Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ: RUN), the foremost provider of home battery storage, solar energy, and home-to-grid power plants in America, announced on February 25, 2026, that its CEO, Mary Powell, has been chosen for the prestigious CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business list for 2026. This annual recognition celebrates 50 exceptional female leaders who are making significant impacts across various industries and driving transformative changes in their fields.

2. Celebrating Leadership and Innovation

In the press release, CNBC highlighted Powell's pivotal role in steering Sunrun towards a more sustainable future. Under her leadership, the company has strategically positioned itself as a storage-first energy generation company, which not only focuses on solar energy but also emphasizes intelligent energy management for families. This innovative approach addresses the growing energy needs in the U.S., particularly as electricity demands increase.

“I am honored to be recognized alongside so many women redefining leadership in business,” expressed Powell. “At Sunrun, we believe the energy transition will be led by families. By pairing battery storage with solar and connecting homes into distributed power plants, we’re giving customers greater independence, resilience, and peace of mind while building critical energy infrastructure for the nation.”

3. A Focus on Energy Independence and Resilience

Powell's strategy has been instrumental in facilitating the growth of home battery adoption, allowing customers to generate and store their own power. This capability is especially vital during power outages or high-demand periods. Moreover, Sunrun has enabled customers to participate in distributed power plant programs, allowing them to supply energy back to the grid when it is most needed, thereby enhancing the stability of local electric grids.

Alan D. Ferber, Lead Independent Director of Sunrun's Board, remarked, “Mary has long been a transformative figure in the energy industry, and she has strengthened Sunrun’s role in America’s energy future. Her strategic focus on battery storage, customer experience, and disciplined growth is delivering meaningful benefits to customers, communities, and grid operators across the country.”

4. Stellar Growth Under Powell's Leadership

Since Powell took the helm in 2021, Sunrun has achieved remarkable milestones. The company has surpassed the 1 million customer mark, making it the first residential storage-plus-solar company in the U.S. to do so. The growth has been staggering, with battery storage installations increasing by over 800% and participation in distributed power plants rising by 400% during her leadership. In 2025 alone, Sunrun dispatched nearly 18 gigawatt-hours of stored energy to grids across America, which is sufficient to power 15 million homes for one hour.

5. Recognition and Future Prospects

Powell’s inclusion in the CNBC Changemakers list adds to her accolades, which include recognition on Forbes' inaugural 50 Sustainability Leaders list and TIME's TIME100 Climate list, both in 2024. These honors reflect her dedication to reimagining America's energy landscape and her commitment to leading Sunrun towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

As the energy sector continues to evolve, Mary Powell’s leadership at Sunrun sets a precedent for innovation and customer-centric solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future in America.

6. About Sunrun

Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ: RUN) stands as a leader in home battery storage, solar energy, and home-to-grid power plants. With a focus on empowering customers through an innovative no-upfront-cost subscription model, Sunrun enhances energy control, security, and independence for households across the nation. The company also plays a crucial role in grid support by providing on-demand dispatchable power, helping to prevent blackouts and reduce energy costs.

Original press release