Nine southern California Sam's Clubs will sell solar panels as part of their new Home Efficiency Centers. The centers will stock a variety of energy saving products: Energy Star appliances, low-flow toilets, CFL bulbs and more.

In order to provide solar panels, Sam's Club has partnered with Borrego Solar Systems, a solar power system designer and installer, and BP Solar, a photovoltaic solar panels provider. The two companies will help Sam's Club create in-store informational kiosks. The displays will explain the design and installation process, the amount of energy that can be saved and other details of the process. While a customer will not be able to load up a couple of solar panels on a shopping cart and head for the checkout, buying a system through a Sam's Club kiosk will provide the buyer with a discount on the cost of his or her new solar energy system. On average, the savings will amount to $500 — before adding up any applicable rebates and tax credits.

"This is a great way for us to help the local and regional community and our Members at a time when they need us the most,” said Paul Stone, the regional vice president of Sam’s Club. “We’ve got the best lineup of products to make a home more efficient and those looking to save a little green or the planet, will appreciate our prices. They will see savings at the register and going forward on their utility bills. We are optimistic we will be able to bring this concept to more of our clubs."

The participating Sam's Club locations include stores in Corona, Murrieta, Glendora, Ontario, La Habra, Chino, Long Beach, Fountain Vally and Torrance.

Image — Sam's Club