The week of May 15th 2016 my husband and I were at the local Costco in Moreno Valley and seen Sunrun Solar, the kiosk on the aisle. The man at the kiosk asked if we had solar and both my husband and I stated "no, but we were interested in information". The man set us up for an appointment for May 21, 2016.
On May 21, 2016 Mario Lopez, Sunrun ID #6427621339 came to our home regarding Sunrun solar. Mr. Lopez introduced himself, and asked how we heard of Sunrun, both my husband and I told him Costco. Mr. Lopez stated Costco is a great place to hear about solar, as they help their customers. Mr. Lopez asked if we knew about the different options, and we stated no. At that time Mr. Lopez informed both my husband and I about leasing and buying. Mr. Lopez went over the amounts of both leasing and buying, and the benefits of both.
Mr. Lopez stated buying through Costco we would receive a small discount, however the tax break we thought we would get, we would not qualify for due to our income. Mr. Lopez also stated that our payments would be around $254.00 per month, and there was only a limited warranty for all equipment, so if anything broke we would have to pay out right.
Mr. Lopez stated that if we leased the equipment for 20 years, our monthly payments would be $171.00 and all equipment would be covered by Sunrun in the event something would go wrong. Mr. Lopez also stated that with leasing all installation would be free.
Mr. Lopez informed my husband and I that our systems would produce at least 10,000 kilowatts, which would be more than enough for our size of home and we should produce enough kilowatts where the electric company would buy our extras. He stated at no point should we come out of pocket for electric after a few months. Mr. Lopez stated it was normal to see a bill from the electric company for a few months; however we will see a decrease in fees and showed us an electric bill of his family member with a negative owed amount.
Mr. Lopez stated the process would be simple and we would do nothing except save money. My involvement was very minor, I spoke to our electric company and informed them I was moving to solar, they said okay and stated they would work with the solar company and asked who we were going to work with. At no point did the electric company inform me as to what to expect by the electric compnay, and I did not ask any questions either regarding the process or the financial expectations. I informed the electric company of Sunrun. I had to make contact with our HOA, as they will not work with any outside company, so I had to give all paperwork that was done by Sunrun to the HOA for approval.
Over the next few months what Mr. Lopez stated was correct; our electric bill went from $243.00 to $9.00 and stayed about $9.00 per month. Our electric bill arrived via email and each month the amount owed showed to be less than $10.00 per month. In August we received a paper bill from our electric company in the amount of $1172.00 due in September 2017.
Our solar system went into effect September 2016 and we paid $171.36 per month from September 2016 until July 2017, and our August 2017 bill was for $143.13. I received our bill via email.
On August 16, 2017 I called the electric company after receiving the paper bill in the amount of $1172.00 and asked if there was a mistake, the representative stated, no. I asked how this could be possible as we have solar, the representative stated look on page 4 of your bill, and it will explain everything. I stated I do not receive a bill, and she stated the bill you receive via email, and I said the bill only stated amount owned, which I pay monthly and is never that high. At that point the representative stated there was nothing she could do, and I asked her how I was to pay that amount by September 5, 2017 and she stated I could go on a payment plan for 6 months. I did not have a choice, so I am on a payment plan in the amount of $191.00 for the next 6 months.
On August 16, 2017 I contact Costco to find out if there was anything Costco could do to assist with the misleading information provided by Sunrun. Costco checked into the concern and got back to me August 28th and stated all they could do is inform the local store and let them know that Sunrun is not representing the product properly. Costco stated since I did not buy the product they could not help me. read more