SolarCity Corporation

SolarCity Corporation was founded in July 2006 by Lyndon and Peter Rive in California, quickly becoming the largest residential solar installer in the United States through innovative business models such as zero-down leases and power purchase agreements. The company provided end-to-end clean energy solutions—handling everything from custom system design to permitting, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and even manufacturing some of its own high-efficiency panels.
SolarCity’s approach made rooftop solar accessible to homeowners, businesses, schools, non-profits, and government organizations nationwide. It pioneered door-to-door sales strategies for leased systems that allowed customers to pay less than their utility bills while locking in predictable rates over decades. In addition to installations using industry-leading technology—including record-setting efficient PV modules—the company also developed early versions of integrated energy storage (with products like Powerwall) and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
In November 2016, facing mounting debt but still leading U.S. residential market share,SolarCity was acquired by Tesla Inc., which merged all operations into what is now known as Tesla Energy Operations.Today’s legacy continues under the broader umbrella of Tesla’s renewable energy division.