Like all of you, we are very concerned about the impact COVID-19 (coronavirus) is having on individuals, families, and communities throughout the country. I want to share with you the steps we are taking at Vivint Solar to ensure the safety and protection of both the homeowners we serve and our employees.
Your safety is our first priority.
Vivint Solar is fully committed to reducing the spread of COVID-19. First and foremost we will continue to Put People First. This is the first of our five company values and we continue to operate with this in mind.
Following CDC safety guidelines, as well as policies provided by other federal and local agencies.
We are closely following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines at our corporate and regional offices. Currently, most of our employees who work at our headquarters are working from home. We require that anyone who feels unwell stops working and takes appropriate measures for their health and the safety of those around them.
Using technology to help keep everyone safe.
We're leveraging new technology that keeps our customers and employees safe during this difficult time and makes Vivint Solar more efficient as a business.
- Virtual Consultation: We understand many people still prefer face-to-face communication. However, the ongoing pandemic has forced us to ensure that most, if not all, communication can be done virtually using phone and video.
- E-Sign Documents: All contracts and required utility interconnection documents can be reviewed and signed using Docusign.
- Aerial Imagery: Solar energy system designs are customized using high-resolution aerial imagery, which reduces the need to take on-site roof photos.
- Digital Proposals: Your custom design, system information, and solar agreement will all be delivered digitally. Your documents are automatically stored in your online Account Center, and can be reviewed by you online or over the phone, eliminating the need to meet in person.
- Remote System Inspections: We take pride in our 86-point installation and inspection process and ensure high-quality work by capturing pictures of the completed installation and reviewing them remotely.
- Remote System Activation: Once systems are installed, we test them to ensure they can harness the energy from the sun and, when allowed by local jurisdictions, turn them off digitally while we await “Permission to Operate” from the utility. Once the utility gives the green light to turn the system on, we turn it on remotely, which means no home visit needed.
- System Performance: Solar systems are actively monitored by a dedicated team at our corporate headquarters using a mix of Wi-Fi and cellular connections.
Taking extra precautions during in-home visits and personal interaction.
In markets where we’re allowed to visit homes, we have modified our practices to ensure that we remain 100% compliant with the guidance from the CDC and WHO on hygiene and interacting with others. Our employees follow social distancing guidelines and remain at least six feet away from others. All interactions will be handshake free. Regardless, all of our sales, installation, and service teams wash their hands and/or sanitize their hands regularly. All required signatures will be gathered from a customer’s personal device so we can avoid sharing tablets and other personal handheld devices, like mobile phones.
Solar is an essential service according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The Department of Homeland Security updated their guidance on March 25, 2020 regarding essential services, including key changes to their descriptions for the electricity sector. The new guidance for essential workers within the electricity industry is described as “Workers who maintain, ensure, or restore, or are involved in the development, transportation, fuel procurement, expansion, or operation of the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power, including call centers, utility workers, reliability engineers and fleet maintenance technicians.”
The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) has been in close contact with DHS, and both agree that this language is inclusive of solar. Vivint Solar will continue to install, maintain, and service systems according to customer needs.
These are truly uncharted times and we’re learning more as the situation unfolds. As health experts and government representatives share new guidance, we may make more changes to our business operations. Through it all, we will do what is in the best interest of the health and safety of our homeowners and employees.
David Bywater CEO
Frequently asked questions and answers as they relate to COVID-19.
We have provided the following answers to your questions so you can stay up to date on how these changes might affect you.