Generac expands role in Smart Home Energy Solutions with ecobee acquisition

By Rod Walton, EnergyTech Senior Editor

Home generator manufacturer Generac has acquired smart home energy conservation firm ecobee.

The acquisition is part of Generac’s expansion into an energy technology solutions company beyond backup generators. ecobee was founded in 2007 and offers products such as smart thermostats, sensors and home security devices.

“With the addition of ecobee and its energy management products focused on conservation, convenience, peace of mind and comfort, we will be able to further build out Generac’s suite of offering around an intelligent home energy ecosystem,” said Aaron Jagdfeld, president and CEO of Generac. “Such a system will help homeowners save money on their energy costs and allow grid operators to better balance supply and demand in more cost-effective ways.”

Generac historically has supplied backup power generators for both home and industrial applications since its founding in 1959. The company has broadened in its scope in home energy system offerings with solar and battery storage and power grid software systems.

Generac is based in Wisconsin and maintains all of its manufacturing sites in that state.