Big Boxes Warm Up to Solar

Lowe's, Mooresville, N.C., purchased a minority stake in Sungevity Inc., Oakland, Ca., and will offer the company's solar leasing program in some of its California stores.

"Our goal is to take this solar offering to the masses," said Sungevity founder Danny Kenncdy. "We're gearing up fbr the demand, and that's part of the reason for the Lowe's investment."

Lowe's will provide in-store quotes for installation of solar panels that are owned by Sun-ecvity ancl leased to consumers for a monthly fee. The chain will eventually off'er the prograrl at other stores throughout California and in other states where Sungevity operates-Colorado, Arizona. Dclaware. Massachusetts, Maryland. New Jersey, and New York.

Home Depot, Atlanta, Ga., has a similar partnership with SolarCity Inc., San Mateo, Ca., which installs systems in California and Arizona.