SolarCity 10-Q 6 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
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	96,000,871

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$696,516		$577,080
Short-term investments	36,943		'
Restricted cash	22,710		19,182
Accounts receivable (net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1,109 and $955 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	22,931		23,011
Rebates receivable - net	26,313		20,131
Inventories	185,955		111,394
Deferred income tax asset	12,096		9,845
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	46,001		27,020
Total current assets	1,049,465		787,663
Restricted cash	607		301
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased - net	2,440,140		1,682,521
Property and equipment - net	64,416		22,407
Goodwill and intangible assets - net	524,314		278,169
Other assets	70,438		38,473
Total assets	4,149,380	[1]	2,809,534	[1]
Current liabilities:	'		'
Accounts payable	205,980		121,556
Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,934		20,390
Current portion of deferred U.S. Treasury grant income	15,330		15,340
Accrued and other current liabilities	133,657		72,157
Customer deposits	8,268		8,828
Current portion of deferred revenue	83,016		59,899
Current portion of long-term debt	12,099		7,422
Current portion of solar asset-backed notes	13,462		3,155
Current portion of lease pass-through financing obligation	30,813		29,041
Current portion of sale-leaseback financing obligation	546		418
Total current liabilities	510,105		338,206
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	515,098		410,161
Long-term debt, net of current portion	263,199		238,612
Convertible senior notes	730,000		230,000
Solar asset-backed notes, net of current portion	306,480		49,780
Long-term deferred tax liability	11,499		9,238
Lease pass-through financing obligation, net of current portion	58,453		64,167
Sale-leaseback financing obligation, net of current portion	14,004		14,338
Deferred U.S. Treasury grant income, net of current portion	401,319		412,469
Other liabilities and deferred credits	215,119		193,439
Total liabilities	3,025,276	[1]	1,960,410	[1]
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)	'		'
Stockholders' equity:	'		'
Common stock, $0.0001 par value - authorized, 1,000,000 shares as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013; issued and outstanding, 96,001 and 91,009 shares as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	10		10
Additional paid-in capital	982,701		819,914
Accumulated deficit	-254,805		-202,326
Total stockholders' equity	727,906		617,598
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	226,954		186,817
Total equity	954,860		804,415
Total liabilities and equity	4,149,380		2,809,534
Before Adjustment [Member]	'		'
Current liabilities:	'		'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	$169,244		$44,709
[1]	SolarCity Corporation's, or the Company's, consolidated assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $1,332,276 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 $1,245,508 and $759,148 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; property and equipment-net, of $25,855 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; cash and cash equivalents of $24,254 and $35,141 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; inventory, of $2,764 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; restricted cash, current, of $892 and $115 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accounts receivable, net, of $7,746 and $4,802 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; prepaid expenses and other assets of $852 and $3,831 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; rebates receivable of $20,849 and $17,351 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; restricted cash, noncurrent, of $300 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and other assets of $3,256 and $2,777 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company's consolidated liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $29,811 and $32,029, 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 $6,934 and $20,390 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accounts payable of $3,292 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; customer deposits of $4,066 and $5,291 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accrued liabilities and other payables of $816 and $615 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and bank borrowings of $14,703 and $5,733 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$1,109		$955
Common stock, par value	$0.00		$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000		1,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	96,001		96,001
Common stock, shares outstanding	91,009		91,009
Total assets	4,149,380	[1]	2,809,534	[1]
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased, net	2,440,140		1,682,521
Property and equipment - net	64,416		22,407
Cash and cash equivalents	696,516		577,080
Inventories	185,955		111,394
Accounts receivable, net	22,931		23,011
Prepaid expenses and other assets	46,001		27,020
Other assets	70,438		38,473
Total liabilities	3,025,276	[1]	1,960,410	[1]
Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	6,934		20,390
Accounts payable	205,980		121,556
Customer deposits	8,268		8,828
Accrued liabilities and other payables	133,657		72,157
Variable Interest Entities [Member]	'		'
Total assets	1,332,276		823,165
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased, net	1,245,508		759,148
Property and equipment - net	25,855		0
Cash and cash equivalents	24,254		35,141
Inventories	2,764		0
Restricted cash, current	892		115
Accounts receivable, net	7,746		4,802
Prepaid expenses and other assets	852		3,831
Rebates receivable	20,849		17,351
Restricted cash, noncurrent	300		0
Other assets	3,256		2,777
Total liabilities	29,811		32,029
Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	6,934		20,390
Accounts payable	3,292		0
Customer deposits	4,066		5,291
Accrued liabilities and other payables	816		615
Bank borrowings	$14,703		$5,733
[1]	SolarCity Corporation's, or the Company's, consolidated assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $1,332,276 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 $1,245,508 and $759,148 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; property and equipment-net, of $25,855 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; cash and cash equivalents of $24,254 and $35,141 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; inventory, of $2,764 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; restricted cash, current, of $892 and $115 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accounts receivable, net, of $7,746 and $4,802 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; prepaid expenses and other assets of $852 and $3,831 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; rebates receivable of $20,849 and $17,351 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; restricted cash, noncurrent, of $300 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and other assets of $3,256 and $2,777 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company's consolidated liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $29,811 and $32,029, 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 $6,934 and $20,390 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accounts payable of $3,292 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; customer deposits of $4,066 and $5,291 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accrued liabilities and other payables of $816 and $615 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and bank borrowings of $14,703 and $5,733 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue:	'	'	'	'
Operating leases and solar energy systems incentives	$52,178	$24,796	$124,431	$60,493
Solar energy systems and components sales	6,165	23,804	58,792	56,044
Total revenue	58,343	48,600	183,223	116,537
Cost of revenue:	'	'	'	'
Operating leases and solar energy systems incentives	25,728	8,619	62,533	21,165
Solar energy systems and components sales	6,640	26,128	57,057	65,849
Total cost of revenue	32,368	34,747	119,590	87,014
Gross profit	25,975	13,853	63,633	29,523
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Sales and marketing	56,472	24,310	159,093	63,533
General and administrative	39,608	21,062	111,006	59,090
Research and development	4,235	364	9,158	973
Total operating expenses	100,315	45,736	279,257	123,596
Loss from operations	-74,340	-31,883	-215,624	-94,073
Interest expense - net	16,321	5,781	37,192	17,521
Other expense - net	2,961	123	4,293	425
Loss before income taxes	-93,622	-37,787	-257,109	-112,019
Income tax benefit (provision)	23,506	-23	23,315	57
Net loss	-70,116	-37,810	-233,794	-111,962
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	-89,352	-35,707	-181,315	-29,479
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	19,236	-2,103	-52,479	-82,483
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	'	'	'	'
Basic	19,236	-2,103	-52,479	-82,483
Diluted	$19,236	($2,103)	($52,479)	($82,483)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.21	($0.03)	($0.57)	($1.07)
Diluted	$0.19	($0.03)	($0.57)	($1.07)
Weighted average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders	'	'	'	'
Basic	93,323,687	79,918,110	92,335,789	77,228,677
Diluted	99,380,397	79,918,110	92,335,789	77,228,677

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($233,794)	($111,962)
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	1,227	30
Depreciation and amortization net of amortization of deferred U.S. Treasury grant income	66,602	25,674
Interest on lease pass-through financing obligation	8,692	10,035
Non cash interest on investment in notes receivable	-85	'
Stock-based compensation, net of amounts capitalized	45,660	13,400
Loss on extinguishment of long-term debt	1,504	'
Deferred income taxes	-23,696	9
Reduction in lease pass-through financing obligation	-36,407	-25,525
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	-3,834	1,454
Accounts receivable	722	-8,162
Rebates receivable	-6,182	-1,657
Inventories	-66,325	-3,058
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-15,186	-17,449
Other assets	-12,092	-3,411
Accounts payable	80,651	70,839
Accrued and other liabilities	-17,283	65,755
Customer deposits	-560	1,299
Deferred revenue	128,054	143,379
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-82,332	160,650
Investing activities:	'	'
Payments for the cost of solar energy systems, leased and to be leased	-793,713	-485,402
Purchase of property and equipment	-13,420	-5,827
Investment in promissory notes receivable and other advances	-15,750	'
Purchases of short term investments	-46,543	'
Proceeds for sales of short term investments	9,600	'
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	1,874	-3,758
Payments to acquire redeemable noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary	-450	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-858,402	-494,987
Financing activities:	'	'
Borrowings under long-term debt	256,090	57,161
Repayments of long-term debt	-246,726	-24,690
Proceeds from issuance of solar asset-backed notes	263,551	'
Repayments of borrowings under solar asset-backed notes	-3,962	'
Payment of deferred purchase consideration	-957	'
Repayments of sale-leaseback financing obligation	-206	-290
Proceeds from lease pass-through financing obligation	30,124	31,233
Repayments of lease pass-through financing obligation	-6,351	'
Repayment of capital lease obligations	-1,153	-1,594
Proceeds from investment by noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	428,061	221,175
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	-107,254	-117,017
Proceeds from U.S. Treasury grants	342	123,816
Net cash provided by financing activities before equity and convertible notes issuances	611,559	289,794
Equity and convertible notes issuances:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes	488,713	'
Purchase of capped call options	-57,600	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	17,498	9,415
Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants	'	8,034
Net cash provided by equity and convertible notes issuances	448,611	17,449
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,060,170	307,243
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	119,436	-27,094
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	577,080	160,080
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	696,516	132,986
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid during the period for interest	15,583	4,924
Cash payments during the period for taxes, net of refunds	$1,881	'

