Sunrun Solar Review | Trust Score & Ratings

Founded2007

HeadquartersSan Francisco, CA

Trust Score75/100

About Sunrun Solar

Sunrun Solar is a multi-level marketing (MLM) company based in San Francisco, CA, that specializes in solar energy products. Founded in 2007, it operates through a network of independent distributors who sell solar solutions directly to consumers.

Distributors earn income through retail profit, sponsor bonuses, team commissions, and various performance-based incentives. However, with a Trustpilot rating of just 2.5/5 and a reliance on monthly purchase requirements for full commissions, potential recruits should tread carefully.

With a trust score of 75/100, Sunrun Solar offers a moderate level of risk for entrepreneurs looking to enter the solar energy market. Just be aware that income concentration among top earners might limit earning potential for new distributors.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros

Growing solar market
The solar industry is booming, and Sunrun is well-positioned to benefit from increasing demand for renewable energy.
Flexible income streams
Their compensation plan offers multiple ways to earn, including retail profit and team commissions, which can appeal to different sales styles.
Incentives for top performers
Sunrun rewards high achievers with leadership bonuses and incentive trips, which can motivate ambitious individuals.
Strong brand presence
With over 15 years in the business, Sunrun has established itself as a recognizable name in solar energy, which can help with customer trust.

✗ Cons

Top earner concentration
Income disclosures show that a large portion of earnings goes to a small percentage of participants, making it tough for most to reach significant income.
Monthly purchase requirements
To qualify for full commissions, you'll need to meet monthly purchase requirements, which can strain your finances.
Mixed customer reviews
With a Trustpilot score of 2.5/5, many customers report issues with service and installation, which could impact your ability to sell.
Risky financial commitment
Investing in solar products upfront can be a significant financial risk if you’re not confident in your ability to sell them.

Verdict: Sunrun Solar has potential, especially with the growing solar market and flexible income options. However, the income concentration and mixed customer feedback raise serious red flags that you shouldn't ignore.

Best for: This could be a good fit for people passionate about renewable energy and with strong sales skills. If you're risk-averse or struggle with direct sales, it might be best to steer clear.

Risk Analysis

Sunrun Solar presents a moderate risk profile. While there are some positive aspects, potential recruits should be cautious about income concentration and monthly purchase requirements.

Key Concerns

Income concentration among top earners high
The income disclosure shows that a significant portion of commissions goes to a small number of top earners, which is a common red flag in MLMs.
Monthly purchase requirements for full commissions moderate
To earn full commissions, associates must meet monthly purchase quotas, which can put financial strain on participants.

Positive Indicators

Established company with a solid reputation
Founded in 2007, Sunrun has built a recognizable brand in the solar industry.
Variety of income streams
The compensation plan includes retail profit, sponsor bonuses, and leadership bonuses, which can provide multiple earning avenues.

Consumer Advice: If you're considering joining Sunrun, weigh the potential earnings against the risks of income concentration and monthly purchases. Make sure you fully understand the compensation plan and how it might affect your finances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunrun Solar

Is Sunrun Solar a legitimate MLM company?

Yes, Sunrun Solar is a legitimate company founded in 2007. They focus on solar energy solutions and have a mixed reputation, with a Trustpilot rating of 2.5 out of 5.

What products does Sunrun Solar sell?

Sunrun Solar primarily sells solar panel systems and related products. They provide residential solar installation and energy storage options to help homeowners save on energy costs.

How much can you make with Sunrun Solar?

Earnings with Sunrun Solar can vary widely. The compensation plan includes retail profit, sponsor bonuses, and commissions, but the income disclosure shows that top earners make most of the money, raising some concerns about income distribution.

Are there complaints about Sunrun Solar?

Yes, there are complaints about Sunrun Solar, particularly around customer service and installation issues. Their Trustpilot score of 2.5 suggests that many customers have had mixed or negative experiences.

How does the compensation plan work for Sunrun Solar?

Sunrun Solar's compensation plan is a binary structure that rewards you for sales and team performance. It includes various income streams like retail profit and leadership bonuses, but you have to meet monthly purchase requirements to earn full commissions.

What is the cost to join Sunrun Solar?

Joining Sunrun Solar typically involves purchasing a starter kit, which can vary in price. Be prepared for costs related to maintaining your business, including those monthly purchase requirements for commissions.

What is Sunrun Solar's BBB rating?

Sunrun Solar currently does not have a rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site, but they have been involved in complaints regarding their service. This lack of a rating can be a red flag for potential new recruits.

What are the risk flags associated with Sunrun Solar?

Sunrun Solar has a moderate risk level due to top earner concentration and mandatory monthly purchase requirements. These factors can make it difficult for new associates to earn significant income.

Are there alternatives to Sunrun Solar?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Sunrun Solar, including other MLM companies in the solar industry like Vivint Solar or even traditional solar companies that don't operate on an MLM model. It's worth researching multiple options to find what's best for you.

Compensation Plan

Plan Type

This is a binary plan. That means you have two sides to your business. You build a team on the left and a team on the right. You earn money based on how well both sides perform.

How Earnings Work

Retail Profit: You buy solar products at a wholesale price and sell them at a retail price. The difference is your profit.
Sponsor Bonus: When you recruit someone new, you earn a bonus. This is a one-time payment when they join your team.
Team Commission: You earn money based on the sales your team makes. The more sales, the more you earn.
Leadership Bonus: As you climb up the ranks, you can earn extra bonuses based on your team's performance.
Incentive Trip: If you hit certain sales goals, you can qualify for trips and other rewards.

Requirements

You need to meet a monthly minimum purchase to get full commissions.
As you progress through the ranks, you need to meet specific requirements to maintain your status.