The Home Depot, one of the United States’ largest retailers of home improvement and construction products, has teamed with BP Solar to offer professionally installed solar power systems. The company offers customers the ability to sign-up online for a free consultation.

Undoubtedly, the marketing efforts of The Home Depot will help to bring solar power options to the attention of mainstream America, and the company’s supply chain and purchasing power may help to reduce costs for average residential solar installations. Furthermore, by generating additional demand for solar installation materials and services, the company promotes further investment into the solar energy market.

Is the promotion of solar energy by one of the largest home improvement retailers a sign that solar energy is beginning to hit prime time? Although solar isn’t currently cost competitive with other energy sources, it will be interesting to observe as solar begins to bloom, especially in states with strong subsidies and incentives for solar installations.