SolarCity pairs energy efficiency services with solar installs

That didn't take long. Solar systems integrator and leasing company SolarCity has added a service that combines its solar leasing plan with a Home Tuneup, a set of audits and energy efficiency services that will squeeze additional electricity savings out of your home by identifying air leaks, leaking pipes, inefficient appliances, outdated or miscalibrated thermostats, and so on. The new offering was borne out the company's acquisition of energy efficiency services company Building Solutions earlier this year.

Until Nov. 30, the Home TuneUp service is being lumped for free into residential solar lease arrangements. The service will also be offered on a promotional basis in the company's other markets -- Texas, Colorado, Arizona and Oregon -- according to SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive. Typically, these services would cost about $2,000 for a typical home, he estimates. But consider this statistic: Rive claims that for every $100 spent in heating and cooling costs by the average homeowner approximately $40 is wasted by leaks in ducts or the building "envelope." Basic energy efficiency measures can result in 10 percent to 50 percent of additional savings on top of the electricity that you might see from installing solar generating technology, according to SolarCity. In certain states, you might be able to claim a rebate for some of these services. This database might provide some direction.