Sierra Club and EnergySage Team up to Help Businesses and Non-Profits Reap the Benefits of Solar and Other Clean Energy Technologies

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Massachusetts Sierra Club and Cambridge-based EnergySage, an online marketplace for Solar photovoltaic (PV) and other clean energy systems, launched a joint effort to help businesses and non-profits learn about, select and obtain competitive bids for solar and other clean energy technologies.

“EnergySage shares the Sierra Club’s commitment to bringing clean energy systems into the mainstream and we look forward to serving as a trusted guide and advocate for its members and affiliates. We are thrilled to join with the Massachusetts Sierra Club in this effort.”

The EnergySage program, which is accessed through a Sierra Club portal, provides objective, comprehensive information on the operations and benefits of clean energy systems. In addition, the EnergySage Marketplace provides an online comparison-shopping process that secures competitive quotes from pre-screened installers. EnergySage facilitates the choice of system, installer and financing option and accelerates the procurement process.

For properties lacking suitable structures for a solar installation, EnergySage provides the ability to evaluate and shop for a range of clean energy and high-efficiency technologies such as solar hot water, small wind turbines and ground source heat pumps for space heating and cooling.

The program focuses on businesses, municipalities, religious institutions and other not-for-profit organizations, though homeowners also have access to the same tools and information.

Benefits of solar photovoltaic systems include lower, more predictable energy costs that may generate annual investment returns exceeding 20 percent. New and flexible financing options, for acquisition, including leasing, power-purchase agreements and loans can create immediate cost savings with little or no expenditure by the property-owner. Indirect benefits of these systems include positive impacts on employee morale, customer satisfaction, and enhanced community perceptions of the company.

“This joint effort gives our Sierra Club members an opportunity to inform businesses and other property-owners about an important, no-cost service. It can lead to financial savings while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.” comments Dan Proctor, Chair of the Massachusetts Sierra Club. “EnergySage’s resources provide the tools and guidance needed to research and compare clean-energy systems and the available financing options. By simplifying the comparison-shopping process, we believe that demand for clean energy will increase greatly.”

EnergySage.com offers a host of clean energy educational resources and tools, including a large, zipcode-searchable database of detailed case studies on existing clean energy installations. Also featured are profiles, ratings, and reviews of products and installers. The company offers objective information and guidance not only in obtaining multiple quotes from its network of pre-screened, high-quality installers, but also in finding appropriate financing solutions from banks and other financing sources.

“Clean energy systems provide incredible financial benefits for businesses. By simplifying the research and shopping process, we are helping to accelerate their adoption within the business and non-profit community,” notes Vikram Aggarwal, CEO of EnergySage. “EnergySage shares the Sierra Club’s commitment to bringing clean energy systems into the mainstream and we look forward to serving as a trusted guide and advocate for its members and affiliates. We are thrilled to join with the Massachusetts Sierra Club in this effort.”

The EnergySage Solar Marketplace was funded in part by a SunShot award from the U.S. Department of Energy.

About Sierra Club

Sierra Club is the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. The Massachusetts chapter has a 42-year legacy of protecting the environment with successful legislative, advocacy, and educational campaigns. Please visit www.sierraclubmass.org.

About EnergySage

EnergySage.com simplifies the shopping process for solar and other clean energy technologies by creating an informative, transparent marketplace for homeowners, businesses and non-profits. Our free suite of educational, analytical, and shopping tools -- all in one convenient, easy to use website -- help consumers determine suitable clean energy solutions and confidently proceed with installing solar, wind, geothermal or other technologies at their home, business or non-profit. Consumers can learn about clean technologies and their financial and environmental benefits; they can shop using our automated Marketplace, which provides a simple, transparent, empowering comparison-shopping experience; and they can share their knowledge and experience with others who are looking to switch to clean and renewable energy. EnergySage.com helps manufacturers, installers, builders, financiers and other professionals by increasing consumer awareness, knowledge and demand for their services. By growing the market, we help the industry by driving sales and profits and reducing customer acquisition costs and sales-cycle times. EnergySage: Learn. Shop. Share. www.energysage.com. EnergySage.com is operated by Distributed Energy Research & Solutions, Inc.