Sungevity has created a new approach to buying a residential solar system. Rather than starting with an expensive, manual process of measuring and calculating a solar system for a home, Sungevity uses satellite images and proprietary software to remotely engineer solar electric systems for customers and send quotes online.

To get started, a homeowner can go to the Singevity website, enter their address and their utility usage (if available). Within hours, Sungevity will reply with a detailed quote that provides information about a customer's potential return on investment and the environmental benefits of going solar.

This process usually results in multiple solar system design options for a roof, and allows customers to choose a solar system based not only on cost, but also on financial returns and environmental offsets.

Traditionally, solar companies send out crews multiple times to scale a prospective customer's roof to make estimates and measurements, adding time and costing extra money. By automating the initial quote online, Sungevity cuts the cost for homeowners and speeds the process.

"We believe solar power should be affordable and easy to access for all homeowners," said Danny Kennedy, Sungevity President and CXO. "Much like Dell Computer revolutionized the PC industry and Netflix movie rentals, our goal is to jump start the residential solar industry by making it simple and efficient for everyone with a view of the sun to go solar."

Sungevity offers five solar system options that range in cost from as little as $7,500 to about $38,500 (including installation). It already has several solar customers in the San Francisco Bay Area and in coming months will be helping more Northern California homes go solar. Sungevity aims to expand throughout California by the end of 2008.

"We are working to protect homeowners across California from rising electricity bills by making solar accessible," continued Kennedy. "Our site is designed to spread sunshine online -- customers point and click -- we do the rest!"

How it works

Starting today, homeowners can visit the website, and follow simple steps to going solar:

1. Enter Address. Learn about solar technology, and when you're ready, enter your address. Sungevity will design system options to suit your roof and email you back your iQuote, including what your home looks like with solar, as well as the financial and environmental benefits.

2. Select System. Chose the system size that best suits you and decide if you'd like to invest up front, or pay as you go (if you need assistance with financing your system purchase, Sungevity will facilitate that, too).

3. Order System. You're on your way! You sign your contract and select a preferred home visit date and installation date. At the home visit, Sungevity will check out your circuit board and plan the installation. Sungevity will send you a packet of simple forms to sign and return (utility, building permit, and rebate application) along with an online energy audit to complete.

4. System Delivered. UPS will deliver your solar panels directly to your door so you can track their progress online.

5. System Installed. On the date of your choice, Sungevity will arrange for your solar system to be installed by a qualified electrical professional. This will take 2-4 days depending on the system size, and you need to be there for only a few hours. Your local utility then inspects the installation and turns your solar system on.

6. System Live! You're up and running, saving money and the environment!

Related Links
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All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com