Subhead: 
Refinance
Body: 

For those who are refinancing their mortgage.

Note: Instructions for completing are included in the form.

Subhead: 
Lease Changes
Body: 

Changes to lease due to military relocation, divorce, one lessee passing away, or removing a co-borrower’s information.

Note: Instructions for completing are included in the form.

Subhead: 
Home Sale
Body: 

Changes to current lease due to sale of your home. Must be completed prior to final close of sales.

For: Current homeowners

Note: Instructions for completing are included in the form.

Solar Lease Services FAQs

Home Refinance as Lease Customer

I'm refinancing my home, how should I start the process?

 

  1. You’ve already completed the first step by visiting www.sunpower.com/life.

  2. Above, please click “Submit Online” under the Refinance section, and complete the required information to submit your request online. You should receive an email acknowledgment with a case number in a few minutes and you can expect to be contacted by a case manager in 1-2 business days.

    CHECK YOUR EMAILS. SunPower will be reaching out to you via email, so please check your spam and junk folders to ensure you don’t miss an important communication.

  3. Please note that in order for SunPower to provide copies of the fixture terminations, the lessee and escrow company agent or Title Representative are required to sign a copy of the Filing Fee Affirmation and upload it along with your refinance request.

    To avoid potential delays with your request, please ensure you attach the following documents before you click “Submit”:

    • Filing Fee affirmation signed by lessee, Escrow agent or Title Representative
    • Recorded copy of the fixture filing you need to have terminated.
    • Preliminary title report

    As required by law in California, a Notice of Independent Solar Energy Producer contract (PUC) was recorded with the Leased system. If the lender or title company requires a subordination, please attach a pre-paid shipping label (FedEx or UPS) to the escrow office, along with the loan details, including:

    • Lender Name
    • Loan Amount
    • Deed of Trust Sign Date

    •  

    SunPower will generate a subordination agreement with this information, sign, notarize, and ship this information directly to the escrow company.


  4. Fixture Terminations - Upon receipt of all requested information, SunPower will terminate the fixtures filings and provide copies of the subordination (if applicable) to all parties via email. Subordination agreements are physically mailed to the escrow offices using the shipping label you provide.

 

What is the Filing Fee Acknowledgement and Letter of Affirmation?

You must sign the Filing Fee Acknowledgement Letter before SunPower can terminate the filings. Since SunPower must pay the county each time we have to terminate or re-file the fixtures, this is your acknowledgment that if SunPower terminates the filings at you or your lender’s request, that you will be responsible for reimbursing SunPower for the $300.00 filing Fee. Additionally, you can request that your title or escrow company sign the Letter of Affirmation, which is their acknowledgment that they will collect at the close of Escrow, the $300.00 filing fee and remit to SunPower after you close escrow. If the $300.00 filing fee is not received by SunPower, it will be added to your monthly invoice.

Are there any fees associated with refinancing requests?

Yes, there is a $300 processing fee.

I’m refinancing my home and the title requires "a subordination". What does "subordination" mean?

If the Solar System is located in California, SunPower—as the Lessor of the Solar System—is required to record a Notice of an Independent Solar Energy Producer Contract with the county recorder’s office, pursuant to Section 2869 of the California Public Utilities Code. This filing is simply a notice that a Solar System is located on your property. SunPower will process a Subordination Agreement during the refinancing process. The Subordination Agreement document will be submitted electronically and will be provided to the lender.

How does my title officer request a termination of the UCC filings?

 

  1. You’ve already completed the first step by visiting www.sunpower.com/life.

  2. Above, please click “Submit Online” under the Refinance section, and complete the required information to submit your request online. You should receive an email acknowledgement with a case number in a few minutes and you can expect to be contacted by a case manager in 1-2 business days.


    CHECK YOUR EMAILS.SunPower will be reaching out to you via email, so please check your spam and junk folders to ensure you don’t miss an important communication.

    Please note that in order for SunPower to provide copies of the fixture terminations, the lessee, escrow company agent, or Title Representative are required to sign a copy of the Filing Fee Affirmation and upload it along with your refinance request.

    To avoid potential delays with your request, please ensure the escrow or mortgage officer to attach the following documents before you click “Submit”:

    • Filing Fee affirmation signed by lessee, Escrow agent or Title Representative
    • Recorded copy of the fixture filing you need to have terminated.
    • Preliminary title report

    •  

    As required by law in California, a Notice of Independent Solar Energy Producer contract (PUC) was recorded with the Leased system. If the lender or title company requires a subordination, please attach a pre-paid shipping label to the escrow office, along with the loan details, including:

    • Lender Name
    • Loan Amount
    • Deed of Trust Sign Date

    SunPower will generate a subordination agreement with this information, sign, notarize, and ship this information directly to the escrow company.


