EnergySage partners with Staples to help Americans save money by going solar

Online comparison shopping platform drives Solar PV system installations, sustainability efforts

Press Release

CAMBRIDGE, MA – November 13, 2014

EnergySage, the online marketplace for solar energy systems, today announced a partnership with Staples (SPLS) that makes it easier than ever for Staples customers to install solar on their homes and businesses, while being rewarded for reducing their environmental impact. Consumers who install solar through the Staples-EnergySage Solar Marketplace will receive Staples e-gift cards ranging from $125 to $300 for a residential installation and from $500 to more than $2,500 for commercial installations, depending on the size of the solar panel system installed at their property.

“Our partnership with EnergySage is a natural extension of our commitment to help our customers run their businesses and homes more sustainably…”

The EnergySage Solar Marketplace, a comprehensive consumer destination site for solar photovoltaics (PV) systems, will serve as the program’s engine, helping homeowners, businesses and non-profits to research solar and obtain multiple, competitive quotes for solar power systems, for all financing options, at no cost to them. Incorporating the best practices of online shopping, the EnergySage Solar Marketplace is the only online shopping platform for solar PV systems. Its unique, innovative and user-friendly comparison-shopping experience injects unprecedented levels of simplicity, choice and transparency into solar shopping process.

Multiple quotes provide consumers with options including choice of solar panels, brands, installers and financing options that include $0-down solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar loans. By fostering market efficiency, EnergySage helps consumers save on average 9% or over $2,500 compared to average industry prices for a residential solar panel system. Savings on commercial systems can total up to tens of thousands of dollars. EnergySage has received a prestigious Incubator award from the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative to develop the Solar Marketplace.

“Our partnership with EnergySage is a natural extension of our commitment to help our customers run their businesses and homes more sustainably,” said Jake Swenson, Director of Sustainable Products and Services, Staples, Inc. “This relationship provides them a simple way to learn about and install solar for a great price, lower their electricity bills, and reduce their impact on the planet.”

An average residential solar PV system will avoid more than 141 tons of carbon emissions over its lifetime—the equivalent of planting 3,314 trees or taking 27 cars off the road. It will also generate return on investment in the range of 10% to 30% annually for the property owner. Alternatively, $0-down solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) can help consumers reduce their electricity bills by up to 50%. “EnergySage and Staples are committed to making it easy for consumers to research and shop for the best deals on solar panel systems,” comments Vikram Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of EnergySage. “And by providing access to transparent information, we are confident that more consumers will install solar PV systems.”

The Marketplace helps consumers easily compare quotes in an apples-to-apples format across all financing options. Because the Marketplace automatically performs the calculations needed to adjust for differences in the quotes received—different system sizes or different assumptions used to calculate cost and benefits—getting the best deal is simple and easy. Consumers can start by getting a no-obligation instant estimate of the cost and savings of a solar power system for their particular property.

About EnergySage Solar Partnership Program

EnergySage facilitates solar adoption through partnerships with businesses, non-profits, municipalities, utilities, and other organizations that are interested in promoting solar. Leveraging the EnergySage Solar Marketplace, these organizations offer efficient, turnkey solar programs to encourage solar adoption among their customers, employees, members, residents and supporters. The EnergySage platform is extremely flexible and customizable; partner organizations can tailor the platform and program to suit their own specific needs, including co-branding or private labeling. EnergySage partners include leading organizations like Staples, Walgreens, World Wildlife Fund, The Sierra Club, Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) and many more. For more information, visit www.energysage.com/partners/

About EnergySage, Inc.

EnergySage provides the first comprehensive online marketplace for consumers and businesses interested in converting to solar energy. By enabling people to comparison shop for “apples-to-apples” competitive quotes from pre-screened installers and financiers, the EnergySage Marketplace typically delivers cost-savings of up to 20 percent when compared to going directly to installers. EnergySage also simplifies today’s complex solar industry by providing tools and unbiased information that enable people to fully understand their product and financing options as well as their return-on-investment scenarios. Many leading organizations have forged partnerships with EnergySage to promote the adoption of solar energy, including Connecticut Green Bank, Staples, Walgreens and the World Wildlife Fund. For more information, please visit: www.energysage.com.

Estimate your savings with our Solar Calculator www.energysage.com

EnergySage.com is operated by EnergySage, Inc.