Furnishings giant Ikea has started selling solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in its UK stores after agreeing an alliance with Hanergy.
Ikea is offering a full installation service to customers, with Hanergy providing in-store design and consultation services as well as installation.
Hanergy estimates that its rooftop units can help the average UK household to reduce electricity bills by 40 per cent. The firm specialises in thin-film solar panel technology.
The move by Ikea is part of the company's ethos of sustainability and the firm says it will roll out the scheme in the UK before deciding whether to replicate it in other countries.
Customers can purchase a standard 3.36 kW PV system for a semi-detached home for as little as £5700 or choose a solar finance package and pay nothing upfront.
Two stores kicked off the scheme and the service will be available in all of Ikea's 17 stores in the UK within ten months.
"We know that our customers want to live more sustainably and we hope working with Hanergy to make solar panels affordable and easily available helps them do just that," said Joanna Yarrow, head of sustainability IKEA UK and Ireland, in a statement.
"We want to make a greener, more sustainable way of life attractive and easy for as many people as possible, so in addition to our collaboration with Hanergy, we're dedicated to expanding our range of sustainable products that help customers save energy, water and sort waste four-fold by 2020," she said.
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