Start with three simple words: attention to detail. Instead, we will take the time to review your bills, evaluate-in person-your home or commercial site for its solar potential, answer all of your questions, and only then will we provide you with a proposal for going solar. We make our living selling solar, but not every site is a good candidate-and if that is the case with you, we will tell you.
At Run on Sun, it is important that you are thrilled with the result of this process, and that means exceeding your needs and surpassing your expectations-not just satisfying our sales goals. Run on Sun installed a PV system at our property and we are very happy with the results. More importantly, we're happy we chose Run on Sun to be our installer.
They navigated all the City requirements for us. They were very professional during the time they were on our property doing the installation. My wife and I would highly recommend Run on Sun to anyone. NABCEP Certification-All three of our principals have achieved certification by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
At Run on Sun, it is important that you are thrilled with the result of this process, and that means exceeding your needs and surpassing your expectations-not just satisfying our sales goals. Run on Sun installed a PV system at our property and we are very happy with the results. More importantly, we're happy we chose Run on Sun to be our installer.
They navigated all the City requirements for us. They were very professional during the time they were on our property doing the installation. My wife and I would highly recommend Run on Sun to anyone. NABCEP Certification-All three of our principals have achieved certification by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Services
Your home is unique-you need a solar company that is focused on meeting your distinctive needs. Run on Sun knows that every home presents its own set of challenges, and meeting those challenges with a system design and installation specifically tailored to your home is one of the things that sets us apart.
Run on Sun is proud to be one of the first solar installation companies in the U.S. to offer the Ensemble Energy Storage System from Enphase Energy! Many of our clients have been clamoring for a storage solution, especially our SCE clients who are suffering through frequent outages, seemingly at the worst possible time.
Owning an EV (or a plug-in hybrid) means that you laugh as you cruise past gas stations, but with double-digit rate increases from SCE, PWP and other utilities, your smile may turn to a frown when you open your next electric bill. Even so-called EV-friendly rate structures (such as this scary one from SCE) may contain "gotchas" that could have you paying a whole lot of money for the privilege of driving an EV.
We will never pressure you to buy more than you need. Installing a system that will completely zero-out your electric bill often does not make economic sense, but that is what some companies will try to sell you. We will make sure that you have enough information to make an economically sound decision.
Reviews (28)
Carole Jones
Jan 20, 2022
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Nicholas D.
Jan 07, 2022
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We loved working with Run On Sun. Frankly, it's a bit shocking to see, and incomprehensible to imagine, 1-star reviews for them. Jim and his team are kind, passionate, dedicated climate advocates and solar experts. We've loved our panels for the last five years, which we installed when we moved into our home. Recently, I had a small issue with hooking my new wifi system up to the Envoy panel, and Jim came out personally to fix it. I've always felt they were attentive and caring. I suppose bad luck happens to everyone at some point, but I recommend Run On Sun to anyone who ever
Lara Simon
Nov 13, 2021
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Jim Jenal and his team were more than I could have asked for in a contractor. He was extremely knowledgeable about every brand, honest in his assessment of what system would work best for my needs and patient is answering all of my questions. He worked with the roofers to ensure their work would be compatible and that there was no time gap between the roofing work and the installation. Jim communicated at every step and the installation was uneventful (how often do you hear that?). I am thrilled with the panels and would wholeheartedly recommend Run on Sun!
JoAnne J.
Nov 03, 2021
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Complete failure. It took a week for them to come out and look at our property, then two weeks to get a quote. The quote was reasonable but there were some details that did not follow our specifications, we needed to make some adjustments to placement of panels and had a few other questions. We made repeated phone calls and sent emails with absolutely no response. I am not sure how they stay in business.
Steve Unckles
Oct 11, 2020
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There was already a solar system installed in my house when I bought it, and Run On Sun came out to help me figure out how it worked. James was very helpful, very knowledgeable, and didn't try to sell me on anything I didn't need. It was a pleasure working with Run On Sun, and if I ever decide to upgrade my system I would definitely give them a call.
James N.
May 17, 2019
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Howard K.
