Should I Lease or Buy Solar Panels?

Should I Purchase Batteries?

Solar Roof Shingles vs. Panels

Costs and Savings of Solar

Choosing the Best Solar Company for You

Which Solar Panels are Best for Me?

Tesla

Tesla has catapulted to the top of the solar industry, thanks to a creative business model and intensive research and development. It’s currently the nation’s top solar installer.

While it’s known for technological innovation, it also offers quality installations and solid customer service. Each installation is managed by NABCEP-certified project managers and supervisors.Tesla has garnered a multitude of awards and recognition from prominent publications for their reliable, leading-edge solar products.

While the company laid off nearly 20% of its workforce in 2016 in a bid to cut expenses and maximize profits, it’s backed by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. In addition to serving as company CEO, he’s also CEO of rocket manufacturer SpaceX and a co-founder of PayPal.

With Musk’s skills, financial resources, and commitment behind it, Tesla is poised to be an industry leader in the solar sector well into the future. Tesla can be reached through its website at https://www.tesla.com/solarpanels

REC Solar

REC Solar is large solar energy firm which serves 21 states and Puerto Rico by providing state of the art evaluation, equipment, and installation to commercial and residential properties. One of its main offices is in Hawaii, where it takes advantage of the natural climate to help clients switch to cleaner energy.

REC Solar offers a variety of services to its commercial and industrial customers. Interested individuals can request assistance financing the installation of a solar energy system, property evaluation, the design of a custom system, installation, and regular monitoring for problems. The firm is the only company of its kind supported by Duke Energy, one of the nation’s largest utility providers.

Some of the company’s offerings include ground-mounted systems, roof-mounted systems, carports, and energy trackers. REC Solar does not require people to become clients to have their questions about solar energy answered, and it works with a variety of industries such as agriculture, utilities, and sections of the public sector like government organizations.

REC Solar can be reached through its website at https://recsolar.com/ or its phone number 808-756-4824.

Sunrun

Sunrun is a thriving residential solar company with over 100,000 customers across the nation. It’s growing at a rapid clip, giving other industry giants like Sungevity and SolarCity a run for their money.

Sunrun’s narrow focus is part of its recipe for success—it specializes in getting residential solar PV right, rather than branching out into new areas. It does supplement solar panels with its proprietary BrightBox battery system, however. The BrightBox provides 20 megawatt-hours of energy for powering homes overnight and during grid outages. So far, Sunrun has received more than 1,000 orders for the BrightBox in Hawai’i and California alone. With or without the battery, homeowners get a lifetime warranty for the solar panels, as well as free support.

The vast majority of customers choose leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) that allow them to go solar for zero down. As a result, the company plans to invest in those models and integrate battery storage for lease and PPA customers.

Sunrun has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. It can be reached through its website at sunrun.com, or by phone at 888-GO-SOLAR.

Vivint

Vivint developed its solar program in 2011 after spending several years in the home security industry. The firm offers a variety of services, including property evaluation for solar viability, the customization of energy systems, and the full installation of equipment like photovoltaic solar panels.

Qualified employees with the company provide additional services like regular maintenance on the equipment. Vivint primarily serves residential properties throughout the United States, including in Hawaii.

Interested individuals can request a free quote which includes the costs of parts and labor. Vivint takes pride in its customer service and has employees available to answer questions during every step of the transition to solar power. All of the firm’s equipment also undergoes a 94 point inspection process to ensure quality.

In 2012, the Blackstone Group acquired Vivint and continued its policy of customer service. In 2013, the company won the People’s Choice Stevie Award for Favorite Customer Service Provider and the Silver Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year.

Vivint can be reached through its website at https://www.vivintsolar.com/ or its phone number 877-404-4129.

Revolusun

RevoluSun is one of Hawaii’s most respected solar companies. Honolulu Magazine named it the Best Solar Company for five years running from 2012-2016, and the Star Advertiser tapped it for its “Hawaii’s Best” list from 2014-2016.

