By Ann Rascalli

Imagine sitting down in your favorite lounge chair, powering up your laptop, and ordering a new rooftop solar system specifically designed for your home. Sounds intriquing, doesn’t it? A company called Sungevity is betting that you’ll be more than intriqued with its new online program.

Colorado has become something of a battleground for solar leasing, and Sungevity’s twist on the market is focused on convenience. 

The founder of the startup, Danny Kennedy, explains how it works:

Homeowners log onto Sungevity.com, receive an “iQuote,” then see what the solar panels will look like on their roof using a mash-up of satellite and aerial imagery; sign a contract using electronic signatures and schedule an installation - all paid for with a no-money-down lease.

Sungevity figures most homeowners who sign up for their service can save 15 percent off their electricity bills from day one and have a new residential solar panel system on their roofs, giving owners the satisfaction of using clean energy.

The company says its developed the ability to accurately engineer and design a solar system for a home without making the usual site visit. Instead, Sungevity uses satellite and aerial photos to size and design the solar system within 24 hours.

The all-digital approach to “going solar” without onsite visits may be anathema to some brick and motor integrators, but it has the seal of approval from the state’s leading solar trade group.

“We believe that homeowners in Colorado will enjoy the benefits of ‘going solar’ at home,” said Neal Lurie, Director of the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association. “Coloradans are savvy when it comes to solar, and through the trend of democratizing solar energy, we welcome this helpful service that will make it easy for homeowners to take that next step.”

The company’s operating lease includes a performance guarantee for the system, as well as providing all maintenance, cleaning and insurance.

An added feature of the Sungevity’s program is a soon-to-be Spanish language version of the iQuote online service to meet the needs of Hispanic homeowners in the Denver and Boulder communities.