Dec 17, 2018
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Jim and the Run on Sun team were great. Very candid about what could and could not be done. Showed up when they said they would, and did the work very well with minimum of interruption at home. They have also been prompt in responding to question before and after the installation. The solar business has a lot of hype attached and pressured sales. Run on Sun is none of that .
Steve H.
Nov 06, 2018
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Dick Rubin
Sep 18, 2018
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Jim Jenal and the Run On Sun team are terrific. From our first meeting we felt we were getting honest, useful information and guidance. Our installation went like clockwork, Jim communicated with us every step of the way, coordinated with our roofer, our electrician, and the county, and there were no surprises. They graciously accommodated a minor delay on our part. Our expectations were set realistically, our system is performing as promised and the results are gratifying. I've had a question now and then since we went operational, early in 2016, and in every instance Jim has responded quickly
Jin H.
Sep 18, 2018
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I chose Run on Sun due to the stellar reviews online, however, I am not satisfied with their service. Jim initially responded quick but then no response with follow up emails regarding site evaluation. I had to email him again to see if he was still interested to come to my house for a site evaluation. Not sure if he is too busy or not. After coming for the site evaluation, there was nothing afterward. I emailed Jim to find out what is going on to no avail. After contact Victoria, I was told Jim will not take my job due to my roof condition although I already informed him my re roofing plan during
Chin G.
May 19, 2018
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Stellar in all aspects!
Having reached out to several other solar companies and realizing that they were just sales people with no real technical or field experience; I decided to contact the City Engineer for advice and direction.
Jim and Sara are 100% competent, reliable and professional. They guided me through their proposal and justified each aspect confidently; such as how they were going to attach the panels to my roof to avoid any potential leaks. They also addressed aesthetics along with performance in locating the system.
They provided timely updates and feedback throughout the process
Having reached out to several other solar companies and realizing that they were just sales people with no real technical or field experience; I decided to contact the City Engineer for advice and direction.
Jim and Sara are 100% competent, reliable and professional. They guided me through their proposal and justified each aspect confidently; such as how they were going to attach the panels to my roof to avoid any potential leaks. They also addressed aesthetics along with performance in locating the system.
They provided timely updates and feedback throughout the process
Andrea B.
Dec 21, 2017
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We can't say enough positive things about Run on Sun. From the moment we first met with Jim and Sara about the potential of installing solar panels, to the day we received our first monthly summary showing how much energy our panels had generated, the time has been well-spent. When hiring Run on Sun you will find professionalism, thoughtfulness and fairness.
Jim sat with us and explained how the process worked, when we could expect the different stages to take place, and what the costs would be.
Some other companies will give you a less expensive quote up front without even visiting your
Jim sat with us and explained how the process worked, when we could expect the different stages to take place, and what the costs would be.
Some other companies will give you a less expensive quote up front without even visiting your
Pat G.
Dec 01, 2017
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Run on Sun is the best solar energy provider there is. I have had my residential system since September, 2015, when owner Jim Jenal provided me with my Owner's Manual of anything I need to know. Jim is a real expert on Solar, and an exquisitely smart nerd. He is honest, reliable, communicative and a pleasure to speak with. He teaches as he goes.
His spreadsheets are so accurate that after 3 years I don't worry about a thing. He is responsive to a phone call or a text and will drop by if needed to take a look at the meter.
His staff is terrific, skilled, and reflect the attitudes
His spreadsheets are so accurate that after 3 years I don't worry about a thing. He is responsive to a phone call or a text and will drop by if needed to take a look at the meter.
His staff is terrific, skilled, and reflect the attitudes
Herta Levy
Oct 29, 2017
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After considering getting some solar panels for my home I contacted several companies for some estimates. My experience with Run on the Sun was absolutely excellentI It seems very rare to get an honest opinion from a contractor these days. Most want to make a sales and promise all kinds of benefits. Not this company, Jim Jenal, the owner advised me with usage this low, the payback on a PV system would take a long time. For a tilt-up system on a flat roof, that margin would be even worse.
So actually I do not need solar panels! Definitely would recommend this company!
So actually I do not need solar panels! Definitely would recommend this company!
