This is an interesting thread. I am the Regional Sales Director for Citizenre in New England. I have been with the company Since October, and it has been eciting to watch this unfold. We have used vertical integration to produce our panels, from metallurgical-grade silicon, which will be supplied from a contracted supplier. By manufacturing our own panels, from relatively cheap silicon, we save a significant amount of money. Also, our manufacturing plant, whose location will be anounnced soon, will be powered by hydro- so no carbon dioxide displacement will play out with the manufacturing of the panels.

The Security Deposit, which is only paid when the customer approves of the designed system, is approximately $500, with some scaling for larger systems. This can be lost when the contract is broken. If the homeowner moves, s/he has three options: take the system, using the one free move; transfer the contract to the new homeowner (keeping the locked rate); or break the contract and the system is removed and roof repaired. Only under the last scenario is the security deposit lost.

The only other cost that can be associated with using this program is with your homeowner's insurance policy: it is recommended that they are contacted so they are made aware of this 'added value' to your property (eventhough it is only rented, the homeowner is responsible for its condition). This may/may not cause a slight increase, but in most cases I have not heard of any.

On the site, there is a Savings Calculator, which a user can enter their utility company and their monthly usage. The calculator will provide a conservative estimate as to how much money they would have saved: assuming a conservative 2% annual increase in electricity (6% is more accurate, nationwide), and a 9% bond-interest on saved money.

For example, someone spending $200/month on Massachusetts' National Grid will save over $13,000 on their electric bill over 25 years!

Granted, one could buy a system, but this requires a financial investment typically of $30,000 $50,000, which most do not have available. Cost of photovoltaic systems has been the greatest barrier to the use of this technology, and Citizenre REnU removes this barrier, allowing customers to save money, use renewable electricity, and even the health of the climate is taken into consideration. What other program is out there? No current politician will be able to do anything about the future climate problems. Only we can.

There are many facets to this system. Another possible savings exists with customer referrals: if a customer recommends someone, and they get a system installed on their home, the referring customer will get 5% of their referral's electric bill deducted from their own bill. Make 20-25 referrals, and you now have literally free solar electricity (an no, you will not get paid the 5% if it is beyond the value of your citizenre rental amount!).

I hope that provides more information. Any questions are always welcome!

Marc Plante
Regional Sales Director- New England
getsolarelectric@gmail.com
t: 978.774.0127