Organization

Organization	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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, manufacturing, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 3, Acquisition, and Note 7, VIE Fund Arrangements). The Company evaluates its relationships with the VIEs on an ongoing basis to ensure that it continues to be the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Reclassifications
	Prior period research and development expenses were reclassified from general and administrative expense and disclosed separately as research and development expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the accompanying notes in order to enhance their comparability to current period research and development expenses. The reclassification did not impact prior period results of operations, cash flows, total assets, total liabilities or total equity.
	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 and rebates 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 tangible and intangible assets, the fair value of debt assumed under business combinations, the fair value of contingent consideration payable under business combinations, the useful lives of solar energy systems, property and equipment, the determination of accrued warranty, the determination of lease pass-through financing obligations, 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 December 31, 2013, there were no fair value measurements of assets or liabilities subsequent to initial recognition. As of September 30, 2014, the assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis included cash equivalents, short-term investments and contingent consideration (see Note 3, Acquisition). The Company includes highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less under cash equivalents. The Company includes all other highly liquid investments under short-term investments. The Company classifies its short-term investments as available-for-sale. There were no material gains or losses, both realized and unrealized on a specific identification basis, on short-term investments or contingent consideration in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents, short-term investments and contingent consideration were as follows (in thousands):
			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	358,152		$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments:
	Corporate debt securities			—			36,943		—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration			—			—		95,562
	The Company classified its cash equivalents within Level 1 because it used quoted market prices to determine their fair values. The Company classified its short-term investments within Level 2 because it used alternative pricing sources and models that utilized market observable inputs to determine their fair values. The Company classified its contingent consideration within Level 3 because it used unobservable probability-weighted estimated outcomes and an unobservable estimated discount rate applicable to the acquisition to determine the fair value. The contingent consideration is dependent on the achievement of specified production milestones for the acquired business as discussed in Note 3, Acquisition. The fair value of the contingent consideration is directly proportional to the estimated probability of achievement of these milestones. All corporate debt securities contractually mature within the next 12 months.
	The Company’s financial instruments that were not re-measured at fair value include accounts receivable, rebates 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 these 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (Level 1). The fair value of convertible senior notes was $759.3 million and $273.0 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, based on their last actively traded prices (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 $328.3 million and $52.9 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company has estimated the fair value of the participation interest to be $14.0 million and $15.1 million as of September 30, 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 10 to 30 years. The manufacturer’s warranty on the solar energy systems’ components, which is typically passed-through to customers, ranges from one to 25 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
			Nine Months Ended
			September 30, 2014
	Balance — beginning of the period		$	7,502
	Change in estimate credited to warranty expense			(614	)
	Current year provision charged to warranty expense			1,507
	Less warranty claims			(386	)
	Balance — end of the period		$	8,009
	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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded liabilities of $1.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, under accrued and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, relating to these guarantees based on the Company’s assessment of its current 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 significant other comprehensive income (losses) and no significant 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.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), to replace the existing revenue recognition criteria for contracts with customers and to establish the disclosure requirements for revenue from contracts with customers. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Adoption of the ASU is either retrospective to each prior period presented or retrospective with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings or accumulated deficit as of the adoption date. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), to provide guidance within GAAP requiring management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and requiring related disclosures. The ASU is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016. The Company believes that the ASU will have no impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Acquisition

Acquisition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition	'
	3. Acquisition
	Silevo, Inc.
	On September 23, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of Silevo, Inc., or Silevo, a designer and manufacturer of high performance solar cells. Silevo had operations primarily in the United States, where it carries-out research and development activities as well as sales of products, and China, where it was the managing partner in a joint venture that manufactures the solar cells for the subsequent contract manufacturing of high performing solar panels. The acquisition is expected to enable the Company to manage its supply chain and control the design and manufacturing of solar cells that are a key component of the Company’s solar energy systems, as well as enable the Company to utilize and combine Silevo’s technology with economies of scale to achieve significant cost reductions.
	The purchase consideration was comprised of approximately $0.3 million in cash and 2,284,070 shares of the Company’s common stock, inclusive of 429,301 shares held in escrow until November 2015 to secure the indemnification obligations of Silevo’s former stockholders, with an aggregate fair value of $138.0 million based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the acquisition date. Additionally, the Company may pay up to approximately $150.0 million in additional shares of the Company’s common stock to Silevo’s former stockholders, subject to the achievement of specified production milestones, as contingent consideration. No amounts would be payable for any milestones not achieved. The Company has estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration to be approximately $95.6 million using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow methodology. The Company also issued Silevo employees rights to receive SolarCity common stock as replacement for unvested Silevo common stock options that vest as the employees provide future services to the Company. Purchase consideration included $15.8 million that had previously been advanced to Silevo. The table below summarizes the preliminary determination of the fair value of the purchase consideration in the acquired business as of the acquisition date (in thousands):
	Cash	$	326
	Common stock		137,958
	Restricted stock units issued to replace Silevo’s unvested stock options		132
	Amounts advanced to Silevo prior to acquisition and costs paid on behalf of sellers at acquisition		16,760
	Closing consideration payable		413
	Contingent consideration payable		95,562
	Total purchase consideration	$	251,151
	The Company is in the process of obtaining a third-party valuation of the contingent consideration payable. Accordingly, the preliminary fair values reflected in the table above are subject to change.
	The following table summarizes the preliminary assessment of the fair values of the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and the noncontrolling interests as of the acquisition date (in thousands). The Company is in the process of obtaining a third-party valuation of the assets acquired including the intangible assets, inventory and property plant and equipment, the liabilities and term loan assumed, and the noncontrolling interests. Accordingly, the preliminary fair values reflected in the following table are subject to change:
	Cash	$	2,899
	Accounts receivable		642
	Inventories		8,182
	Prepaid and other assets		899
	Property and equipment		28,281
	Accounts payable and other liabilities		(5,427	)
	Term loan		(9,103	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(23,706	)
	Intangible assets		119,000
	Total identifiable net assets at fair value		121,667
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests		(14,174	)
	Goodwill		143,658
	Total purchase consideration	$	251,151
	The goodwill recognized was primarily attributable to the value of expected synergies, efficiencies and cost savings that the Company expects to achieve in leveraging Silevo’s technology in the volume manufacturing of high efficiency solar panels, in addition to the value of the assembled workforce and the manufacturing experience of Silevo. The acquisition of Silevo’s technology is anticipated to reduce the Company’s costs of procuring solar panels, reduce the number of solar panels and other components used in solar energy systems, reduce the installation time of solar energy systems and improve efficiencies and profitability. The full amount of the goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
	The acquired intangible assets are all amortized over their estimated useful life of 10 years.
	The condensed consolidated statements of operations include revenue of $0.0 million and a net loss of $0.2 million from Silevo for the period from the acquisition date through September 30, 2014. In addition, the Company incurred $3.5 million of general and administrative expenses for acquisition-related legal and other professional services fees and the termination of a pre-existing contract.
	The unaudited pro forma financial information for the acquisition of Silevo, as if it had been consummated on January 1, 2013, is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Total revenue	$	60,444		$	48,872
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	11,540		$	(9,424	)
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	0.11		$	(0.11	)
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Total revenue	$	187,885		$	116,880
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(82,671	)	$	(109,181	)
	Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	(0.87	)	$	(1.37	)
	The pro forma financial information is hypothetical and based on the combined results of operations of Silevo and the Company with adjustments for the amortization of the acquired intangible assets and the timing of acquisition expenses. The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the actual consolidated results of operations in prior or future periods had the acquisition actually consummated on January 1, 2013. For instance, the Company anticipates that it will consume the vast majority of Silevo’s products for the near future. Generally, Silevo products sold to the Company will initially be capitalized as inventory and eventually as cost of leased or sold solar energy systems.
	Silevo’s Joint Venture in China
	Silevo operates a joint venture, Silevo China Company Limited or the JV, with three other Chinese entities, or the JV Partners, to develop, manufacture and market high performance solar cells. Silevo owns 65.7% of the outstanding capital of the JV, and the rest is owned by the JV Partners. Silevo has a Manufacturing Services and Technology Licensing Agreement with the JV to acquire solar cells on a “cost-plus” basis. The JV is required to obtain Silevo’s consent to sell products to any third-party. The agreement had an initial term of one year and automatically renews for successive one-year periods.
	The Company has determined that the JV is a VIE and that Silevo is the primary beneficiary of the JV since the variable interests held by Silevo empower it to direct the activities that most significantly impact the joint venture’s economic performance. In reaching this determination, the Company considered the significant control exercised by Silevo over the JV’s Board of Directors, management and the daily operations of the JV.
	Silevo has the right to acquire the JV Partners’ interests in the JV at any time within five years from the date of their initial capital contribution. The JV Partners have the right to sell all or part of their interests in the JV to Silevo if the JV does not meet certain conditions set out in the JV contract, which include meeting set production targets within a specified time frame. The JV did not meet some of those targets, and as such, the option is currently exercisable. The JV is not allowed to make a profit distribution to investors prior to the full exit of JV Partners from their investments in the JV.
	Since Silevo has been determined to be the primary beneficiary of the JV, the JV’s assets, liabilities and results of operations are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The JV Partners’ interests in the JV are reflected in redeemable noncontrolling interests on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The JV Partners’ interests in the JV were recorded at fair value as of the Silevo acquisition date, which considered the JV Partners’ share of the JV’s enterprise value and the value of the JV Partners’ option to sell their interests in the JV to Silevo.
	The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of the JV’s assets and liabilities included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
	Cash	$	484
	Inventories		2,764
	Prepaid and other current assets		249
	Property and equipment		25,855
	Total assets	$	29,352
	Accounts payable		3,292
	Accrued and other current liabilities		710
	Term loan		9,103
	Total liabilities	$	13,105

