SolarCity 10-Q 7 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'SCTY	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SOLARCITY CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001408356	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	92,100,623

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$519,551		$577,080
Restricted cash	6,372		19,182
Accounts receivable (net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1,217 and $955 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	25,871		23,011
Rebates receivable	23,400		20,131
Inventories	106,348		111,394
Deferred income tax asset	10,430		9,845
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	35,134		27,020
Total current assets	727,106		787,663
Restricted cash	301		301
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased - net	1,858,774		1,682,521
Property and equipment - net	26,847		22,407
Goodwill and intangible assets - net	272,158		278,169
Other assets	42,756		38,473
Total assets	2,927,942	[1]	2,809,534	[1]
Current liabilities:	'		'
Accounts payable	98,876		121,556
Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	18,597		20,390
Current portion of deferred U.S. Treasury grants income	15,328		15,340
Accrued and other current liabilities	70,354		72,157
Customer deposits	5,598		8,828
Current portion of deferred revenue	71,444		59,899
Current portion of long-term debt	13,508		7,422
Current portion of solar asset-backed notes	3,155		3,155
Current portion of lease pass-through financing obligation	31,266		29,041
Current portion of sale-leaseback financing obligation	425		418
Total current liabilities	328,551		338,206
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	457,053		410,161
Long-term debt, net of current portion	286,839		238,612
Convertible senior notes	230,000		230,000
Solar asset-backed notes, net of current portion	49,109		49,780
Long-term deferred tax liability	9,827		9,238
Lease pass-through financing obligation, net of current portion	54,441		64,167
Sale-leaseback financing obligation, net of current portion	14,228		14,338
Deferred U.S. Treasury grants income, net of current portion	408,889		412,469
Other liabilities and deferred credits	186,426		193,439
Total liabilities	2,025,363	[1]	1,960,410	[1]
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)	'		'
Stockholders' equity:	'		'
Common stock, $0.0001 par value - authorized, 1,000,000 shares as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013; issued and outstanding, 91,982 and 91,009 shares as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	10		10
Additional paid-in capital	845,124		819,914
Accumulated deficit	-226,389		-202,326
Total stockholders' equity	618,745		617,598
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	201,253		186,817
Total equity	819,998		804,415
Total liabilities and equity	2,927,942		2,809,534
Before Adjustment [Member]	'		'
Current liabilities:	'		'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	$82,581		$44,709
[1]	SolarCity Corporation's, or the Company's, consolidated assets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $961,160 and $823,165, respectively, being assets of variable interest entities, or VIEs, that can only be used to settle obligations of the VIEs. These assets include solar energy systems, leased and to be leased - net, of $881,342 and $759,148 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; cash and cash equivalents of $45,587 and $35,141 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; restricted cash, short term, of $522 and $115 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accounts receivable, net, of $6,175 and $4,802 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; prepaid expenses and other assets of $3,997 and $3,831 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; rebates receivable of $20,917 and $17,351 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and other assets of $2,620 and $2,777 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company's consolidated liabilities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $29,815 and $33,922, respectively, being liabilities of VIEs whose creditors have no recourse to the Company. These liabilities include distributions payable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries and redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries of $18,597 and $20,390 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; customer deposits of $2,977 and $5,291 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accrued liabilities and other payables of $632 and $615 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; other liabilities of $1,876 and $1,893 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and bank borrowings of $5,733 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$1,217		$955
Common stock, par value	$0.00		$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000		1,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	91,982		91,982
Common stock, shares outstanding	91,009		91,009
Total assets	2,927,942	[1]	2,809,534	[1]
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased, net	1,858,774		1,682,521
Cash and cash equivalents	519,551		577,080
Restricted cash	301		301
Accounts receivable, net	25,871		23,011
Prepaid expenses and other assets	35,134		27,020
Other assets	42,756		38,473
Total liabilities	2,025,363	[1]	1,960,410	[1]
Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	18,597		20,390
Customer deposits	5,598		8,828
Accrued liabilities and other payables	70,354		72,157
Other liabilities	186,426		193,439
Variable Interest Entities [Member]	'		'
Total assets	961,160		823,165
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased, net	881,342		759,148
Cash and cash equivalents	45,587		35,141
Restricted cash	522		115
Accounts receivable, net	6,175		4,802
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,998		3,831
Rebates receivable	20,917		17,351
Other assets	2,620		2,777
Total liabilities	29,815		33,922
Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	18,597		20,390
Customer deposits	2,977		5,291
Accrued liabilities and other payables	632		615
Other liabilities	1,876		1,893
Bank borrowings	$5,733		$5,733
[1]	SolarCity Corporation's, or the Company's, consolidated assets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $961,160 and $823,165, respectively, being assets of variable interest entities, or VIEs, that can only be used to settle obligations of the VIEs. These assets include solar energy systems, leased and to be leased - net, of $881,342 and $759,148 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; cash and cash equivalents of $45,587 and $35,141 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; restricted cash, short term, of $522 and $115 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accounts receivable, net, of $6,175 and $4,802 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; prepaid expenses and other assets of $3,997 and $3,831 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; rebates receivable of $20,917 and $17,351 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and other assets of $2,620 and $2,777 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company's consolidated liabilities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $29,815 and $33,922, respectively, being liabilities of VIEs whose creditors have no recourse to the Company. These liabilities include distributions payable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries and redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries of $18,597 and $20,390 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; customer deposits of $2,977 and $5,291 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accrued liabilities and other payables of $632 and $615 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; other liabilities of $1,876 and $1,893 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and bank borrowings of $5,733 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue:	'	'
Operating leases and solar energy systems incentives	$29,072	$15,089
Solar energy systems and components sales	34,474	14,899
Total revenue	63,546	29,988
Cost of revenue:	'	'
Operating leases and solar energy systems incentives	15,979	5,752
Solar energy systems and components sales	32,782	16,707
Total cost of revenue	48,761	22,459
Gross profit	14,785	7,529
Operating expenses:	'	'
Sales and marketing	46,850	17,879
General and administrative	34,934	16,371
Total operating expenses	81,784	34,250
Loss from operations	-66,999	-26,721
Interest expense - net	7,979	6,319
Other expense - net	25	140
Loss before income taxes	-75,003	-33,180
Income tax (provision) benefit	-215	105
Net loss	-75,218	-33,075
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	-51,155	7,842
Net loss attributable to stockholders	-24,063	-40,917
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	'	'
Basic	-24,063	-40,917
Diluted	($24,063)	($40,917)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	'	'
Basic	($0.26)	($0.54)
Diluted	($0.26)	($0.54)
Weighted average shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	'	'
Basic	91,412,126	75,186,430
Diluted	91,412,126	75,186,430

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($75,218)	($33,075)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:	'	'
Loss on disposal of property and equipment and construction in progress	626	18
Depreciation and amortization net of amortization of deferred U.S. Treasury grant income	18,989	7,270
Interest on lease pass-through financing obligation	1,392	3,871
Stock-based compensation	12,847	2,525
Deferred income taxes	4	3
Reduction in lease pass-through financing obligation	-10,282	-5,482
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	12,810	757
Accounts receivable	-2,860	5,588
Rebates receivable	-3,269	1,207
Inventories	5,181	9,756
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-8,114	-10,785
Other assets	-564	-624
Accounts payable	-22,680	-5,461
Accrued and other liabilities	-7,377	-8,286
Customer deposits	-3,230	440
Deferred revenue	58,437	33,786
Net cash (used) in provided by operating activities	-23,308	1,508
Investing activities:	'	'
Payments for the cost of solar energy systems, leased and to be leased	-187,383	-130,831
Purchase of property and equipment	-4,741	-2,355
Payments to acquire redeemable noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary	-450	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-192,574	-133,186
Financing activities:	'	'
Borrowings under long-term debt	100,541	15,435
Repayments of long-term debt	-50,960	-9,729
Repayments of borrowings under solar asset-backed notes	-671	'
Payment of deferred purchase consideration	-957	'
Repayments of sale-leaseback financing obligation	-103	'
Proceeds from lease pass-through financing obligation	7,740	4,631
Repayments of lease pass-through financing obligation	-6,351	'
Repayment of capital lease obligations	-382	-833
Proceeds from investment by noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	113,393	74,578
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	-9,273	-43,786
Proceeds from U.S. Treasury grants	243	58,082
Net cash provided by financing activities before equity issuances	153,220	98,378
Equity issuances:	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,133	514
Net cash provided by equity issuances	5,133	514
Net cash provided by financing activities	158,353	98,892
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-57,529	-32,786
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	577,080	160,080
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	519,551	127,294
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid during the period for interest	3,008	1,442
Cash refunds received during the period for taxes	($589)	'

Organization

Organization	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization	'
	1. Organization
	SolarCity Corporation, or the Company, was incorporated as a Delaware corporation on June 21, 2006. The Company is engaged in the design, installation and sale or lease of solar energy systems to residential and commercial customers, or sale of electricity generated by solar energy systems to customers. The Company’s headquarters are located in San Mateo, California.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures	'
	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and include all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments) that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods covered and the consolidated financial position at the balance sheet dates. This quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on March 18, 2014. The interim results presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2014, or any other future period.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts and operations of the Company and those of its subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 810, Consolidation, the Company consolidates any variable interest entity, or VIE, of which it is the primary beneficiary. The typical condition for a controlling financial interest is holding a majority of the voting interests of an entity; however, a controlling financial interest may also exist in entities, such as VIEs, through arrangements that do not involve controlling voting interests. ASC 810 requires a variable interest holder to consolidate the VIE if that party has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company does not consolidate a VIE in which it has a majority ownership interest when the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary. The Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of a number of VIEs (see Note 9, VIE Arrangements). The Company evaluates its relationships with the VIEs on an ongoing basis to ensure that it continues to be the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Management regularly makes significant estimates and assumptions regarding the selling price of undelivered elements for revenue recognition purposes, the collectability of accounts receivable, the valuation of inventories, the total costs for long-term contracts used as a basis for determining the percentage of completion for such contracts, the fair values and residual values of solar energy systems subject to leases, the accounting for business combinations, the fair values and useful lives of acquired intangible assets, the useful lives of solar energy systems, property and equipment, the determination of accrued warranty, the discount rates used to determine the fair values of investment tax credits, the valuation of stock-based compensation, the determination of valuation allowances associated with deferred tax assets, asset impairment and other items. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability.
	ASC 820 requires that the valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes inputs that may be used to measure fair value as follows:
		•		Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
		•		Level 2—Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
		•		Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no fair value measurements of assets and liabilities subsequent to initial recognition.
	The Company’s financial instruments include accounts receivable, accounts payable, customer deposits, distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests, participation interest, solar asset-backed notes, convertible senior notes and long-term debt. The carrying values of its financial instruments other than the participation interest, solar asset-backed notes, convertible senior notes and long-term debt approximate their fair values due to the fact that they were short-term in nature at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (Level 1). The fair value of convertible senior notes was $296.1 million and $273.0 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, based on their last actively traded price (Level 1). The Company estimates the fair value of solar asset-backed notes and long-term debt based on rates currently offered for debt with similar maturities and terms (Level 3). The Company has estimated the fair value of long-term debt to approximate its carrying value. The Company has estimated the fair value of solar asset-backed notes to be $52.9 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company has estimated the fair value of the participation interest to be $14.7 million and $15.1 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, based on rates currently offered for instruments with similar maturities and terms (Level 3).
	Warranties
	The Company warrants its products for various periods against defects in material or installation workmanship. The Company generally provides a warranty on the generating and non-generating parts of the solar energy systems it sells of typically between five to twenty years. The manufacturer’s warranty on the solar energy systems’ components, which is typically passed through to customers, ranges from one to twenty-five years. The changes in the accrued warranty balance, recorded as a component of accrued and other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, consisted of the following (in thousands):
			As of and for the
			Three Months Ended
			March 31, 2014
	Balance – beginning of the period		$	7,502
	Change in estimate credited to warranty expense			(380	)
	Current year provision charged to warranty expense			709
	Less warranty claims			(196	)
	Balance – end of the period		$	7,635
	Solar Energy Systems Performance Guarantees
	The Company guarantees a specified minimum solar energy production output for certain systems leased or sold to customers generally for a term of 20 years. The Company monitors the solar energy systems to ensure that these outputs are being achieved. The Company evaluates if any amounts are due to its customers. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded liabilities of $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, as accrued and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, relating to these guarantees based on the Company’s assessment of its exposure.
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The Company accounts for comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. Under ASC 220, the Company is required to report comprehensive income (loss), which includes net income (loss) as well as other comprehensive income (loss). There were no differences between comprehensive loss as defined by ASC 220 and net loss as reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented.
	Segment Information
	Operating segments are defined as components of a company about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the executive team, which is comprised of the chief executive officer, the chief technology officer, the chief revenue officer, the chief operating officer and the chief financial officer. Based on the financial information presented to and reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate the resources and in assessing the performance of the Company, the Company has determined that it has a single operating and reporting segment: solar energy products and services. The Company’s principal operations, revenue and decision-making functions are located in the United States.
	Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	The Company’s basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period.
	The diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by giving effect to all potential common stock equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable. In periods when the Company incurred a net loss attributable to common stockholders, stock options, restricted stock units, warrants to purchase common stock and convertible senior notes were considered to be common stock equivalents but have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders as their effect is antidilutive.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	As disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company is continuing the process of reviewing the third-party valuations of certain assets and liabilities acquired through the Paramount Energy Solutions, LLC, or Paramount Energy, and Zep Solar, Inc., or Zep Solar, acquisitions in 2013, including the gross amounts of the intangible assets presented in the table below. There were no changes recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2014 related to the amounts reported in the Form 10-K, except for the amortization of the intangible assets. However, the preliminary fair values of these intangible assets and goodwill remain subject to change.
	Intangible Assets
	The following is a summary of intangible assets as of March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Gross		Accumulated			Transfer to			Write offs and			Net
				Amortization			solar			cancellations
							energy systems
							–
							leased and to be
							leased
	Developed technology	$	60,100	$	(2,631	)	$	—		$	—		$	57,469
	Trademarks and trade names		24,700		(1,081	)		—			—			23,619
	Marketing database		17,427		(1,984	)		—			—			15,443
	PowerSaver agreement		17,077		(973	)		—			—			16,104
	Solar energy systems backlog		12,434		—			(10,740	)		(1,592	)		102
	Non-compete agreement		6,959		(793	)		—			—			6,166
	Mortgage database		4,628		(878	)		—			—			3,750
	Customer orders backlog		700		(700	)		—			—			—
	Internally developed software		500		(51	)		—			—			449
	Funding commitment		200		(23	)		—			—			177
	Total	$	144,725	$	(9,114	)	$	(10,740	)	$	(1,592	)	$	123,279
	Developed Technology
	Developed technology is solar panel interlocking technology that includes a rail-free installation system, auto-grounding connections and a rapid, drop-in module installation design. These features allow solar energy systems to be installed easily and produce significant performance-based and aesthetic improvements compared to other solar energy system installation technologies.
	Trademarks and Trade Names
	Trademarks and trade names are related to established market recognition and customer base from acquired businesses.
	Marketing Database
	The marketing database is a comprehensive platform for targeted marketing, including a prospective customer scoring engine, a marketing campaign manager and monthly updates. The prospective customer scoring engine improves the results of marketing initiatives by predicting which customer leads in the marketing database will respond favorably to a particular marketing campaign. The marketing campaign manager monitors the results of marketing campaigns and provides feedback for optimizing future marketing campaigns.
	PowerSaver Agreement
	Under the PowerSaver program, Fannie Mae makes available additional loans of up to $25,000 to eligible Fannie Mae borrowers. The additional loan amounts can only be used for energy efficiency projects that include the installation of solar energy systems. The PowerSaver program provides an additional source of financing for customers and therefore helps broaden the Company’s customer base. Under the PowerSaver agreement, the Company is provided with the exclusive right to market solar energy systems to the customers of Paramount Mortgage, an affiliate of Paramount Energy.
	Solar Energy Systems Backlog
	Solar energy systems backlog represents the value attributable to the contractual arrangements entered into between Paramount Energy and its customers to install solar energy systems for which the installation had not commenced as of the acquisition date. The arrangements were acquired by the Company. This balance is transferred to solar energy systems, leased and to be leased, as the solar energy systems are installed and placed in service and subsequently depreciated as cost of solar energy systems over the estimated useful lives of the solar energy systems of 30 years.
	Non-Compete Agreement
	Former key employees of businesses acquired by the Company became employees of the Company and executed non-compete agreements with the Company.
	Mortgage Database
	The mortgage database contains data pertaining to households that the Company can directly market to.
	Internally Developed Software
	Internally developed software consists of an online application for projecting the size, scope, layout, materials and costs of potential solar energy system installations, which assists with optimizing solar energy system installations.
	All intangible assets, with the exception of the solar energy systems backlog, are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The amortization expense for intangible assets was $5.7 million and $0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Of the total amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014, $0.9 million is included in operating leases and solar energy systems incentives cost of revenue, $1.9 million is included in solar energy systems and components sales cost of revenue and $2.9 million is included in sales and marketing expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. No intangible assets were impaired during the three months ended March 31, 2014. However, the Company wrote-off $0.2 million of the solar energy systems backlog related to contracts cancelled after acquisition, which was recorded as a component of sales and marketing expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Total future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
	Nine months ending December 31, 2014	$	15,336
	2015		20,449
	2016		19,946
	2017		18,739
	2018		17,168
	2019		13,822
	Thereafter		17,717
	Total	$	123,177
	Goodwill
	There were no changes to the carrying value of goodwill of $148.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Selected_Balance_Sheet_Compone

Selected Balance Sheet Components	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Selected Balance Sheet Components	'
	4. Selected Balance Sheet Components
	Selected components of the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands):
			March 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Inventories:
	Raw materials		$	101,870		$	105,919
	Work in progress			4,478			5,475
	Total		$	106,348		$	111,394
	Solar Energy Systems, Leased and To Be Leased – Net:
	Solar energy systems leased to customers(1)		$	1,705,632		$	1,513,731
	Initial direct costs related to solar energy systems leased to customers			109,437			94,321
				1,815,069			1,608,052
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(101,629	)		(86,457	)
				1,713,440			1,521,595
	Solar energy systems under construction			47,504			53,010
	Solar energy systems to be leased to customers			97,830			107,916
	Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased – net		$	1,858,774		$	1,682,521
	Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits:
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions, net of current portion		$	57,222		$	58,033
	Deferred rent expense			3,068			3,333
	Capital lease obligation			26,726			27,126
	Liability for receipts from investors			65,743			72,520
	Participation interest			14,255			14,114
	Other noncurrent liabilities			19,412			18,313
	Total		$	186,426		$	193,439
	-1	Included in solar energy systems leased to customers as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $66.4 million related to capital leased assets with an accumulated depreciation of $5.9 million and $5.3 million, respectively.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	5. Long-Term Debt
	Working Capital Financing
	On May 26, 2010, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a financing agreement with a bank to obtain funding for working capital. The amount available to be borrowed under the financing agreement was determined based on the present value of expected future lease receipts from solar energy systems owned by the subsidiary and leased to customers, up to a maximum of $16.3 million. The working capital financing was funded in four tranches and was available for draw-down through March 31, 2011. Each tranche bears interest at an annual rate of 2.00% plus the swap rate applicable to the average life of the scheduled lease receipts for the tranche. The working capital financing is secured by substantially all of the subsidiary’s assets and is nonrecourse to the Company’s other assets. The working capital financing matures on December 31, 2024.
	Through March 31, 2014, the Company had borrowed an aggregate of $13.3 million, net of fees, under the working capital financing. Of the amount borrowed, $10.0 million, net of fees, was outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, of which $8.5 million and $8.8 million, respectively, is included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt, net of current portion. For the total amount outstanding as of March 31, 2014, the interest rates ranged between 5.48% and 5.65%. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2014.
	Vehicle Loans
	The Company has entered into various vehicle loan agreements with various financial institutions. The vehicle loans are secured by the vehicles financed and mature between March 2015 and December 2018. Total vehicle loans outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $9.9 million and $6.5 million, respectively, of which $7.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively, are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt, net of current portion. For the total amount outstanding as of March 31, 2014, the interest rates ranged between 0.00% and 7.49%.
	Term Loans
	On June 7, 2013, a subsidiary of the Company entered into an agreement with a syndicate of banks for a term loan of $100.0 million. On January 6, 2014, the agreement was amended to increase the maximum term loan availability to $158.0 million. Each tranche of the term loan bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%. As of March 31, 2014, the interest rates ranged between 3.48% and 3.60%. The term loan is secured by the assets and cash flows of the subsidiary and is non-recourse to the Company’s other assets. The term loan matures on June 7, 2015. Through March 31, 2014, the Company had borrowed an aggregate of $119.5 million under the term loan. Of the amount borrowed, $115.3 million, net of fees, and $85.5 million, net of fees, were outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, of which $105.9 million and $81.3 million, respectively, are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt, net of current portion. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2014.
	On February 4, 2014, a subsidiary of the Company entered into an agreement with a syndicate of banks for a term loan of $100.0 million. On February 20, 2014, the agreement was amended to increase the maximum term loan availability to $220.0 million. On March 20, 2014, the agreement was further amended to increase the maximum term loan availability to $250.0 million. The term loan bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus 3.25% or, at the Company’s option, 3.25% plus the higher of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (ii) Bank of America’s published “prime rate” or (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%. As of March 31, 2014, the interest rate was 3.40%. The term loan is secured by the assets and cash flows of the subsidiary and is non-recourse to the Company’s other assets. The term loan matures on December 31, 2016. Through March 31, 2014, the Company had borrowed an aggregate of $19.9 million, net of fees, under the term loan, all of which are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt, net of current portion. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2014.

Borrowings_under_Bank_Lines_of

Borrowings under Bank Lines of Credit	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Borrowings under Bank Lines of Credit	'
	6. Borrowings under Bank Lines of Credit
	Credit Facility for SolarStrong
	On November 21, 2011, a subsidiary of the Company entered into an agreement with a bank for a credit facility of up to $350 million. The credit facility is used to partially fund the Company’s SolarStrong initiative, which is a five-year plan to build solar energy systems for privatized U.S. military housing communities across the country. The credit facility is drawn-down in tranches, with the interest rates determined when amounts are drawn-down. As of March 31, 2014, the interest rates ranged between 6.78% and 7.27%. The credit facility is secured by the assets of the SolarStrong initiative and is non-recourse to the Company’s other assets. The credit facility matures in 2032. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $5.5 million, net of fees, and $5.4 million, net of fees, respectively, were outstanding under the credit facility, of which $5.3 million, are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt, net of current portion. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2014.
	Revolving Credit Facility
	In September 2012, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement with a syndicate of banks to obtain funding for working capital, letters of credit and funding for general corporate needs. The committed amount under the revolving credit facility was increased from $75.0 million to $160.5 million on November 1, 2013 and then from $160.5 million to $200.0 million on December 13, 2013. Borrowed funds bear interest at an annual rate of 3.25% plus LIBOR or, at the Company’s option, 2.25% plus the higher of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (ii) Bank of America’s published “prime rate” or (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%. As of March 31, 2014, the interest rates ranged between 3.40% and 5.50%. The fee for letters of credit is 3.875% per annum, and the fee for undrawn commitments is 0.375% per annum. The revolving credit facility is secured by certain of the Company’s machinery and equipment, accounts receivable, inventory and other assets. The revolving credit facility matures on December 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $139.8 million, net of fees, and $138.5 million, net of fees, respectively, were outstanding under the revolving credit facility, all of which are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt, net of current portion. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2014.

Convertible_Senior_Notes

Convertible Senior Notes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Convertible Senior Notes	'
	7. Convertible Senior Notes
	In October 2013, the Company issued $230.0 million in aggregate principal of 2.75% convertible senior notes due on November 1, 2018 through a public offering. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting transaction costs, were $222.5 million. The Company incurred $7.5 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the issuance of the convertible senior notes, which was recorded in other assets and is being amortized to interest expense over the contractual term of the convertible senior notes. The convertible senior notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.75% per annum.
	Each $1,000 of principal of the convertible senior notes is initially convertible into 16.2165 shares of the Company’s common stock, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $61.67 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. Holders of the convertible senior notes may convert their convertible senior notes at their option at any time prior to maturity. If certain corporate events occur prior to the maturity date, the Company would increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its convertible senior notes in connection with such a corporate event in certain circumstances. The maximum conversion rate is capped at 21.4868 shares for each $1,000 of principal of the convertible senior notes, which is equivalent to a minimum conversion price of $46.54 per share. The convertible senior notes do not have a cash conversion option. The convertible senior note holders may require the Company to repurchase their convertible senior notes for cash only under certain defined events of default.

Solar_Assetbacked_Notes

Solar Asset-backed Notes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Solar Asset-backed Notes	'
	8. Solar Asset-backed Notes
	In November 2013, the Company pooled and transferred qualifying solar energy systems and the associated customer contracts into a special purpose entity, or SPE, and issued $54.4 million in aggregate principal of Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2013-1 with a scheduled maturity date of December 2026, backed by these solar assets to certain investors. The SPE is wholly owned by the Company and is consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. Accordingly, the Company did not recognize a gain or loss on transfer of these solar assets. The Solar Asset-backed Notes were issued at a discount of 0.05%. The Solar Asset-backed Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.80% per annum and have a final maturity date of November 20, 2038. The cash flows generated by these solar assets are used to service the monthly principal and interest payments on the Solar Asset-backed Notes and satisfy the SPE’s expenses, and any remaining cash is distributed to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company recognizes revenue earned from the associated customer contracts in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy. The assets and cash flows generated by the qualifying solar energy systems are not available to the other creditors of the Company, and the creditors of the SPE, including the Solar Asset-backed Note holders, have no recourse to the Company’s other assets. The Company has contracted with the SPE to provide operations and maintenance services for the qualifying solar energy systems. The Company was in compliance with all covenants of the Solar Asset-backed Notes as of March 31, 2014.

VIE_Arrangements

VIE Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
VIE Arrangements	'
	9. VIE Arrangements
	Wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company and investors have formed and contributed cash or assets to various solar financing funds and entered into the related agreements. Additionally, the Company acquired the assets of a fund through a business combination in September 2013 and assumed the related contractual arrangements. As of March 31, 2014, the investors had contributed an aggregate of $1,018.4 million into the funds.
	The Company has determined that the funds are VIEs and it is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs by reference to the power and benefits criterion under ASC 810, Consolidation. The Company has considered the provisions within the contractual arrangements, which grant it power to manage and make decisions that affect the operation of these VIEs, including determining the solar energy systems and the associated customer contracts to be sold or contributed to these VIEs and preparation and approval of budgets. The Company considers the rights granted to the investors under the contractual arrangements to be more protective rather than participating.
	As the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, the Company consolidates in its financial statements the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of these VIEs, and all intercompany balances and transactions between the Company and these VIEs are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
	Cash distributions of income and other receipts by a fund, net of agreed-upon expenses, estimated expenses, tax benefits and detriments of income and loss and tax credits, are allocated to the investor and the Company’s subsidiary as specified in the contractual arrangements. Generally, the Company’s subsidiary has the option to acquire the investor’s interest in the fund for an amount based on the market value of the fund or the formula specified in the contractual arrangements.
	On March 31, 2014, the Company acquired an investor’s interest in one fund for a total consideration of $0.5 million.
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company was contractually required to make payments to an investor in one of the funds to ensure that the investor is projected to achieve a specified minimum return annually. The amounts of any potential future payments under this guarantee are dependent on the amounts and timing of future distributions to the investor from the fund, the tax benefits that accrue to the investor from the fund’s activities and the amount and timing of the Company’s purchase of the investor’s interest in the fund or the amount and timing of the distributions to the investor upon the liquidation of the fund. Due to the uncertainties associated with estimating the amount and timing of distributions to the investor and the possibility and timing of the liquidation of the fund, the Company is unable to determine the potential maximum future payments that it would have to make under this guarantee.
	Upon the sale or liquidation of a fund, distributions would occur in the order and priority specified in the contractual arrangements.
	Pursuant to management services, maintenance and warranty arrangements, the Company has been contracted to provide services to the funds, such as warranty support, accounting, lease servicing and performance reporting. In some instances, the Company has guaranteed the payments to the investors as specified in the contractual arrangements. A fund’s creditors have no recourse to the general credit of the Company or to that of the other funds. As of March 31, 2014, the assets of one of the funds with a carrying value of $28.5 million have been pledged as collateral for the fund’s borrowings under the SolarStrong credit facility. None of the assets of the other funds have been pledged as collateral for their obligations.
	The Company presents the solar energy systems in these VIEs under solar energy systems, leased and to be leased – net, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The aggregate carrying values of these VIEs’ assets and liabilities, after elimination of intercompany transactions and balances, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2014		December 31,
				2013
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	45,587	$	35,141
	Restricted cash		522		115
	Accounts receivable – net		6,175		4,802
	Rebates receivable		20,917		17,351
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,997		3,831
	Total current assets		77,198		61,240
	Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased – net		881,342		759,148
	Other assets		2,620		2,777
	Total assets	$	961,160	$	823,165
	Liabilities
	Current liabilities:
	Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	$	18,597	$	20,390
	Current portion of deferred U.S. Treasury grants income		6,502		6,668
	Accrued and other current liabilities		632		615
	Customer deposits		2,977		5,291
	Current portion of deferred revenue		16,497		13,754
	Current portion of bank borrowings		251		251
	Total current liabilities		45,456		46,969
	Deferred revenue, net of current portion		228,984		206,324
	Bank borrowings, net of current portion		5,482		5,482
	Deferred U.S. Treasury grants income, net of current portion		175,429		180,566
	Other liabilities		1,876		1,893
	Total liabilities	$	457,227	$	441,234

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries	'
	10. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries
	Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries that are redeemable at the option of the noncontrolling interest holder are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries between liabilities and stockholders’ equity in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries balance is determined using the hypothetical liquidation at book value method but cannot be less than their estimated redemption value. The changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries were as follows (in thousands):
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	44,709
	Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests		72,716
	Net loss		(30,427	)
	Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests		(1,967	)
	Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interests		(2,450	)
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	82,581

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity	'
	11. Equity
	The changes in total stockholders’ equity (deficit) and noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries were as follows (in thousands):
		Total			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stockholders’			Interests in			Equity
		Equity			Subsidiaries
		(Deficit)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	617,598		$	186,817		$	804,415
	Contributions from noncontrolling interests		—			40,677			40,677
	Stock-based compensation expense		18,077			—			18,077
	Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options for cash		5,133			—			5,133
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests		2,000			—			2,000
	Net loss		(24,063	)		(20,728	)		(44,791	)
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(5,513	)		(5,513	)
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	618,745		$	201,253		$	819,998

Equity_Award_Plans

Equity Award Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Equity Award Plans	'
	12. Equity Award Plans
	Stock Options
	Under the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company may grant incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options to employees, directors and consultants. Stock options may be granted at an exercise price per share not less than 100% of the fair market value per share on the grant date. If an incentive stock option is granted to a 10% or greater stockholder, then the exercise price per share shall not be less than 110% of the fair market value per share on the grant date. Stock options are exercisable over a maximum term of 10 years from the date of grant and generally vest over four years.
	In September 2012, the Company adopted a director compensation plan for future non-employee directors. Under the plan, each person who joins the board of directors as a non-employee director following the adoption of the plan receives an initial grant of 30,000 stock options and triennial grants of 15,000 stock options, as well as an annual cash retainer of $15,000, all of which are subject to continued service on the board of directors. Such non-employee directors who serve on committees of the board of directors receive various specified additional equity awards and cash retainers.
	A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Stock			Weighted-		Weighted-		Aggregate
		Options			Average		Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining		Value
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	Outstanding – December 31, 2013		13,949		$	14.77		7.52	$	586,740
	Granted (weighted-average fair value of $54.05)		2,223			74.37		—		—
	Exercised		(970	)		5.3		—		—
	Canceled		(675	)		25.23		—		—
	Outstanding – March 31, 2014		14,527		$	24.03		7.74	$	585,640
	Vested and exercisable – March 31, 2014		6,386		$	5.36		6.45	$	365,747
	Vested and expected to vest – March 31, 2014		13,204		$	21.96		7.6	$	556,886
	The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $59.8 million and $4.9 million, respectively. The grant date fair value of stock options that vested in the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $7.5 million and $6.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was $214.3 million and $103.0 million, respectively, of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested stock options, which are expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 2.86 years and 2.74 years, respectively.
	Under ASC 718, Stock Compensation, the Company estimates the fair value of stock options on their grant dates using the Black-Scholes option valuation model and applies the straight-line method of expense attribution. The fair values were estimated with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Dividend yield	0%		0%
	Annual risk-free rate of return	2.01%		1.04%
	Expected volatility	84.86%		96.38%
	Expected term (years)	6.2		6.39
	The expected volatility was based on the average historical volatilities of publicly traded peer companies determined by the Company. The annual risk-free rate of return was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curves in effect on the grant dates for the expected terms of the stock options to be valued. The dividend yield was zero, as the Company does not anticipate paying a dividend within the relevant time frame. The expected term was estimated using the simplified method allowed under ASC 718.
	Restricted Stock Units
	The Company began granting restricted stock units, or RSUs, to employees, directors and consultants in 2012 under the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. A summary of RSU activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Restricted			Weighted-
		Stock			Average
		Units			Fair
					Value
	Outstanding – December 31, 2013		20		$	25.46
	Granted		96			74.57
	Released		(3	)		66.3
	Outstanding – March 31, 2014		113		$	67.08
	Expected to vest – March 31, 2014		89		$	62.62
	The grant date fair value of RSUs released in the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $0.1 million and $0, respectively. Under ASC 718, the Company determines the fair value of RSUs on their grant dates based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the grant dates and applies the straight-line method of expense attribution. Stock-based compensation expense from RSUs for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $1.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was $6.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, from RSUs, which are expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 2.02 years and 1.99 years, respectively.
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
	As part of the requirements of ASC 718, the Company is required to estimate potential forfeitures of equity awards and adjust stock-based compensation expense accordingly. The estimate of forfeitures is adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from the estimate. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized in the period of change and also impact the amount of stock-based compensation expenses to be recognized in future periods.
	The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $18.1 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The Company capitalized costs of $5.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively, as a component of work-in-progress within inventory, software within property and equipment or solar energy systems, leased and to be leased.
	Stock-based compensation expense is included in cost of revenue and operating expenses as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost of revenue	$	826		$	183
	Sales and marketing	$	3,040		$	587
	General and administrative	$	8,981		$	1,755

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	13. Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the difference between the condensed consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the differences are expected to be reversed.
	The income tax expense for the three months ended March 30, 2014 and 2013 was determined based on the Company’s estimated consolidated effective income tax rates of 0.29% and negative 0.37%, respectively. The differences between the estimated consolidated effective income tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate were primarily attributable to a valuation allowance and the current amortization of the prepaid income taxes due to inter-company sales held within the consolidated group.
	As part of the asset monetization strategy, the Company has agreements to sell solar energy systems to the solar financing fund joint ventures. The gain on the sale of the assets has been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements. These transactions are treated as inter-company sales and as such, tax is not recognized on the sale until the Company no longer benefits from the underlying asset. Since the systems remain within the consolidated group, the tax expense incurred related to these sales is being deferred and amortized over the estimated useful life of the underlying systems which has been estimated to be 30 years. The deferral of the tax expense results in recording of a prepaid tax expense that is included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as other assets. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a long-term prepaid tax expense, net of amortization of $3.8 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The amortization of the prepaid tax expense in each period makes up the major component of the tax expense.
	Uncertain Tax Positions
	The Company is subject to taxation and files income tax returns in the U.S., various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. Due to the Company’s net losses, substantially all of its federal, state, local, and foreign income tax returns since inception are still subject to audit.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	14. Related Party Transactions
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the following related party transactions and balances (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Revenue:
	Solar energy systems sales to related parties	$	—	$	17
	Expenditures:
	Purchases of inventories from related parties	$	960	$	—
	Referral fees paid or payable to related parties (included in sales and marketing expense)	$	64	$	—
	Related party balances
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Due from related parties (included in accounts receivable)	$	9	$	9
	Due to related parties (included in accounts payable)	$	353	$	427
	Due to related parties (included in customer deposits)	$	83	$	83
	Deferred revenue from related parties (included in current portion of deferred revenue)	$	831	$	831

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	15. Commitments and Contingencies
	Noncancelable Operating Leases
	The Company leases office and warehouse facilities under noncancelable operating leases primarily for its United States-based warehouse locations. In addition, the Company leases equipment under noncancelable operating leases.
	Indemnification and Guaranteed Returns
	As disclosed above, the Company is contractually committed to compensate certain fund investors for any losses that they may suffer in certain limited circumstances resulting from reductions in U.S. Treasury grants or ITCs. Generally, such obligations would arise as a result of reductions to the value of the underlying solar energy systems as assessed by the U.S. Treasury Department for purposes of claiming U.S. Treasury grants or as assessed by the IRS for purposes of claiming ITCs or U.S. Treasury grants. For each balance sheet date, the Company assesses and recognizes, when applicable, the potential exposure from this obligation based on all the information available at that time, including any guidelines issued by the U.S. Treasury Department on solar energy system valuations for purposes of claiming U.S. Treasury grants and any audits undertaken by the IRS. The Company believes that any payments to the fund investors in excess of the amount already recognized by the Company for this obligation are not probable based on the facts known at the reporting date.
	The maximum potential future payments that the Company could have to make under this obligation would depend on the difference between the fair values of the solar energy systems sold or transferred to the funds as determined by the Company and the values that the U.S. Treasury Department would determine as fair value for the systems for purposes of claiming U.S. Treasury grants or the values the IRS would determine as the fair value for the systems for purposes of claiming ITCs or U.S. Treasury grants. The Company claims U.S. Treasury grants based on guidelines provided by the U.S. Treasury department and the statutory regulations from the IRS. The Company uses fair values determined with the assistance of an independent third-party appraisal as the basis for determining the ITCs that are passed-through to and claimed by the fund investors. Since the Company cannot determine future revisions to U.S. Treasury Department guidelines governing system values or how the IRS will evaluate system values used in claiming ITCs or U.S. Treasury grants, the Company is unable to reliably estimate the maximum potential future payments that it could have to make under this obligation as of each balance sheet date.
	The Company is eligible to receive certain state and local incentives that are associated with renewable energy generation. The amount of incentives that can be claimed is based on the projected or actual solar energy system size and/or the amount of solar energy produced. The Company also currently participates in one state’s incentive program that is based on either the fair market value or the tax basis of solar energy systems placed in service. State and local incentives received are allocated between the Company and fund investors in accordance with the contractual provisions of each fund. The Company is not contractually obligated to indemnify any fund investor for any losses they may incur due to a shortfall in the amount of state or local incentives actually received.
	As disclosed above, the Company is contractually required to make payments to one fund investor to ensure that the fund investor achieves a specified minimum internal rate of return. The fund investor has already received a significant portion of the projected economic benefits from U.S. Treasury grant distributions and tax depreciation benefits. The contractual provisions of the fund state that the fund has an indefinite term unless the members agree to dissolve the fund. Based on the Company’s current financial projections regarding the amount and timing of future distributions to the fund investor, the Company does not expect to make any payments as a result of this guarantee and has not accrued any liabilities for this guarantee. The amount of potential future payments under this guarantee is dependent on the amount and timing of future distributions to the fund investor and future tax benefits that accrue to the fund investor. Due to the uncertainties surrounding estimating the amounts of these factors, the Company is unable to estimate the maximum potential payments under this guarantee. As of March 31, 2014, the fund investor had achieved the specified minimum internal rate of return as determined in accordance with the contractual provisions of the fund.
	The lease pass-through financing funds have a one-time lease payment reset mechanism that occurs after the installation of all solar energy systems in a fund. As a result of this mechanism, the Company may be required to refund master lease prepayments previously received from the investors. Any refunds of master lease prepayments would reduce the lease pass-through financing obligation.
	Other Contingencies
	In July 2012, the Company, along with other companies in the solar energy industry, received a subpoena from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of the Inspector General to deliver certain documents in the Company’s possession that were dated, created, revised or referred to after January 1, 2007 and that relate to the Company’s applications for U.S. Treasury grants or communications with certain other solar energy development companies or with certain firms that appraise solar energy property for U.S Treasury grant application purposes. The Inspector General and the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice are investigating the administration and implementation of the U.S Treasury grant program, including possible misrepresentations concerning the fair market value of the solar energy systems submitted by the Company in U.S. Treasury grant applications. If the Inspector General concludes that misrepresentations were made, the U.S. Department of Justice could decide to bring a civil action to recover amounts it believes were improperly paid to the Company. If the U.S. Department of Justice is successful in asserting this action, the Company could then be required to pay material damages and penalties for any funds received based on such misrepresentations, which, in turn, could require the Company to make indemnity payments to certain fund investors. The Company is unable to estimate the possible loss, if any, associated with this ongoing investigation as information is still being produced by the Company for further review by the Inspector General.
	On August 17, 2012, a former outside sales employee filed a putative class action complaint against the Company in the Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles (Civil Action No. BC490482). The former outside sales employee purports to represent a class of certain current and former outside sales representatives, and those with a similar title, who worked for the Company in California in the four-year period prior to the filing of the complaint. The complaint alleges causes of action for failure to pay proper wages due under various commission pay plans, failure to properly pay the wages of terminated or resigned employees, failure to provide proper itemized wage statements because of an alleged failure to specify requisite information, failure to keep accurate time records and related claims for unfair competition and a California statute permitting individuals to pursue claims not pursued by a state agency. The former outside sales employee seeks unspecified damages for himself and affected class members, including all wages due and owing, applicable statutory penalties (including waiting time penalties), interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. On January 24, 2013, the Company answered the complaint and asserted a cross-complaint against the former outside sales employee to recover commissions that he was paid, but not entitled to, along with the Company’s fees and costs in the litigation. Discovery has commenced. On March 14, 2014, the former outside sales employee filed a motion with the Superior Court to seek to allow him to pursue his action on behalf of a class. Also, on March 14, 2014, the Company filed a motion for a summary judgment on its cross-complaint. The court will hear those motions during the summer of 2014. The Company intends to defend itself against the complaint and pursue its own claims.
	On April 30, 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor, or DOL, notified the Company that it was undertaking a wage and hour investigation related to the Company’s Foster City, California facility. In the course of this investigation, the DOL subsequently asked the Company to provide information regarding certain employee positions throughout the Company for the three years preceding April 2013. On February 28, 2014, the DOL informed the Company that it had made a preliminary determination that some of its employee positions were not properly classified but has made no assessment of damages or penalties. If the DOL were to conclusively determine that the Company violated labor laws and regulations, the Company would be required to make the appropriate payments of back wages and other amounts to employees, and the Company might be subject to fines or penalties. The Company is currently unable to estimate the maximum potential exposure that may arise from this investigation based on the information currently available. The Company has recognized a liability as a result of this investigation.
	On March 28, 2014, a purported stockholder class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against the Company and two of its officers. The complaint alleges claims for violations of the federal securities laws, and seeks unspecified compensatory damages and other relief on behalf of a purported class of purchasers of our securities from March 6, 2013 to March 18, 2014. The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit and intends to defend the litigation vigorously. The Company has not recognized any liability as a result of this matter.
	From time to time, claims have been asserted, and may in the future be asserted, including claims from regulatory authorities related to labor practices and other matters. Such assertions arise in the normal course of the Company’s operations. The resolution of any such assertions or claims cannot be predicted with certainty.

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_L

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	16. Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the periods presented (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Net loss attributable to stockholders	$	(24,063	)	$	(40,917	)
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders, basic	$	(24,063	)	$	(40,917	)
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	(24,063	)	$	(40,917	)
	Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic		91,412,126			75,186,430
	Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted		91,412,126			75,186,430
	Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.54	)
	Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.54	)
	The following weighted-average outstanding shares of common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share for the periods presented because including them would have been antidilutive:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Common stock warrants		—			1,485,010
	Stock options		14,393,036			14,719,365
	Restricted stock units		93,875			16,991
	Convertible senior notes		3,729,795			—

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	17. Subsequent Events
	In April 2014, the Company issued $70.2 million in aggregate principal of Solar Asset-backed Notes through a special purpose entity, or SPE, that is wholly owned by the Company. The Solar Asset-backed Notes were issued at a discount of 0.01%. The Solar Asset-backed Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.59% per annum and have a final maturity date of April 20, 2044. The cash flows generated by the assets in the SPE will be used to service the monthly principal and interest payments on the Solar Asset-backed Notes. The SPE’s assets and cash flows will not be available to the other creditors of the Company, and the creditors of the SPE, including the Solar Asset-backed Note holders, will have no recourse to the Company’s other assets.
	In April and May 2014, the Company and three fund investors, including two new fund investors, formed three new financing funds to provide aggregate available financing of up to $240.0 million from the fund investors.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	'
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and include all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments) that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods covered and the consolidated financial position at the balance sheet dates. This quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on March 18, 2014. The interim results presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2014, or any other future period.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts and operations of the Company and those of its subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 810, Consolidation, the Company consolidates any variable interest entity, or VIE, of which it is the primary beneficiary. The typical condition for a controlling financial interest is holding a majority of the voting interests of an entity; however, a controlling financial interest may also exist in entities, such as VIEs, through arrangements that do not involve controlling voting interests. ASC 810 requires a variable interest holder to consolidate the VIE if that party has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company does not consolidate a VIE in which it has a majority ownership interest when the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary. The Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of a number of VIEs (see Note 9, VIE Arrangements). The Company evaluates its relationships with the VIEs on an ongoing basis to ensure that it continues to be the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Management regularly makes significant estimates and assumptions regarding the selling price of undelivered elements for revenue recognition purposes, the collectability of accounts receivable, the valuation of inventories, the total costs for long-term contracts used as a basis for determining the percentage of completion for such contracts, the fair values and residual values of solar energy systems subject to leases, the accounting for business combinations, the fair values and useful lives of acquired intangible assets, the useful lives of solar energy systems, property and equipment, the determination of accrued warranty, the discount rates used to determine the fair values of investment tax credits, the valuation of stock-based compensation, the determination of valuation allowances associated with deferred tax assets, asset impairment and other items. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability.
	ASC 820 requires that the valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes inputs that may be used to measure fair value as follows:
		•	Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
		•	Level 2—Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
		•	Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no fair value measurements of assets and liabilities subsequent to initial recognition.
	The Company’s financial instruments include accounts receivable, accounts payable, customer deposits, distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests, participation interest, solar asset-backed notes, convertible senior notes and long-term debt. The carrying values of its financial instruments other than the participation interest, solar asset-backed notes, convertible senior notes and long-term debt approximate their fair values due to the fact that they were short-term in nature at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (Level 1). The fair value of convertible senior notes was $296.1 million and $273.0 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, based on their last actively traded price (Level 1). The Company estimates the fair value of solar asset-backed notes and long-term debt based on rates currently offered for debt with similar maturities and terms (Level 3). The Company has estimated the fair value of long-term debt to approximate its carrying value. The Company has estimated the fair value of solar asset-backed notes to be $52.9 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company has estimated the fair value of the participation interest to be $14.7 million and $15.1 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, based on rates currently offered for instruments with similar maturities and terms (Level 3).
Warranties	'
	Warranties
	The Company warrants its products for various periods against defects in material or installation workmanship. The Company generally provides a warranty on the generating and non-generating parts of the solar energy systems it sells of typically between five to twenty years. The manufacturer’s warranty on the solar energy systems’ components, which is typically passed through to customers, ranges from one to twenty-five years.
Solar Energy Systems Performance Guarantees	'
	Solar Energy Systems Performance Guarantees
	The Company guarantees a specified minimum solar energy production output for certain systems leased or sold to customers generally for a term of 20 years. The Company monitors the solar energy systems to ensure that these outputs are being achieved. The Company evaluates if any amounts are due to its customers. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded liabilities of $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, as accrued and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, relating to these guarantees based on the Company’s assessment of its exposure.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The Company accounts for comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. Under ASC 220, the Company is required to report comprehensive income (loss), which includes net income (loss) as well as other comprehensive income (loss). There were no differences between comprehensive loss as defined by ASC 220 and net loss as reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented.
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	Operating segments are defined as components of a company about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the executive team, which is comprised of the chief executive officer, the chief technology officer, the chief revenue officer, the chief operating officer and the chief financial officer. Based on the financial information presented to and reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate the resources and in assessing the performance of the Company, the Company has determined that it has a single operating and reporting segment: solar energy products and services. The Company’s principal operations, revenue and decision-making functions are located in the United States.
Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	The Company’s basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period.
	The diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders is computed by giving effect to all potential common stock equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable. In periods when the Company incurred a net loss attributable to common stockholders, stock options, restricted stock units, warrants to purchase common stock and convertible senior notes were considered to be common stock equivalents but have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders as their effect is antidilutive.
VIE Arrangements	'
	The Company has determined that the funds are VIEs and it is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs by reference to the power and benefits criterion under ASC 810, Consolidation. The Company has considered the provisions within the contractual arrangements, which grant it power to manage and make decisions that affect the operation of these VIEs, including determining the solar energy systems and the associated customer contracts to be sold or contributed to these VIEs and preparation and approval of budgets. The Company considers the rights granted to the investors under the contractual arrangements to be more protective rather than participating.
	As the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, the Company consolidates in its financial statements the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of these VIEs, and all intercompany balances and transactions between the Company and these VIEs are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
	Cash distributions of income and other receipts by a fund, net of agreed-upon expenses, estimated expenses, tax benefits and detriments of income and loss and tax credits, are allocated to the investor and the Company’s subsidiary as specified in the contractual arrangements. Generally, the Company’s subsidiary has the option to acquire the investor’s interest in the fund for an amount based on the market value of the fund or the formula specified in the contractual arrangements.
Income Taxes	'
	The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the difference between the condensed consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the differences are expected to be reversed.
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	As disclosed above, the Company is contractually committed to compensate certain fund investors for any losses that they may suffer in certain limited circumstances resulting from reductions in U.S. Treasury grants or ITCs. Generally, such obligations would arise as a result of reductions to the value of the underlying solar energy systems as assessed by the U.S. Treasury Department for purposes of claiming U.S. Treasury grants or as assessed by the IRS for purposes of claiming ITCs or U.S. Treasury grants. For each balance sheet date, the Company assesses and recognizes, when applicable, the potential exposure from this obligation based on all the information available at that time, including any guidelines issued by the U.S. Treasury Department on solar energy system valuations for purposes of claiming U.S. Treasury grants and any audits undertaken by the IRS. The Company believes that any payments to the fund investors in excess of the amount already recognized by the Company for this obligation are not probable based on the facts known at the reporting date.
	The maximum potential future payments that the Company could have to make under this obligation would depend on the difference between the fair values of the solar energy systems sold or transferred to the funds as determined by the Company and the values that the U.S. Treasury Department would determine as fair value for the systems for purposes of claiming U.S. Treasury grants or the values the IRS would determine as the fair value for the systems for purposes of claiming ITCs or U.S. Treasury grants. The Company claims U.S. Treasury grants based on guidelines provided by the U.S. Treasury department and the statutory regulations from the IRS. The Company uses fair values determined with the assistance of an independent third-party appraisal as the basis for determining the ITCs that are passed-through to and claimed by the fund investors. Since the Company cannot determine future revisions to U.S. Treasury Department guidelines governing system values or how the IRS will evaluate system values used in claiming ITCs or U.S. Treasury grants, the Company is unable to reliably estimate the maximum potential future payments that it could have to make under this obligation as of each balance sheet date.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes in Accrued Warranty Balance	'
	The changes in the accrued warranty balance, recorded as a component of accrued and other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of and for the
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2014
	Balance – beginning of the period	$	7,502
	Change in estimate credited to warranty expense		(380	)
	Current year provision charged to warranty expense		709
	Less warranty claims		(196	)
	Balance – end of the period	$	7,635

