OAHU, Hawaii, May 1, 2023 – SunPower by Eco Solar, a Oahu-based solar installer, has received the Regional Dealer of the Year Award from SunPower, a leading solar technology and energy services provider. The award recognizes dealers for their outstanding home solar projects in their respective regions.
“It’s an honor to award our dealers that go above and beyond when it comes to quality, performance and customer satisfaction,” said June Sauvaget, chief marketing officer at SunPower. “This award represents their steadfast commitment bringing the many benefits of solar to their communities and the meaningful work they are doing to change the way our world is powered.”
SunPower by Eco Solar is a 5-star rated, Better Business Bureau A+ Accredited company, has completed more than 3,000 solar installs, and has helped homeowners save more than 12.6 million dollars on their electricity bills each year.
“If you are in the market to install solar, look no further. SunPower by Eco Solar completed a SunPower Solar and Tesla Powerwall installation flawlessly.” said David, Waipahu homeowner. “A+ experience from start to finish. Mahaloz SunPower by Eco Solar team for making this a great experience. I highly recommend!”
“We’re not the biggest company but we have big hearts. Our Eco Solar customers and our people are our Ohana.” shared Ben Parish, Founder of SunPower by Eco Solar
For more information on SunPower by Eco SolarContact Us.
About SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii:
Founded in 2008 by Ben Parish, Eco Solar was born from the desire to create a solar company focused on a better experience for both customers and employees.
Starting out in a Mililani garage, Eco Solar grew quickly and earned a reputation for superior workmanship and service. Fifteen years later, Eco Solar earned a SunPower Master Dealerdesignation – 1 of just 42 in the Nation and the only Master Dealer in Hawaii. SunPower by Eco Solar is also a proud Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer.
Aloha, Friends! At SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii, we believe that Earth Day isn’t just one day of the year- it’s every day. Whether you’re a current customer who wants to learn about the ways in which conserving energy positively impacts our planet or an interested homeowner who would like more information on how home solar can reduce carbon emissions and lead you toward financial savings – this post is for you! Join us as we dig into why eco-conscious efforts are important all 365 days of the year when it comes to renewable energies and sustainability. We’ll also showcase strategies on how each of us can become more aware while making better decisions with our purchases; ultimately improving the earth and ourselves at once. Let’s get started and celebrate Earth Day everyday!
What Does Earth Day Mean for SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii and Oahu homeowners?
Earth Day is here and at SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii, we couldn’t be more excited! We understand the important role that sustainability plays in keeping our beautiful island home healthy and prosperous for future generations. By choosing solar power for your home, you are not only reducing your carbon footprint, but you are also contributing to a brighter, cleaner future. Earth Day is a time to celebrate the beauty of our planet and to remind ourselves of the small steps we can take each day to make a big difference. Since you’re reading this, we know you’ve already made a commitment towards a greener tomorrow!
How Can We Celebrate Earth Day Every Day of the Year?
Earth Day is one of those special occasions that we look forward to every year. It’s a time to appreciate the significance of our planet and take action to protect it. However, why limit our celebration to just one day? Let’s make it a point to celebrate Earth Day every day of the year! With a little creativity and effort, we can make a difference in our environment. We can start by
Reducing our waste
Conserving energy
Making sustainable choices
Every small act of kindness towards the environment adds up over time and can make a significant impact.
Ways to Decrease Waste and Recycle More
There are so many ways we can decrease waste and recycle more.
Try using reusable bags when you head to the market
Bring your own reusable cup to your favorite local coffee shop
And don’t forget about recycling! Make sure you’re recycling all your paper, plastic, and glass products correctly
Get creative with recycling and turn old clothes into rags or make art out of old magazines
Every little bit counts!
Tips for Conserving Energy
Have you gone solar and wondered if you can do more to conserve energy? The answer is Yes – so much more!
Try switching to LED light bulbs to reduce your energy usage. Solar power and LED lighting are a perfect combination!
Make sure to unplug appliances when they’re not in use to eliminate “vampire” energy consumption
Adjust your thermostat so that it’s a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer
Try air-drying your clothes instead of using the dryer
With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to a more efficient and eco-friendly lifestyle!
