Schneider Electric has partnered with Arcadia Power to offer a thermostat that costs $0 upfront. After customers install the thermostats, Arcadia Power manages the customer's monthly power bill through its “save-as-you-use program,” which enables them to pay for the thermostat with the energy savings over time. Details are to be determined, but on the surface, it sounds a little like the model that solar leasing companies have successfully used for many years. The companies are also reportedly working to integrate demand response and time-of-use features into the thermostat, which could offer additional savings. The companies say the $0 offer will be available anywhere in the US and those interested can sign up for the waitlist on Arcadia Power website.
http://learn.arcadiapower.com/wiserair/