Lowe’s, the world’s second largest home improvement retailer, has taken a minority stake in Sungevity, which helps people install solar panels.
Andrew Birch, chief executive of Sungevity, said: "I am thrilled about the potential of reaching Lowe’s 15 million weekly customers at their more than 1,750 retail locations, with Sungevity’s services."
Patti Price, senior vice-president of merchandising at Lowe’s, added: "Lowe’s new partnership with Sungevity responds to customer demand by providing a convenient and affordable process for going solar."
US-based Sungevity previously raised $15m in its series C round in December from venture capital firms Greener Capital, Firelake Capital and Brightpath Capital Partners.
In March last year, Sungevity set up a $24m fund with bank US Bancorp to finance solar systems for Californian homes by leasing solar panels for 10 years.
Sungevity’s B round raised $6m in September 2009 from Renewal Partners and Greener Capital.