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SunPower by Eco Solar Blog

Meet One of Our Happy Customers

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)

Kristen C. -Urban Honolulu, HI
7/3/2021

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SunPower by Eco Solar Blog

Combat Rising Energy Costs & Save More with Solar

We’ve all seen the worrisome headlines about the economic news this year – inflation, supply chain woes, the pandemic, oil shortages, and more. Unfortunately, you’ll also probably see your electric bills continue to rise due to growing expenses for fuel. Did you know that we’re already paying between three and four times the average cost for energy compared to the average price on the mainland? That’s the highest electricity prices across the nation, so rising costs is unwelcome news for all of us in the Aloha state.

What if we told you there was something you could do to combat these increasing costs, all while increasing your home’s value and helping to preserve precious natural resources? Not only do you save money each month, but there are quite a few other ways to save by going solar now:

  1. Save More: On your monthly bill, your tax rate, the best warranties and more. You probably already know that harnessing the power of our sun to provide clean energy is an excellent way to lower your electric bills. But did you know solar panels are more valuable in Hawaii than just about every other area in the country? Because we receive so much direct and intense sunlight, it’s much easier for us to harness energy and transform it into savings every month.

    A wise and faster return on your investment, the average payback period for home solar systems in Hawaii is just 6 years, which is half the national average of 12 years. Most homeowners in our state start realizing a return on investment as early as 3 years.

    If you purchase a home solar system in 2022, you’ll see 35% of the cost come back as a credit at tax time thanks to Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credt, in addition to the Solar Investment Tax Credit of 26% available this year. 0% down, low-interest loans are also available to assist you with your home solar investment.

  2. Save the Planet: Climate change is happening all around us, causing wildfires, dangerous storms, and record-breaking temperatures around the planet. Clearly, the world needs cleaner energy, yet only a small percentage of U.S. homes and businesses are choosing solar over dependence on fossil fuels like natural gas and coal. While Hawaii has been the most petroleum-dependent state in the past, it also has immense potential for transformation to renewable resources.

    In fact, Hawaii set a deadline for achieving 100% electricity sales from renewable sources in 2015, becoming the first US state to make such a commitment. Besides the high cost, this goal is now crucial due to the war in Ukraine, as the U.S. banned all imports from Russia, who was supplying Hawaii with up to a third of its oil resources. The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) brings together business leaders, policymakers, and citizens to help the state meet its goal of achieving 70% clean energy by 2030 through renewable energy and energy efficiency. 

    By choosing SunPower by Eco Solar, you’re investing not only in your home, but in your local community. Our trusted experts live right in your neighborhood, and are familiar with the unique climate conditions of Oahu. We know just the right products, strategies, and services to help make saving the planet with solar the best choice for all of us. Save money and save your carbon footprint – too good to be true? Not with SunPower.

  3. Save your Sanity: Need the latest information and resources to help you choose the right energy savings solution for your home? SunPower by Eco Solar makes it easy and we help simplify the often confusing process. Our work together starts with an Onsite Consultation and evaluation of your home electric bills. We take this information to help create your Custom Home Solar Design. Then, our team handles all Permitting and Approvals for you to ensure a smooth transition. The last step in the process is our Expert Installation. It’s solar, simplified!

    From service to battery backup, we’ve got you covered. Because, let’s face it, power outages are simply part of our world these days. Adding Tesla Powerwall to your SunPower solar system stores your clean energy on site so that your home and family are prepared for the next time your power goes out. It’s got enough power to cover the average two-bedroom home for a full day. Powerwall is flexible and it charges your home from the grid or solar as needed. This investment also opens up your options in building a standalone electric car charging system or to power off-grid buildings too! How’s that for peace of mind?

  4. Save Time: While adding solar to your home or business is a large investment, you’ll be amazed at just how quickly you can be up and running with solar. By choosing SunPower by Eco Solar’s 14+ years of local expertise combined with SunPower’s 36+ years of dedicated solar experience, you can have your system up in running in just two weeks! Save time upfront by choosing the most efficient solar panels you can buy—backed by the industry’s most comprehensive warranty.  Our 25-year comprehensive warranty means you can invest without worrying about declines in your performance, labor, or parts.

Ready to start saving more with SunPower solar? Get started now. 

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SunPower by Eco Solar Blog

PV Facts

Why Photovoltaic energy makes sense for Hawaii residents:

Fact: Electricity is expensive.

Hawaii has the most expensive cost per kWh in the United States. A PV system pays for itself relatively quickly and can dramatically reduce or even eliminate your dependence on the power company.

Fact: The tax Incentives are fantastic

Hawaii residents receive both a state and federal tax credit – which can be directly applied to the cost of your PV system.

Fact: It’s year-round power.

Hawaii is blessed with abundant sunshine, which means that the PV system will pay for itself at a faster rate of return than almost anywhere else in the United States.

Fact: It’s environmentally smart.

Not only does photovoltaic energy reduce environmental pollutants, it reduces our state’s dependence on oil.

Fact: Not all PV is the same.

SunPower by Eco Solar proudly installs SunPower solar energy systems. Their efficiency, reliability, longevity and warranties are the best in the industry.

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SunPower by Eco Solar Blog

SunPower by Eco Solar Wins National Customer Excellence Award

Chris Osaki, Ken Best, Michael French, Tony Garzolini, Ben Parish, Sarah Amadeo, Norm Taffe and John Vallesteros.
Chris Osaki, Ken Best, Michael French, Tony Garzolini, Ben Parish, Sarah Amadeo, Norm Taffe, John Vallesteros.

SAN DIEGO, CA, March 5, 2019 – SunPower by Eco Solar, an Oahu-based solar installer, has received the 2018 “National Customer Excellence” award from SunPower. The recognition acknowledges exceptional service resulting in the highest customer satisfaction and loyalty scores when compared to other SunPower residential dealers in the United States.

“We are very honored to receive the customer excellence award from SunPower” said Ben Parish, owner of SunPower by Eco Solar.

“It is our goal to treat every one of our customers homes as if it were our own. We focus on doing each and every installation to the highest standards and strive for a very satisfied customer every time.”

“Using the best equipment in the business combined with talented individuals on our office, sales and install team; we aim to deliver the ultimate solar plus storage system for homes in Hawaii.”

The National Customer Excellence award is given to the SunPower dealer that achieves the highest customer Net Promoter Score (NPS), a metric measuring how likely customers are to recommend a company’s products or services to others. SunPower determines dealer NPS based on surveys completed by homeowners following the installation of their SunPower system.

SunPower National Customer Excellence Award 2018
SunPower National Customer Excellence Award 2018

“SunPower’s reputable national dealer network is strengthened by regional solar companies like SunPower by Eco Solar, selected for their quality craftsmanship, industry expertise and customer service,” said Norm Taffe, SunPower executive vice president, residential solar.

“We congratulate them for their extraordinary performance in 2018 as a residential dealer, putting customers first and delivering a valuable solar experience that homeowners are excited to share with family and friends.”

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Giving Old Solar a New Life Under NEM Plus

NEM Plus solar Oahu
2011 conventional solar array is shown in the center, the 2019 installation of high efficiency SunPower modules are seen in the upper left and lower right.

“My parents put the first set of 10 panels on. That was good for the time being with just my parents living in the house. Since then we’ve built an extension to our home and there’s a lot more things going on, a lot more people living in the house now and also we have an electric car.”

“That drove our electric bill up to about $400 a month even with the existing 10 panels.”

With a grandfathered-in Net Energy Metering (NEM) agreement with Hawaiian Electric, Keane K. of East Oahu had no viable options for expanding upon the original 10-panel system his family installed in 2011 until the NEM+ program was announced in 2018.

Even before the program was officially launched in late 2018, Keane started a conversation with SunPower by Eco Solar system designer Matt Householder.

“Matt was super proactive with the rest of the Eco Solar team, as soon as the NEM+ program was announced, they shot in the plans for permitting.”

Keane worked closely with Matt to design a system that would fit the family’s pattern of mostly nighttime power consumption, including plugging in an electric car after 5:00 PM every day. He decided on 23 SunPower E-Series 327W panels feeding two Tesla Powerwall batteries.

“To have the ability to store that power was a huge deal for us. You don’t even have to think about it, there’s no switching, it just does it automatically. So when the sun comes up, it powers my house and charges my battery so at night the house is just running off all the battery power that was generated during the day.”

SunPower Tesla Powerwall Oahu
Solar Designer Matt Householder explains the Tesla app to SunPower by Eco Solar customer Keane K.

Now, Keane and his family are able to power their house completely with solar while also enjoying the benefits of emergency battery backup.

“So far, the NEM+ program is working great for my family and I, almost all of last year we were paying close to $400 a month on our electric bill.”

“It’s been two months since we’ve had the panels up and the batteries installed, so far we’ve been zeroed out, we’ve actually had a small credit from our existing system – not much – but that tells me the sizing of the system, all the engineering that went in to make this happen was perfect.”

“All in all, I would definitely recommend SunPower by Eco Solar to anyone who is looking for just a great crew of people. A great company that’s going to do an awesome job of installing and taking care of you along the way.”

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SunPower by Eco Solar Blog

Battery storage: the new normal for Hawaii PV

[foogallery id=”3044″]

Battery-backed PV systems are increasingly the option of choice for Oahu homeowners.

A growing number of SunPower by Eco Solar customers are installing high efficiency SunPower panels in combination with Tesla Powerwall.

It’s the world’s most efficient solar panel in harmony with the battery system that’s setting the standard for innovation and value.

Seamless home backup

A single Powerwall provides backup of critical circuits like lighting and refrigeration. Two supply enough capacity to back up all circuits in most homes during an emergency.

Seamless backup means never even realizing the power went out. Powerwall instantly takes over when an outage occurs. No need to reset clocks and power devices back up.

Save the grid for a rainy day

Generate and store enough energy to self-power your home almost every minute of the day. Minimal monthly electric bills are achievable even under the new requirements from Hawaiian Electric.

SunPower panels generate 44% more energy per square foot than competing panels, so even with limited roof space you can achieve maximum savings and peace of mind knowing your solar investment is protected by the industry’s best warranty.

Questions? Please contact us.

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SunPower by Eco Solar Blog

Hawaii Hurricane Season: How Solar Can Help

What would it be like if Oahu suffered a direct strike from a powerful hurricane? The 2017 Pacific Hurricane Season begins June 1. How many homes might be without power and for how long? What can be done to prepare for and cope with an extended power outage?

How much disruption can hurricanes create in Hawaii?

September 11, 1992. Hurricane Iniki, a Category 4 storm, strikes the island of Kauai.

When Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai in 1992, almost 300 miles of power lines were brought down. A month later, only 20% of customers were reconnected to the grid and full coverage was not restored until three months after Iniki’s landfall.

In 2016 Hurricane Matthew, which only grazed Florida’s Atlantic coast, knocked out electricity for over one million customers. Satellite imagery dramatically demonstrates how large of an area can be left in darkness from a strong hurricane.

How ready are utilities to deal with a massive power outage?

Not very, and it isn’t just a Hawaii problem. Over the last thirty years power outages have increased twentyfold, according to researchers. The two main causes are aging infrastructure and the changing environment.

October 6, 2016. Satellite imagery shows power grid fully operational as Hurricane Matthew approaches.

Electrical infrastructure in the United States is 40-60 years old on average, and rising sea levels have left more critical components within the reach of storm surges and flooding, exacerbating the problem.

At the same time, surging ocean temperatures have lead to an increase in the severity of storms. With warmer water as fuel, wind speeds are now stronger, pushing more cyclones into Category 4 and 5 statuses worldwide.

Weather isn’t the only factor. In March 2016 a significant outage on Oahu was caused by a generation shortfall. Hawaiian Electric staged rolling blackouts until demand dropped to tenable levels.

What can be done to prepare?