  3. Fixture Terminations - Upon receipt all requested information, SunPower will terminate the fixtures filings and provide copies of the subordination (if applicable) to all parties via email. Subordination agreements are physically mailed to the escrow offices using the shipping label you provide.

 

 

Can I do a buyout of my Solar System during a refinance?

You may purchase your SunPower system at any point. Please call SunPower at 1-800-321-1770 to order an updated buyout quote and learn more about the benefit of owning your system. Our representatives can assist you with any additional questions or concerns you may have.

Will UCC filing be reinstated after refinance?

SunPower will refile UCC 60 days after termination of the original filings.


Home Sale Assignment/Buyout (Seller)

I'm selling my home and I have an existing Solar Lease Contract. What are my options with my lease?

You have two options during a home sale:

  • Assignment of Lease You can transfer the lease to the new buyer, who will assume the lease as-is and continue to pay the lease payments (if any) with the same terms you have now; OR
     
  • System Purchase:​ Alternatively, you can buyout your system, taking ownership of the equipment and selling the system with the sale of your home. This ends the Lease obligation and no further monthly lease payment would be due.

How do I start the process for a home sale assignment?

 

  1. You’ve already completed the first step by visiting www.sunpower.com/life.

  2. Above, please click “Submit Online” under the Home Sale section, and complete the required information to submit your request online. You should receive an email acknowledgement with a case number in a few minutes and you can expect to be contacted by a case manager in 1-2 business days.


    CHECK YOUR EMAILS.SunPower will be reaching out to you via email, so please check your spam and junk folders to ensure you don’t miss an important communication.

    To avoid potential delays with your request, please ensure the escrow or mortgage officer to attach the following documents before you click “Submit”:

    • Recorded copy of the fixture filing you need to have terminated.
    • Preliminary title report

    •  
  3. Credit Check - A credit check/identity verification application will be sent to the buyer (from sunpowerfinancing@sunpower.com) within 3-5 business days. This application is mandatory and must be completed by the buyer to assume the lease (including Pre-paid leases)

  4. Escrow Assignment Documents - After buyer’s credit approval, the lease assignment and escrow instructions will be provided and will need to be signed by the buyer, seller, and escrow company. The lease assignment and escrow instructions will include the final seller’s payment.

  5. Fixture Terminations – Upon receipt of signed documents, SunPower will terminate the fixture filings and provides copies to all parties approximately 7 days prior to the close of escrow date

    As required by law in California, a Notice of Independent Solar Energy Producer contract (PUC) was recorded with the Leased system. If the lender or title company requires an extinguishment, please attach a pre-paid shipping label (FedEx or UPS) when you submit your request.

    SunPower will generate an extinguishment, sign, notarize, and ship this information directly to the escrow company.


  6. Documentation - Lease Transfer documents will be fully executed by SunPower and provided after receipt of the final seller payment

 

Are there any fees associated with the sale of my home?

Yes, there is a $300 processing fee for the termination of the UCC filings.

What is the time-frame for a lease assignment and/or buyout process to be completed?

SunPower requires a 30-day notice prior to home sale.

  • Lease Assignment - Escrow Solar Documents can be completed within 7-10 business days after credit approval. Signed lease assignment documents are required for release preparation and final payment (if any) must be completed and submitted to SunPower in order to complete the assumption process.
  • Buy Out - Escrow Purchase Instructions can be completed within 7-10 business days once confirmation to exercise the buyout quote has been received. Signed purchase documents are required for release preparation. Payment must be completed and submitted to SunPower in order to complete the buyout process.

What paper work will SunPower provide in-line with my home sale?

An Escrow Package of home sale documents will be presented to your escrow officer/attorney. The package should be presented to each party (buyer and seller) at closing by the escrow officer for their records.

The documents are:

  • Escrow instructions
  • Assignment of lease
  • Terminated UCC filings
  • Extinguishment of PUC (notice of independent solar producer) – this will be sent directly to the county within 48 hours upon your Escrow/Title Company's receipt of Escrow Package. A draft will be included in the Escrow Package for your reference.

What happens if the buyer is credit declined?

SunPower will request for specific documents needed from the buyer to support credibility of assuming the lease.

How do I transfer my SunPower Warranty to another homeowner after I’ve sold my home?

