Lowe’s Bringing Solar Power to More People (with Help of Sungevity)

May 18th, 2011 by Zachary Shahan

Solar energy leader Sungevity announced this week that it was partnering with Lowe’s, “the world’s second largest home improvement retailer,” to help bring solar power to the masses. While solar power is pretty easy to get at a good rate these days, having major retailers like Lowe’s help get people on the solar train is clearly a huge win. Here’s a little more info on how Sungevity, “the nation’s fastest growing residential solar company,” and Lowe’s will be partnering up:

Through the agreement, Lowe’s will provide consumers with Sungevity’s quick, easy and proprietary iQuote, a process that utilizes satellite images and aerial photography to calculate a same-day, firm installation estimate, eliminating the need for a home visit. As part of the interactive, in-store experience, consumers will be able to view a rendering of the proposed installation and get a firm understanding of the cost-savings related to Sungevity’s innovative solar lease program. Customers typically experience an immediate savings on their electricity bills through Sungevity’s solar lease, which includes monitoring, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and a money-back performance guarantee. Additionally, as part of the agreement, Lowe’s has taken an equity position in Sungevity.

Sounds like a pretty huge deal, eh? Bringing affordable solar options to people in a way they are used to and can easily take advantage of… this is some of the biggest news of the week, in my opinion.

And, of course, Sungevity is happy.

“I am thrilled about the potential of reaching Lowe’s 15 million weekly customers at their more than 1,750 retail locations, with Sungevity’s services,” said Andrew Birch, chief executive officer, Sungevity. “This partnership marks a major acceleration point in our mission to make solar power easily accessible and affordable to homeowners nationwide.”

When does this partnership start (in the stores, that is)? This Summer. It will only roll out in states where Sungevity operates, which, at the moment, includes:

Arizona
California
Colorado
Delaware
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York

h/t Climate Progress

About the Author

Zachary Shahan spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as the director/chief editor. Otherwise, he's probably enthusiastically fulfilling his duties as the director/editor of Solar Love, EV Obsession, Planetsave, or Bikocity. Zach is recognized globally as a solar energy, electric car, and wind energy expert. If you would like him to speak at a related conference or event, connect with him via social media. You can connect with Zach on any popular social networking site you like. Links to all of his main social media profiles are on ZacharyShahan.com.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_4BRRJDRTR56IHVRYVE2HV7AZKM bob from punta gorda

stupid….why not florida?
Justinc6453

Ask Sungevity where they got this brilliant idea, along with their “innovative” solar lease from, and you’ll see why SolarCity is the market leader and always will be.

SolarCity partners with Home Depot, Sungevity partners with Lowe’s.

Many will try to emulate, but they can only imitate.
- http://zacharyshahan.com Zachary Shahan
  
  Thanks for the note & perspective, Justinc6453. Let me know if/when there is any news on SolarCity along these lines and will be happy to feature it as well. Shoot the email to zach@importantmedia.org.
  
  (& As they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery,.. or something like that — of course, in business, it’s also trying to steal your market)
Anonymous

Everything sounds great except for the ‘lease’ part.

I’d hope the same sort of one-stop-shopping appears for people who want to own their system. Some of the lease agreements I’ve read about are relatively poor deals for the homeowner.
- http://importantmedia.org Important Media Umbrella Acct
  
  agreed… didn’t know enough about leasing options to go into that above, but have my issues with them from the little bit i’ve thought about them & think the option to BUY a system should definitely be in there (hope it will be)
Ben

That iQuote software for same day quotes is the best idea I’ve heard in a long time!

My only concern is that the arial photos and satellite images might be too stale for new houses.