Hawaii Energy Connection - Aiea, Hawaii

Bert N.

I could not be happier with the sales (Kauanoa), support (Victor), installation crew, office staff (Melissa) of my NEM+ system. Everything was explained well. Solar contractors are very busy now, but they had a cancellation and were able to install our system much earlier than expected. Everyone I encountered was extremely professional and courteous. I do not like high pressure sales tactics and I did not in any way feel pressured to make a decision in their favor. We received three quotes. I received the lowest quote from them and even received a small discount by paying with a check and I got another discount for purchasing the system in 2019 and having it installed in 2020 to make up for the decrease in Federal tax credits in 2020 from 2019. Highly recommended.

Duane T.

I started obtaining quotes for solar panels with battery in 2017. Hawaii Energy Connection sales rep Sheldon prepared the written quote after I sent in my annual electricity usage information. The Kumukit quote was easy for me to understand and Sheldon spent 3 hours in person and after several more phone conversations I had a good understanding of the Proposal to compare with other solar panel/battery providers. I delayed making a decision on the panels for 4 years (no fault of HEC). In 2021, I requested updated quotes and selected HEC’s Generac Modular Battery design and LG 400 Watt Solar Panels which ended up matching my 2021 electrical needs (day-to-day, grid outage contingency, medical equipment).

The installation was very dependent on COVID pandemic staffing shortages/delays but eventually all necessary approvals with the local utility and the permitting department came in. The installation took only 1 day. HEC sales rep (Sheldon), front office staff, and installation/commission crew walked me through the necessary steps and briefings to help me start monitoring electrical production/usage.

Bottomline the system is working as designed. During daylight hours, I’m recharging batteries and generate enough electricity for our use as retirees. At night, the batteries kick in automatically. I’m very happy with this investment.

Kanoe K.

Terrible service. My PV is down, so ive been houding them since july. They've NEVER answered the phone. My voicemails go unanswered. I got a call once saying a technician is coming. He showed up 3 months later and didn't fix anything. They've emailed me saying someone is coming again in December, 2022. It's now January 2023, and yet no-call no-show. My PV system has been offline for 6 months now, and I still haven't heard back from anyone. I don't recommend them to anyone looking for PV as there is NO customer support.

Kira C.

I met with Greg in late Jan/Feb time frame and signed the application that day. Greg was a great sales rep. He was very friendly and professional and took the time to explain everything and answer all my questions.

Once I got the okay from HECO Kumukit wouldn't move forward until I got the funding from my bank. So I got the funding in the beginning of May but wasn't scheduled for an install until the end of June.

Once I got installed we were still waiting on paperwork to get done and for HECO to come out to change out the meter. We are going on almost FOUR MONTHS since it was installed and I'm still waiting. During this time, my the clock on my loan has already begun but yet I am still paying a full electric bill (higher recently as it’s the summer).

I've been told paperwork keeps getting sent back and I saw the email traffic from before and what I'm noticing is that my paperwork is not getting done correctly the first time so my paperwork keeps getting sent back pushing my final HECO approval back.

I'm sure that everyone is trying to get everything done quickly and effectively as they can for each of their customers but I have not been happy with the level of service that I have received from this company. I will be paying Kumukit over $22K for the panels and work done for my account, and when I pay someone that kind of money, I EXPECT to get everything done correctly with very minimal hiccups and holdups.

At this point, the panels are on my house, they half of my money I took out for the loan on this and all I need is for this final approval to get done so I'm kind of stuck. I can't do anything but express my frustrations to the company and hope that everything gets submitted correctly and HECO gives me my approval so that HOPEFULLY by the end of this year-long endeavor I can finally turn my PV system on and begin to recoup on my investment and start paying down my loan.

I hope as a consumer you understand my frustrations. I started this in January so I could hopefully have everything on by mid-summer. With everything that has happened I am just disappointed to say the least.

UPDATE: According to Kumukit, I have been one of the unfortunate few that this has happened to. Lucky me. They have acknowledged their fault and have addressed it. Taking fault for it makes me feel better but I am still without a running PV system ATM.

Austin A.

They had a ton of helpful information to share about 'PV' systems. It made the entire experience much easier. For reference, I didn't even know what PV stood for before speaking with them.

The technical support guys were also very helpful. They had a lot to share over a few phone calls.

Comparing their prices to others, as well as learning how much a PV system can generate with their calculator, was also a great addition!

Jaron H.

Very poor customer service. No one answers the phone or call you back when you leave a message. Feels like they only jump when there is a "NEW" customer interested in solar. Getting the intention that they forget about you once they've taken your money and put up your system.

Russell S.

Half of our panels are not working and they keep telling us they are scheduling someone. Been 3 months generating only 1/2 power.

Victor C.

I have had problems getting a rain gutter that was damage resolved.
I talke to Lisa and sent her photos of the damage but nothing was done as of yet.