| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 11, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001469367 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 11, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Sunrun Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-37511 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-2841711 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 225 Bush Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Francisco |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94104 |
| City Area Code | (415) |
| Local Phone Number | 580-6900 |
| Written Communications | true |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | RUN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