Making Sustainable Choices at Home and in our Community
Start by reducing your water usage with low-flow showerheads and toilets
Incorporate reusable bags and containers into your daily routine
Participate in community events and initiatives, like neighborhood cleanups
So let’s get started on this journey towards a more sustainable future, and who knows – maybe we’ll inspire others to do the same, too! Did you know you can Refer a Friend or Family member to SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii and earn Rewards? Sign up here
The Benefits of Solar Power for Oahu Homeowners
Aloha, Oahu homeowners! Who doesn’t love saving money? With solar power, you can do just that while also helping out our beautiful island. By installing solar panels on your roof, you can lower your monthly electricity bill. Plus, solar power is environmentally friendly and sustainable, so you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint. And let’s not forget about the potential tax credits and incentives available for homeowners who invest in solar power on Oahu. (Check out our latest Blog on how you can save with the Battery Bonus Program.) So why not reap the benefits for both your wallet and our community? Mahalo!
How SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii Is Taking Action to Preserve Our Planet
SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii has helped more than 3,000 happy homeowners save more than $12.6 Million Dollars on their electricity bill each year! Since 2008, we’ve taken steps to ensure that Oahu homeowners have access to renewable energy, knowing that the preservation of our planet starts with us. As the only SunPower Master Dealer in Hawaii and two-time SunPower Regional Dealer of the Year Award winner, we take pride in our highly skilled, expertly trained, in-house installation team and combined 50+ years of solar installation experience. We are especially proud of our impact on our community and the earth. Join us! Here’s how you can Get Started.
From reducing waste and conserving energy at home to making sustainable choices in our community, it’s amazing what even small actions can do for our planet in the long run. Let’s all commit to celebrating Earth Day each and every day – from supporting eco-friendly businesses, learning about renewable energy solutions, or simply being mindful of how we use resources. Here’s to a brighter future!
Check out the Earth Day Blog Posts from our Partners:
When you go solar with Eco Solar Hawaii, it’s natural to want to tell everyone about it. After all, you’ve lowered your utility bills and reduced your carbon footprint! Why not share the advantages of solar with everyone in the neighborhood? But did you know you can earn rewards for your referrals?
Eco Solar has a referral program that rewards homeowners for helping others go solar.
2) Wait until they schedule a consultation and confirm their solar project with a Eco Solar system designer.
3) Enjoy your referral bonus.
What’s the best way to start conversations with friends and family about solar energy? Here are a few tips that may make referring others a little easier.
Share the Benefits of Your Solar System
Pull out your phone to highlight your Energy Value in the Tesla App (An estimate of the money you didn’t have to pay your utility).
Proudly show off your solar array and Tesla Powerwall.
Share your personal stories and the experience you had with our Team.
Becoming part of the Eco Solar community has a positive impact on our neighbors and the planet. Solar energy helps reduce carbon emissions which promotes cleaner air. When the subject of climate change comes up you can share how you are playing a role in the movement!
Environmental benefits aren’t all solar power has to offer. Homeowners that go solar are also helping stabilize the electrical grid by generating power on their roofs. Plus, going solar means helping Hawaii achieve its goal of 100% clean energy by 2045.
Look for Change of Life Events
There are many instances that can require a home to consume more electricity – like more family members under one roof or adding a new electric vehicle. When a homeowner generates solar energy, these changes become much more manageable. Eco Solar helps by designing a solar system based on current and future energy use.
Point Out the Eco Solar Advantage
If you’ve managed to get your referral to start thinking about solar energy, great job! The next step is to show them why Eco Solar is the best choice for their solar project. This should be a fairly easy task, given that:
Eco Solar is Oahu’s top home solar experts, since 2008
Eco Solar is proud to be a Tesla Powerwall Premier Certified Installer
Eco Solar has a Highly Skilled, Expertly Trained, In-house Installation Team
The Eco Solar team has a combined 50+ Years of Solar Installation Experience
More than 3,000 homeowners have gone Solar with Eco Solar and saved more than 13.6 Million Dollars each year!
