v3.19.3.a.u2
Variable Interest Entity Arrangements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Abstract]  
Variable Interest Entity Arrangements

Note 17 – 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 or vehicles and the associated customer contracts to be sold or contributed to these VIEs, redeploying solar energy systems or vehicles 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):

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

106

 

 

$

75

 

Restricted cash

 

 

90

 

 

 

131

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

27

 

 

 

19

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

10

 

 

 

10

 

Total current assets

 

 

233

 

 

 

235

 

Operating lease vehicles, net

 

 

1,183

 

 

 

155

 

Solar energy systems, net

 

 

5,030

 

 

 

5,117

 

Restricted cash, net of current portion

 

 

69

 

 

 

65

 

Other assets

 

 

87

 

 

 

56

 

Total assets

 

$

6,602

 

 

$

5,628

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities and other

 

 

80

 

 

 

133

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

78

 

 

 

21

 

Customer deposits

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases

 

 

608

 

 

 

663

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

775

 

 

 

817

 

Deferred revenue, net of current portion

 

 

264

 

 

 

178

 

Long-term debt and finance leases, net of current portion

 

 

1,516

 

 

 

1,238

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

22

 

 

 

26

 

Total liabilities

 

$

2,577

 

 

$

2,259