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KumuKit

Solar Panels

About us

Fueled by the passion to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in Hawaii, locally owned Hawaii Energy Connection has experienced stunning growth to become a nationally recognized solar integration company dedicated to affordable energy solutions. For the homeowner, Hawaii Energy Connection offers the incredibly popular KumuKit(™) packages, uniquely engineered to achieve peak energy production, maximize available tax credits, and ultimately shrink your electric bill. KumuKit(™) packages are complete and always include installation. Hawaii Energy Connection will work with you to design a customized KumuKit(™) package that's ideal for your home and budget. Join Hawaii's growing KumuHui. It's free to look! Visit www.KumuKit.com, www.HawaiiEnergyConnection.com or call 52-GREEN (524-7336). Hawaii Energy Connection offers the incredibly popular KumuKit(™) packages, uniquely engineered to achieve peak energy production, maximize available tax credits, and ultimately shrink your electric bill. KumuKit(™) packages are complete and always include installation. Hawaii Energy Connection will work with you to design a customized KumuKit(™) package that's ideal for your home and budget. Join Hawaii's growing KumuHui. It's free to look! Visit www.KumuKit.com, www.HawaiiEnergyConnection.com

Business highlights

17 years of trusted experience

Services we offer

Solar Panels, Solar Electricity, Solar Energy

Amenities



Accepted payment methods

Check
Financing Available
MasterCard
Visa

Reviews

4.116 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
50%
4
13%
3
13%
2
13%
1
13%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.2
value
4.3
professionalism
4.2
responsiveness
4.2
punctuality
4.3
Showing 1-16 of 16 reviews

Jim L.
04/2018
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Sales rep (Tanys) was very good, and the installation went well, with only minor issue that were resolved to our satisfaction.
Description of Work: Designed and Installed a 21-panel PV system with Net Metering.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$24,000

Kathleen C.
04/2015
4.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
It went great. They did a fine job.
Description of Work: Recently they put in 4 solar panels for solar water heater. They also replaced a water heater which is a 60 Gallon tank.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$7,000

Joan H.
12/2014
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Our biggest problem w/ them was poor communications. They would show up without notice though they promised they would let us know.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$289,000

Glenn T.
10/2014
3.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Did not adequately address my questions and concerns regarding the installation of a PV Solar system. Sales associate emailed me 3 proposals which were for other customers in error. After proposal no follow-up by Sales person. I selected another Solar contractor!

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
value
3.0
professionalism
3.0
punctuality
3.0


Kathleen C.
09/2014
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
They fly over to come and talk to you and then they hire a local electrician to come and take care of the electrical installation. We love those guys. We're praying that they come back to do the next piece because they are wonderful. They're really great. So far we've been extremely fortunate to have them. I would use this provider again in the future.
Description of Work: I used Kumukit's services for electrical installation.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$27,000

Linda B.
06/2014
1.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Had this company work simultaneously with company installing new roof so all would be on the same page. Price and specs were agreed upon with sales rep, Sonny Leandro and deposit given. After roof was on and work on PV started we were informed an additional $4,688 would be required for and quot;66 ..pipe boot flashings over Fast Jacksand quot; installed by Kumu Kit (of course). Otherwise they could not guaranty the integrity of the roof would not be damaged. Later, when new construction was planned, removal and storage of some of the panels was quoted at $1500. When time for this arrived, the price was 4 times the amount initially quoted and we were told new footings/and quot;bootsand quot; would now be required - the old ones Kumu insisted were required (and for which they charged $4688) were the wrong type of boots. On top of this, it took 1 1/2 months of constant calls to the office before they admitted the rep was no longer with Kumu Kit. They also stated they had no intention of honoring his quotes/terms. This was a disreputable company and no way to do business. I am warning anyone I know who is interested in solar/PV that, while Hawaii is the perfect place for this technology, this is a dishonorable company and you'd be wise to stay away. There are some very good companies here - just not this one.
Description of Work: Installed 36 photovoltaic solar panels on home roof.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0

$42,681

Diane G.
06/2014
2.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: They gave me a comprehensive quote for a PV system for my home. There were many follow up phone calls and prompt responses to all my questions. They were my 2nd choice of companies. I eventually chose Alternate Energy because of their higher quality Mitsubishi Panels.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0

$17,000

Patricia C.
02/2014
2.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
I would not recommend this company for solar installation. The first day of the installation a worker didn't place his ladder correctly on my gutter and the ladder crashed into my living room window. The company did replace the window within two or three weeks. Calls to the office are not answered promptly, and it seems like there are communication problems between staff regarding your situation. my electric bill only went down once as promised. I paid full electric bill mostly since this installation. I am still waiting to get a solar system as promised by this company, I wound not recommend this company,
Description of Work: .

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
4.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
4.0

$27,000

Steven J.
01/2014
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
.
Description of Work: .

