FAQs

Qualifying for the Program

How do I know if I qualify for Sunuity's program? You actually don't qualify for the program - your BUILDING does. Sunuity's program is based on a building's solar creditworthiness rather than an individual's financial creditworthiness. Your Solar Credit Score^TM (or SCS) is a measure of how productive a solar system would be when installed on your building, and it depends on such factors as location, roof direction, tilt, type, shade, and which utility company serves your property.

How do I apply? The first step is to obtain your 12-month historical electricity usage data (in kWh/mo) from LADWP. You can obtain this by calling them at (800) 342-5397. The next step is to call or email Sunuity (323-639-0859 or info@sunuity.com) to schedule an on-site visit to take specific measurements and determine your building's SCS. If your building qualifies, your Sunuity representative will provide you with a specific proposal for installing and leasing a solar system on your building. If you agree to the terms of this proposal, he/she will provide you with a Lease Agreement for your review and signature.

The Photovoltaic System

What panels do you use? a)We use proven silicon technology from proven, high-quality manufacturers such as Suntech, Sharp, and with an upgrade, SunPower. We do NOT use unproven thin-film panels

Installation

Who is the installation company? Advanced Solar Electric (ASE)

Does the contractor have a license to install solar? a)Yes, Lic #806929

Does the contractor have commercial general liability insurance?a)Yes, ASE is fully insured but has never been sued.

Is the contractor reputable and do they have a good track record for installations? Yes, ASE has over 10 years of experience and over 1,500 installations in the L.A. basin.

Overall Costs / Savings / Billing

How is my Sunuity bill calculated?With Sunuity, you are leasing a solar system, not paying for electricity. The payments you make to Sunuity are a function of your system size, its estimated production, and your utility (rates and rebate). With Sunuity's Price Guarantee, you will have significant savings from day one and are protected from ever paying more for electricity than you would have had you not gone solar.

Am I going to get two monthly bills?Yes, you will get one bill from Sunuity and a reduced bill from your utility company.

When do I break even? If your building`s SCS qualifies for no money down you will have ZERO out-of-pocket expenses, and you will save with Sunuity from day one. Your specific savings depends on the size of your system, the utility you're in, and your SCS.

Am I guaranteed to save money?Yes, if your usage remains the same

What happens if energy prices go up a lot in the future? Sunuity's Price Guarantee insulates you by capping your annual average total electricity price increase at 6%. Historically, electricity prices in California have increased at 6.7%/yr since 1970. (SOURCE: Calculation based on 30+ yr data from Energy Information Administration, DOE, www.eia.doe.gov)

Warranty / Maintenance / Roof Repair

What if something goes wrong with my system after it's installed? What warranty is provided with the system. All repairs and/or replacements are fully covered by your Sunuity Limited Warranty. This is one of the major benefits of going with Sunuity vs purchase or other financing programs. Sunuity provides a full 25 year "bumper-to-bumper" warranty on the entire system, which greatly exceeds the 10 year system warranty mandated by the State of California, plus 25 year manufacturers warranty on the panels only.

What maintenance am I responsible for? Virtually NONE. The only "maintenance" you are responsible for is periodic cleaning (rinsing with a hose) of the solar panels, and even this is elective maintenance on your part. Rain

Who insures the solar energy system? Sunuity provides all necessary property insurance on your system for the full replacement value of the system without utility incentives. We pay all insurance premiums for the full 25 year lease term for you. If there is a claim, the only thing you would be responsible for is covering a small portion of the deductible - which will never exceed your expected year one savings.

System Performance

Does the company provide production guarantees? Yes. Sunuity provides a Performance Guarantee. When you sign your lease agreement, you will also be provided a specific listing of your system's guaranteed output over the full 25 years of your lease. This guarantee is weather-independent, so even if your system does not perform as predicted due to excessive cloud cover, rain, etc, Sunuity will reduce your monthly payments accordingly.

Can I monitor my panels performance? Yes, if you have provided either wired or cell internet connection to our monitor at time of installation.

What happens if I see decreased performance? Reductions in solar system "performance" often depends on weather, and don't necessarily mean that something is wrong with the system. However, we will monitor the performance of your system and if we see an irregular decrease in performance, we will send a technician to your building to inspect and/or repair your system.

What if I Sell my Building?

What happens if I sell my building prior to the end of the lease? You can pass on the solar system to the new owners in three ways. You can:

Transfer the lease to the new owner (similar to transferring the electric bill to the new owner).
If it is over 6 years since you started your Sunuity lease, you may purchase the system and sell it as part of your building.
If it is less than 6 years, you may prepay the lease before sale and add this additional price as part of your sale price.

Besides the direct benefits you receive from solar while living in your building, another great thing is that solar buildings typically have a higher resale value than comparable "non-solar" buildings. According to a recent industry report, a building's value is increased by $20,000 for every $1,000 reduction in annual operating costs from energy efficiency, meaning that a system that saves you $5,000/yr can add $100,000 to your buildings sale price. (SOURCE: Appraisal Journal, "Evidence of Rational Market Valuations for Building Energy Efficiency," www.ongrid.net/AppraisalJournalPVValue10.99.pdf)

End of Lease

What happens at the end of the 25yr period? You have three options: renew your lease, purchase your system, or have the system removed

If you choose to renew, Sunuity will upgrade your system at that time and extend your lease terms.
If you choose to purchase, Sunuity will sell the system to you at fair market value. NOTE: This is a major differentiator between Sunuity and other solar leasing companies. With Sunuity, your end-of-lease purchase price is low. Other companies, on the other hand, have an extremely high system purchase price at the end of their lease, thereby creating "sticker-shock" at the end that essentially forces you to renew your lease.
If you decide, however, at the end of the lease term that you do not want to purchase the system, you can contact Sunuity and we will come out and remove the system free of charge.

Lease PrePayment Option

What is Lease Prepayment? At any time during your lease, you can prepay up to the full value of your remaining lease payments. All lease prepayment moneys are credited with an additional 5%/yr compound discount rate per a discount schedule listed in your lease.

How would I benefit from lease prepayment? If you have assets earning less that 5% compound interest, it is better for you to cash-out those investments to buy-down your lease. A $1,000 prepayment at the start of your lease saves you approximately $1,900 over the life of the lease.

Fundraising Opportunities

What fundraising programs do you offer? Sunuity offers two great fundraising programs:

Referral to homeowners - If you provide a referral to a homeowner that goes solar with Sunuity's Residential program, you will receive $500 credit toward your Sunuity account.
Referral to other non-profits - If you provide a referral to another non-profit that also goes solar with Sunuity (greater than 50kW), you will receive $2,500 credit toward your Sunuity account.

Lease vs. Purchase

Why are you better than PURCHASE? Sunuity offers two great fundraising programs:

a) You eliminate upfront costs of $100,000's that are typical with purchase

b) You receive the benefits of the 30% federal tax credit, even as a non-profit entity

c) Sunuity is responsible for all system maintenance, service, repairs AND insurance.

d) Sunuity handles all of the incentive paperwork

e) Because you are not paying anything upfront, the time value of your savings will actually make the lease, even if you at any point elected to purchase the system, cheaper than initial purchase