In what is an interesting move, this week 4 major firms, 3M Co., Cisco Systems Inc., Kimberly-Clark Corp. and the National Geographic Society, made available an offer for significantly discounted solar cell installation on employees housing. Thought up by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the program is known as the Solar Community Initiative and will give employees of the four firms for prices that average 35 percent lower than the national average for solar. If even just 1% of eligible participants choose to use the program, it could save up to 74,500 metric tons of carbon. The benefits of the program are both environmental as well as economical. In addition to lowering the user's energy bills right away, the panels also help make the occupants aware of just how much they've been relying on dirtier forms of energy.

"People see that climate change is happening right now, and a lot of them are looking to do something" - Keya Chatterjee, senior director of renewable energy at WWF

Coordinated by Geostellar, the program is also open to all solar fans, regardless of employment situation, until the end of the year. Companies, municipalities, schools, clubs and other organizations can establish their own Solar Communities on the Geostellar platform to expand access to affordable solar for employees, residents or members. "We're thrilled to provide our first-of-its kind marketplace that makes the solar experience simple and convenient for the employees and communities of these pioneering companies," said David Levine, CEO of Geostellar. "Homeowners everywhere can simply type in their address and see instantly how much solar can save them on their electric bills and increase the value of their homes with no upfront costs or out-of-pocket payments."