Turning your newly built home solar system on
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! Below is what you need to know and do to get your SunPower® solar system turned on as quickly as possible after you move in.
NOTE: Without your action, your system will not get turned on to start saving money.
Permits & Approvals:
SunPower will pay fees, secure the necessary permits and approvals from your utility to activate your system.
Required Utility Information:
The following action items are required by you before SunPower can obtain “Permission to Operate” (PTO) from your utility:
Create an account with your utility (if you haven’t already)
SunPower will contact you to obtain your utility information and review next steps for system activation
If applicable, complete a required utility application that allows SunPower to apply for the necessary approval on your behalf
Permission to Operate (PTO):
Once you have provided the necessary utility information, SunPower will submit the required documentation for utility PTO and Financier Approval (Lease customers only). Please note, the approval process may take 8–10 weeks. If you are in LADWP territory, it may take up to 12 weeks.
System Activation:
Once SunPower receives the necessary approvals, here’s what you can expect:
System Lease Customers:
SunPower will contact you with next steps on how to activate your system and answer any questions you may have.
System Purchase Customers:
Once your utility’s PTO is received, SunPower will notify you by email and include next steps on how to activate your system.
If you have any questions regarding the installation or activation of your system, please contact SunPower at 1.855.462.9366 or by email at solaractivationteam@sunpower.com
Please Note: Throughout the process, SunPower will be contacting you via email to keep you informed and to request information and signatures required for a successful system activation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the size of my system?Your system size has been designed and permitted specifically for the requirements of your home. After move-in you can contact SunPower if you wish to increase your system size.
Can I purchase the solar system outside of my mortgage?No, the price of the system will be added to the purchase price of your home.
Does purchasing or leasing solar increase my property tax?No, solar is property tax exempt in California. Complete the property tax exclusion form located on your County Assessor’s website and provide them with a copy of your options summary.
What is the purchase warranty?SunPower provides a 25-year Complete Confidence Warranty on the product and performance (10-years on monitoring hardware). For more information go to www.sunpower.com/home-solar-system-warranty.
If I lease my system, what are my options at the end of the 20-year lease term?You can either extend the term of the lease, or request removal of the system at no cost.
What happens if I sell my home during the term of the lease?You have two options if you sell your home during the lease term:
Exercise the contingent buy-out option for the remaining value of the system and include the system in the sale of your home; or
Assigned or transfer the lease as-is to the new homeowner (subject to Lessor’s approval)