Costco REC SunRun

[Beachnut]

One "incentive" is Rec solar and Sunrun both have "referral programs" (and probably every other company too). Once you have purchased from them, you can refer a friend to either or both companies, and both you and the person you refer can get a rebate after the referred person solar system is switched on and completed. I was refereed to Rec solar and Sunrun by a friend, so we both win upon completion of my system by getting a rebate from both companies. I do not think they will let you be "referred" once you have already worked with them. It is a way to attract new business. I have asked the forum owner if it would be ok to post a thread offering to refer anyone to REC or Sunrun, and was told no, as that would be "advertising" for profit. I can see their point, yet, it is still sad as it could save people $$$, but it would make both parties $$$... So no, I am not advertising, or starting a thread offering to refer people...

The other probable "incentive" are various tax breaks, like the 30% fed tax deduction, and any applicable State tax breaks. With a lease, you do not get the tax breaks as your lease purchase price has already been reduced to reflect that. (As the Lease Co. is getting ALL those tax breaks from the system you have installed).

But in order to keep the Cost per kwh comparing fair, across any state / nation, you should use your actual purchase price figure / kwh of the system to figure the overall price per kwh. In reality, most everyone will have a lower actual cost per kwh after all incentives are taken out, yet, everyone can not get the same incentives. So giving a full purchase price cost per kwh is the best way to compare apples to apples and not apples to oranges so to speak.. Clear as mud??? I am sure the above cleared it all up.....

[Solar Dude]

Belly up

An Average 3kW system cost around $12,000 and after CSI and Fed incentive net about $8k. If you choose good solar panels will last 25+ years and they aren't easy to break especially in Socal with nice weather here. If you choose SMA inverter, the 20 years premium (cover labor) extended warranty will cost you $625 (For Fronius, $540). If you roll that to the total cost lets say $8,500 after incentive. Most of installers have referral program around $500, but you got $700, After all, you have manage to get the pre-paid worry free lease for $7378. You save about $600 to $700 over all, good job!

Aren't you surprised now to learn that SunRun bought out REC Solar Residential. REC Residential is going bye-bye. Now you're warranty is passed along to a company that has no loyalty to you. As a customer, you are now a liability that they inherited. Should have gone with a trusted local contractor. Referral program? They're just adding that to the cost of the system. You're being bribed to pay attention to the $500 , and not the quality of the system itself.

[russ]

Referral program? They're just adding that to the cost of the system. You're being bribed to pay attention to the $500 , and not the quality of the system itself.

Hi Solar - Welcome to Solar Panel Talk!

And everyone thinks the referral bonus is free money

Kind like interest free payments - the cost is built in.

[Ian S]

Should have gone with a trusted local contractor.

You mean like I did?: Local installer, long time in the solar business, recommended by a friend who had used them years prior, highly rated, SunPower elite dealer, recipient of local business awards. They still went belly up three months after my system was installed. Fortunately my prepaid lease was actually with SunPower and they are the ones obligated to carry out its provisions.