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Intangible Assets	'
	The following is a summary of intangible assets as of March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Gross		Accumulated			Transfer to solar			Write offs and			Net
				Amortization			energy systems –			cancellations
							leased and to be
							leased
	Developed technology	$	60,100	$	(2,631	)	$	—		$	—		$	57,469
	Trademarks and trade names		24,700		(1,081	)		—			—			23,619
	Marketing database		17,427		(1,984	)		—			—			15,443
	PowerSaver agreement		17,077		(973	)		—			—			16,104
	Solar energy systems backlog		12,434		—			(10,740	)		(1,592	)		102
	Non-compete agreement		6,959		(793	)		—			—			6,166
	Mortgage database		4,628		(878	)		—			—			3,750
	Customer orders backlog		700		(700	)		—			—			—
	Internally developed software		500		(51	)		—			—			449
	Funding commitment		200		(23	)		—			—			177
	Total	$	144,725	$	(9,114	)	$	(10,740	)	$	(1,592	)	$	123,279
Summary of Future Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets	'
	Total future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
	Nine months ending December 31, 2014	$	15,336
	2015		20,449
	2016		19,946
	2017		18,739
	2018		17,168
	2019		13,822
	Thereafter		17,717
	Total	$	123,177

Selected_Balance_Sheet_Compone1

Selected Balance Sheet Components (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Components of Balance Sheet	'
	Selected components of the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands):
			March 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Inventories:
	Raw materials		$	101,870		$	105,919
	Work in progress			4,478			5,475
	Total		$	106,348		$	111,394
	Solar Energy Systems, Leased and To Be Leased – Net:
	Solar energy systems leased to customers(1)		$	1,705,632		$	1,513,731
	Initial direct costs related to solar energy systems leased to customers			109,437			94,321
				1,815,069			1,608,052
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(101,629	)		(86,457	)
				1,713,440			1,521,595
	Solar energy systems under construction			47,504			53,010
	Solar energy systems to be leased to customers			97,830			107,916
	Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased – net		$	1,858,774		$	1,682,521
	Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits:
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions, net of current portion		$	57,222		$	58,033
	Deferred rent expense			3,068			3,333
	Capital lease obligation			26,726			27,126
	Liability for receipts from investors			65,743			72,520
	Participation interest			14,255			14,114
	Other noncurrent liabilities			19,412			18,313
	Total		$	186,426		$	193,439
	-1	Included in solar energy systems leased to customers as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $66.4 million related to capital leased assets with an accumulated depreciation of $5.9 million and $5.3 million, respectively.

VIE_Arrangements_Tables

VIE Arrangements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Carrying Values of Assets and Liabilities of Subsidiary in Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
	The Company presents the solar energy systems in these VIEs under solar energy systems, leased and to be leased – net, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The aggregate carrying values of these VIEs’ assets and liabilities, after elimination of intercompany transactions and balances, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2014		December 31,
				2013
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	45,587	$	35,141
	Restricted cash		522		115
	Accounts receivable – net		6,175		4,802
	Rebates receivable		20,917		17,351
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,997		3,831
	Total current assets		77,198		61,240
	Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased – net		881,342		759,148
	Other assets		2,620		2,777
	Total assets	$	961,160	$	823,165
	Liabilities
	Current liabilities:
	Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	$	18,597	$	20,390
	Current portion of deferred U.S. Treasury grants income		6,502		6,668
	Accrued and other current liabilities		632		615
	Customer deposits		2,977		5,291
	Current portion of deferred revenue		16,497		13,754
	Current portion of bank borrowings		251		251
	Total current liabilities		45,456		46,969
	Deferred revenue, net of current portion		228,984		206,324
	Bank borrowings, net of current portion		5,482		5,482
	Deferred U.S. Treasury grants income, net of current portion		175,429		180,566
	Other liabilities		1,876		1,893
	Total liabilities	$	457,227	$	441,234

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte1

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Activity of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries	'
	The changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries were as follows (in thousands):
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	44,709
	Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests		72,716
	Net loss		(30,427	)
	Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests		(1,967	)
	Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interests		(2,450	)
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	82,581

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes in Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) and Noncontrolling Interests	'
	The changes in total stockholders’ equity (deficit) and noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries were as follows (in thousands):
		Total			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stockholders’			Interests in			Equity
		Equity			Subsidiaries
		(Deficit)
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	617,598		$	186,817		$	804,415
	Contributions from noncontrolling interests		—			40,677			40,677
	Stock-based compensation expense		18,077			—			18,077
	Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options for cash		5,133			—			5,133
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests		2,000			—			2,000
	Net loss		(24,063	)		(20,728	)		(44,791	)
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(5,513	)		(5,513	)
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	618,745		$	201,253		$	819,998

Equity_Award_Plans_Tables

Equity Award Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'
	A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Stock			Weighted-		Weighted-		Aggregate
		Options			Average		Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining		Value
					Price		Contractual
							Term
	Outstanding – December 31, 2013		13,949		$	14.77		7.52	$	586,740
	Granted (weighted-average fair value of $54.05)		2,223			74.37		—		—
	Exercised		(970	)		5.3		—		—
	Canceled		(675	)		25.23		—		—
	Outstanding – March 31, 2014		14,527		$	24.03		7.74	$	585,640
	Vested and exercisable – March 31, 2014		6,386		$	5.36		6.45	$	365,747
	Vested and expected to vest – March 31, 2014		13,204		$	21.96		7.6	$	556,886
Summary of Fair Value of Stock Options Using Weighted-Average Assumptions	'
	The fair values were estimated with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Dividend yield	0%		0%
	Annual risk-free rate of return	2.01%		1.04%
	Expected volatility	84.86%		96.38%
	Expected term (years)	6.2		6.39
Summary of RSU Activity	'
	A summary of RSU activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Restricted			Weighted-
		Stock			Average
		Units			Fair
					Value
	Outstanding – December 31, 2013		20		$	25.46
	Granted		96			74.57
	Released		(3	)		66.3
	Outstanding – March 31, 2014		113		$	67.08
	Expected to vest – March 31, 2014		89		$	62.62
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized	'
	Stock-based compensation expense is included in cost of revenue and operating expenses as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost of revenue	$	826		$	183
	Sales and marketing	$	3,040		$	587
	General and administrative	$	8,981		$	1,755

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Components of Related Party Transactions	'
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the following related party transactions and balances (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Revenue:
	Solar energy systems sales to related parties	$	—	$	17
	Expenditures:
	Purchases of inventories from related parties	$	960	$	—
	Referral fees paid or payable to related parties (included in sales and marketing expense)	$	64	$	—
Summary of Related Party Balances	'
	Related party balances
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Due from related parties (included in accounts receivable)	$	9	$	9
	Due to related parties (included in accounts payable)	$	353	$	427
	Due to related parties (included in customer deposits)	$	83	$	83
	Deferred revenue from related parties (included in current portion of deferred revenue)	$	831	$	831

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_L1

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Company's Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the periods presented (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Net loss attributable to stockholders	$	(24,063	)	$	(40,917	)
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders, basic	$	(24,063	)	$	(40,917	)
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	(24,063	)	$	(40,917	)
	Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic		91,412,126			75,186,430
	Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted		91,412,126			75,186,430
	Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.54	)
	Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.54	)
Schedule of Weighted-Average Outstanding Shares of Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Computation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share	'
	The following weighted-average outstanding shares of common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share for the periods presented because including them would have been antidilutive:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014			2013
	Common stock warrants		—			1,485,010
	Stock options		14,393,036			14,719,365
	Restricted stock units		93,875			16,991
	Convertible senior notes		3,729,795			—

Organization_Additional_Inform

Organization - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Delaware corporation incorporation date	21-Jun-06

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value measurements of assets and liabilities on non recurring basis	$0	$0
Estimated fair value	14,700,000	15,100,000
Company generally provides a warranty on the generating and non-generating parts of the solar energy systems	'Five to twenty years	'
Liability recorded relating to guarantees	900,000	1,000,000
Specified minimum solar energy production output guarantee term	'20 years	'
Convertible senior notes [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated fair value	296,100,000	273,000,000
Asset-backed notes [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated fair value	'	$52,900,000
Manufacturer [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]	'	'
Company generally provides a warranty on the generating and non-generating parts of the solar energy systems	'One to twenty-five	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures - Schedule of Changes in Accrued Warranty Balance (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]	'
Balance - beginning of the period	$7,502
Change in estimate credited to warranty expense	-380
Current year provision charged to warranty expense	709
Less warranty claims	-196
Balance - end of the period	$7,635

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Changes recorded in goodwill and intangible assets	$0	'
Amortization expense for intangible assets	5,700,000	0
Intangible assets impairment	0	'
Operating leases and solar energy systems incentives	15,979,000	5,752,000
Solar energy systems and components sales	32,782,000	16,707,000
Sales and marketing	46,850,000	17,879,000
Changes in carrying value of goodwill	148,900,000	'
Amortization Expense [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Operating leases and solar energy systems incentives	900,000	'
Solar energy systems and components sales	1,900,000	'
Sales and marketing	2,900,000	'
PowerSaver agreement [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum available additional loan capacity	25,000	'
Solar energy systems backlog [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful lives of solar energy systems	'30 years	'
Intangible assets, Write off and cancellations	$200,000	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	$144,725
Accumulated Amortization	-9,114
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	-10,740
Write offs and cancellations	-1,592
Intangible asset, Net	123,279
Developed technology [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	60,100
Accumulated Amortization	-2,631
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	'
Write offs and cancellations	'
Intangible asset, Net	57,469
Trademarks and trade names [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	24,700
Accumulated Amortization	-1,081
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	'
Write offs and cancellations	'
Intangible asset, Net	23,619
Marketing database [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	17,427
Accumulated Amortization	-1,984
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	'
Write offs and cancellations	'
Intangible asset, Net	15,443
PowerSaver agreement [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	17,077
Accumulated Amortization	-973
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	'
Write offs and cancellations	'
Intangible asset, Net	16,104
Solar energy systems backlog [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	12,434
Accumulated Amortization	'
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	-10,740
Write offs and cancellations	-1,592
Intangible asset, Net	102
Non-compete agreement [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	6,959
Accumulated Amortization	-793
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	'
Write offs and cancellations	'
Intangible asset, Net	6,166
Mortgage database [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	4,628
Accumulated Amortization	-878
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	'
Write offs and cancellations	'
Intangible asset, Net	3,750
Customer orders backlog [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	700
Accumulated Amortization	-700
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	'
Write offs and cancellations	'
Intangible asset, Net	'
Internally developed software [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	500
Accumulated Amortization	-51
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	'
Write offs and cancellations	'
Intangible asset, Net	449
Funding commitment [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	200
Accumulated Amortization	-23
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	'
Write offs and cancellations	'
Intangible asset, Net	$177

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Future Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]	'
Nine months ending December 31, 2014	$15,336
2015	20,449
2016	19,946
2017	18,739
2018	17,168
2019	13,822
Thereafter	17,717
Total	$123,177

Selected_Balance_Sheet_Compone2

Selected Balance Sheet Components - Components of Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories:	'	'
Raw materials	$101,870	$105,919
Work in progress	4,478	5,475
Total	106,348	111,394
Solar Energy Systems, Leased and To Be Leased - Net:	'	'
Solar energy systems leased to customers	1,705,632	1,513,731
Initial direct costs related to solar energy systems leased to customers	109,437	94,321
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased, gross	1,815,069	1,608,052
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-101,629	-86,457
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased gross, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,713,440	1,521,595
Solar energy systems under construction	47,504	53,010
Solar energy systems to be leased to customers	97,830	107,916
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased - net	1,858,774	1,682,521
Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits:	'	'
Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions, net of current portion	57,222	58,033
Deferred rent expense	3,068	3,333
Capital lease obligation	26,726	27,126
Liability for receipts from investors	65,743	72,520
Participation interest	14,255	14,114
Other noncurrent liabilities	19,412	18,313
Total	$186,426	$193,439

Selected_Balance_Sheet_Compone3

Selected Balance Sheet Components - Components of Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Solar energy systems [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Solar energy systems [Member]	'	'
Components Of Balance Sheet [Line Items]	'	'
Capital leased assets	$66.40	$66.40
Accumulated depreciation on capital leased assets	$5.90	$5.30

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

26-May-10

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jan. 06, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 07, 2013

Jan. 06, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 20, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 20, 2014

Feb. 04, 2014

Mar. 20, 2014

Working Capital Financing [Member]

Working Capital Financing [Member]

Working Capital Financing [Member]

Vehicle Loans [Member]

Vehicle Loans [Member]

Vehicle Loans [Member]

Vehicle Loans [Member]

Working Capital Loans Facility [Member]

Working Capital Loans Facility [Member]

Working Capital Loans Facility [Member]

Working Capital Loans Facility [Member]

Working Capital Loans Facility [Member]

Working Capital Loans Facility [Member]

Working Capital Loans Facility [Member]

Term Loans [Member]

Term Loans [Member]

Term Loans [Member]

Term Loans [Member]

Term Loans [Member]

Loans

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum amount to be borrowed under financing agreement

'

'

'

'

$16,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of funded tranches

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, interest rate terms

'

'

'Each tranche bears interest at an annual rate of 2.00% plus the swap rate applicable to the average life of the scheduled lease receipts for the tranche.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Company's option, 3.25% plus the higher of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (ii) Bank of America's published "prime rate" or (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%

'

'

'

Basis interest rate

'

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.25%

Maturity date of loan

'

'

31-Dec-24

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7-Jun-15

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Dec-16

'

'

'

Amount borrowed under facility

'

'

13,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan facility outstanding amount

'

'

10,000,000

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

119,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, net of current portion

286,839,000

238,612,000

8,500,000

8,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate of amounts borrowed, minimum

'

'

5.48%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate of amounts borrowed, maximum

'

'

5.65%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity of loan, minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity of loan, maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'2018

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

9,900,000

6,500,000

'

'

'

115,300,000

85,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, net of current portion

'

'

'

'

'

7,400,000

4,700,000

'

'

'

105,900,000

81,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

19,900,000

'

'

'

Loans payable interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

7.49%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan by subsidiary, amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$158,000,000

'

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

$250,000,000

'

$220,000,000

$100,000,000

'

Facility interest rate description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR plus 3.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR plus 3.25%

'

'

'

'

Loan facility interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.48%

3.60%

'

3.40%

'

'

'

Borrowings_under_Bank_Lines_of1

Borrowings under Bank Lines of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

Nov. 01, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 21, 2011

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Syndicated revolving bank agreement [Member]

Syndicated revolving bank agreement [Member]

Syndicated revolving bank agreement [Member]

Syndicated revolving bank agreement [Member]

Syndicated revolving bank agreement [Member]

Syndicated revolving bank agreement [Member]

Syndicated revolving bank agreement [Member]

Syndicated revolving bank agreement [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Subsidiary [Member]

Subsidiary [Member]

Subsidiary [Member]

Subsidiary [Member]

Subsidiary [Member]

Revolving credit agreement [Member]

Revolving credit agreement [Member]

Revolving credit agreement [Member]

Revolving credit agreement [Member]

Revolving credit agreement [Member]

Revolving credit agreement [Member]

Revolving credit agreement [Member]

Revolving credit agreement [Member]

Syndicated revolving bank agreement [Member]

Syndicated revolving bank agreement [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

Federal Funds Rate [Member]

LIBOR Option 2 [Member]

Revolving credit agreement [Member]

Revolving credit agreement [Member]

Line Of Credit Facility Covenant Compliance [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum credit facility for subsidiary

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$350

'

'

Borrowed funds, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.40%

5.50%

'

'

'

6.78%

7.27%

Long-term debt, outstanding under the facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.5

5.4

'

'

'

Long-term debt, net of current portion

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.3

5.3

'

'

'

Debt repayment period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2032

'

'

'

'

Revolving line of credit facility

'

'

200

160.5

75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility interest rate terms

'Company entered into a revolving credit agreement with a syndicate of banks to obtain funding for workig capital, letters of credit and funding for general corporate needs. The committed amount under the revolving credit facility was increased from $75.0 million to $160.5 million on November 1, 2013 and then from $160.5 million to $200.0 million on December 13, 2013. Borrowed funds bear interest at an annual rate of 3.25% plus LIBOR or, at the Companybs option, 2.25% plus the higher of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (ii) Bank of Americabs published bprime rateb or (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of fee for letters of credit

3.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of fee for undrawn commitments

0.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility maturity date

31-Dec-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowed and outstanding under revolving credit agreement, net of lender fees

$139.80

$138.50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowed funds, basis rate spread

'

'

'

'

'

3.25%

0.50%

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowed funds, base interest rate

2.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible_Senior_Notes_Addit

Convertible Senior Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (2.75% Convertible senior notes [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
			Public offering [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior notes issued date	31-Oct-13	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior notes aggregate principal amount	'	'	$230,000,000	'	'
Proceeds from convertible debt	'	'	222,500,000	'	'
Debt issuance costs recorded in other assets	'	'	7,500,000	'	'
Convertible senior notes maturity date	1-Nov-18	'	'	'	'
Percentage of convertible senior notes	'	2.75%	'	'	'
Convertible senior notes conversion amount	$1,000	'	'	'	'
Convertible senior notes number of equity instrument for each $1,000 of principal	16.2165	'	'	21.4868	'
Convertible senior notes conversion price	$61.67	'	'	'	$46.54
Convertible senior notes, description	'	'	'	'	'The convertible senior notes do not have a cash conversion option. The convertible senior note holders may require the Company to repurchase their convertible senior notes for cash only under certain defined events of default.

Solar_Assetbacked_Notes_Additi

Solar Asset-backed Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt discount percentage	'	0.05%
Solar Asset-backed Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Solar asset-backed notes aggregate principal amount	$54.40	'
Debt instrument maturity date	31-Dec-26	20-Nov-38
Solar asset-backed notes fixed interest rate	'	4.80%

VIE_Arrangements_Additional_In

VIE Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Investors contribution to variable interest equity	$1,018.40
Total consideration paid	0.5
Carrying value of the assets	$28.50

VIE_Arrangements_Carrying_Valu

VIE Arrangements - Carrying Values of Assets and Liabilities of Subsidiary in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$519,551		$577,080		$127,294	$160,080
Restricted cash	6,372		19,182		'	'
Accounts receivable - net	25,871		23,011		'	'
Rebates receivable	23,400		20,131		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	35,134		27,020		'	'
Total current assets	727,106		787,663		'	'
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased - net	1,858,774		1,682,521		'	'
Other assets	42,756		38,473		'	'
Total assets	2,927,942	[1]	2,809,534	[1]	'	'
Current liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Current portion of deferred U.S. Treasury grants income	15,328		15,340		'	'
Customer deposits	5,598		8,828		'	'
Current portion of deferred revenue	71,444		59,899		'	'
Total current liabilities	328,551		338,206		'	'
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	457,053		410,161		'	'
Deferred U.S. Treasury grants income, net of current portion	408,889		412,469		'	'
Other liabilities	186,426		193,439		'	'
Total liabilities	2,025,363	[1]	1,960,410	[1]	'	'
Subsidiary of Common Parent [Member]	'		'		'	'
Current assets:	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	45,587		35,141		'	'
Restricted cash	522		115		'	'
Accounts receivable - net	6,175		4,802		'	'
Rebates receivable	20,917		17,351		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,997		3,831		'	'
Total current assets	77,198		61,240		'	'
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased - net	881,342		759,148		'	'
Other assets	2,620		2,777		'	'
Total assets	961,160		823,165		'	'
Current liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	18,597		20,390		'	'
Current portion of deferred U.S. Treasury grants income	6,502		6,668		'	'
Accrued and other current liabilities	632		615		'	'
Customer deposits	2,977		5,291		'	'
Current portion of deferred revenue	16,497		13,754		'	'
Current portion of bank borrowings	251		251		'	'
Total current liabilities	45,456		46,969		'	'
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	228,984		206,324		'	'
Bank borrowings, net of current portion	5,482		5,482		'	'
Deferred U.S. Treasury grants income, net of current portion	175,429		180,566		'	'
Other liabilities	1,876		1,893		'	'
Total liabilities	$457,227		$441,234		'	'
[1]	SolarCity Corporation's, or the Company's, consolidated assets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $961,160 and $823,165, respectively, being assets of variable interest entities, or VIEs, that can only be used to settle obligations of the VIEs. These assets include solar energy systems, leased and to be leased - net, of $881,342 and $759,148 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; cash and cash equivalents of $45,587 and $35,141 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; restricted cash, short term, of $522 and $115 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accounts receivable, net, of $6,175 and $4,802 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; prepaid expenses and other assets of $3,997 and $3,831 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; rebates receivable of $20,917 and $17,351 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and other assets of $2,620 and $2,777 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company's consolidated liabilities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $29,815 and $33,922, respectively, being liabilities of VIEs whose creditors have no recourse to the Company. These liabilities include distributions payable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries and redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries of $18,597 and $20,390 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; customer deposits of $2,977 and $5,291 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accrued liabilities and other payables of $632 and $615 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; other liabilities of $1,876 and $1,893 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and bank borrowings of $5,733 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries - Activity of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	$804,415	'
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	40,677	'
Net loss	-75,218	-33,075
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	-5,513	'
Ending balance	819,998	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	44,709	'
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	72,716	'
Net loss	-30,427	'
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	-1,967	'
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interests	-2,450	'
Ending balance	$82,581	'

Equity_Schedule_of_Changes_in_

Equity - Schedule of Changes in Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) and Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	$804,415	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	40,677	'
Stock-based compensation expense	18,077	3,700
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options for cash	5,133	'
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	2,000	'
Net loss	-44,791	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-5,513	'
Ending balance	819,998	'
Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	617,598	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	18,077	'
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options for cash	5,133	'
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	2,000	'
Net loss	-24,063	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'
Ending balance	618,745	'
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	186,817	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	40,677	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options for cash	'	'
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	'	'
Net loss	-20,728	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-5,513	'
Ending balance	$201,253	'

Equity_Award_Plans_Additional_

Equity Award Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Minimum [Member]

Incentive stock option plan [Member]

Nonstatutory stock incentive plans [Member]

Director compensation plan [Member]

Initial appointment [Member]

Additional stock options [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Restricted Stock Units [Member]

Director compensation plan [Member]

Director compensation plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted stock options at fair market value on grant date

'

'

'

'

'

'Not less than 100%

'Not less than 100%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase or exercise price

'

'

'

'

'

110.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercisable options granted

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Holding percent of stockholder

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option grant to purchase shares of common stock

2,223,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000

15,000

'

'

'

Annual cash retainer

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,000

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised

59,800,000

'

4,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Grant date fair market value of options that vested

7,500,000

'

6,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unrecognized stock-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures

214,300,000

103,000,000

'

103,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

'

500,000

Weighted-average period

'2 years 10 months 10 days

'

'

'2 years 8 months 27 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Grant date fair value of RSUs released

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

0

'

Stock-based compensation expense

12,847,000

'

2,525,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,700,000

100,000

'

Weighted-average exercise period

'7 years 8 months 27 days

'7 years 6 months 7 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 7 days

'

'1 year 11 months 27 days

Stock-based compensation expense

18,077,000

'

3,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capitalized stock-based compensation expense

$5,200,000

'

$1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity_Award_Plans_Summary_of_

Equity Award Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock Options, Outstanding, Balance	13,949	'	'
Stock Options, Granted	2,223	'	'
Stock Options, Exercised	-970	'	'
Stock Options, Canceled	-675	'	'
Stock Options, Outstanding, Balance	14,527	13,949	'
Stock Options, Vested and exercisable	6,386	'	'
Stock Options, Vested and expected to vest	13,204	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Balance	$14.77	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	$74.37	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$5.30	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Canceled	$25.23	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Balance	$24.03	$14.77	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and exercisable	$5.36	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest	$21.96	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	'7 years 8 months 27 days	'7 years 6 months 7 days	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and exercisable	'6 years 5 months 12 days	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and expected to vest	'7 years 7 months 6 days	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, Balance	$586,740,000	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Granted	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised	59,800,000	'	4,900,000
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Canceled	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, Balance	585,640,000	586,740,000	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and exercisable	365,747,000	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and expected to vest	$556,886,000	'	'

Equity_Award_Plans_Summary_of_1

Equity Award Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Weighted-average fair value, Granted	$54.05

Equity_Award_Plans_Summary_of_2

Equity Award Plans - Summary of Fair Value of Stock Options Using Weighted-Average Assumptions (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Annual risk-free rate of return	2.01%	1.04%
Expected volatility	84.86%	96.38%
Expected term (years)	'6 years 2 months 12 days	'6 years 4 months 21 days

Equity_Award_Plans_Summary_of_3

Equity Award Plans - Summary of RSU Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Restricted Stock Units, Outstanding, Beginning balance	20
Restricted Stock Units, Granted	96
Restricted Stock Units, Released	-3
Restricted Stock Units, Outstanding, Ending balance	113
Restricted Stock Units, Expected to vest - March 31, 2014	89
Weighted-Average Fair Value, Outstanding, Beginning balance	$25.46
Weighted-Average Fair Value, Granted	$74.57
Weighted-Average Fair Value, Released	$66.30
Weighted-Average Fair Value, Outstanding, Ending balance	$67.08
Weighted-Average Fair Value, Expected to vest - March 31, 2014	$62.62

Equity_Award_Plans_Summary_of_4

Equity Award Plans - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cost of revenue [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$826	$183
Sales and marketing [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	3,040	587
General and administrative [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$8,981	$1,755

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated consolidated effective income tax rates	0.29%	-0.37%	'
Long-term prepaid tax expense	$3.80	'	$3.70
Solar energy systems leased and to be leased [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives of solar energy systems	'30 years	'	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Com

Related Party Transactions - Components of Related Party Transactions (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue:	'	'
Solar energy systems sales to related parties	'	$17
Expenditures:	'	'
Purchases of inventories from related parties	960	'
Referral fees paid or payable to related parties (included in sales and marketing expense)	$64	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Sum

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Related Party Balances (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'
Due from related parties (included in accounts receivable)	$9	$9
Due to related parties (included in accounts payable)	353	427
Due to related parties (included in customer deposits)	83	83
Deferred revenue from related parties (included in current portion of deferred revenue)	$831	$831

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_L2

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Computation of Company's Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Net loss attributable to stockholders	($24,063)	($40,917)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders, basic	-24,063	-40,917
Net loss attributable to common stockholders, diluted	($24,063)	($40,917)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic	91,412,126	75,186,430
Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	91,412,126	75,186,430
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic	($0.26)	($0.54)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	($0.26)	($0.54)

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_L3

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Schedule of Weighted-Average Outstanding Shares of Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Computation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Common stock warrants [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock equivalents excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share	'	1,485,010
Stock options [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock equivalents excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share	14,393,036	14,719,365
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock equivalents excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share	93,875	16,991
Convertible senior notes [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock equivalents excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share	3,729,795	'

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
		Solar Asset-backed Notes [Member]	Solar Asset-backed Notes [Member]	Subsequent Events [Member]	Subsequent Events [Member]
					Solar Asset-backed Notes [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Solar asset-backed notes aggregate principal amount	'	$54.40	'	'	$70.20
Debt discount, percentage	0.05%	'	'	'	0.01%
Solar asset-backed notes fixed interest rate	'	'	4.80%	'	4.59%
Debt instrument, maturity date	'	31-Dec-26	20-Nov-38	'	20-Apr-44
Aggregate funds available for financing	'	'	'	$240	'