Alan Huang
Aug 06, 2017
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If you are reading this review then you have probably tried all the “big” solar installation companies and were puzzled why they never returned your call or answered all your pleading email messages. The reason for the cold shoulder is probably due to the fact that you live in Pasadena, where the City owns the power company. Run-on-the-Sun happens to be located in Pasadena and as a result is used to dealing with Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) and the local building codes.
While viewing their website I was impressed by the fact that they were using Enphase micro-inverters. Being an Electrical
While viewing their website I was impressed by the fact that they were using Enphase micro-inverters. Being an Electrical
Simon Wells
Jun 29, 2017
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Working with Jim and Sara was a terrific experience. They are a small outfit, but tremendously dedicated and very knowledgable.
When my wife and I started considering going solar we read online reviews and based on them had six companies visit to discuss our situation and give us a quote. Most sent sales representatives who gave us impressive spiels but left the actual assesment and shade analysis to later. Only Jim really understood the technology, could talk about it with authority, and showed up with a ladder and shade analysis equipment to go up on the roof and do the site evaluation there
When my wife and I started considering going solar we read online reviews and based on them had six companies visit to discuss our situation and give us a quote. Most sent sales representatives who gave us impressive spiels but left the actual assesment and shade analysis to later. Only Jim really understood the technology, could talk about it with authority, and showed up with a ladder and shade analysis equipment to go up on the roof and do the site evaluation there
Carol G.
Jan 02, 2017
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We had been considering installing a solar system for over a year and had been researching different contractors. We ended up interviewing and getting bids from 4 contractors. Jim and Laurel from Run On Sun stood out as very knowledgeable regarding the local building codes and working with LADWP for rebates. They were also extremely organized, easy to work with, efficient, honest, and put up with all of my many questions. I was impressed with how quickly and neatly the work was completed. As a woman engineer, I especially appreciated the egalitarian attitudes of this company and being treated
Kelan A.
Oct 12, 2016
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I worked with Jim and Laurel from Run on Sun to install a 5.58kw system on my home in Pasadena. From start to finish, Jim and Laurel were a delight to work with and learn from. They are knowledgeable, stay on schedule, stay on budget, and present the material in an easy-to -understand format.
I bid out 5 different companies and chose Run on Sun because or their dedication to the work. Jim and Laurel do the work themselves. I told them I wanted to purchase materials made in the USA, and they worked with me to keep materials they purchased as local as possible. They informed me that the panels
I bid out 5 different companies and chose Run on Sun because or their dedication to the work. Jim and Laurel do the work themselves. I told them I wanted to purchase materials made in the USA, and they worked with me to keep materials they purchased as local as possible. They informed me that the panels
Pataky M.
Jul 20, 2016
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I first spoke to Jim after researching several companies for my residential solar project. After much consideration I decided to go with Run On Sun, however Jim was to busy and decided to pass on the project.
I ended up going with my second choice and it has been an absolute disaster. It took them over 1 year to complete the 9.6KW system. This other company (Candelaria Electric) took my money right away and then tied me up with their contract until they had enough time (which could have been never, but that's another story). After Candelaria Solar was about halfway through the project
I ended up going with my second choice and it has been an absolute disaster. It took them over 1 year to complete the 9.6KW system. This other company (Candelaria Electric) took my money right away and then tied me up with their contract until they had enough time (which could have been never, but that's another story). After Candelaria Solar was about halfway through the project
Tim D.
Jul 14, 2016
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I spent about a month researching various solar companies and whether or not going solar was a viable move for us. Using Yelp, Nextdoor, and other rating sites, I narrowed my choice of solar companies down to four and received bids from each.
The first two were large companies. They were extremely nice, but were definitely pushing their preferred products, offering price incentives to choose their panels, inverters, pushing their in-house finance options, etc.
The last two companies were Mom & Pop-size companies, local to the Pasadena area. Both of these provided on-site surveys, each
The first two were large companies. They were extremely nice, but were definitely pushing their preferred products, offering price incentives to choose their panels, inverters, pushing their in-house finance options, etc.
The last two companies were Mom & Pop-size companies, local to the Pasadena area. Both of these provided on-site surveys, each
Don L.