Our reputation comes with years of experience and a trustworthy Warranties that covers your solar system and all of its components.
Get started by sharing by Eco Solar with everyone you know and sign up for our referral program to earn a bonus for every qualified homeowner that goes solar with us!
Jean-Paul Shares His SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii Experience.
Can I start off by saying that the solar industry is intimidating and there’s so much information out there. It’s not quick and easy to choose the setup that best meets your needs, or even what company to go with. That being said, I took the time to read about panels, inverters, batteries, solar hours, etc.. I compared sites for different companies and manufacturers. I requested quotes from five local installers and a couple of mainland companies. (I have an aluminum shingle roof so I was particularly concerned about the mounting brackets and installation.)
After all of that, SunPower stood out above the rest. They manufacture their panels, which are rated as the most efficient available, and they keep their local warehouse stocked! Certified Tesla installers as well.
I had the pleasure of working with Michael French. He was able to ask me a few questions about what I wanted in my project, and he answered the several questions I had about some of the more intricate details of a PV system that you can’t seem to find online. I’ll be honest, I already had an idea of what I wanted and Michael helped me lock it in. No attempt to over-sell or up-sell like I had experienced with other companies.
I went with a 16-panel system with a Tesla Powerwall, and in about two months of our initial conversation, I had an installation date. During that time, Michael and his team took care of all of the paperwork required for permits from the City, HECO, and the HOA. I just needed to sign the documents, and I was able to do so online. Such a breeze!
As great as everything had been so far, installation day was unbelievable. The guys arrived around 08:00 and by 11:45 they had finished and my system was producing tons. Blazing fast, very courteous workers. It also just looks so good. I still walk around admiring how great everything looks. Needless to say, I’m extremely happy with my system and it was so fast and easy I will definitely return to Sunpower if I ever need to expand (hoping to land one of the EV Hummers someday). Aloha and mahalo for reading.
Jennifer Shares Her SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii Experience.
We just moved into a new home in a new development, so we definitely knew off the bat, a list of things that we wanted to invest into our home. Solar was one of the things on the list.
We had a bunch of sales people from various companies come knocking on our door trying to sell their products and services. It was definitely overwhelming and a lot to take in as we are a family who moved from a townhome to a single family home. It was definitely a big lifestyle and financial transition and took a few months to adjust to our new normal. When we finally settled in, the talk of solar came up again.
After getting some input and suggestions from the community, we called around and scheduled appointments with quite a few different companies. Some were a no right away, and some companies had us thinking. Then comes Michael French with SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii, who was our last scheduled appointment – and from a company that was not knocking door to door. Of all the different companies we spoke with, one made a lasting impression with us, but after speaking with Mike, the decision was easy! We decided to go with Mike and his team.
First of all, Mike was super easy to talk to and not once in the entire conversation or even the many texts and phone calls after the initial meeting, did we ever feel like we were being sold to or persuaded to do something. The entire process from start to finish was rather quick and they made it super easy as they do most of the legwork.
I know of some families that wait months and months to even get their panels installed. I don’t think it even took a month from our initial convo for us to get installed and up and running. Many worry about leasing versus buying, Warranty on the panels and battery, and I even read of people’s negative experiences with customer service after installation. Mike will explain all of that to you in a simple conversation and every person in the company that I’ve encountered so far has been great and very personable.
I would recommend EcoSolar to anyone and everyone over and over again.
If you’re a SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii customer and your HECO bill has increased, this Blog is for you.
We know that you chose to get Solar installed on your rooftop to lower your electricity bill. Now that you have photovoltaic (PV) panels for your home, you might be wondering how your electricity bill could be higher.
The size of your electricity bill depends on many factors including local utility rates, energy consumption, variable weather, and in the rare instance a PV issue.
Understanding the common causes of high electric bills is one of the best things you can do to control the amount of energy you use. HECO provides excellent resources and as a PV system owner you can refer to these guides to understand your bill.
