Measure, Reduce and Generate: Lowe's Launches First Energy Centers
From CFLs to solar panels, one-stop shopping experience makes it easy
to save energy and money
MOORESVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Building on its longstanding commitment to provide innovative products
and great value, Lowe's is introducing an easier way for consumers to
save money on energy bills. Today Lowe's announced it is launching
Energy Centers in 21 California stores. The Energy Center is a one-stop,
easy-to-shop destination that empowers customers to create an energy
plan that fits their budget and home improvement goals.
The Energy Center outlines three ways for customers to save energy and
money:
-- Measure how much energy they use or lose with power monitors and other
devices
-- Reduce energy consumption with CFLs and other money-saving products
-- Generate and use renewable energy with solar panels
An information kiosk offers a touch-screen display to help customers
evaluate energy needs, and the Energy Center features products that
offer alternative energy solutions.
"Homeowners are paying more attention than ever to their utility bills,
and the first step to saving energy is tracking where it's going," said
Nick Canter, Lowe's executive vice president of merchandising. "By
providing monitoring tools to help customers know their numbers, Lowe's
is helping them find the money-saving solution that's right for them."
Lowe's is the first major retailer to offer many of these products in
one place and the first to stock and sell grid-connected solar panels in
stores. The energy-saving products will be available nationwide at Lowes.com.
Measure
Black & Decker's Power Monitor ($79) allows consumers to measure their
home's real-time energy use and receive feedback to help them change
consumption habits. In addition to measuring real-time energy use and
projecting monthly bills, The Energy Detective, or TED ($240), from
Energy Inc., measures solar generation and allows users to view data
remotely. The Energy Center's kiosk display features product
demonstration videos, tips to control energy costs, and a
Chooserenewables.com tool that helps consumers assess their home's
potential for solar and wind power.
Reduce
To reduce energy consumption, the Energy Center offers easy solutions,
many as simple as changing a light bulb. Consumers can switch out an old
60-watt incandescent bulb for a 13-watt micro-mini CFL that lasts up to
11 years. A programmable thermostat can help save about $180 a year,
according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Lowe's success
educating consumers about the benefits of energy-efficient products
earned the company its fourth ENERGY STAR(R) Retail Partner of
the Year Award in 2009. Look for the Build Your Savings and ENERGY STAR
icons throughout Lowe's stores for other money-saving products, and find
more ways to save with Lowes.com's Home
Audit Tool.
Generate
Homeowners also will be able to harness the power of the sun or wind to
generate the energy they need. For those seeking power on the go,
Sunforce's 6.5-watt folding solar panels ($99) charge car and boat
batteries, as well as cell phones and MP3 players. Generating power for
the home just got easier, too. Akeena Solar'sAndalay AC Solar Power
System ($893 per panel), winner of a 2009 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough
Product Award, has built-in inverters that produce household AC power,
so there is no high-voltage DC wiring. Adding to the system's simplicity
and safety, the racking, wiring and electrical grounding components are
integrated into the solar panels. The modular design of the Andalay
panels allows homeowners to start by installing one panel, then add more
later.
As the wind kicks up, watch electric bills go down. Coming soon, Lowe's
will offer utility-connected wind turbines by special order. The 10,000
watt Excel-S turbine by Bergey Windpower is installed on a 100-foot
tower, and is suitable for rural homes, farms and small businesses.
Cascade Renewable Energy's 1,000 watt Swift Wind Turbine boasts a 7-foot
wingspan and can be mounted to a rooftop or pole at various heights. Its
innovative design makes it suitable for urban and suburban areas. Tax
credits and incentives are available for eligible solar power and
wind-generating systems.
The Energy Center is available in Lowe's California stores in Antioch,
South Antioch, Burbank, Cotati, Dublin, North Fontana, Fremont,
Livermore, Pacoima, East Palmdale, Palmdale, San Bruno, East San Jose,
East Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Union
City, Vacaville, Victorville and West Hills. The Energy Center will be
in additional U.S. and Canadian stores in 2010.
About Lowe's
With fiscal year 2008 sales of $48.2 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is
a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 14 million customers a
week at more than 1,700 home improvement stores in the United States and
Canada. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the
second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more
information, visit Lowes.com.
Source: Lowe's Companies, Inc.