NRG Energy is set to take over mobile solar startup Goal Zero, a leading provider of personal solar products.
The move to acquire the rapidly growing consumer products company marks NRG's entry into the mobile solar sector. One of the largest independent power producers in the United States, NRG said the acquisition was in line with its "mission to lead the market in offering cleaner, smarter choices and sustainable lifestyle solutions to end-use energy consumers across the country."
"The ultimate manifestation of distributed clean generation is personal power," added NRG President and CEO David Crane. "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."
Crane said the the purchase of Goal Zero, which he described as "the best company in its field," would dramatically expand NRG's reach, enabling the group "to serve every American who desires to be part of the clean energy future."
The companies did not disclose financial details of the deal, which remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearances, and is expected to be finalized in the third quarter.
Goal Zero, based in Salt Lake City and employing some 100 people, currently offers a suite of portable solar power and battery-pack products and accessories and has strong research and development capabilities, NRG added.
The startup grew out of the humanitarian efforts of founder and CEO Robert Workman, who began the project to provide aid in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company's products also found wide acceptance in the outdoor and adventure sports community.
"Our mission is to put reliable power in the hands of every human on earth," Workman said. "Being part of NRG allows us to reach this goal in a much more powerful way. … Both companies have proven track records of helping those in need with services and products, whether it is lighting a hut in Congo or a school in Haiti."
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