Financing and technology packaged in solar product

Fremont, Calif.-based EchoFirst launched its newest Echo solar system and the nation’s first combined solar electric and solar thermal lease for the residential market.

The newest Echo solar system builds on the success of the Echo+ solar system, which has been installed in more than 1,000 homes. While basic solar electric or “PV” systems only provide electricity, Echo and Echo+ provide electricity and thermal energy. 

Echo provides electricity and hot water, while Echo+ provides electricity, hot water, home heating and home cooling. 

The latest product includes patented technology that make it even more powerful -- Echo delivers up to 25% more thermal energy than the industry’s leading flat plate collectors. Integrating solar electric and solar thermal energy capture in the same system increases energy capture when compared with existing solar-electric-only systems. And the system is engineered to be easy to install on existing homes, so now even homeowners with small or difficult-to-install-on roofs can realize significant energy savings on both their electricity and water heating bills.

“We’re bringing more than a technology breakthrough to the market,” said Vikas Desai, the CEO of EchoFirst. “We’re bringing superior financing solutions to our customers as well. The newest Echo solar system is powered the Echo CompleteLease, the only residential solar lease that also harnesses the power of solar thermal technology for added utility savings. The Echo CompleteLease translates both electricity and thermal energy to savings, so homeowners can realize all the benefits of Echo in a lease. And with a dedicated fund of $50 million, just as our first step, we’ve got the financial strength to service our customers across the country.”