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KumuKit

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LAST UPDATED: July 23rd, 2021

KumuKit has been providing solar energy solutions to Hawaii residence for years. Their KumuKit residential energy package is named for its ability to start customers on the path to harnessing the sun's energy and be a part of creating a more sustainable future. KumuKit offers consumers a quality product coupled with experience in the solar industry.

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The Good

  • Online Monitoring Available
  • Battery Storage Option
  • Comprehensive Warranty
  • Grown with Solar Industry

Online Monitoring Available

KumuKit uses an online monitoring system from Enphase called MyEnlighten. This system can be downloaded via smartphone, tablet, or computer. The MyEnlighten system monitors the overall functionality of the solar system checking for health and performance. It also monitors system production and allows the user to view energy production by month, day, or hour. Users can also analyze solar system performance against historical weather data.

Battery Storage Option

KumuKit implements the KumuKit energy storage system, which allows the homeowner to store renewable energy for later use. The KumuKit system comes with an automatic backup power feature that is triggered the moment it senses a power grid outage or utility blackout.

Comprehensive Warranty

Every install performed by KumuKit comes with a comprehensive warranty. The warranty includes 3 separate components:

  • A 10-year workmanship/roof warranty
  • A 25-year manufacturer warranty
  • A 25-year micro inverter warranty

The length for each of these warranties is at the top of what is being offered by most of the solar energy providers we have reviewed. KumuKit's comprehensive warranty gives consumers peace of mind that their solar system will be protected for at least half of the average life expectancy of most solar systems.

Grown with Solar Industry

KumuKit launched its business in 2007 and has been offering solar energy services to Hawaii residents since that time. Its several years in the industry have given KumuKit the opportunity to adapt its services to meet the needs of consumers and change policies as the industry has changed. This may give KumuKit an advantage over many of the other solar companies we have reviewed who have been in business for 3 years or less.

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The Bad

  • Limited Availability
  • Limited Payment Options

Limited Availability

KumuKit exclusively offers services to Hawaii residence. Most solar energy consumers will not be able to utilize its solar energy services based solely on location. Consumers located outside of Hawaii will have to look for a solar energy service provider servicing their area.

Limited Payment Options

KumuKit heavily emphasizes the benefits of owning rather than leasing a solar installation. Its main arguments are that leasing or using a PPA (power purchase agreement) sends tax incentives out of state to the leasing company instead of benefiting the system owner's economy and leasing a system does not provide significantly lower energy costs while owning a solar system typically does. For these reasons, KumuKit only offers cash payment or loan purchase options. This may frustrate some potential consumers who would like the option to lease or opt into a PPA.

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The Bottom Line

KumuKit is a fast growing solar energy provider. It offers excellent customer service in the form of its comprehensive warranty, online monitoring capabilities, and experience in the industry. While many consumers will not be able to utilize KumuKit due to their exclusive Hawaii location, Hawaii residents have a great solar energy resource in KumuKit. Homeowners are encouraged to read verified KumuKit reviews to see if the company is right for them.

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3 Reviews

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Stephen Liao Honolulu, HI

Love my Kumu Kit solar system. I had it for 6 years now and never had any problems with it. My electricity bill went from $190 to $18 a month. The people at Kumu Kit are very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. The installation crew that did the install were awesome! The solar panels look great on my roof and the electrical installation (Acxis box/disconnect) looks very clean and neat next to the meter. Hawaii Energy Connection is a locally own company thats located in Halawa valley in Aiea. Whenever I call the office I get to talk to a live person instead of a recording and Kumu kit don’t bounce you around like these other solar companies from the mainland. If I have a question or concern about my system, the problem gets solved immediately…whether its over the phone or a technician showing up at my house within the next few days. They have excellent products and exceptional service. I would definitely tell all my friends and family to buy local and go with Hawaii Energy Connection, aka., Kumu Kit.

5 years ago

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M.J. Perez Kailua-Kona, HI

It's rare to find a company these days that are around to care for you from beginning to end. Hawaii Energy Connection is one of those. A pleasant, reliable, knowledgeable sales and technical staff, who were there every step of the way. Installed my system in 2015 and they have been there to address any concerns I've had with the system. Great design and energy monitoring system as well as warranty. Thanks!

6 years ago

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Karen Luke

Hawaii Energy Connection is famous for its Kumu Kit solutions. This is a local company for local people. You can go to their place of business. I enjoy having the same service people come to my house. When my kit was installed on my old home, HEC helped to upgrade the electrical works and have been proactive in maintaining and advising on monitoring the system. It's a cinch with HEC. A few friends opted for the lease method and are still paying higher electric bills than me. I have already recovered the cost of my investment and am still seeing savings.

7 years ago