Sept. 10, 2013 - Direct Energy and SolarCity have undertaken 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."

"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."