STEP 1: Check your HECO bill to see if the amount of kWH received (REC) is consistent with other months.
When reviewing your HECO bill, consider the local utility rates. Electricity prices in Hawaii are generally higher than on the U.S. mainland due to the cost of imported oil used to power many of the islands’ generators. The fluctuation in the cost of fuel, which makes up roughly 50 percent of a typical bill, is the biggest driver.
If you were surprised by your last monthly statement, you’re not alone. Oahu has seen a 50% increase in cost kWh just this year.
Energy Consumption
Another factor to consider when determining why your bill is higher is the size of your system relative to your energy needs and what time of day you use energy.
Has your daytime energy consumption increased? Are you working from home now? Have you been entertaining out of town guests for the Holidays? Are kids home from college? All of these scenarios could mean more use of electricity and longer use of air conditioners – so the REC value could be affected.
STEP 2: Check your Solar Monitoring App. If you’ve considered local utility rate changes and your daytime consumption has not increased due to AC usage for example, the next step would be to review your Solar monitoring App.
Below are screenshots of the three Apps that you as a SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii customer may have access to. Use your Tesla, SolarEdge or Enphase App to generate a report that compares PV production by month, over a minimum 2-year period.
Tesla:
SolarEdge:
Enphase:
*In the examples shown, there are no system issues and the fluctuations are within tolerance.
Once you have generated your report, compare the most recent full month’s PV production number with the same month the year prior.
Weather/PV Consumption
When reviewing your App report, consider Weather as a possible cause for the decrease in solar production.
High humidity, vog and Kona (southeasterly) winds can lead to higher electricity usage either from running an air conditioner or turning on additional fans. When comparing reports, PV production should be close, plus or minus 10% for variable weather.
If your PV production is significantly less than the same month from the prior year (50% or more), there may be an issue with the system. If you have a SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii system, please complete the SERVICE REQUEST FORM.
On the rare occasion you need support with your home solar system, start with SunPower’s Troubleshooting Q&A. There are several steps you can take before contacting Customer Service.
The most commonly asked Question we get from Customers is, “Am I receiving the proper credit for the power I’m producing?”
It pays to check your utility bill each month. Production data on your monitoring app or dashboard may not match what’s on the utility meter. You can tailor your app and dashboard to match the information on a utility meter or bill. That will help you verify that you’re getting credit for he power they’re generating. Call 1-800-SunPower and Customer Service can help you understand how much power you’re generating and how to read bills to confirm your power generation.
From time to time you may find that your Powerwall may require some basic troubleshooting. Often, issues can be resolved from the convenience of your home, without the need for additional technician assistance. Save time and use the guide provided here.
You already know that choosing to Go Solar means that you can enjoy clean energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and save big on your electric bill for the next 30 years. That means you’ll want to make sure your SunPower by Eco Solar investment is covered.
As the only SunPower Master Dealer in Hawaii, SunPower by Eco Solar is the best place to access the most comprehensive Warranty in the Solar Industry. SunPower’s Complete Confidence Warranty provides one warranty for your entire system, not just your panels. You never have to wonder which company you can depend on if or when you have a problem with your system.
Solar Warranties typically consist of two key factors:
Power: The power output of all solar panels diminish over time. Understanding your product’s degradation rate (stated in the Warranty document) gives you a clear sense of the power you’ll be guaranteed for a designated amount of time on your panel’s lifespan. If a panel’s output is lower than promised, the manufacturer will replace, repair or reimburse you for the panel. SunPower’s Solar panel degradation rate is the lowest in the industry. SunPower guarantees that your panels won’t lose more than 8 percent of their original direct current power output over 25 years. Conventional panels, meanwhile, typically lose at least 17 percent during the same period of time.
Product: In the rare event that a solar panel suddenly stops working due to defects in materials or workmanship, the Product Warranty will likely cover it.
Some solar companies combine these elements into separate warranties, or combine products from different manufacturers, which can lead to multiple warranties spanning over multiple periods of time. This is often confusing to customers and leads to homeowners opting to spend money to replace the system rather than sifting through multiple documents to determine if an element is covered by the Warranties. As a SunPower Master Dealer, Eco Solar only uses solar parts and engineering created by or for SunPower, so there’s no doubt that the Warranty covers the hardware on your roof and the workmanship that put it there.
