Anybody have any experience with Sunrun?

[Rob Tucker]

Anybody have any experience with Sunrun?

They do home leased photovoltaic systems on island.

Looks like an attractive deal.

Any first hand experience is appreciated...

[Royall]

I've had solar from Sunrun now for about 5 years now. I have 12 panels on the roof and pay them 89 buck a month for them plus 24-26 to HELCO

[EightFingers]

What are the terms of the lease? I tried asking the guy at Home Depot, but he was not forthcoming with any real answers.

Puna: Our roosters crow first

[Rob Tucker]

I just got the written agreement. Haven't read it yet. I will soon. As I understand it will be a 25 year lease at $79/mo. No money down. 0% year to year increase. Sunrun does all the maintenance and repairs for 25 years. Like Royall said there will be a meter maintenance fee with HECLO of about $25/mo.

Sounds pretty sweet.

Royall, I'll give you a call. Mahalo.

[Gus]

My house came with it. The previous owner paid the entire lease upfront so I just pay Helco between $50 and $100. The only complaint I have heard is if there is a problem they are slow to respond but I haven’t had a problem.

[PaulW]

I thought it was tough getting Helco to accept any new solar connections. Or has that changed? It does sound like a good deal.

[terracore]

Does the house have any power if the grid goes down?

[Rob Tucker]

The main point of the Sunrun photovoltaic system is to have power when the grid goes down. That and it can lock in my power bill at current levels. HELCO is, I am told, applying to the PUC to raise residential rates to 55 cent per kwh.

[leilanidude]

HELCO is, I am told, applying to the PUC to raise residential rates to 55 cent per kwh.
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That might be tough with cost of oil dropping more than half and PGV being allowed to sell the newest additional power at below "avoided cost of oil".

[Rob Tucker]

You may be right. Somehow I don't forecast HELCO rates going down. Anyway I am very interested in converting from an energy consumer to an energy producer.
If I can do that with no money down and minimal change to my average electric bill I am interested.