Feb 05, 2016
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We have been researching putting solar on our home for a couple of years. I met with many solar companies from small solar firms to the very large one you see on TV. Jim was the one with which I felt most confident. He is local in Pasadena, he has installed solar on local schools and businesses as well as several of my neighbor's homes. My only problem is that the tile on my roof is so junky (Cal Tile) that I need to reroof my whole house before installing solar. Ouch. But when that happens, Jim will be the man installing my solar panels.
Dan N.
Feb 20, 2015
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If you are thinking on going solar, you should give this guys a call and talk to Jim.
Background...
Like any sensible homeowner with an interest in reducing energy costs and saving some cash, I decided to go solar. I was convinced my house would be a good candidate based on my less-than-scientific observations. Once I made the decision, I started looking into solar companies. I spent the next several months meeting with many of these companies. I met with Gen110 - a SolarUniverse company, Home Performance Matters, Sunrun, Building Doctors, and RunOnSun. I was glad I did!
Results..
Background...
Like any sensible homeowner with an interest in reducing energy costs and saving some cash, I decided to go solar. I was convinced my house would be a good candidate based on my less-than-scientific observations. Once I made the decision, I started looking into solar companies. I spent the next several months meeting with many of these companies. I met with Gen110 - a SolarUniverse company, Home Performance Matters, Sunrun, Building Doctors, and RunOnSun. I was glad I did!
Results..
Christopher M.
Dec 17, 2014
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Angela P.
Jul 25, 2014
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Unfortunately I was unable to use Run on Sun due to my proximity, however Jim was extremely helpful and informative to me. He spent many hours on the phone explaining and consulting different system types and products knowing I would not be one of his customers. He even looked at different proposals for me. I have a friend who used Jim for their solar and they are extremely happy with the service and products received. If I lived in the Pasadena area, I would without a doubt be using Run on Sun for my solar needs!
Chris S.
Jul 24, 2014
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Jim installed residential solar panels on our house in 2012. He is exceptionally knowledgeable about not only solar instillation and product, but about the global idea of sustainable energy and cost effectiveness. He counseled us on the best approach to solar and provided a long term projection of performance data and cost savings over time. Prior to signing any contracts, Jim walked us through every step of the process, time line, and itemized costs. After instillation was completed, he presented us with a comprehensive, personalized binder containing pictures and all information regarding our
Lauren M.
Jan 07, 2014
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Run on Sun is an honest company that prioritizes the experience of their customers above all else, even at the expense of their own profit. When I contacted Jim Jenal from Run on Sun to see if solar panel installation would be a good option for my home, Jim immediately responded to my inquiries and scheduled a site visit. He spent an hour inspecting my home, reviewing my electricity usage, and explaining the technology behind solar. In the end, he recommended that I NOT install solar panels due to my energy consumption and other factors. While other solar companies made bids and tried to convince
Tom McDade
Nov 10, 2012
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Earlier this year my mother's house was hit with the terrible wind storm in Pasadena and her old solar system was destroyed. She contacted Jim Jenal at Run on Sun and he was very responsive to her call; he quickly came out to assess the damage and he removed the old panels from the roof before they could fly off and possibly do more damage to other property or persons. He then proposed a new system that was not only better then what she had but his price was considerably less expensive than another solar company who tried to take advantage of my 85 year old mother. I live in Ohio and Jim still
Greg K.
Aug 15, 2012
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Jim and the team at ROS did an excellent job in replacing my wind damaged solar panels. It was a fairly simple job, but they did what they said they were going to do and on schedule.
Their proposal was professional and complete, including a clear explanation of all the caveats of replacing a 5 year old system. One of the key things that sold me on the ROS proposal was the use of Enphase micro-inverters. My location is shaded by large trees part of the time and this technology really improves the overall performance.
Immediately after signing the contract, ROS team arrived to remove the damaged
Their proposal was professional and complete, including a clear explanation of all the caveats of replacing a 5 year old system. One of the key things that sold me on the ROS proposal was the use of Enphase micro-inverters. My location is shaded by large trees part of the time and this technology really improves the overall performance.
Immediately after signing the contract, ROS team arrived to remove the damaged
