Sunrun Complaints in California — BBB Data, AG Actions & Your Rights (2026)
California has more Sunrun complaints than any other state. Homeowners report billing errors, non-working systems, and lease transfer nightmares. Here is what the data shows and what you can do.
Quick answer
Sunrun has accumulated over 2,400 BBB complaints in California — more than any other state. California homeowners report billing errors, non-working systems after installation, and difficulty transferring leases when selling their homes. The California Public Utilities Commission and state AG have both received formal complaints against Sunrun.
Why California Has the Most Sunrun Complaints
California is Sunrun's home state and largest market — and it's also where the company has accumulated its largest complaint record. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Attorney General's office, and the Better Business Bureau all show significant complaint volumes against Sunrun from California homeowners.
California's strong consumer protection laws — including the Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) and the Unfair Competition Law (UCL) — give California homeowners more legal tools than almost any other state. But exercising those rights requires understanding what Sunrun did wrong and documenting it carefully.
Top Sunrun Complaints from California Homeowners
1. NEM 2.0 to NEM 3.0 Transition Misrepresentation
This is the most California-specific complaint. Thousands of California homeowners signed Sunrun contracts under the promise of NEM 2.0 net metering rates — only to have the CPUC transition to NEM 3.0 in April 2023, dramatically reducing export credits. Homeowners who signed after the NEM 3.0 announcement was known report that Sunrun salespeople never disclosed the impending change, leaving them with systems that produce far less financial benefit than promised.
2. PACE Financing Problems
California has a significant number of Sunrun complaints tied to Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing — a financing mechanism that attaches to the property rather than the homeowner. PACE loans have been the subject of significant regulatory scrutiny in California, and many homeowners report that Sunrun salespeople did not adequately explain that PACE financing would appear as a lien on their property and could complicate future home sales or refinancing.
3. Permit and Interconnection Delays
California's permitting process for solar is among the most complex in the country, varying significantly by utility district. Sunrun customers in PG&E, SCE, and SDGE territories report installation delays of 6-18 months, during which they were paying for a system that wasn't yet producing power. Some report being billed by Sunrun before interconnection was approved.
4. Warranty and Service Response Failures
California homeowners report significant difficulty getting Sunrun to honor equipment warranties. Inverter failures, panel degradation, and monitoring system outages are the most common issues. Sunrun's response times in California — particularly in the Central Valley and Inland Empire — have been reported as weeks to months for basic service calls.
California Consumer Protections for Sunrun Customers
California Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA)
The CLRA prohibits deceptive business practices in consumer transactions. If Sunrun misrepresented savings, production, or the NEM rate structure, you may have a CLRA claim. The CLRA allows for actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees.
California 3-Day Right to Cancel
Under California Civil Code § 1689.5, home solicitation contracts can be cancelled within 3 business days. Sunrun is required to provide you with a Notice of Cancellation form at signing. If they failed to do so, your cancellation window may be extended significantly.
CPUC Complaints
File a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission at cpuc.ca.gov. The CPUC has jurisdiction over solar companies operating in California and has taken enforcement action against solar contractors for deceptive practices.
How to Cancel a Sunrun Contract in California
- Within 3 days: Send written cancellation via certified mail. California law requires Sunrun to refund any payments within 10 days.
- NEM misrepresentation: If you were not told about NEM 3.0 before signing, document exactly what the salesperson told you and consult a consumer attorney about rescission.
- PACE financing: Contact your county assessor's office and a consumer attorney immediately if you have a PACE lien you didn't fully understand.
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Frequently asked questions
How many Sunrun complaints are there in California?
Sunrun has over 2,400 BBB complaints with California being the highest-complaint state, reflecting its position as Sunrun's largest market.
Can I cancel my Sunrun contract in California?
Yes. California homeowners have strong cancellation rights under the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act and the 3-day FTC cooling-off rule. Misrepresentation, failure to perform, and material contract changes are all grounds for cancellation.
What should I do if Sunrun is not responding in California?
File a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California AG's office, and the BBB. Document all attempts to contact Sunrun in writing.
Does California have special solar consumer protections?
Yes. California has the Solar Rights Act, the Home Solicitation Sales Act (3-day right of rescission), and CPUC oversight of solar companies. The state AG has taken enforcement actions against multiple solar companies.