No Up-Front Cost Solar Power Provider & Installer
Government incentives are great and all, but solar is still ridiculously unaffordable. A company called Helio mU (micro utility) is doing something to change that.
Helio charges zero cash up-front to lease a solar system. The company assesses your home and installs the correct system to meet your needs. And what’s more, they sell you the solar electricity at a “below average” cost – about 5% below standard utility rates. But what if you want to eventually own your own system? Helio mU will offer to sell it to the consumer after five yearsof use.
Benefits of Helio mU Systems:
- Helio mU provides all the maintenance (weather damage excluded – that’s on your homeowner’s insurance policy) for the life of the system.
- Helio’s “Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)” leverages MASH, tax credits and other local incentives to deliver energy for below-utility rates with no out-of-pocket expense.
- Terms are developer-friendly and permit you to buy-out solar facilities at deep discounts in conjunction with LIHTC rehabilitation or other refinancing events.
- All you provide is the roof and insurance policy and they send you the energy bill.
While this program is probably not right for everyone, particularly those who can afford their own system and maintenance, it is appealing to those that are financially strapped, like most of us these days. Helio mU says that it draws upon partnerships with established and proven solar technology producers and installers to deliver the highest standard of excellence possible. It’s not just beneficial for homeowners either – Helio mU is looking for competent solar installers to join the team as well.
Helio mU also claims that they are the “no-risk way to save on energy bills…guaranteed.” Not a bad sales pitch.
The team has over 30 years of experience in the solar field and has completed some notable projects, such as the San Jose Tech Museum, Nellis Air Force Base, the Moscone Center and the Alameda County Jail.
As always with investments (or in this case, utility provider switch), do your research and check them out. Also check this segment of the Helio mU site, which outlines its partnership with the Citi Group in what it calls its Green Energy Community Investment Fund. The Investment Fund information might be a little outdated, but it still has the buttons to submit projects for consideration. You’ll need an electric bill of at least $2,000 a month, so it’s not for your average residence.
Posted on October 23rd in Solar Funding by Craig.