Elon Musk's SolarCity and Best Buy to sell low-cost solar power systems

[bananas]

Source: UPI

Solar City and Best Buy will now help homeowners through the process of buying a solar power system for their homes, starting with 35 stores in California.

SolarCity will have sales representatives at 15 Best Buy shops in Arizona, Oregon, New York and Hawaii.
The move comes after the two companies experimented with the idea last September at Best Buy stores in California and New York. The in-store representative will give customers an estimate of potential energy savings and also an idea of what the system would look like in their house.

"People go to Best Buy to buy all sorts of devices and appliances, and almost everything you buy consumes a tremendous amount of electricity -- your flat-screen TV, your dishwasher," said SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive. "Now we can sell a product that addresses those energy needs."

<snip>

The upfront cost for the equipment or installation are not charged to customers and SolarCity raises money from banks and other investors to finance these costs. The deal appeals to people who do not want to spend money on the initial cost associated with such solar power systems.

<snip>

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2014/03/12/Elon-Musks-SolarCity-and-Best-Buy-to-sell-low-cost-solar-power-systems/4001394633980/

[WillyT]

1. K & R !!!

[Leith]

2. That Sounds Terrific!

I recently applied for a job at the SolarCity in Las Vegas. They seem to be expanding (a lot!) in this area (southern Nevada).

I've looked at glassdoor (excellent site for getting reviews of businesses and wage comparisons) and SolarCity seems to push sales more than they should at the expense of everything else. I applied for an office job so that won't affect me. If anyone has more info on SolarCity, I'd greatly appreciate it. Otherwise, I'm psyched about getting into a new and upcoming industry. Wish me luck!

[ErikJ]

3. Hmmm, I wonder why Home Depot isnt doing this?

I just wonder.

[Auggie]

5. There was a third-party vendor selling solar systems at our H.D. last year

You can bet they'll follow this expansion closely. If the numbers add up for them they'll be all over solar.

[ErikJ]

7. Encouraging. But the founder of HD is radical RWer.

And most RWers are rabid anti-solar/wind foes.

[Auggie]

8. They answer to stockholders first and foremost ...

money first, bullshit second.

[7962]

9. Bingo! If these sell, Lowes and Home Depot both will be on it like a duck on a junebug.

And I know a lot of people who may vote republican but bitch about the power bill too.

[ErikJ]

10. You'd think! Wonder why they havent pushed for

govt single-payer health care which would free corps from crippling, expensive health care benefits.

[MADem]

13. I suppose if Lowe's jumps on the bandwagon they'll get over it~! nt

[jmowreader]

14. The founder of HD hasn't been involved with the company for a very long time

The current regime is big on energy-conserving products - they are the biggest seller of LED light bulbs, tankless water heaters, programmable thermostats, Energy Star appliances, high-performance windows, etc., etc., in America.

My best guess: no solar vendor can supply them enough product.

[Fuddnik]

4. Come to the Sunshine State!

[rurallib]

6. just looking at solar with an eye toward next year.

Oh boy is that good news.

[wildbilln864]

11. I want one. n/t

[groundloop]

12. I looked at a few of the details and have more questions

Apparently it's a lease arrangement where the homeowner pays for electricity produced by the solar panels. I couldn't find what the rate is, that's kind of important to know.