Important Things to Know About Costco Solar

If it feels like Costco has everything you could possibly need for your home, maybe that’s because it does. 

In addition to electronics, furniture, appliances, and groceries, Costco members also have access to solar products. 

As you consider a Costco solar system, you’ll want to take into account the products available, state availability, and customer reviews from members who have purchased a Sunrun system through Costco. 

Products

There are two very different ways to go solar through Costco: portable solar generator kits and complete, professionally-installed rooftop solar systems via Sunrun.

Portable solar generator kits

The first is to purchase portable solar equipment from Costco that can travel with you and/or serve as an emergency power source at home. 

First, Costco sells the Costco-member-only, tried-and-true Goal Zero Yeti 3000X + Nomad 200 solar generator kits. Equipped with a 3000-watt-hour battery and a 200-watt solar panel that can recharge the power station when the power is out, these kits are portable and ideal for emergency situations, camping, and off-grid events. The Yeti comes with five port options:  AC Outlets, USB-A, USB-C, 12V Ports, and High Power Ports (HPP). 

Costco also sells the Lion Energy Safari ME MAX Energy Kit, which includes a solar generator, expansion pack, an inverter, and 6 100-watt 24-volt solar panels. These kits are intended for charging electronic devices, operating LED lights, and other small-scale home and RV or boat needs. 

Completing the suite of solar generator options is the Energizer Ultimate PowerSource Pro Battery Generator and Solar Panel Bundle. This generator is lightweight at 23 pounds, has a 991-watt-hour capacity, and includes a 200-watt foldable solar panel. The Energizer generator can charge up to seven devices at once and can fully charge in less than two hours using the AC port. 

Rooftop residential solar systems from Sunrun

The second solar option for Costco customers is a complete residential solar system from one of the nation’s largest solar providers, Sunrun. With this option, Sunrun provides customers with high-quality solar equipment, professional installation, warranties, and system monitoring ‒ with the added perk of Costco shopping benefits. 

Warranties

A solar warranty insures your investment in case of product flaws and is an important factor to consider when shopping for a solar system. Costco has a reputation for excellent customer service and standing by its products, which extends to its solar offerings. 

Solar generator 

Solar generator warranties are subject to each manufacturer. Contact Costco to obtain your specific product’s warranty information. Presumably, Costco’s liberal return policy applies to generator products. 

Sunrun’s extended roof penetration warranty 

Sunrun provides all customers with a number of warranties, including a 20-year warranty on workmanship and a 10-year warranty on roof penetration. 

However, customers who purchase a Sunrun solar system through Costco will receive an additional 5 years added to the roof penetration warranty, bringing roof coverage up to a total of 15 years.

Customers can upgrade to Sunrun’s premium Base Plus offering to secure a 25-year roof penetration warranty and 25 years of monitoring. 

State availability 

Costco solar is limited to specific areas. 

Solar generator shipping

Delivery for solar generator kits is available in all U.S. states except Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaii. 

Rooftop solar installation 

Only individuals who live in select areas have access to a Sunrun rooftop solar system through Costco. Available areas include the following 18 U.S. states:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Nevada
• Pennsylvania 
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Vermont

Whether or not you live in one of the states listed above, we suggest all prospective solar customers reference top-rated solar companies in your area and read solar company reviews. We always recommend obtaining multiple solar quotes and contract details before making a decision. 

Costco Shop Card

Costco members who purchase a qualifying residential solar system from Sunrun, either with cash or with a loan (not through a lease or a power purchase agreement), will receive a Costco Shop Card for 10% of the pre-tax cost of the equipment, including solar panels, racking, inverters, and batteries.

This promotion does not apply to the cost of the installation.

These Costco Shop Cards may be used toward merchandise at Costco, including purchases at the Costco Gas Station and Costco Food Court.

Customer reviews 

Sunrun currently has more than 2,000 customer reviews on our solar reviews site and an average rating of 3.5/5 stars. Of those reviews, 80+ mention purchasing a Sunrun system through Costco. The review breakdown for Sunrun reviews mentioning Costco is as follows: 

• 5-star: 45%
• 4-star: 9%
• 3-star: 5%
• 2-star: 1%
• 1-star: 40% 

As you can see, the majority of reviews are either strongly positive or strongly negative. Reviews include themes like customer service, pricing, installation, and warranties. 

5-star example: 

 1-star example: 

The bottom line

Getting a Sunrun solar system installed through Costco can be advantageous due to potential cost savings and the reliability of Costco's customer service. However, it's important to note the limited state availability and carefully consider the complaints that arise in Costco solar reviews.

Exploring alternative solar providers and comparing offers can also help in making an informed decision that aligns with your individual needs and preferences. If you decide to work with an alternate company, we’ve got you covered with highly-reviewed, vetted solar companies in your area.