Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be considered for a no-cost solar system?

 

> Carbon Free Hawaiʻi works with communities to provide no-cost solar systems to at least 10 households at a time. Awarding a community at a time allows us to stretch our donation further and serve more families over time. 

 

If you’re interested in having your community considered for a future program, please write us at carbonfreehawaii@gmail.com with information about your community’s eligibility. We award households based on a formula that identifies the families within the community spending the highest percentage of income on electricity bills.

 

Who owns my solar system once installed?

 

> You do! Carbon Free Hawaiʻi (the nonprofit fundraiser and coordinator) nor Renewable Energy Services (the solar engineers) retain any ownership rights to your system once installed, and neither does your community association. No payment will ever be due to any of us, although you may choose to donate toward the award of future solar systems to other families, should you wish to allocate a portion of your monthly savings on electricity bills as a tax-free donation in the future. As a homeowner, all ownership rights to your system are your own.

 

Can my system ever be repossessed?

 

> Carbon Free Hawaiʻi and Renewable Energy Services won’t ever reclaim or repossess your system. It belongs to you in perpetuity.

 

Once my system is installed, how soon will I see savings?

 

> Your first electric bill following installation should reflect partial savings. The full savings of a month’s solar production will be apparent on your second bill. For more information about installation and performance, please visit Renewable Energy Services.

 

How are you funded?

 

> We operate through the philanthropic support of generous donors who share our vision for a more equitable, energy-independent future for Hawaiʻi. All gifts are tax deductible and accepted via our online donation platform or check. In addition to peer fundraising throughout Hawaiʻi, Carbon Free Hawaiʻi hosts local fundraising events, such as golf tournaments, and is selected as the nonprofit partner receiving corporate sponsorship gifts through events such as marathons.

 

Are you offering programs on Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Oʻahu or Kauaʻi?

 

> While Carbon Free Hawaiʻi doesn’t yet have programs on these islands, we intend to offer statewide programs in the near future. If you’re interested in partnering with us, please write us at carbonfreehawaii@gmail.com with information about the opportunity to collaborate or about your community’s eligibility.

 

I’d like to speak with your company.

How can I reach someone?

  

> We look forward to speaking with you. You can reach us via email at carbonfreehawaii@gmail.com. If you’d like to request a phone call, please include your telephone number in your email, and we’ll contact you as soon as possible following receipt of your message.

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