reality-based solar automation within the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s incubator program. Their startup, Sunlayar, was later acquired by Sunnova.

They believe that solar is currently a failed product. This is because, despite the high demand and associated cost savings of solar, total market penetration remains below 5%. Clean.Tech believes a software-centered, “asset-light” business model that is focused on continuous design and process improvement will allow solar to finally achieve large-scale adoption. Clean.Tech uses A.I. and tools such as augmented reality to help buyers visualize solar systems on their roofs and make real-time adjustments to clearly understand the costs and benefits of going solar, which facilitates quick sales cycles. Residential buyers can also apply for 0% down, long-term financing from third-party lenders through Clean.Tech’s app usually within the same sales session as choosing a solar system. These innovations help buyers feel in control of their customer journey and reduce the friction that is typically associated with purchasing a solar system.

Similar to Uber, Clean.Tech uses software to bring together independent sales agents and certified, third-party installers into a process that is standardized with strong quality controls. This marketplace model allows Clean.Tech to keep fixed costs low, which in turn leads to high scalability and improved pricing for consumers. Unlike Uber, Clean.Tech does not need to subsidize the marketplace as there are already large pools of independent salespeople and installers who need work.

Clean.Tech uses its growing purchasing power to routinely negotiate better terms with its third-party partners and, in turn, offer better pricing to buyers of solar systems, further improving the buying experience versus competitors. Also, Clean.Tech manages a global workforce with compensation tied to revenue goals, which has kept costs relatively low and helps drive profitability.