PITTSBURGH and SAN MATEO, Calif. — Direct Energy and SolarCity have established a broad agreement to provide solar electricity directly to businesses. The two companies have created a dedicated investment fund capable of financing up to $124 million in solar projects for Direct Energy’s commercial and industrial (C&I) customers, which is partially funded with up to $50 million from Direct Energy. Through the arrangement, eligible Direct Energy C&I customers will be able to utilize solar power with little or no upfront cost, depending on the customer’s choice of plans. Customers will be given a choice to pre-pay for their solar electricity or pay a monthly payment, with installation, insurance, repairs, and monitoring service included.

“Solar is a viable opportunity that positions Direct Energy Business as a total energy management service provider for commercial and industrial customers,” said Mike Senff, head of U.S. sales, marketing and 360Direct for Direct Energy Business. “Solar complements Direct Energy Business’ other product offerings while supporting our customers’ corporate sustainability goals.”

SolarCity is a full-service solar power provider in the U.S. with more than 68,000 customers across 14 states, including more than 1,000 commercial and government customers. SolarCity has created 28 investment funds to date. Direct Energy Business serves commercial and industrial customers in 14 states, the District of Columbia, and five Canadian provinces, providing electricity and natural gas supply and energy management services to more than 180,000 customers. Direct Energy Business is part of Direct Energy, one of North America’s largest retail energy suppliers, with more than 6 million customers across the continent.

“This unique relationship demonstrates how traditional energy companies and renewable energy companies can work together to make clean energy more accessible and affordable,” said Jimmy Chuang, vice president of structured finance for SolarCity. “Direct Energy is giving business and industrial customers direct access to cheaper, cleaner energy. SolarCity gains an important new avenue to provide its groundbreaking services to businesses at a lower cost.”

For more information about Direct Energy, visit www.directenergy.com. For more information about SolarCity, visit www.solarcity.com.

Publication date: 9/23/2013

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