Home sharing website Airbnb has launched a partnership with leading US solar power provider SolarCity Corp that seeks to connect Airbnb hosts and guests with an affordable and sustainable way to power their homes with solar energy. Through the partnership, SolarCity will offer members of the Airbnb community a rebate – up to $1,000 cash back – on all solar panel systems. The rebate is available to Airbnb members in each market where SolarCity currently operates, and homeowners can choose the solar option that works for their homes.
“Since 1998 we have had 15 of the 16 hottest years recorded and climate change is changing the way we make decisions – everyone is thinking about making better use of what we have,” said Chris Lehane, Airbnb’s Head of Global Public Policy & Communications. “Travelers, especially millennials, want a more sustainable choice and homeowners want to make better use of the 13 million empty houses and 36 million empty bedrooms in the United States alone.”
“Our partnership with Airbnb demonstrates the important role energy plays in our everyday lives – including travel – and how clean energy can reduce everyone’s carbon impact on the world,” said Toby Corey, President of Global Sales and Customer Experience, SolarCity. “Homeowners that make the simple switch to solar energy can save money on utility bills and fix their energy costs for years to come. This partnership will create the first opportunity for many Airbnb guests to stay in a solar-powered home, and allow them to experience first-hand how easy it is to use clean energy to contribute to a cleaner, healthier society.”
Experts in the environmental community and former city officials commended the partnership between a renewable energy provider and a hospitality company that might influence the green habits of millions of travelers.
“U.S. energy consumers overwhelmingly want more solar powering their homes and communities, so it’s exciting to see business leaders like Airbnb working to meet that demand head on,” said Adam Browning, Executive Director of Vote Solar. “This partnership shows that solar is as good for business as it is for the health of our families and stability of our climate.”
“Expanding sustainability programs, particularly in the tourism markets, is a key driver of economic development initiatives of cities across the world. Through this partnership, everyday citizens who use Airbnb to host travelers and explore new destinations can protect our planet by investing in renewable and affordable solar power. This is an economic and environmental win,” said Annise Parker, former Mayor of Houston, TX and member of Airbnb’s Mayoral Advisory Board.
To learn more about the Airbnb and SolarCity partnership, visit: http://www.solarcity.com/airbnb.
