The Run on Sun Difference…

Our commitment to you, our Potential Client

Our difference begins with our personal commitment to you, our potential client:

  1. We will answer your questions—all of them. If you don't understand something, we haven't done our job.
  2. We will give you our candid appraisal of your site. Unfortunately, not all sites are good candidates for a solar power system. If that is the case with your site, we will tell you. We will also provide you with suggestions for any possible improvements to your site.
  3. 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.
  4. The quality of our work will be second to none. We do not take shortcuts with your system. We understand that you are making a major investment, and we want you to be happy with your Run on Sun solar power system for the next twenty-five years.
  5. Unique Technical, Business, and Legal Expertise. We differ from many others in the solar industry in that the founders of Run on Sun were entrepreneurs, businessmen, and engineers who seized the opportunity to leverage their business, legal, and technical expertise to create a better solar company. We saw others who were either roofing or electrical contractors trying to do engineering of sophisticated systems or larger solar companies undermined by unknowledgeable salespeople and the questionable work of poorly managed sub-contractors.
    The experience of one of our friends was also compelling for us. For him, it took one full year to get a solar system completely installed by one of the best known solar companies in the U.S., and even then it did not work properly. Another had a salesperson who said that volts, watts, and amps were all the same. This convinced us that there had to be a better way to do business.

Mission Statement

Run on Sun is committed to promoting renewable energy use by providing the highest quality, properly engineered photovoltaic solar power systems. We do this by communicating honestly with our clients and ensuring them properly engineered systems, quality installations, and ongoing service and maintenance after the sale.

Run on Sun—Certified Better!

Not all solar installation companies are mission driven. Sadly, some are more interested in generating a sale than they are in your ability to generate solar energy with a reasonable return on your investment. As a result, some companies sell solar power systems that are oversized or poorly designed. Other solar companies simply lack the experience and expertise to provide a proper solar installation that will perform trouble free for years.
At Run on Sun we believe a different approach is needed.

NABCEP Certified Solar Installation Professionals™

A key difference lies in Certification by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). What does that mean to you? As NABCEP notes:

When you hire a contractor with NABCEP Certified Installers leading the crew, you can be confident that you are getting the job done by solar professionals who have the “know-how” that you need.
They are part of a select group of professionals who have distinguished themselves by being awarded
NABCEP Certified Installer credentials.

Run on Sun Founder and CEO, Jim Jenal, has been a NABCEP Certified Solar Installation Professional since 2010!

REC Certified Solar Professionals

We are proud to announce that we have achieved the conveted REC Solar Professional Certification as well! Here's what that means for you:

The REC Certified Solar Professional Program was created to provide many advantages to both installers and end-customers. Not every installer can call themselves an ‘REC Certified Solar Professional’: members of the Program are carefully selected to undergo a unique installer certification program. Through this, REC ensures that solar installers are equipped with the know-how and best practices to install REC panels and can assure you that, in addition to high-quality REC solar panels, you will receive a high-quality solar installation.

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Meet the Team…

With backgrounds in science, contracting, public health, engineering, consulting, business and law, our team members embody every expertise needed to work with clients, suppliers, regulators and government officials to get you the specific solution to meet your needs.

Jim Jenal: Chief Executive Officer, Founder

Jim Jenal: CEO, Founder

Jim Jenal founded Run on Sun in 2006. As its CEO, he has authored the company's blog, Thoughts on Solar, since 2009, and he has been quoted on solar policy and the state of the solar industry in media such as the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Guardian, as well as in numerous trade publications.

A NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional™ since 2010, Jim also holds degrees in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Law.

He is the author of the book, Commercial Solar: Step-by-Step, which lays out in detail the process of implementing a commercial solar power system from selecting a contractor all the way through to going live.

Jim lives in Pasadena, in happy walking distance to Old Town.

Amanda Watson: Projects Coordinator

Jim Jenal: CEO, Founder

Before hearing her calling to the west coast, or finding her niche in the solar industry as Run on Sun’s Projects Coordinator, Amanda’s interests in energy and nonproliferation policy led her from college in NYC to DC. After dabbling in the political arena, she found herself arranging transportation logistics for radioactive materials – primarily U3O8 and UF6 within the nuclear fuel cycle.

Her love of adventure and exploring new environments – particularly on 2 wheels – led Amanda into a life of cycling, both competitive and now, purely for the love of it. Shortly after hanging up her racing wheels, she departed her desk-bound career, and moved to southern California, where she fell in love with the San Gabriel Mountains. Although she is happiest while climbing on the rocks and dirt, she is thoroughly smitten working on a new roof.  And when it’s time to relax, she enjoys making amazing, adult-strength pinatas and tending to her many succulents and cacti.

Velvet Dallesandro: Consulting Electrician

Velvet Dallesandro: Consulting Electrician

Velvet earned her certification as a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional™ in 2010, and is a C-10 licensed electrician with nearly 30 years of experience in the electrical trades and two decades of experience in solar power installations, dating back to the LADWP solar carport project in 1999.

Velvet worked with Run on Sun for ten years and helped establish our reputation for work of the highest quality, a tradition that we carry on to this day. Now Velvet makes her knowledge and expertise available as needed.

When not working, Velvet travels the world, drawn to distant locales often overlooked by most tourists, particularly in the former Soviet republics or anywhere that ends in 'stan'.

