Case Study: Powering the Future with Sunrun and Tesla Batteries

Client Overview

Sunrun, America’s leading provider of residential solar energy systems, is at the forefront of sustainable home energy solutions. By pairing their innovative solar installations with Tesla batteries, Sunrun enables homeowners to take control of their energy needs, ensuring reliability, resilience, and a greener future.

The Challenge

As energy demands increase and climate events disrupt traditional grids, homeowners face rising energy costs and unpredictable outages. Sunrun recognized the need to deliver a seamless, sustainable, and resilient energy storage solution for its customers, allowing them to maximize their solar investments while reducing dependence on the grid.

The Solution

Sunrun partnered with Tesla, leveraging their Powerwall technology to create an integrated energy solution. Tesla batteries provide Sunrun customers with:

Unmatched Energy Storage: Store excess solar energy for use at night or during power outages.
Seamless Backup Power: Automatically detect grid outages and restore power within milliseconds.
Cost Efficiency: Optimize energy usage, lower electricity bills, and participate in energy buyback programs where available.
Sustainability at Scale: Combine clean solar energy with cutting-edge battery storage for a reduced carbon footprint.

By pairing Tesla’s state-of-the-art Powerwall technology with Sunrun’s industry-leading solar solutions, homeowners gain unparalleled control over their energy needs.

The Implementation

Sunrun developed a streamlined process to integrate Tesla batteries into existing or new solar systems, offering customers an end-to-end experience:

Personalized Energy Assessments: Tailored recommendations based on home energy consumption and goals.
Simple Installation: Certified technicians handle the entire process, ensuring a seamless integration of Tesla Powerwall batteries into customers’ solar systems.
Ongoing Support: Sunrun provides monitoring, maintenance, and 24/7 customer service, ensuring the system operates efficiently over time.

Media Strategy: Integrating .STORY | HYPE. for Unparalleled Engagement

To fully realize the potential of this partnership in 2019, Tesla and Sunrun turned to .STORY | HYPE. to design and execute a media strategy that empowered both external and internal audiences, fueling engagement, motivation, and success across all levels of the organization.

External Content Creation:
To reach a broader audience and amplify their story, we partnered with HGTV’s Property Brothers: Drew Scott for an exclusive media collaboration. This campaign showcased the seamless integration of Tesla batteries and Sunrun’s solar systems in real-world homes, delivering a compelling narrative that resonated with viewers nationwide.

Internal Sales Motivation and Training Content Creation:
Sunrun’s internal salesforce became the backbone of this strategy, empowered by a suite of innovative media assets designed by .STORY | HYPE.:

- On-the-Ground Training: Real-time training sessions filmed and distributed to teams in the field.
- Internal Studio Productions: High-quality motivational videos produced in a dedicated internal studio, designed to inspire sales reps and keep teams aligned on goals.
- Gamified Learning Modules: A custom-designed video game, created to educate and provide hands on training to teams all across the globe. The game was specifically geared and built toward new sales reps and covered their specific training curriculum.

General Programming – Building a Sunrun Network:
Our strategy extended beyond campaigns and training to create a robust internal programming ecosystem, reminiscent of a dedicated network akin to ESPN’s SportsCenter:

Weekly Company Newsletter Shows: A dynamic, video-first approach to internal communications, delivering seven unique programs each week.
Rep Spotlights: Stories highlighting the achievements of individual team members, celebrating their successes and amplifying their impact across the organization.
SWAG Apparel Features: High-energy product launches featuring Sunrun-branded apparel that strengthened team pride and brand identity.
Company News and Philanthropy Updates: Bite-sized news segments that kept employees informed on corporate milestones, community initiatives, and upcoming events.
Trip Highlights: Vibrant recaps of company-sponsored trips, energizing teams and showcasing the rewards of success.

This immersive, multi-channel approach allowed Tesla and Sunrun to maintain a unified voice, celebrate their people, and continuously drive engagement, creating a culture where innovation and excellence flourished.

The Results

Key Metrics:

Increased Energy Savings: Homeowners report an average savings of up to 80% on energy bills.
Reliability During Outages: Homes equipped with Tesla batteries maintained power for up to 7 days during grid outages.
Enhanced Internal Culture: 92% of employees reported feeling more connected to Sunrun’s mission due to the internal media strategy.
Expanded Brand Reach: The Property Brothers campaign alone increased web traffic by 65%, resulting in a measurable uptick in customer inquiries.

At Sunrun, our creative team played a key role in initiatives that fueled the company’s extraordinary growth. During this period, Sunrun’s market capitalization soared from approximately $1.63 billion to $13.70 billion by the end of 2020, solidifying its leadership in the renewable energy sector. This growth empowered the company to expand its reach by acquiring key industry players, developing innovative energy solutions, and launching subsidiaries that positioned Sunrun as the multifaceted leader in clean energy it is today. Our efforts weren’t just about supporting innovation and growth—they were about aligning with a larger vision: driving sustainability and transforming the industry. Together, we delivered impactful projects that reflected Sunrun’s bold commitment to a cleaner future.

Customer Spotlight:
“When the storm hit last winter, we didn’t lose power for a single moment. The Tesla battery gave us peace of mind and kept our home running smoothly. Thanks to Sunrun, we’re saving money every month and helping the environment at the same time.” – Sarah W., Sunrun customer in California

Why It Matters

By integrating this cutting-edge solar solutions with Tesla’s Powerwall technology and .STORY | HYPE.’s custom-tailored media strategy, this partnership exemplifies the transformative power of clean energy and strategic storytelling. Together, we empowered Sunrun to connect with their customers, inspire their workforce, and lead the charge toward a sustainable future.

Looking Ahead

With Sunrun and Tesla leading the way, and .STORY | HYPE. driving the narrative, the future of clean energy is brighter than ever. Together, we’re building a world where energy independence, innovation, and inspiration are accessible to all.