Likewise, many other Solar Warranties only cover the solar panels. But there’s more to your solar system than just the panels! The SunPower Complete Confidence Warranty covers your entire system for 25 years. Monitoring hardware and storage is covered for 10 years – and the only reason for less coverage on that is because the technology is continually innovating and may require upgrades to ensure solid performance.
Why are SunPower panels so durable?
SunPower panels are built with a copper foundation that’s meant to withstand corrosion and weathering better than other panels. The silicon in the anti-reflective glass allows light to bounce back into the panel and harvest power as efficiently as possible. This is true even on cloudy days!
Why choose SunPower by Eco Solar?
At Eco Solar, we’ve helped over 2,600 homeowners Go Solar and save a combined 10.9M dollars each year in every costs. With over 50 years of solar installation experience, our expertly trained in-house team is ready to become your trusted partner. We’ll work with you not only at the beginning of your solar journey, but all along the way. We’ll be happy to answer any questions that may come up, and as long as SunPower panels are in your home, we’ll be able to provide a hassle-free replacement, repair or reimbursement for any defective panel or part covered by your warranty. If your system’s not performing up to standard, a certified installation contractor can help fix the issue.
“When SunPower saw our presence in Hawaii, and came to us with the idea of becoming a dealer, we realized this was a great opportunity not only for us, but for our customers of the future, to be able to provide the SunPower technology and the warranty that’s incorporated with that technology.” Says Ben Parish, President and Owner of SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii.
He continues, “What makes SunPower different is that the warranty itself includes 25 years with labor. Most warranties on panels are 25 years to cover power and production. That means that the person that purchased the panel is responsible for taking down the panel, shipping it back to the supplier for testing, and even for reinstalling it back onto their home. By the time that customer pays for all of the labor and shipping – and time and effort to get that process done – they may as well have gone to their local supplier to purchase a new replacement.”
Ben says, “We are a small company based on Oahu and our community is really important to us. Our interactions don’t stop after installation. We often see our customers around town and when we see them, it makes us happy to know they are taken care of. The SunPower warranty is so strong because the product is so strong.”
The recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act brings clean energy benefits and means great news to homeowners who want to Go Solar. $370 billion in renewable energy and climate change is part of the Act, along with extending the Solar Investment Tax Credit until 2032 and increasing it to 30%.
The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) means homeowners could get back nearly a third of the cost of their Solar system. Beginning in 2023, the 30% tax credit can also be applied to a Solar battery for energy storage.
“It’s going to alleviate some stress towards the end of this year. Customers have some time to plan their Solar projects now. Ultimately for planet Earth, it’s a great thing, because it’s going to continue to incentivize people to go Solar, which is going to help us save the planet one house at a time.” – says Ben Parish, president and owner of SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii
How to know if you’re eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit and what’s included
If you purchased and installed a new solar photovoltaic (PV) system for your primary or secondary residence between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2034, you are eligible for the tax credit. Your credit applies to your panels or cells, labor costs, other equipment, batteries and other energy storage devices, and your sales tax.
What is the Hawaii Solar Tax Credit?
In addition to the Federal Tax Credit, Hawaii residents can also get a 35% Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit (RETITC) when purchasing a home Solar system. The credit is capped at $5,000 per 5 kW system.Visit the Hawaii State Energy Office to learn more.
Now is the best time to Go Solar
In addition to your pocketbook, installing or upgrading your SunPower by Eco Solar system has other benefits. Solar power reduces use of coal and other fossil fuels, helping Hawaii get closer than ever to its 100% clean energy goal. It’s an easy way to help reduce your individual carbon footprint and limit your personal pollution. Plus, the tax credits and incentives make it simple to offset your investment costs. With the cost of electricity rising year over year, the best time to Go Solar is now.
Ready to Go Solar or upgrade your existing Solar System with SunPower by Eco Solar? Contact your Solar System Designer to get started.