Team trivia…

Everyone knows that the Run on Sun Team is comprised of true Solar Pros.
But do you know…

  1. Run on Sun was incorporated as Nopec, Inc. What does Nopec signify?
  2. What member of the team taught High School for six years?
  3. What member of the team was born in Ohio?
  4. What member of the team is a Cat 1 cyclist?
  5. What member of the team regularly is caring for one or more rescue dogs?
  6. What utility hired Run on Sun to evaluate the performance of older solar power systems in their service area?

Here are the answers to the trivia questions…

  1. Nopec signifies “No OPEC”—a name we loved until a colleague convinced us we were asking people to work way too hard!
  2. Jim taught Math and Computer Science at Mayfield Senior School for six years.
  3. Velvet was born and raised—and began work as an electrician—in Ohio. She prefers the California weather.
  4. Amanda - a hard-core cyclist to this day - spent years as a Category 1 racer. And she has the scars to prove it!
  5. That would also be Velvet, whose care and compassion for animals inspires us all.
  6. Pasadena Water & Power contracted with Run on Sun to look at these systems.

Trivia question answers…

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Testimonials

As a local company, we live or die based on how we meet our clients' needs. Do great work, and the word spreads. But if you cut corners, well, that word will spread, too. At Run on Sun, we aren't satisfied until our clients are thrilled with the work we have done for them. How are we doing? Decide for yourself…

Here is what our Clients say about Run on Sun…

Elizabeth McGregor, Head of Westridge School, Pasadena—“What we loved about Run on Sun was the fact that they are very mission driven and really delivered everything that we had asked for, worked with us very professionally, and now not only do we have something that is helping us consume less energy, but it is something that we know we can really use with [our students].”


Jeanine, Altadena—“The Run on Sun team did a terrific job providing solar power to my home. I received detailed information and status reports throughout the project. The entire Run on Sun team is top notch: reliable, on time, efficient and clean! And the best pay-off: my electric bill was $0.87 this month!
I chose Run on Sun because of their reputation for excellence in the industry, someone I could trust and someone local.”


Jane T, Pasadena—“I am very pleased with the solar array installed by Run on Sun. I was impressed with how straightforward they made all the interactions with PWP, their neat, professional workmanship, and their willingness to accommodate our schedule. I've been pleasantly surprised with the amount of power generated by the system even in the dark days of December, and I'm looking forward to years of lower electricity bills.”


Michael M, Pasadena—“We had Run on Sun install our solar panels on our home in Pasadena and couldn't be more pleased. They dealt with the city on our behalf, we did not have to do a thing. The installation was quick and they made sure our rebate was processed quickly. We got several quotes and Run on Sun was very comparable to the industry. Our electric bills are so small, we are elated!”


Christopher M, Los Angeles—“Jim installed solar panels on our house and did a fabulous job. He was efficient and trustworthy. He effectively dealt with the LA legal system, despite their inefficiencies. I'd definitely recommend him to anyone looking for some panels!”


Matthew S, Pasadena—“We spoke with 3 other solar panel installers before we decided to use Run on Sun. Jim looked at our utility bills and quickly figured out the best system and configuration to suit our needs. Jim and his crew were easy to work with, knowledgeable, and dependable. There were no hidden costs and he stuck to his original quote. We are very pleased with our solar panels and would happily refer others to Run on Sun.”


Lauren McC, Los Angeles—“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 a 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 me to install solar, Run on Sun cared more about whether or not I was truly a good candidate for solar.
Jim Jenal is honest, responsive, and generous with his time and knowledge. His company truly cares about their clients, and they will not convince you to purchase something that is not right for you. Without a doubt, I recommend Run on Sun for anyone interested in installing solar panels!”


Lisa N, Pasadena—“We liked them because of their thoroughness in describing the whole process and they presented themselves as an incredibly honest organization. Run on Sun has always been available. When we had a big windstorm a few years ago Jim called us and said he'd like to come and look at the panels to make sure it was still as it should be. That was amazing and we've had no problems. It's been the easiest thing we've done with contractors. Run on Sun is just fabulous.”


Janet L, Venice—“I am quite happy with my decision to go solar, having chosen Run on Sun to do the installation. They are very professional in their work, very careful to install everything correctly and will not try to oversell what is needed for the project. They worked with LADWP to make sure that everything was done to the city's specifications.”


Chris S, Rancho Cucamonga—“Jim installed residential solar panels on our house in 2012. He is exceptionally knowledgeable about not only solar installation and products, but about the global idea of sustainable energy and cost effectiveness. Prior to signing any contracts, Jim walked us through every step of the process, time line, and itemized costs.
During installation, Jim and his crew were prompt, professional and cleaned up completely at the end of each day (which I really appreciated). After installation, he presented us with a comprehensive, personalized binder containing pictures and all information regarding our project. Run on Sun monitors the performance of each panel remotely and contacts me if anything is amiss. We are able to track on our home computer as well. We have been up and running for almost two years without any problems. The savings on our electricity bill has been substantial and has made the investment well worth the initial costs. I would highly recommend Run On Sun Solar. From residential houses to big businesses, Run On Sun will provide reliable, quality solar energy.”


Check out more testimonials and solar videos on our YouTube channel…

Media & Public Recognition

Run on Sun has been discussed and quoted in a wide variety of media and has been recognized for its contributions to the solar industry. Here's a representative sample…

Media

Recognitions

  • Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors, 2019
  • Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors, 2018
  • Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors, 2016
  • Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors, 2015
  • Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors, 2014
  • Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors, 2013