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The partnership is part of an effort to make solar energy more affordable to Honda and Acura customers and address global climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, according to a press release. California-based SolarCity expanded into Elmsford in August 2012.
With a $65 million investment fund, SolarCity expects the deal will accommodate thousands of interested homeowners throughout 14 states where SolarCity operates, the press release said. While installation will be free upfront, homeowners will have to sign a 20-year energy supply contract with SolarCity through an upfront charge or a predetermined monthly cost.
SolarCity's clean energy is not only sustainable, monthly bills for solar power are at least 10 percent less than utility power, said Ed Steins, SolarCity northeastern regional vice president.
Honda automakers have already taken steps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through vehicles like the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid, the Fit EV and the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle.
"At Honda, we are always looking at ways to improve the lives of our customers while reducing our environmental footprint," said Steven Center, vice president of Honda's Environmental Business Development Office, in a statement.
The Curry Acura dealership in Edgemont and the White Plains Honda dealership will also be eligible for an offer that provides free solar panel installation to dealerships within the company's service areas.
SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive said the partnership is a first of its kind among automakers, and that he hopes the deal emphasizes that sustainable energy is the country's "new normal."
"This is an unprecedented partnership — few companies have made a more substantive or comprehensive commitment to environmental responsibility than Honda," Rive said in a statement.
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