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The Company is currently obtaining and finalizing the third-party valuations of certain assets, liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests acquired through the Silevo and Zep Solar, Inc., or Zep Solar, acquisitions in the third quarter of 2014 and the fourth quarter of 2013, respectively, including the gross amounts of certain intangible assets presented in the table below. The Company is also continuing the process of reviewing the third-party valuation of contingent consideration payable on the acquisition of Silevo. There were no material changes recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to the amounts reported in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, except for the periodic amortization of the intangible assets and transfers of customer orders backlog to solar energy systems, leased and to be leased. 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 September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Gross		Accumulated			Transfer to			Write offs and			Net
				Amortization			solar energy			cancellations
							systems —
							leased and to be
							leased
	Developed technology — Silevo	$	115,000	$	(221	)	$	—		$	—		$	114,779
	Developed technology — Zep Solar		60,100		(6,924	)		—			—			53,176
	Trademarks and trade names		24,700		(2,846	)		—			—			21,854
	Marketing database		17,427		(3,727	)		—			—			13,700
	PowerSaver agreement		17,077		(1,826	)		—			—			15,251
	Solar energy systems backlog		12,434		—			(10,740	)		(1,642	)		52
	Non-compete agreement		6,959		(1,488	)		—			—			5,471
	Mortgage database		4,628		(1,650	)		—			—			2,978
	Riverbend Agreement		4,000		(8	)		—			—			3,992
	Customer orders backlog		700		(700	)		—			—			—
	Internally developed software		500		(134	)		—			—			366
	Funding commitment		200		(43	)		—			—			157
	Total	$	263,725	$	(19,567	)	$	(10,740	)	$	(1,642	)	$	231,776
	Developed Technology – Silevo
	Silevo developed technology represents high performance solar cell technology acquired through the Silevo acquisition. The high performance technology would allow the Company to achieve improved solar energy system performance and reduce the overall deployment cost per watt of the solar energy systems sold or leased.
	Developed Technology – Zep Solar
	Zep Solar developed technology represents 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 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. These 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 operating leases and solar energy systems incentives cost of revenues over the estimated useful lives of the solar energy systems of 30 years.
	Non-Compete Agreement
	Certain 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.
	Riverbend Agreement
	The Riverbend Agreement represents an arrangement with the State of New York whereby the State will construct a facility to manufacture solar panels, procure equipment for use in the facility, and lease the facility to the Company, and the Company will undertake a number of obligations, including meeting specified hiring and capital expenditure requirements, among others.
	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 $16.2 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Of the total amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, $5.3 million is included in operating leases and solar energy systems incentives cost of revenue, $2.1 million is included in solar energy systems and components sales cost of revenue and $8.8 million is included in sales and marketing expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. No intangible assets were impaired during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. However, in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 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):
	Three months ending December 31, 2014	$	8,087
	2015		32,349
	2016		31,846
	2017		30,639
	2018		29,068
	2019		25,722
	Thereafter		74,013
	Total	$	231,724
	Goodwill
	The carrying value of goodwill increased from $148.9 million to $292.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as a result of the Silevo acquisition.

Selected_Balance_Sheet_Compone

Selected Balance Sheet Components	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Selected Balance Sheet Components	'
	5. Selected Balance Sheet Components
	Selected components of the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands):
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(unaudited)
	Inventories:
	Raw materials		$	182,920		$	105,919
	Work in progress			3,035			5,475
	Total		$	185,955		$	111,394
	Solar Energy Systems, Leased and To Be Leased — Net:
	Solar energy systems leased to customers		$	2,097,807		$	1,513,731
	Initial direct costs related to solar energy systems leased to customers			170,881			94,321
				2,268,688			1,608,052
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(137,506	)		(86,457	)
				2,131,182			1,521,595
	Solar energy systems under construction			139,519			53,010
	Solar energy systems to be leased to customers			169,439			107,916
	Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased — net(1)		$	2,440,140		$	1,682,521
	Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits:
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions, net of current portion		$	55,601		$	58,033
	Deferred rent expense			2,818			3,333
	Capital lease obligation			25,920			27,126
	Liability for receipts from investors			24,003			72,520
	Contingent consideration			57,290			—
	Participation interest			15,333			14,114
	Other noncurrent liabilities			34,154			18,313
	Total		$	215,119		$	193,439
	-1	Included in solar energy systems leased to customers as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $66.4 million related to capital leased assets with an accumulated depreciation of $7.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively.

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Indebtedness	'
	6. Indebtedness
	The following is a summary of debt of the Company and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
				Carrying Value, Net
				of Fees
		Unpaid		Current		Long-Term		Unused		Interest Rate		Maturity Dates
		Principal						Borrowing
		Balance						Capacity
	Recourse debt:
	Revolving credit facility	$	143,459	$	—	$	140,214	$	56,541		3.40%	December 2016
	Vehicle loans		10,498		2,788		7,710		—		1.9%–7.5%	March 2015–
												December 2018
	2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018		230,000		—		230,000		—		2.80%	November 2018
	1.625% Convertible senior notes due in 2019		500,000		—		500,000		—		1.60%	November 2019
	Total recourse debt		883,957		2,788		877,924		56,541
	Non-recourse debt:
	Credit facility for SolarStrong		5,600		208		5,163		344,000		6.8%–7.3%	June 2032–
												December 2032
	Term loan assumed from Silevo acquisition		9,103		9,103		—		—		7.80%	June 2015
	Term loan due in May 2016		30,106		—		29,379		94,894		3.20%	May 2016
	Term loan due in December 2016		82,555		—		80,733		167,445		3.4%–3.5%	December 2016
	Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2013-1		50,607		3,285		47,322		—		4.80%	November 2038
	Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-1		68,557		2,740		65,817		—		4.60%	April 2044
	Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-2		201,494		7,437		193,341		—		4.0%–Class A	July 2044
											5.4%–Class B
	Total non-recourse debt		448,022		22,773		421,755		606,339
	Total debt	$	1,331,979	$	25,561	$	1,299,679	$	662,880
	The following is a summary of debt as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
				Carrying Value, Net
				of Fees
		Unpaid		Current		Long-Term		Unused		Interest Rate		Maturity Date
		Principal						Borrowing
		Balance						Capacity
	Recourse debt:
	Revolving credit facility	$	142,531	$	—	$	138,535	$	57,469		3.4%–5.5%	December 2016
	Vehicle loans		6,517		1,789		4,728		—		0.0%–7.5%	March 2015–
												December 2018
	2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018		230,000		—		230,000		—		2.80%	November 2018
	Total recourse debt		379,048		1,789		373,263		57,469
	Non-recourse debt:
	Working capital financing		9,990		1,197		8,793		—		5.5%–5.6%	December 2024
	Credit facility for SolarStrong		5,733		149		5,297		344,000		6.8%–7.3%	June 2032–
												December 2032
	Term loan due in June 2015		87,891		4,192		81,260		12,109		3.4%–3.7%	June 2015
	Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2013-1		52,934		3,155		49,779		—		4.80%	November 2038
	Total non-recourse debt		156,548		8,693		145,129		356,109
	Other debt		95		95		—		—
	Total debt	$	535,691	$	10,577	$	518,392	$	413,578
	Recourse debt refers to debt that is recourse to the Company’s general assets. Non-recourse debt refers to debt that is recourse to only specified assets or subsidiaries of the Company. Below is a description of the Company’s debt.
	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 $200.0 million in 2013. Borrowed funds bear interest at an annual rate of 3.25% plus LIBOR or, at the Company’s option, 2.25% plus the highest of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (ii) Bank of America’s published “prime rate” or (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%. 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. In each of June, July, September and October 2014, the revolving credit facility was amended to increase certain debt covenant thresholds, including those related to permitted investment amounts by the Company, and to make certain changes in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Silevo and issuance of certain loans and debt, among other things. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 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. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2014.
	2.75% Convertible Senior Notes Due in 2018
	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 debt issuance costs were recorded in other assets and are being amortized to interest expense over the contractual term of the convertible senior notes.
	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. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2014.
	1.625% Convertible Senior Notes Due in 2019
	In September 2014, the Company issued $500.0 million in aggregate principal of 1.625% convertible senior notes due on November 1, 2019 through a private placement. The net amount from the issuance, after deducting transaction costs, was $488.3 million. The debt issuance costs were recorded in other assets and are being amortized to interest expense over the contractual term of the convertible senior notes.
	Each $1,000 of principal of the convertible senior notes is initially convertible into 11.9720 shares of the Company’s common stock, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $83.53 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 15.8629 shares for each $1,000 of principal of the convertible senior notes, which is equivalent to a minimum conversion price of $63.04 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. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2014.
	In connection with the issuance of the convertible senior notes in September 2014, the Company paid $57.6 million to enter into a capped call option agreement to reduce the potential dilution to holders of the Company’s common stock upon conversion of the convertible senior notes. The capped call option agreement has a cap price of $126.08 and an initial strike price of $83.53, which is equal to the initial conversion price of the convertible senior notes. The capped call options expire on various dates ranging from September 4, 2019 to October 29, 2019. The capped call option agreement is a separate transaction, is not a part of the terms of the convertible senior notes and does not affect the rights of the convertible senior note holders. The capped call option agreement met the criteria for equity classification and was recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. The capped call option agreement is excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders as its effect is antidilutive.
	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 bore 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 was secured by substantially all of the subsidiary’s assets and was nonrecourse to the Company’s other assets. On July 2, 2014, the Company fully repaid the outstanding balance of and terminated the working capital financing.
	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 $350.0 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. The credit facility is secured by the assets of the SolarStrong initiative and is non-recourse to the Company’s other assets. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2014 and is currently re-evaluating the terms of this facility.
Term Loan Due in June 2015
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 bore interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus 3.25%. The term loan was secured by the assets and cash flows of the subsidiary and was non-recourse to the Company’s other assets. On July 31, 2014, the Company fully repaid the outstanding balance of and terminated the term loan in connection with the issuance of Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-2, as described below.
Term Loan Assumed From Silevo Acquisition
Through the Silevo acquisition, the Company assumed a pre-existing term loan with an outstanding principal balance of $9.1 million. The term loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 7.8% per annum. The term loan is a liability of the JV only and is non-recourse to Company and its other subsidiaries. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2014.
Term Loan Due in May 2016
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 highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (ii) Bank of America’s published “prime rate” or (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%. 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 Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2014.
Term Loan Due in December 2016
On May 23, 2014, a subsidiary of the Company entered into an agreement with a syndicate of banks for a term loan of $125.0 million. The term loan bears interest at an annual rate of 3.00% to 4.00%, depending on the cumulative period the term loan has been outstanding, plus LIBOR or, at the Company’s option, plus the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (ii) Bank of America’s published “prime rate” or (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%. The term loan is secured by certain assets and cash flows of the subsidiary and is non-recourse to the Company’s other assets or cash flows. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2014.
Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2013-1
The Company has structured and entered into various solar asset-backed note securitization transactions pursuant to its financial strategy of monetizing solar assets at the lowest cost of capital.
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, 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 the transfer of these solar assets. As of September 30, 2014, these solar assets had a carrying value of $145.3 million and are included under solar energy systems, leased and to be leased — net, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Solar Asset-backed Notes were issued at a discount of 0.05%. 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 contracted with the SPE to provide operations and maintenance and administrative services for the qualifying solar energy systems. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2014.
In connection with the pooling of the assets that were transferred to the SPE in November 2013, the Company terminated a lease pass-through arrangement with an investor. The lease pass-through arrangement had been accounted for as a borrowing and any amounts outstanding from the lease pass-through arrangement were recorded as a lease pass-through financing obligation. The balance that was then outstanding from the lease pass-through arrangement was $56.4 million. The Company paid the investor an aggregate of $40.2 million, and the remaining balance is to be paid over time. The remaining balance is paid using the net cash flows generated by the same assets previously leased under the lease pass-through arrangement, after payment of the principal and interest on the Solar Asset-backed Notes and expenses related to the assets and the Notes, including asset management fees, custodial fees and trustee fees, and was contractually documented as a right to participate in future cash flows of the SPE. This right to participate in future residual cash flows generated by the assets of the SPE has been disclosed as a component of other liabilities and deferred credits for the noncurrent portion and as a component of accrued and other current liabilities for the current portion under the caption “participation interest.” The Company accounted for the participation interest as a liability because the investor has no voting or management rights in the SPE, the participation interest would terminate upon the investor achieving a specified return and the investor has the option to put the participation interest to the Company on a specified date for the amount necessary for the investor to achieve the specified return, which would require the Company to settle the participation interest on a net basis in cash. In addition, under the terms of the participation interest, the Company has the option to purchase the participation interest from the investor for the amount necessary for the investor to achieve the specified return.
Solar Asset-backed Notes, 2014-1
In April 2014, the Company pooled and transferred qualifying solar energy systems and the associated customer contracts into a SPE and issued $70.2 million in aggregate principal of Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-1, 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 the transfer of these solar assets. As of September 30, 2014, these solar assets had a carrying value of $136.1 million and are included under solar energy systems, leased and to be leased — net, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Solar Asset-backed Notes were issued at a discount of 0.01%. 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 contracted with the SPE to provide operations and maintenance and administrative services for the qualifying solar energy systems. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2014.
In connection with the transfer of the assets into the SPE in April 2014, the Company terminated a lease pass-through arrangement with an entity that is a partnership between the Company and an investor. The partnership is a VIE that is consolidated by the Company as the primary beneficiary. To settle the associated lease pass-through financing obligation, the partnership distributed $74.5 million to the investor, including amounts previously accrued for distribution, and amended the expected future distributions to the investor. Additionally, the contractual documents of the partnership were amended to grant the investor the right to put its interest in the partnership back to the partnership. Accordingly, the carrying value of the investor’s interest in the partnership was reclassified from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries to redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-2
In July 2014, the Company pooled and transferred qualifying solar energy systems and the associated customer contracts into a SPE and issued $160.0 million in aggregate principal of Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-2, Class A, and $41.5 million in aggregate principal of Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-2, Class B, 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 the transfer of these solar assets. As of September 30, 2014, these solar assets had a carrying value of $288.0 million and are included under solar energy systems, leased and to be leased — net, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Solar Asset-backed Notes were issued at a discount of 0.01%. These solar assets and the associated customer contracts are leased to an investor under a lease pass-through arrangement that the Company has accounted for as a borrowing. The rent paid by the investor under the lease pass-through arrangement is used (and, following the expiration of the lease pass-through arrangement, the cash generated by these solar assets will be 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 these solar assets 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 contracted with the SPE to provide operations and maintenance and administrative services for the qualifying solar energy systems. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2014.
In connection with the transfer of the assets into the SPE in July 2014, the Company paid $129.3 million to fully settle the term loan obtained on June 7, 2013, as noted above. As a result, the Company recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $1.5 million is included in other expense, net, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

VIE_Fund_Arrangements

VIE Fund Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
VIE Fund Arrangements	'
	7. VIE Fund 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 September 30, 2014, the investors had contributed an aggregate of $1,333.1 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 the redeployment of solar energy systems. 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 September 30, 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 operations and maintenance 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 September 30, 2014, the assets of one of the funds with a carrying value of $28.0 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 VIEs’ assets and liabilities, after elimination of intercompany transactions and balances, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	23,770	$	35,141
	Restricted cash		892		115
	Accounts receivable – net		7,746		4,802
	Rebates receivable		20,849		17,351
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		603		3,831
	Total current assets		53,860		61,240
	Restricted cash		300		—
	Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased — net		1,245,508		759,148
	Other assets		3,256		2,777
	Total assets	$	1,302,924	$	823,165
	Liabilities
	Current liabilities:
	Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	$	6,934	$	20,390
	Current portion of deferred U.S. Treasury grant income		6,502		6,668
	Accrued and other current liabilities		106		615
	Customer deposits		4,066		5,291
	Current portion of deferred revenue		15,684		13,754
	Current portion of bank borrowings		260		251
	Total current liabilities		33,552		46,969
	Deferred revenue, net of current portion		237,681		206,324
	Bank borrowings, net of current portion		5,340		5,482
	Deferred U.S. Treasury grant income, net of current portion		172,173		180,566
	Other liabilities and deferred credits		10,916		1,893
	Total liabilities	$	459,662	$	441,234

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries	'
	8. 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		194,958
	Net loss		(98,731	)
	Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests		(8,664	)
	Transfers from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		25,248
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests arising from business acquisition		14,174
	Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interests		(2,450	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	169,244

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity	'
	9. Equity
	The changes in total stockholders’ equity and noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries were as follows (in thousands):
		Total			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stockholders’			Interests in			Equity
		Equity			Subsidiaries
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	617,598		$	186,817		$	804,415
	Contributions from noncontrolling interests		—			233,103			233,103
	Stock-based compensation expense		62,799			—			62,799
	Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options for cash		17,498			—			17,498
	Issuance of common stock upon acquisition of Silevo		137,958			—			137,958
	Issuance of restricted stock units upon acquisition of Silevo		132			—			132
	Purchase of capped call options		(57,600	)		—			(57,600	)
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests		2,000			—			2,000
	Net loss		(52,479	)		(82,584	)		(135,063	)
	Transfers to redeemable noncontrolling interests		—			(25,248	)		(25,248	)
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(85,134	)		(85,134	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	727,906		$	226,954		$	954,860

Equity_Award_Plans

Equity Award Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Equity Award Plans	'
	10. 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 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 other specified additional equity awards and cash retainers.
	A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except prices and terms):
		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 $49.58)		4,416			68.72
	Exercised		(2,696	)		6.49						162,645
	Canceled		(1,851	)		33.16
	Outstanding — September 30, 2014		13,818		$	31.16			7.59		$	434,039
	Vested and exercisable — September 30, 2014		6,109		$	8.46			6.27		$	313,101
	Vested and expected to vest — September 30, 2014		12,314		$	28.22			7.46		$	417,841
	Approximately 11.8% of the outstanding stock options had a performance feature that is required to be satisfied before the option is vested and exercisable. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $75.2 million and $39.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $162.6 million and $91.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The grant date fair value of stock options that vested was $12.9 million and $6.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $29.6 million and $16.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was $230.3 million and $103.0 million, respectively, of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, which are expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 2.77 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						Nine Months Ended
		September 30						September 30
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%		0	%
	Annual risk-free rate of return		1.92	%		1.74	%		1.97	%		1.38	%
	Expected volatility		83.51	%		89.95	%		84.51	%		95.2	%
	Expected term (years)		6.08			6.06			6.07			6.05
	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 fair value amounts):
		Restricted			Weighted-
		Stock			Average
		Units			Fair
					Value
	Outstanding — December 31, 2013		20		$	25.46
	Granted		582			69.79
	Released		(12	)		31.29
	Cancelled		(8	)		44.95
	Outstanding — September 30, 2014		582		$	69.04
	Expected to vest — September 30, 2014		452		$	68.89
	The grant date fair value of RSUs released was $0.2 million and $0.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0.4 million and $0.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 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 was $2.8 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $6.3 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was $24.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense from RSUs, which are expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 3.05 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 was $23.4 million and $7.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $62.8 million and $17.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively
	The amount of stock-based compensation expense that has been capitalized is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Capitalized under:
	Inventories	$	44		$	95		$	44		$	95
	Property and equipment		1,401			—			4,223			—
	Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased		5,204			1,861			12,872			4,235
	Stock-based compensation expense is included in cost of revenue and operating expenses as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Cost of revenue	$	302		$	264		$	1,765		$	826
	Sales and marketing		3,968			1,275			10,929			2,578
	General and administrative		10,725			4,067			29,919			9,813
	Research and development		1,756			114			3,047			183

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	11. 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 September 30, 2014 and 2013 was determined based on the Company’s estimated consolidated effective income tax rates of negative 9.19% and 0.07%, respectively. The income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were determined based on the Company’s estimated consolidated effective income tax rates of negative 9.07% and negative 0.06%, 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 intercompany sales between the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries.
	As part of the Company’s asset monetization strategy, the Company has agreements to sell solar energy systems to the consolidated solar financing funds. The gain on these sales has been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements because they are treated as intercompany sales. As such, income tax expense on these sales is not recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements until the Company no longer benefits from the underlying solar energy systems; the taxes incurred are deferred and amortized over the estimated useful life of the underlying solar energy systems of 30 years. This deferral results in the recording of a prepaid tax expense, which is included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as other assets. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had a long-term prepaid tax expense, net of amortization, of $3.4 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The amortization of the prepaid tax expense makes-up the major component of income tax expense for each period.
	As more fully discussed in Note 3, Acquisition, in September 2014, the Company acquired Silevo, a designer and manufacturer of high performance solar cells. The purchase consideration for the acquisition of Silevo, which comprised cash and stock including consideration payable upon Silevo attaining certain production and efficiency milestones, was $251.2 million. The Company recorded a total of $119.0 million of intangible assets and $143.7 million of goodwill as a result of the acquisition. For GAAP purposes, the intangible assets are being amortized over a weighted-average life of approximately ten years. The goodwill associated with this acquisition is not deductible for income tax purposes. The Company also recorded $23.7 million of long-term net deferred tax liabilities that were primarily related to the acquired intangible assets and net operating losses, which provide the Company with a source of future taxable income. The recording of the deferred tax liabilities triggered the release of $23.7 million of deferred tax asset valuation allowances, which was accounted for outside of the purchase accounting for Silevo and was recognized as a benefit of income taxes in the third quarter of 2014. The deferred tax liabilities supporting the realizability of these deferred tax assets will reverse in the same period and jurisdiction and are of the same character as the temporary differences that gave rise to these deferred tax assets.
	Uncertain Tax Positions
	The Company is subject to taxation and files income tax returns in the U.S. and 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 remain subject to audit.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	12. Related Party Transactions
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the following related party transactions and balances (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30				September 30
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenue:
	Solar energy systems sales to related parties	$	—	$	—	$	2,479	$	17
	Expenditures:
	Purchases of inventories from related parties	$	1,113	$	975	$	3,083	$	975
	Referral fees paid or payable to a related party (included in sales and marketing expense)	$	—	$	25	$	92	$	25
	Related party balances
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Due from related parties (included in accounts receivable)	$	30	$	9
	Due to related parties (included in accounts payable)	$	940	$	427
	Due to related parties (included in customer deposits)	$	—	$	83
	Deferred revenue from related parties (included in current portion of deferred revenue)	$	—	$	831

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	13. 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 and vehicles under noncancelable operating leases.
	Indemnification and Guaranteed Returns
	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 independent third-party appraisals commissioned by the Company 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.
	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 September 30, 2014, the fund investor has 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 generally 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 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 are without merit and intends to defend itself vigorously. The Company is unable to estimate the possible loss, if any, associated with this lawsuit.
	On June 5 and 11, 2014, stockholder derivative actions were filed in the Superior Court of California for the County of San Mateo, purportedly on behalf of the Company and against the board of directors, alleging that the board of directors breached its duties to the Company by failing to prevent the conduct alleged in the pending purported stockholder class action lawsuit. The Company is reviewing the claims asserted by the stockholders and is unable to estimate the possible loss, if any, associated with this lawsuit.
	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	14. Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the periods presented (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30					September 30
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$	19,236	$	(2,103	)	$	(52,479	)	$	(82,483	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, basic	$	19,236	$	(2,103	)	$	(52,479	)	$	(82,483	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	19,236	$	(2,103	)	$	(52,479	)	$	(82,483	)
	Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, basic		93,323,687		79,918,110			92,335,789			77,228,677
	Dilutive effect of common stock options		5,993,333		—			—			—
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock units		63,377		—			—			—
	Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted		99,380,397		79,918,110			92,335,789			77,228,677
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, basic	$	0.21	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.57	)	$	(1.07	)
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	0.19	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.57	)	$	(1.07	)
	The following weighted-average outstanding shares of common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share for the periods presented because including them would have been antidilutive:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30					September 30
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Common stock warrants		—		—			—			690,829
	Common stock options		4,888,417		14,090,133			14,459,576			14,564,924
	Restricted stock units		174,342		23,029			194,177			19,026
	Convertible senior notes		3,794,860		—			3,751,722			—

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	15. Subsequent Events
	Solar Bonds Program
	On October 15, 2014, the Company commenced the Solar Bonds program under which the Company plans to issue to the general public senior unsecured obligations of the Company that are structurally subordinate to the indebtedness and other liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries. The initial series of Solar Bonds have investment terms ranging from one to seven years and provide interest to the holders at fixed rates between 2.00% to 4.00% per annum. The Company has initially offered up to $40.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Solar Bonds.
	Exercise of Option on the Convertible Senior Notes by the Initial Purchasers
	On October 10, 2014, the Company issued an additional $66.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 1.625% convertible senior notes due on November 1, 2019, pursuant to the exercise of an option by the initial purchasers to acquire additional convertible senior notes.
	In connection with the issuance of the additional convertible senior notes, the Company paid $7.6 million to enter into an additional capped call option agreement to reduce the potential dilution to holders of the Company’s common stock upon conversion of the additional convertible senior notes. This additional capped call option agreement has the same terms as the initial capped call option agreement.
	New Financing Funds
	In October 2014, the Company formed two new financing funds with new and existing fund investors with an aggregate financing commitment of $113.0 million.
	Pay-Down of Revolving Credit Facility
	In October 2014, the Company paid-down an aggregate of $83.5 million of the outstanding principal of the revolving credit facility.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 3, Acquisition, and Note 7, VIE Fund Arrangements). The Company evaluates its relationships with the VIEs on an ongoing basis to ensure that it continues to be the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Prior period research and development expenses were reclassified from general and administrative expense and disclosed separately as research and development expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the accompanying notes in order to enhance their comparability to current period research and development expenses. The reclassification did not impact prior period results of operations, cash flows, total assets, total liabilities or total equity.
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 and rebates 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 tangible and intangible assets, the fair value of debt assumed under business combinations, the fair value of contingent consideration payable under business combinations, the useful lives of solar energy systems, property and equipment, the determination of accrued warranty, the determination of lease pass-through financing obligations, 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 December 31, 2013, there were no fair value measurements of assets or liabilities subsequent to initial recognition. As of September 30, 2014, the assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis included cash equivalents, short-term investments and contingent consideration (see Note 3, Acquisition). The Company includes highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less under cash equivalents. The Company includes all other highly liquid investments under short-term investments. The Company classifies its short-term investments as available-for-sale. There were no material gains or losses, both realized and unrealized on a specific identification basis, on short-term investments or contingent consideration in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents, short-term investments and contingent consideration were as follows (in thousands):
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	358,152	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments:
	Corporate debt securities			—		36,943		—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration			—		—		95,562
	The Company classified its cash equivalents within Level 1 because it used quoted market prices to determine their fair values. The Company classified its short-term investments within Level 2 because it used alternative pricing sources and models that utilized market observable inputs to determine their fair values. The Company classified its contingent consideration within Level 3 because it used unobservable probability-weighted estimated outcomes and an unobservable estimated discount rate applicable to the acquisition to determine the fair value. The contingent consideration is dependent on the achievement of specified production milestones for the acquired business as discussed in Note 3, Acquisition. The fair value of the contingent consideration is directly proportional to the estimated probability of achievement of these milestones. All corporate debt securities contractually mature within the next 12 months.
	The Company’s financial instruments that were not re-measured at fair value include accounts receivable, rebates 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 these 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (Level 1). The fair value of convertible senior notes was $759.3 million and $273.0 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, based on their last actively traded prices (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 $328.3 million and $52.9 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company has estimated the fair value of the participation interest to be $14.0 million and $15.1 million as of September 30, 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 10 to 30 years. The manufacturer’s warranty on the solar energy systems’ components, which is typically passed-through to customers, ranges from one to 25 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded liabilities of $1.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, under accrued and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, relating to these guarantees based on the Company’s assessment of its current 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 significant other comprehensive income (losses) and no significant 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.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), to replace the existing revenue recognition criteria for contracts with customers and to establish the disclosure requirements for revenue from contracts with customers. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Adoption of the ASU is either retrospective to each prior period presented or retrospective with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings or accumulated deficit as of the adoption date. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), to provide guidance within GAAP requiring management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and requiring related disclosures. The ASU is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016. The Company believes that the ASU will have no impact on its consolidated financial statements.
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 the redeployment of solar energy systems. 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	'
	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 independent third-party appraisals commissioned by the Company 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Company's Cash Equivalents, Short-Term Investments and Contingent Consideration	'
	As of September 30, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents, short-term investments and contingent consideration were as follows (in thousands):
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	358,152		$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments:
	Corporate debt securities		—			36,943		—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration		—			—		95,562
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
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2014
	Balance — beginning of the period	$	7,502
	Change in estimate credited to warranty expense		(614	)
	Current year provision charged to warranty expense		1,507
	Less warranty claims		(386	)
	Balance — end of the period	$	8,009

Acquisition_Tables

Acquisition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Silevo, Inc. [Member]	'
Schedule of Preliminary Determination of Fair Value Purchase Consideration as of Acquisition Date	'
	The table below summarizes the preliminary determination of the fair value of the purchase consideration in the acquired business as of the acquisition date (in thousands):
	Cash	$	326
	Common stock		137,958
	Restricted stock units issued to replace Silevo’s unvested stock options		132
	Amounts advanced to Silevo prior to acquisition and costs paid on behalf of sellers at acquisition		16,760
	Closing consideration payable		413
	Contingent consideration payable		95,562
	Total purchase consideration	$	251,151
Summary of Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities	'
	The following table summarizes the preliminary assessment of the fair values of the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and the noncontrolling interests as of the acquisition date (in thousands).
	Cash	$	2,899
	Accounts receivable		642
	Inventories		8,182
	Prepaid and other assets		899
	Property and equipment		28,281
	Accounts payable and other liabilities		(5,427	)
	Term loan		(9,103	)
	Deferred tax liabilities		(23,706	)
	Intangible assets		119,000
	Total identifiable net assets at fair value		121,667
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests		(14,174	)
	Goodwill		143,658
	Total purchase consideration	$	251,151
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information	'
	The unaudited pro forma financial information for the acquisition of Silevo, as if it had been consummated on January 1, 2013, is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Total revenue	$	60,444		$	48,872
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	11,540		$	(9,424	)
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	0.11		$	(0.11	)
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Total revenue	$	187,885		$	116,880
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(82,671	)	$	(109,181	)
	Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	(0.87	)	$	(1.37	)
Silevo's Joint Venture in China [Member]	'
Summary of Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities	'
	The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of the JV’s assets and liabilities included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
	Cash	$	484
	Inventories		2,764
	Prepaid and other current assets		249
	Property and equipment		25,855
	Total assets	$	29,352
	Accounts payable		3,292
	Accrued and other current liabilities		710
	Term loan		9,103
	Total liabilities	$	13,105

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Intangible Assets	'
	The following is a summary of intangible assets as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Gross		Accumulated			Transfer to			Write offs and			Net
				Amortization			solar energy			cancellations
							systems —
							leased and to be
							leased
	Developed technology — Silevo	$	115,000	$	(221	)	$	—		$	—		$	114,779
	Developed technology — Zep Solar		60,100		(6,924	)		—			—			53,176
	Trademarks and trade names		24,700		(2,846	)		—			—			21,854
	Marketing database		17,427		(3,727	)		—			—			13,700
	PowerSaver agreement		17,077		(1,826	)		—			—			15,251
	Solar energy systems backlog		12,434		—			(10,740	)		(1,642	)		52
	Non-compete agreement		6,959		(1,488	)		—			—			5,471
	Mortgage database		4,628		(1,650	)		—			—			2,978
	Riverbend Agreement		4,000		(8	)		—			—			3,992
	Customer orders backlog		700		(700	)		—			—			—
	Internally developed software		500		(134	)		—			—			366
	Funding commitment		200		(43	)		—			—			157
	Total	$	263,725	$	(19,567	)	$	(10,740	)	$	(1,642	)	$	231,776
Summary of Future Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets	'
	Total future amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
	Three months ending December 31, 2014	$	8,087
	2015		32,349
	2016		31,846
	2017		30,639
	2018		29,068
	2019		25,722
	Thereafter		74,013
	Total	$	231,724

Selected_Balance_Sheet_Compone1

Selected Balance Sheet Components (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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):
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(unaudited)
	Inventories:
	Raw materials		$	182,920		$	105,919
	Work in progress			3,035			5,475
	Total		$	185,955		$	111,394
	Solar Energy Systems, Leased and To Be Leased — Net:
	Solar energy systems leased to customers		$	2,097,807		$	1,513,731
	Initial direct costs related to solar energy systems leased to customers			170,881			94,321
				2,268,688			1,608,052
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(137,506	)		(86,457	)
				2,131,182			1,521,595
	Solar energy systems under construction			139,519			53,010
	Solar energy systems to be leased to customers			169,439			107,916
	Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased — net(1)		$	2,440,140		$	1,682,521
	Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits:
	Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions, net of current portion		$	55,601		$	58,033
	Deferred rent expense			2,818			3,333
	Capital lease obligation			25,920			27,126
	Liability for receipts from investors			24,003			72,520
	Contingent consideration			57,290			—
	Participation interest			15,333			14,114
	Other noncurrent liabilities			34,154			18,313
	Total		$	215,119		$	193,439
	-1	Included in solar energy systems leased to customers as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $66.4 million related to capital leased assets with an accumulated depreciation of $7.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively.

Indebtedness_Tables

Indebtedness (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Debt	'
	The following is a summary of debt of the Company and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
				Carrying Value, Net
				of Fees
		Unpaid		Current		Long-Term		Unused		Interest Rate		Maturity Dates
		Principal						Borrowing
		Balance						Capacity
	Recourse debt:
	Revolving credit facility	$	143,459	$	—	$	140,214	$	56,541		3.40%	December 2016
	Vehicle loans		10,498		2,788		7,710		—		1.9%–7.5%	March 2015–
												December 2018
	2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018		230,000		—		230,000		—		2.80%	November 2018
	1.625% Convertible senior notes due in 2019		500,000		—		500,000		—		1.60%	November 2019
	Total recourse debt		883,957		2,788		877,924		56,541
	Non-recourse debt:
	Credit facility for SolarStrong		5,600		208		5,163		344,000		6.8%–7.3%	June 2032–
												December 2032
	Term loan assumed from Silevo acquisition		9,103		9,103		—		—		7.80%	June 2015
	Term loan due in May 2016		30,106		—		29,379		94,894		3.20%	May 2016
	Term loan due in December 2016		82,555		—		80,733		167,445		3.4%–3.5%	December 2016
	Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2013-1		50,607		3,285		47,322		—		4.80%	November 2038
	Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-1		68,557		2,740		65,817		—		4.60%	April 2044
	Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-2		201,494		7,437		193,341		—		4.0%–Class A	July 2044
											5.4%–Class B
	Total non-recourse debt		448,022		22,773		421,755		606,339
	Total debt	$	1,331,979	$	25,561	$	1,299,679	$	662,880
	The following is a summary of debt as of December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
				Carrying Value, Net
				of Fees
		Unpaid		Current		Long-Term		Unused		Interest Rate		Maturity Date
		Principal						Borrowing
		Balance						Capacity
	Recourse debt:
	Revolving credit facility	$	142,531	$	—	$	138,535	$	57,469		3.4%–5.5%	December 2016
	Vehicle loans		6,517		1,789		4,728		—		0.0%–7.5%	March 2015–
												December 2018
	2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018		230,000		—		230,000		—		2.80%	November 2018
	Total recourse debt		379,048		1,789		373,263		57,469
	Non-recourse debt:
	Working capital financing		9,990		1,197		8,793		—		5.5%–5.6%	December 2024
	Credit facility for SolarStrong		5,733		149		5,297		344,000		6.8%–7.3%	June 2032–
												December 2032
	Term loan due in June 2015		87,891		4,192		81,260		12,109		3.4%–3.7%	June 2015
	Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2013-1		52,934		3,155		49,779		—		4.80%	November 2038
	Total non-recourse debt		156,548		8,693		145,129		356,109
	Other debt		95		95		—		—
	Total debt	$	535,691	$	10,577	$	518,392	$	413,578

VIE_Fund_Arrangements_Tables

VIE Fund Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 VIEs’ assets and liabilities, after elimination of intercompany transactions and balances, in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	23,770	$	35,141
	Restricted cash		892		115
	Accounts receivable – net		7,746		4,802
	Rebates receivable		20,849		17,351
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		603		3,831
	Total current assets		53,860		61,240
	Restricted cash		300		—
	Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased — net		1,245,508		759,148
	Other assets		3,256		2,777
	Total assets	$	1,302,924	$	823,165
	Liabilities
	Current liabilities:
	Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	$	6,934	$	20,390
	Current portion of deferred U.S. Treasury grant income		6,502		6,668
	Accrued and other current liabilities		106		615
	Customer deposits		4,066		5,291
	Current portion of deferred revenue		15,684		13,754
	Current portion of bank borrowings		260		251
	Total current liabilities		33,552		46,969
	Deferred revenue, net of current portion		237,681		206,324
	Bank borrowings, net of current portion		5,340		5,482
	Deferred U.S. Treasury grant income, net of current portion		172,173		180,566
	Other liabilities and deferred credits		10,916		1,893
	Total liabilities	$	459,662	$	441,234

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte1

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		194,958
	Net loss		(98,731	)
	Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests		(8,664	)
	Transfers from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		25,248
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests arising from business acquisition		14,174
	Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interests		(2,450	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	169,244

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes in Total Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	'
	The changes in total stockholders’ equity and noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries were as follows (in thousands):
		Total			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stockholders’			Interests in			Equity
		Equity			Subsidiaries
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	617,598		$	186,817		$	804,415
	Contributions from noncontrolling interests		—			233,103			233,103
	Stock-based compensation expense		62,799			—			62,799
	Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options for cash		17,498			—			17,498
	Issuance of common stock upon acquisition of Silevo		137,958			—			137,958
	Issuance of restricted stock units upon acquisition of Silevo		132			—			132
	Purchase of capped call options		(57,600	)		—			(57,600	)
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests		2,000			—			2,000
	Net loss		(52,479	)		(82,584	)		(135,063	)
	Transfers to redeemable noncontrolling interests		—			(25,248	)		(25,248	)
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests		—			(85,134	)		(85,134	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	727,906		$	226,954		$	954,860

Equity_Award_Plans_Tables

Equity Award Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'
	A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except prices and terms):
		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 $49.58)		4,416			68.72
	Exercised		(2,696	)		6.49						162,645
	Canceled		(1,851	)		33.16
	Outstanding — September 30, 2014		13,818		$	31.16			7.59		$	434,039
	Vested and exercisable — September 30, 2014		6,109		$	8.46			6.27		$	313,101
	Vested and expected to vest — September 30, 2014		12,314		$	28.22			7.46		$	417,841
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						Nine Months Ended
		September 30						September 30
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%		0	%
	Annual risk-free rate of return		1.92	%		1.74	%		1.97	%		1.38	%
	Expected volatility		83.51	%		89.95	%		84.51	%		95.2	%
	Expected term (years)		6.08			6.06			6.07			6.05
Summary of RSU Activity	'
	A summary of RSU activity is as follows (in thousands, except fair value amounts):
		Restricted			Weighted-
		Stock			Average
		Units			Fair
					Value
	Outstanding — December 31, 2013		20		$	25.46
	Granted		582			69.79
	Released		(12	)		31.29
	Cancelled		(8	)		44.95
	Outstanding — September 30, 2014		582		$	69.04
	Expected to vest — September 30, 2014		452		$	68.89
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Capitalized	'
	The amount of stock-based compensation expense that has been capitalized is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Capitalized under:
	Inventories	$	44		$	95		$	44		$	95
	Property and equipment		1,401			—			4,223			—
	Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased		5,204			1,861			12,872			4,235
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						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Cost of revenue	$	302		$	264		$	1,765		$	826
	Sales and marketing		3,968			1,275			10,929			2,578
	General and administrative		10,725			4,067			29,919			9,813
	Research and development		1,756			114			3,047			183

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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				Nine Months Ended
		September 30				September 30
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenue:
	Solar energy systems sales to related parties	$	—	$	—	$	2,479	$	17
	Expenditures:
	Purchases of inventories from related parties	$	1,113	$	975	$	3,083	$	975
	Referral fees paid or payable to a related party (included in sales and marketing expense)	$	—	$	25	$	92	$	25
Summary of Related Party Balances	'
	Related party balances
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Due from related parties (included in accounts receivable)	$	30	$	9
	Due to related parties (included in accounts payable)	$	940	$	427
	Due to related parties (included in customer deposits)	$	—	$	83
	Deferred revenue from related parties (included in current portion of deferred revenue)	$	—	$	831

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_L1

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Company's Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the periods presented (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30					September 30
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$	19,236	$	(2,103	)	$	(52,479	)	$	(82,483	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, basic	$	19,236	$	(2,103	)	$	(52,479	)	$	(82,483	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	19,236	$	(2,103	)	$	(52,479	)	$	(82,483	)
	Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, basic		93,323,687		79,918,110			92,335,789			77,228,677
	Dilutive effect of common stock options		5,993,333		—			—			—
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock units		63,377		—			—			—
	Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted		99,380,397		79,918,110			92,335,789			77,228,677
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, basic	$	0.21	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.57	)	$	(1.07	)
	Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$	0.19	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.57	)	$	(1.07	)
Schedule of Weighted-Average Outstanding Shares of Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Computation of Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	The following weighted-average outstanding shares of common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share for the periods presented because including them would have been antidilutive:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30					September 30
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Common stock warrants		—		—			—			690,829
	Common stock options		4,888,417		14,090,133			14,459,576			14,564,924
	Restricted stock units		174,342		23,029			194,177			19,026
	Convertible senior notes		3,794,860		—			3,751,722			—

Organization_Additional_Inform

Organization - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value measurements of assets on recurring basis	'	$0
Fair value measurements of liabilities on recurring basis	'	0
Highly liquid investments maturities period	'Three months or less	'
Estimated fair value	14,000,000	15,100,000
Company generally provides a warranty on the generating and non-generating parts of the solar energy systems	'10 to 30 years	'
Liability recorded relating to guarantees	1,300,000	1,000,000
Specified minimum solar energy production output guarantee term	'20 years	'
Other comprehensive income (losses)	0	'
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 25 years	'
Asset-backed notes [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated fair value	328,300,000	52,900,000
Convertible senior notes [Member]	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated fair value	$759,300,000	$273,000,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures - Fair Value of Company's Cash Equivalents, Short-Term Investments and Contingent Consideration (Detail) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 1 [Member]	'
Cash equivalents:	'
Money market funds	$358,152
Level 2 [Member]	'
Short-term investments:	'
Corporate debt securities	36,943
Level 3 [Member]	'
Liabilities:	'
Contingent consideration	$95,562

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures - Schedule of Changes in Accrued Warranty Balance (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]	'
Balance - beginning of the period	$7,502
Change in estimate credited to warranty expense	-614
Current year provision charged to warranty expense	1,507
Less warranty claims	-386
Balance - end of the period	$8,009