Traditionally, homeowners have turned to gas-fired generators for backup power in an emergency, but is this a sustainable option for an outage lasting days or weeks?

hurricane Hawaii power outage
October 7, 2016. Hurricane Matthew causes massive power outage affecting more than one million homes. Map of Hawaii is superimposed for scale, demonstrating how large of an area can be knocked offline by a large storm.

Consider that it takes an average of 12-20 gallons of gasoline to run a typical home generator for 24 hours. Will you have enough fuel to last for an extended time? Keep in mind that gas stations will likely be without power also, and rationing might be enforced during an emergency.

A viable and long-term solution is solar power combined with home battery backup. Tesla’s Powerwall in combination with SunPower solar panels can keep you up and running even if the grid is down.

A single Powerwall stores over 13 kWh of energy, enough to power an average two-bedroom home for a day. Adding additional Powerwalls in combination with solar can provide enough energy to endure a protracted outage with minimal impact.

Emergency home battery backup can work on any home, with or without solar, and won’t affect your net metering (NEM) or grid supply status with Hawaiian Electric.

To find out more about this innovative solution, give us a call at 808 744-2274 or contact us here.

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SunPower by Eco Solar Blog

Need a lot of solar energy in a small space?

TSunPower 360 watt panelshis striking 430 square foot addition to a 1920’s era Diamond Head home features a rooftop sun patio with panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu.

With only 300 square feet of available roof space, our customer needed the maximum solar energy production possible.

He decided on SunPower X-22 series panels.

At 360 watts and record-breaking 22% efficiency, they deliver more energy per square foot than any solar panel ever made.

This 12-panel system may be compact, but with over 600 kWh of monthly production, it offsets around $180 per month in utility costs.

Small addition roof deck solar panelsX-22 series is available today from Hawaii’s only SunPower Master Dealer.

Contact SunPower by Eco Solar now for a free quote.

SunPower's X-22 series 360 watt solar panels
SunPower’s X-22 series 360 watt solar panels allow the most possible energy output when you’re working with a small amount of space.
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HECO opens up limited solar grid space

HECO Hawaiian Electric CGS Grid Supply SolarOn April 9, 2017, Hawaiian Electric announced that 10MW of space has been cleared for new solar energy projects on Oahu under the Customer Grid Supply program (CGS). This space will likely be swallowed up within a few weeks according to industry experts.

Additional capacity was freed up as customers who filed for solar under Net Energy Metering (NEM) agreements but never built their system were purged from the waiting list.

The original CGS program, launched in October 2015, allowed 25 MW of grid space on Oahu. The arrangement allows customers to sell electricity back to HECO and achieve significant savings. That first 25 MW lasted approximately nine months.

SunPower instagram Hawaii OahuLike previous programs for solar, HECO takes applications on a first-come-first-served basis, so if you’re considering solar, or know someone who is, it is imperative that you apply immediately!

We will help you secure your space, but please contact us now!

If you’re on Instagram, please follow us! We’ll be posting shots of recent installs, cool short videos and other behind the scenes looks at what we’re up to.

We welcome you to follow us at sunpower_by_eco_solar or just search for our name within the app.

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Help us help families in need

UPDATE: A big mahalo to our Eco Solar ‘ohana for helping us reach our goal! Over $2,000 was raised to support IHS during our Earth Day fundraising drive.

The Institute for Human Services provides critical support to Oahu families and individuals struggling with homelessness. They need your contributions year-round, so if you missed this opportunity, you can continue to provide support in many ways.

Find out more here.


At SunPower by Eco Solar, we believe in sustainability. We care about our environment as well as the people in our community.

Over the years, we’ve been a proud supporter of the Institute for Human Services. IHS is on the front lines every day, helping hundreds of Oahu families and individuals struggling with homelessness transition into stable housing.

To commemorate Earth Day, April 22, 2017, I’m asking our Eco Solar ‘ohana to join me in support of IHS.

For every dollar you donate during the month of April, we will match your contribution, up to a total $1,000.

Any amount, large or small, goes directly to support people in desperate need right here on Oahu.

Thank you,
Benjamin Parish
Owner – SunPower by Eco Solar

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