NRG Energy to Acquire Provider of Solar Powered Personal/Consumer Products

NRG Energy, Inc. and Goal Zero, described as a leader in providing personal solar products, have reached an agreement that will bring the "rapidly growing consumer products company" into the NRG family of companies.

Goal Zero currently markets a suite of portable solar power and battery-pack products and accessories, "and has strong research and development capabilities," NRG said.

"The acquisition aligns with NRG's mission to lead the market in offering cleaner, smarter choices and sustainable lifestyle solutions to end-use energy consumers across the country," NRG said.

"The ultimate manifestation of distributed clean generation is personal power. Only about one in four Americans are themselves homeowners but every American has a need for personal energy free from the tether of plug and cord," said David Crane, President and CEO of NRG. "The acquisition of Goal Zero - the best company in its field - aligned alongside our established system power franchise and our fast-growing residential solar business, dramatically expands our reach, enabling us to serve every American who desires to be part of the clean energy future."

"Through this acquisition, NRG adds the third leg to its NRG Home end-use energy consumer strategy built around harnessing the reciprocal synergies and cross-selling opportunities between system power, residential solar and personal power. Each part of the strategy supports the other through shared access to multiple distribution channels and customer bases. NRG expects to combine product and service offerings; for example, educating Goal Zero customers about the possibilities of rooftop solar and combining portable Goal Zero solar products with NRG's retail electricity offers," NRG said.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.