. His production spreadsheets proved remarkably precise: after three years Pat no longer worried about performance because the numbers matched reality. Jim stayed responsive by phone or text and would even drop by to eyeball the meter when needed. The installation crew mirrored that same competence and attitude, reflecting the company’s hands-on, community-rooted approach in Pasadena. What stuck with Pat most was the combination of clear documentation and ongoing, personal support; they even offer to speak with prospective customers — call Run on Sun and ask for their phone if you want a direct conversation.