What you actually receive—and why that matters for install success
Many homeowners underestimate how often installation delays come from missing or mismatched components. A complete kit removes much of that risk by pairing the core pump platform with matched solar and balance-of-system hardware. That is why serious buyers ask for detailed component transparency before they order. Knowing exactly what is included lets you plan labor, permits, and commissioning with fewer surprises while protecting long-term performance of the hybrid AC/DC architecture.What is inside a complete SunRay kit
A complete package is designed so the core operating pieces are matched from the start.- Hybrid AC/DC pump platform sized to pool demand
- Solar modules matched to the pump operating profile
- Mounting hardware for secure panel placement
- Electrical protection hardware and breaker components
- Cable runs and primary connection accessories
- Flow-control valves and hydraulic fittings
Why matched components reduce project risk
Piecemeal procurement often looks cheaper early, but missing adapters, incompatible connectors, or misaligned specifications can create delays and rework. A matched kit typically improves first-pass installation success and simplifies troubleshooting.Typical installation sequence homeowners follow
1. Validate gallons and hydraulic conditions 2. Confirm panel location with reliable sun access 3. Prepare electrical plan and permit path if required 4. Replace pump and adjust plumbing transitions 5. Mount solar hardware and complete wiring 6. Program hybrid behavior and verify daytime operationKit vs pump-only decision logic
Pump-only can be ideal when you already have compatible infrastructure and experienced installation support. Complete kits are often best for first-time solar pump buyers, new equipment pads, or projects where schedule certainty matters.In both cases, clear pre-install planning protects your timeline and long-term performance.
State-by-state electricity rates every pool owner should benchmark
Utility rate context is the foundation of accurate savings planning. SunRay's 2026 homeowner planning references the following state-level benchmarks:- CA: 32¢/kWh
- HI: 40¢/kWh
- TX: 16¢/kWh
- MA: 31¢/kWh
- FL: 16¢/kWh
- NV: 16¢/kWh
- NJ: 21¢/kWh
- NY: 24¢/kWh
National rate pressure is no longer abstract
A recent CBS report said about 56 million Americans could face higher electric bills. Fortune also reported roughly $31 billion in utility rate-hike requests moving through regulatory channels. For pool owners, these stories are not background noise—they are direct indicators that grid-dependent pump costs may keep rising. Building a lower-exposure operating model now can protect household budgets over multiple seasons.Why hybrid AC/DC technology is the practical standard
A hybrid AC/DC solar pool pump is designed to use solar input first, then transition smoothly to grid support when sunlight is limited. That architecture gives homeowners both savings and reliability.- Solar-first operation during prime daylight windows
- Automatic AC backup for cloudy periods, mornings, evenings, and shoulder seasons
- No battery requirement for most pool circulation goals
- Schedule flexibility that supports water quality and cost control together
Product lineup and pricing reference
Current SunRay pricing is straightforward for planning and comparison:- 1HP: $2,999
- 2HP: $3,999
- 3.5HP: $4,999
Pre-install checklist to avoid delays
- Verify all kit components against your project scope
- Confirm mounting location and sun access before delivery
- Prepare plumbing transitions and electrical pathway early
- Plan startup day with enough time for testing and schedule tuning
Get expert support from planning to startup
SunRay has provided solar expertise since 2006, with hands-on guidance for sizing, installation planning, and commissioning. You can use the AI chat widget on every page for quick answers, then speak with a specialist for a custom recommendation. For direct support, call 855-372-8467.Performance tuning separates good installs from great ones
Most long-term wins come from tuning, not guesswork. After installation, review runtime logs, water clarity, and monthly bills for 30-60 days. Then adjust filtration windows to maximize daylight operation while preserving turnover and sanitation targets. This post-install tuning phase is often where homeowners unlock the final layer of savings that generic default settings miss.Use data reviews to protect long-term ROI
Revisit your setup at least twice per year. Seasonal sunlight, swimmer load, and filtration demands change over time. A short check-in on schedule, flow behavior, and utility rates helps keep your hybrid system aligned with both performance and cost goals. Small adjustments made early prevent efficiency drift over the life of the equipment.Keep the ownership model simple and measurable
The best results come from a repeatable process: measure usage, tune schedules, and review outcomes. When homeowners treat pool pumping like a managed energy system, they get cleaner water quality control and more stable operating economics. That consistency is the core advantage of modern solar-first design.Ready to Start Saving with Solar?
SunRay Solar Hybrid AC/DC pumps save homeowners $900-$1,800/year on pool energy costs.
Shop Solar Pumps →