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Arnold C.
10/2013
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
I was very happy with KumuKit/Hawaii Energy Connection, with the process overall, and with my sale representative, Rony Yurong. It has been noted by other who have used HEC/KumuKit that the sales reps provide low pressure / no pressure interactions and all the information you could possibly want or need. Buying solar can be a very complex process. The consumer must either be an engineer or place a great deal of trust that the sales person is providing accurate and trustworthy information. I did my own engineering calculations and then called HEC/KumuKit. A representative from KumuKit called me to arrange for a sales person to visit, informally survey my home, and provide an estimate. HEC/KumuKit sent Rony Yurong. I found Rony and the information and data provided by HEC/KumuKit to be accurate. The data he provided matched my own calculations, and, two months after the system has been installed, actual system performance EXCEEDS predicted performance (currently 107%). My high rating for HEC/KumuKit is based on (1) no pressure sales rep; (2) quality, accuracy and completeness of information provided, with high level of correlation between predicted and actual system performance; (3) good, solid and competitive price point; (4) top-quality components; (5) excellence in system design and engineering; (6) top-notch installation by trained and competent employees; (7) smoothness of process overall; (8) financing partners (HNB); (9) after-sales follow-up; (10) complete and utter lack of surprise. Everything went more or less exactly as advertised. Financing: HEC/KumuKit is connected to two excellent financing programs provided by Hawaii National Bank (Synergy Loan) and American Savings Bank. Applying for financing was very simple and transparent process. HEC/KumuKit does not (at this time) offer a lease option. Cost per watt: Some advertisements for solar talk about number of panels. But number of panels isn't useful. What's useful is how much power is generated overall, and how much you'll pay for the total installation. HEC/KumuKit came in with a cost of about $4.76/watt. So a 5200 watt (or 5.2 kW) system was estimated at just under $25,000. I thought this was an excellent price point at the time. Note that this price point will vary related to the price and efficiency of solar panels. Also note that this cost does not take into consideration any tax rebates. Central inverter or micro-inverter: The inverter converts the output of the solar system (direct current or DC power) to alternating current, which is what is delivered by HECO. There can be either one or two central inverters to cover the whole system, or a small, and quot;micro-inverterand quot; attached to each panel (so 20 panels means 20 micro-inverters). My going-in preference, based on my own research, was for micro-inverters. HEC/KumuKit uses Enphase microinverters (and note: Enphase micro-inverters are VERY common among solar installers). With Enphase, I can monitor my solar system from my computer and from my smart phone. Permits: HEC/KumuKit handled everything: permits with my home-owners association; building permits with the county; and the Net Metering agreement with HECO. The entire process was ultra-smooth from beginning to end. Timing: This is not an overnight process. For me personally it was about a 3 month process from beginning to end (installed system). Timing is everything -- miss a few days in returning paperwork, and a critical milestone (such as home owners association review) can be delayed a month, and with it, installation of the system. Actual installation by HEC/KumuKit was two days and completely uneventful. The installation of the net meter by HECO, and not actual installation determines when your system is turned on. In my case, HECO installed my net meter a week prior to installation, and HEC/KumuKit was able to turn on my system as soon as the process was finished. I am very pleased with the work HEC/KumuKit has done.
Description of Work: Hawaii Energy Connection / KumuKit installed a 5.2 kW solar photovoltaic system, consisting of 20 panels (LG 260 watt), each with Enphase Microinvertor, plus all of the required gear to manage and monitor the system. HEC/KumuKit also managed the permit process, including the local homeowners association, all required building permits and net meter agreement with HECO. Finally, HEC/KumuKit arranged for financing with Hawaii National Bank.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$25,000

Keith K.
09/2013
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
The sales representative came to our house to put together an estimate for solar PV. He was very professional, provided a lot of information and was to the point. We received the estimate a few days later. The price quoted was very good and they have some attractive financing options. They do not provide solar hot water, however, which we wanted. In the end, we went with a different company that provides both solar hot water and PV, and the total price was slightly less than KumuKit quoted us.
Description of Work: received quote for solar PV installation

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Regina M.
09/2013
3.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
It went ok. The representative wasn't too knowledgeable in the product. When asked all kinds of questions he really didnt know all of the answers which was kind of a turn off for us. Maybe he was a new employee?
Description of Work: The representative came out to tell us more about the type of solar panels they use. How it works and the different options they had in purchasing, leasing.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
3.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
3.0


Lane H.
08/2013
4.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
x
Description of Work: x

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0


Reylene Y.
06/2013
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
They were great! I got quotes from five different companies, and they were really great.
Description of Work: KumuKit installed our photovoltaic system.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,100

Randal T.
04/2013
1.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
I'm still waiting to be contacted. I believe the company has become so popular through radio advertising that customer responsiveness is not a priority.
Description of Work: I requested a quote on line and left contact information. No one has contacted me or replied to my request.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
responsiveness
1.0


Oran S.
03/2013
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Hawaii Energy Connection (Kumu Kit) did a great job with installation and follow up. Sasha Mason was my sales agent and she was always available when I had questions. My electric bill has fallen from a high of $580 per month to this month of $30.00. I have a swimming pool with two pumps running most of the day. four refrigerators as well as two kitchens with electric appliances.
Description of Work: Arranged for financing of a balance due with no interest, about $7,000 plus did installation of 42 panels in one day. Made arrangements wit Hawaiian Electric and the state for all permits and we were up and running in less than two weeks.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$42,000

    Contact information

    99-1350 Koaha Place, Aiea, HI 96701

    www.kumukit.com

    Service hours

    Monday:
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Licensing

    Bonded

    Insured

    Eco-friendly Accreditations

    LEED Accredited Professional
    No
    Energy Star Partner
    No
    EPA Lead-Safe Certified
    No
    Use Green Products or Work Practices
    Yes
    State Contractor License Requirements

    All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

    *Contact business to see additional licenses.


    Service Categories

    Solar Panels

    FAQ

    KumuKit is currently rated 4.1 overall out of 5.

    Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    KumuKit accepts the following forms of payment: Check,Financing Available,MasterCard,Visa
    No, KumuKit does not offer free project estimates.
    Yes, KumuKit offers eco-friendly accreditations.
    No, KumuKit does not offer a senior discount.
    No, KumuKit does not offer emergency services.
    No, KumuKit does not offer warranties.
    KumuKit offers the following services: Solar Panels, Solar Electricity, Solar Energy

    Contact information

    99-1350 Koaha Place, Aiea, HI 96701

    www.kumukit.com

    Service hours

    Monday:
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM