v3.22.2.2
Variable Interest Entity Arrangements
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2022
Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Abstract]  
Variable Interest Entity Arrangements

Note 13 – Variable Interest Entity Arrangements

We have entered into various arrangements with investors to facilitate the funding and monetization of our solar energy systems and vehicles. In particular, our wholly owned subsidiaries and fund investors have formed and contributed cash and assets into various financing funds and entered into related agreements. We have determined that the funds are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and we are the primary beneficiary of these VIEs by reference to the power and benefits criterion under ASC 810, Consolidation. We have considered the provisions within the agreements, which grant us the power to manage and make decisions that affect the operation of these VIEs, including determining the solar energy systems and the associated customer contracts to be sold or contributed to these VIEs, redeploying solar energy systems and managing customer receivables. We consider that the rights granted to the fund investors under the agreements are more protective in nature rather than participating.

As the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, we consolidate in the financial statements the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of these VIEs, and all intercompany balances and transactions between us and these VIEs are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Cash distributions of income and other receipts by a fund, net of agreed upon expenses, estimated expenses, tax benefits and detriments of income and loss and tax credits, are allocated to the fund investor and our subsidiary as specified in the agreements.

Generally, our subsidiary has the option to acquire the fund investor’s interest in the fund for an amount based on the market value of the fund or the formula specified in the agreements.

Upon the sale or liquidation of a fund, distributions would occur in the order and priority specified in the agreements.

Pursuant to management services, maintenance and warranty arrangements, we have been contracted to provide services to the funds, such as operations and maintenance support, accounting, lease servicing and performance reporting. In some instances, we have guaranteed payments to the fund investors as specified in the agreements. A fund’s creditors have no recourse to our general credit or to that of other funds. None of the assets of the funds had been pledged as collateral for their obligations.

The aggregate carrying values of the VIEs’ assets and liabilities, after elimination of any intercompany transactions and balances, in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

69

 

 

$

79

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

38

 

 

 

22

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

409

 

 

 

152

 

Total current assets

 

 

516

 

 

 

253

 

Solar energy systems, net

 

 

3,882

 

 

 

4,108

 

Other non-current assets

 

 

401

 

 

 

265

 

Total assets

 

$

4,799

 

 

$

4,626

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities and other

 

$

73

 

 

$

74

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

9

 

 

 

10

 

Current portion of debt and finance leases

 

 

976

 

 

 

1,031

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

1,058

 

 

 

1,115

 

Deferred revenue, net of current portion

 

 

142

 

 

 

153

 

Debt and finance leases, net of current portion

 

 

1,341

 

 

 

2,093

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

8

 

 

 

11

 

Total liabilities

 

$

2,549

 

 

$

3,372