Kristen Shares Her SunPower by Eco Solar Hawaii Experience
I’m going to gush, so this may sound fake or at least exaggerated–but if you read the other reviews, you’ll realize my experience is right in line with other people’s.
The TL;DR version is: WOW! I met with Michael French on Monday, June 14th and my solar panels and Tesla batteries were installed and working on Monday, June 28th. (Yes, two weeks later–I am absolutely blown away at the efficiency and professionalism–they weren’t cutting corners, they were just incredibly capable.) The panels are producing like crazy; the installation looks great; I am a very happy customer.
The whole long-winded story for those who are curious about the details follows:
I had SunPower panels at my former house on the mainland, and was really happy with their performance, so I had a strong bias toward SunPower. I did some searching online to find out who offered them in Honolulu, and Eco Solar came up right away. I wanted to get a few quotes for comparison, though, so I sent off late-night emails to Eco Solar and another company. Both responded quickly, which was encouraging, but after all, it’s the sales process, so companies are bound to treat you well when they’re hoping to land your business.
Michael called to set up an appointment with me and came out on the following Monday. I met with a representative from the other company later that day. I asked both to give me a rough idea of how long it would take to get the system installed. Michael said it could be as fast as three weeks (I was skeptical, but he struck me as a straight-shooter, not a glib over-promiser); the other guy said they could probably do it in about four to six months. Six months would mean not getting the tax credit for 2021, which I’d told them both was important to me–I could see the schedule potentially slipping. Also, the new place is big, and I’ve been stressing about the electric bills, knowing HECO can get really expensive.
I texted Michael the morning after our meeting to find out when he anticipated getting the quote to me, and he said he was working on the previous day’s sales calls and would have it to me that day. He met that commitment–his email came in at 10:10 a.m. And just as I was started to check it out, he called to let me know he’d sent the email–nice! The quotations–he planned out two different approaches for me–were well-thought-out and thorough, and the email had all kinds of additional information about Eco Solar, about SunPower, about their warranties, their customer service, and what to expect as far as the ongoing production over the life of the panels. There was no competition. I rarely feel as confident about making a decision as I did about this one.
At the same time, I realized these things often don’t go as smoothly as expected, and figured three weeks could easily turn into two or three months. I gave Michael the go-ahead that afternoon, and received the paperwork to review and sign Thursday morning. Another commitment met–I could get used to this! Andrea checked to see what info HECO would need, Ben checked out the roof on the 17th, and on the 18th, I was receiving copies of emails from Hawaiian Electric thanks to Chris getting things moving with them.
I figured it would be a few weeks before they could do the installation, but I was feeling pretty darned pleased with how responsive and pro-active Eco Solar had been so far. Then Michael called me on the 23rd to let me know they’d start on the 28th–exactly *two* weeks since I’d first met Michael to talk about what would work for me. How exciting!
The team showed up on time, and Gavin told they expected to finish that day. 25 SunPower panels, 2 Tesla Powerwalls–I was ready for three or four days. The team members were friendly but focused–they all hustled! Ben checked with me about two different approaches for running the conduit, explaining the options from both practical and aesthetic considerations, and before 3:00 p.m., they’d finished. Gavin walked me through the system, explaining how I’d need to keep an eye on any excess power going back into the grid after the batteries were full, because until I have a new meter from HECO, they won’t differentiate between power used and power given. (Yikes–my panels are soaking up the sun!) Michael followed up the following day, and reiterated Ben’s explanation, plus he brought his drone so I could have a video of what it looks like.
So I’m four days into the installation, and I am a very happy customer. I feel absolutely confident in Eco Solar’s ability to provide support for the system as needed. They had shockingly optimistic time estimates, and they beat them. How often do you marvel at a company for under promising and over delivering? I’m obsessively checking the production, chortling at how much power the system is generating; the app is easy and informative. I can confidently and wholeheartedly recommend SunPower by Eco Solar.
25 sleek low-profile SPR-X22-360 WHT-AC panels with integrated micro inverters using InvisiMount racking system (edited)