The company is also one of few solar providers leading the charge into the smart home space. Its smart home solution fully integrates solar energy generation with air, water, and security technologies for a complete home management experience. RevoluSun installs solar water heaters, solar house and attic fans, home security systems, solar-powered skylights, electric vehicle charging stations, and pool pumps, all of which work together seamlessly.

A mobile app allows you to control thermostats, lights, security features, and more with the tap of a button. Homeowners can also view data on their energy use and test out various scenarios through an online portal. Prospective customers can visit the company’s smart home showroom in person to get a firsthand look at how the products work.

All of RevoluSun’s technology is powered by SunPower solar panels—American-made panels that boast the highest available conversion efficiency. The company complements solar panels with the Tesla Powerwall or the high-capacity Sunverge Solar Integration Battery System. Either battery will store the excess clean energy the panels generate during the day, and release it at night.

RevoluSun has more than 7,000 solar panel installations and an A+ rating the Better Business Bureau under its belt. It can be reached through its website at revolusun.com, or by phone at (808) 748-8888.

Island Pacific Energy

Numerous outlets have recognized Island Pacific as a rising star in the industry.

Solar Power World tagged it on its list of the Top 500 Solar Contractors of 2016. The company received the Governor’s Award for Innovation in 2009, and a spot on the Pacific Business News’ list of the 50 fastest-growing companies in Hawai’i’ in 2012. This residential and commercial installer was the first to develop an innovative, zero-down financing program that allowed homeowners to buy solar panels, and use the savings to pay for them over a period of less than six years. It also offers leases and PPAs.

In addition to solar electric, Island Pacific installs the Tesla Powerwall battery storage system—the invention of serial entrepreneur Elon Musk. The Powerwall stores excess energy during the day, and releases it for use at night and during grid outages.

Island Pacific also offers a proprietary emPower Independent Storage System. Both batteries allow customers to go completely off the grid, which is an increasingly popular choice in Hawai’i, and particularly in remote areas. Off-grid customers can still connect to HECO for backup power if needed.

The company has installed solar systems for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickham, Chaminade University, the University of Hawai‘i, and many other organizations since it opened in 2007. It’s a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and Solar Energy Industries Association, and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Island Pacific Energy can be reached through its website at islandpacificenergy.com, or by phone at (808) 377-4570.

Van’s Electric

Van’s Electric is a full-service electrical company providing residential and commercial solar power, as well as electrical wiring services.

Based in Pearl City, Honolulu, on the Island of O’ahu, the company has been serving residential and commercial customers in Hawai’i since 2010. Van’s Electric takes on jobs of any size, and offers 24-hour emergency service.

“The ballast in my kitchen was dying over weekend. I called on Monday and Van finished the repair same day,” G.W. in Honolulu writes on Yelp!. “He’s very helpful and I am satisfied. 5 star for sure!”

“My upstairs lights were shutting off and on, no circuits was tripping for over 2 months. Several guys came and problem still occurred,” Ann P. of Kapolei reports. “I went on YELP and saw Vans Electric Inc. and saw that Van had 5 stars and BBB rating of A+. I called and Van came out within a day, in less than an hour Van had figured out the problem AND his rates are reasonable.

Highly recommend Vans Electric Inc. —knowledgeable, fast, reasonable pricing”.

Van’s Electric has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. It can be reached through its website at topelectricianHawai’i.com, or by phone at (808) 368-2572.

Alternate Energy

Alternate Energy is a well-established, locally-owned residential and commercial installer serving O’ahu and Maui.

Solar Power World named it the #1 Hawai’i Solar Contractor, and one of the top 400 solar contractors in the country. It was the top Residential Solar Contractor in Honolulu from 2012-2013, according to the number of permits issued.

The company installs Mitsubishi Electric’s Monocrystalline Premium Module Line of solar panels, which features salt environment protection, double corrosion resistance, an anti-reflective coating that increases light absorption, and a 25-year warranty.

Its signature Home Energy Storage Solution (HESS) combines Mitsubishi solar panels and the Tesla Powerwall battery storage system. The company will also pair the panels with the Sunverge home battery system, instead of the Powerwall. Both of the batteries allow Alternate Energy’s customers to disconnect from the grid completely, or stay up and running when the grid goes down.