Please download the warranty Assignment and Transfer form here. Complete the attached form and email a copy to customersupport@sunpower.com. The SunPower customer support team will create an account in the new system owner’s name. Completing the form will make it easier for the new system owner to call SunPower for assistance with their equipment, but is not required. SunPower’s warranty is related to the panel serial numbers and remains in effect, assuming it is still within the applicable warranty period and that only SunPower Authorized Dealers have serviced the system.


Home Sale Assignment/Buyout (Buyer)

I’m purchasing a home with a prepaid lease. Why do I need a credit check?

While the lease has been paid in advance, SunPower utilizes the credit check process to also verify identity. The credit check is a requirement for all lease assignments regardless of whether the lease agreement is prepaid or monthly.

How do I start the process for a home sale buyout?

 

  1. You’ve already completed the first step by visiting www.sunpower.com/life.

  2. Above, please click “Submit Online” under the Home Sale section, and complete the required information to submit your request online. You should receive an email acknowledgment with a case number in a few minutes and you can expect to be contacted by a case manager in 1-2 business days.


    CHECK YOUR EMAILS. SunPower will be reaching out to you via email, so please check your spam and junk folders to ensure you don’t miss an important communication.

    To avoid potential delays with your request, please ensure the escrow or mortgage officer to attach the following documents before you click “Submit”:

    • Recorded copy of the fixture filing you need to have terminated.
    • Preliminary title report

  3. Buyout Quote - A quote will be ordered and will be provided to you in 3-4 days. If you decide to proceed with the buyout, please reply to the email, indicating you wish to proceed.

  4. Solar Purchase Documents -Upon receipt of your email request to proceed, Solar purchase documents will be emailed to all parties and will need to be signed by the buyer, seller, and escrow company. (REQUIRED)

  5. Fixture Terminations – Upon receipt of signed documents, SunPower will terminate the fixture filings and provides copies to all parties approximately 7 days prior to the close of escrow date

    Please Note: As required by law in California, a Notice of Independent Solar Energy Producer contract (PUC) was recorded with the Leased system. If the lender or title company requires an extinguishment, please attach a pre-paid shipping label (FedEx or UPS) when you submit your request.

    SunPower will generate an extinguishment, sign, notarize, and ship this information directly to the escrow company.


  6. NOTE: To avoid delays, please provide a return shipping label for the mailing of the signed and notarized extinguishment of the Notice of Independent Solar Producer Contract (CA only)

  7. Documentation - Purchase documents will be fully executed by SunPower and provided to all parties once we have confirmed receipt and clearance of the buyout payment.

 

What happens if I get declined?

SunPower will request for specific documents needed from the buyer to support credibility of assuming the lease.

What if I do not want to assume the solar lease on this home?

You cannot cancel nor remove the equipment. If you do not wish to assume the lease:

  • You can purchase the system; or,
  • SunPower would be happy to try to assist you in learning more about the lease and the solar system, including the benefits of solar. Please contact us at 1-800-321-1770 opt. 1 with any questions you might have.

What will the monthly payments be and how does the lease work?

Your realtor can assist you in obtaining a copy of the lease from the seller.


Other FAQs

What happens at the end of the lease term?

When the lease reaches its scheduled end of the lease term, you may extend the lease term or request the removal of the system. If you do not extend the lease term or request removal of the system, the lease automatically renews on a month-to-month basis. Please review your lease contract for more information. If you have questions or concerns, please email homesale@sunpower.com or call 1-800-321-1770 opt. 1.

What happens in the event of death?

In the event of death, the lease will automatically be transferred to the spouse or estate of the deceased. To change ownership to the estate or a trust, please visit www.sunpower.com/life and click “Submit Online” under the Lease Changes Section to submit your request online. Please remember to attach all of the applicable documents so we can process your request without unnecessary delays. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-321-1770 opt. 1 and speak to one of our customer service representatives to initiate the process, or email the completed Life Event form, along with a copy of the death certificate and the assumptor’s state-issued ID to homesale@sunpower.com.

How can I change the name of the Lessee (or assign it to my relative) on the Solar Lease Contract?

To update the name of the lessee, please visit www.sunpower.com/life and click “Submit Online” under the Lease Changes Section to submit your request online. Alternatively, please send the completed Life Event form to homesale@sunpower.com or call 1-800-321-1770 opt. 1 for more information.

Can I buy my system if I’m not selling my home?

Yes! If you just want to buy your system, you can email leasebuyout@sunpower.com. Within a few minutes, you should receive an email with a case number and can expect to be contacted by a case manager in 1-2 business days. A quote will be ordered and generally is available in 3-5 days of submitting your case, at which point a copy will be emailed to you. Once you have received the quote, you can mail in your payment to address listed. Please be sure to include a copy of the quote with your payment so we can ensure the payment is applied correctly.