Customers can opt for solar hot water instead of a full solar electric system. Alternate Energy offers a five-year warranty on all parts and labor for hot water, a limited warranty after 5 years, and a 7-year warranty on parts and labor for copper panel systems. It also installs ENERGY STAR appliances, electric vehicle charging stations, and Mitsubishi Electric cooling systems that are up to 40% more efficient than central and room air conditioners.

Alternate Energy has an Entry-Level Certificate of Knowledge from NABCEP and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. It can be reached through its website at alternateenergyHawai’i.com, or by phone at (808) 842-5853.

Solar Help Hawai’i

Solar Help Hawai’i is a residential solar company that’s been serving the Honolulu area for more than 25 years.

The staff emphasize customer education and thorough consultations, so that homeowners can choose the options that fit their situation. In addition to solar PV, Solar Help also installs hot water systems, exhaust fans, pool pumps, pool heating systems, and hybrid solar air conditioning systems that can reduce A/C costs by up to 70%. It offers same-day service and repairs for all of the solar equipment it sells, even if it was originally installed by another company.

Solar Help’s customer service ethic and availability make it a popular choice for Hawaii homeowners. The Better Business Bureau gives it an A+ rating, and Pacific Business News identified it as one of Hawai’i’s 50 Fastest Growing Companies of 2012 and 2013. It was also featured in The Star Advertiser in 2011.

“Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated the great work [Solar Help Hawaii] did for us yesterday at our house,” Paul and Lynda Agena write on the company’s website. “The solar panels and the water heater looks good. My Mom who was attending the house, was impressed at the efficient work that was done as well as the sincerity of [your crew]. Thank you again for coming to our house’s rescue!”

Solar Help Hawai’i can be reached through its website at solarhelphawaii.com, or by phone at (808) 548-4357.

Haleakala Solar

Haleakala Solar started out as a local, one-man operation in 1977. Since then, it’s installed more than 14,000 residential and commercial solar systems.

The company gained extensive solar industry expertise and fine-tuned its operations over the past 40 years, earning several honors. Solar Power World dubbed it the #1 solar company in Hawai’i for the second year in a row. Hawai’i Business Magazine named it a Top Energy Company, and included Haleakala on its Top 250 list for 2016. CEO Jim Whitcomb was even interviewed by The New York Times for a 2015 article about solar power in Hawai’i.

The company offers residential and commercial solar services for Maui, O’ahu, and Kauai, including electricity and solar hot water. Like most solar companies in Hawai’i, Haleakala also installs battery storage that allows customers to go completely off the grid.

Haleakala has NABCEP-certified solar professionals on staff, and offers a 25-year warranty on solar panels. Customers have the ability to finance or purchase their equipment, or opt for a power purchase agreement. They can even learn more about equipment options ahead of time by visiting one of Haleakala’s three showrooms across the state. Homeowners who already have solar systems installed by companies that are no longer in business can also sign on for maintenance services.

Haleakala Solar has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. It can be reached through its website at haleakalasolar.com, or by phone at (800) 643-8000.

Island Solar Service

Island Solar Service has been locally-owned and operated since 1992.

The firm provides a suite a solar services in the Honolulu area, including electricity, hot water, attic fans, and pool heating. It also offers preventative maintenance and repair services for solar hot water and PV. In addition, customers who choose Island Solar can rely on the company for plumbing and drain cleaning problems.

Employees at Island Solar train continuously to keep up with new developments in solar installation methods, standards, and equipment. The company offers a 12-year warranty on its work, in addition to manufacturer warranties on the hardware.

While Island Solar prides itself on low prices, it doesn’t include information on payment plans on its website. It also doesn’t mention monitoring services. Equipment and specs for some services are available online, however.

Island Solar is a member of the Electric and Gas Industries Association (EGIA) and the Hawai’i Solar Energy Association. The Better Business Bureau gives it an A+ rating for quality and service.

Island Solar Service can be reached through its website at islandsolarservice.com, or by phone at (808) 833-1000.