Acquisition_Additional_Informa

Acquisition - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 23, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 23, 2014
Silevo, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash consideration paid	'	$326,000	'	'
Common stock issued for acquisition	'	2,284,070	'	'
Common stock shares held in escrow	'	429,301	'	'
Contingent consideration	'	'	'	95,562,000
Aggregate fair value of common stock on acquisition date	'	137,958,000	'	'
Purchase consideration advance	'	'	'	15,800,000
Estimated useful life	'	'	'10 years	'
Revenue from acquisition	0	'	'	'
Net loss from acquisition	200,000	'	'	'
General and administration cost incurred during acquisition	3,500,000	'	'	'
Silevo, Inc. [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Contingent consideration	'	$150,000,000	'	$150,000,000
Silevo's Joint Venture in China [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership interest acquired	65.70%	'	65.70%	'
Term of agreement	'	'	'1 year	'
Automatic renewal period	'	'	'1 year	'
Right of acquisition period	'	'	'5 years	'

Acquisition_Schedule_of_Prelim

Acquisition - Schedule of Preliminary Determination of Fair Value Purchase Consideration as of Acquisition Date (Detail) (Silevo, Inc. [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 23, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 23, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash	$326	'	'
Common stock	137,958	'	'
Amounts advanced to Silevo prior to acquisition and costs paid on behalf of sellers at acquisition	16,760	'	'
Closing consideration payable	413	'	'
Contingent consideration payable	'	'	95,562
Total purchase consideration	251,151	251,200	'
Unvested Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common stock	$132	'	'

Acquisition_Summary_of_Fair_Va

Acquisition - Summary of Fair Value of Assets Acquired, Liabilities Assumed and Noncontrolling Interest (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$292,500	$148,900
Silevo, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Cash	2,899	'
Accounts receivable	642	'
Inventories	8,182	'
Prepaid and other assets	899	'
Property and equipment	28,281	'
Accounts payable and other liabilities	-5,427	'
Term loan	-9,103	'
Deferred tax liabilities	-23,706	'
Intangible assets	119,000	'
Total identifiable net assets at fair value	121,667	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	-14,174	'
Goodwill	143,658	'
Total purchase consideration	$251,151	'

Acquisition_Unaudited_Pro_Form

Acquisition - Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information (Detail) (Silevo, Inc. [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Silevo, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenue	$60,444	$48,872	$187,885	$116,880
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$11,540	($9,424)	($82,671)	($109,181)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$0.11	($0.11)	($0.87)	($1.37)

Acquisition_Summary_of_Carryin

Acquisition - Summary of Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (Silevo's Joint Venture in China [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Silevo's Joint Venture in China [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Cash	$484
Inventories	2,764
Prepaid and other current assets	249
Property and equipment	25,855
Total assets	29,352
Accounts payable	3,292
Accrued and other current liabilities	710
Term loan	9,103
Total liabilities	$13,105

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Material changes recorded in goodwill and intangible assets	'	'	$0	'	'
Amortization expense for intangible assets	'	'	16,200,000	600,000	'
Intangible assets impairment	'	'	0	'	'
Operating leases and solar energy systems incentives	25,728,000	8,619,000	62,533,000	21,165,000	'
Solar energy systems and components sales	6,640,000	26,128,000	57,057,000	65,849,000	'
Sales and marketing	56,472,000	24,310,000	159,093,000	63,533,000	'
Changes in carrying value of goodwill	292,500,000	'	292,500,000	'	148,900,000
Amortization expense [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating leases and solar energy systems incentives	'	'	5,300,000	'	'
Solar energy systems and components sales	'	'	2,100,000	'	'
Sales and marketing	'	'	8,800,000	'	'
PowerSaver agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum available additional loan capacity	25,000	'	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 $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	$263,725
Accumulated Amortization	-19,567
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	-10,740
Write offs and cancellations	-1,642
Intangible asset, Net	231,776
Trademarks and trade names [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	24,700
Accumulated Amortization	-2,846
Intangible asset, Net	21,854
Marketing database [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	17,427
Accumulated Amortization	-3,727
Intangible asset, Net	13,700
PowerSaver agreement [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	17,077
Accumulated Amortization	-1,826
Intangible asset, Net	15,251
Solar energy systems backlog [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	12,434
Intangible asset, Transfer to solar energy systems - leased and to be leased	-10,740
Write offs and cancellations	-1,642
Intangible asset, Net	52
Non-compete agreement [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	6,959
Accumulated Amortization	-1,488
Intangible asset, Net	5,471
Mortgage database [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	4,628
Accumulated Amortization	-1,650
Intangible asset, Net	2,978
Riverbend Agreement [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	4,000
Accumulated Amortization	-8
Intangible asset, Net	3,992
Customer orders backlog [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	700
Accumulated Amortization	-700
Internally developed software [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	500
Accumulated Amortization	-134
Intangible asset, Net	366
Funding commitment [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	200
Accumulated Amortization	-43
Intangible asset, Net	157
Silevo, Inc. [Member] | Developed technology [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	115,000
Accumulated Amortization	-221
Intangible asset, Net	114,779
Zep Solar [Member] | Developed technology [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible assets acquired, Gross	60,100
Accumulated Amortization	-6,924
Intangible asset, Net	$53,176

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Future Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
Three months ending December 31, 2014	$8,087
2015	32,349
2016	31,846
2017	30,639
2018	29,068
2019	25,722
Thereafter	74,013
Total	$231,724

Selected_Balance_Sheet_Compone2

Selected Balance Sheet Components - Components of Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories:	'	'
Raw materials	$182,920	$105,919
Work in progress	3,035	5,475
Total	185,955	111,394
Solar Energy Systems, Leased and To Be Leased - Net:	'	'
Solar energy systems leased to customers	2,097,807	1,513,731
Initial direct costs related to solar energy systems leased to customers	170,881	94,321
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased, gross	2,268,688	1,608,052
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-137,506	-86,457
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased gross, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,131,182	1,521,595
Solar energy systems under construction	139,519	53,010
Solar energy systems to be leased to customers	169,439	107,916
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased - net	2,440,140	1,682,521
Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits:	'	'
Deferred gain on sale-leaseback transactions, net of current portion	55,601	58,033
Deferred rent expense	2,818	3,333
Capital lease obligation	25,920	27,126
Liability for receipts from investors	24,003	72,520
Contingent consideration	57,290	'
Participation interest	15,333	14,114
Other noncurrent liabilities	34,154	18,313
Total	$215,119	$193,439

Selected_Balance_Sheet_Compone3

Selected Balance Sheet Components - Components of Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Solar energy systems [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	$7.30	$5.30

Indebtedness_Summary_of_Debt_D

Indebtedness - Summary of Debt (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018 [Member]

Other Debt [Member]

1.625% Convertible senior notes due in 2019 [Member]

Recourse debt [Member]

Recourse debt [Member]

Recourse debt [Member]

Recourse debt [Member]

Recourse debt [Member]

Recourse debt [Member]

Recourse debt [Member]

Recourse debt [Member]

Recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Non-recourse debt [Member]

Revolving credit facility [Member]

Revolving credit facility [Member]

Vehicle loans [Member]

Vehicle loans [Member]

2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018 [Member]

2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018 [Member]

1.625% Convertible senior notes due in 2019 [Member]

Working capital financing [Member]

Credit facility for Solar Strong [Member]

Term loan due in June 2015 [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2013-1 [Member]

Credit facility for SolarStrong [Member]

Term loan assumed from Silevo acquisition [Member]

Term loan due in May 2016 [Member]

Term loan due in December 2016 [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2013-1 [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-1 [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-2 [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-2 [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-2 [Member]

Class A [Member]

Class B [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unpaid Principal Balance, Carrying Value

$1,331,979

$535,691

'

$95

'

$883,957

$379,048

$143,459

$142,531

$10,498

$6,517

$230,000

$230,000

$500,000

$448,022

$156,548

$9,990

$5,733

$87,891

$52,934

$5,600

$9,103

$30,106

$82,555

$50,607

$68,557

$201,494

'

'

Current, Carrying Value, Net of Fees

25,561

10,577

'

95

'

2,788

1,789

'

'

2,788

1,789

'

'

'

22,773

8,693

1,197

149

4,192

3,155

208

9,103

'

'

3,285

2,740

7,437

'

'

Long-Term, Carrying Value, Net of Fees

1,299,679

518,392

'

'

'

877,924

373,263

140,214

138,535

7,710

4,728

230,000

230,000

500,000

421,755

145,129

8,793

5,297

81,260

49,779

5,163

'

29,379

80,733

47,322

65,817

193,341

'

'

Unused Borrowing Capacity

$662,880

$413,578

'

'

'

$56,541

$57,469

$56,541

$57,469

'

'

'

'

'

$606,339

$356,109

'

$344,000

$12,109

'

$344,000

'

$94,894

$167,445

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate, Low

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.40%

3.40%

1.90%

0.00%

2.80%

2.80%

1.60%

'

'

5.50%

6.80%

3.40%

4.80%

6.80%

7.80%

3.20%

3.40%

4.80%

4.60%

'

4.00%

5.40%

Interest Rate, High

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.40%

5.50%

7.50%

7.50%

2.80%

2.80%

1.60%

'

'

5.60%

7.30%

3.70%

4.80%

7.30%

7.80%

3.20%

3.50%

4.80%

4.60%

'

4.00%

5.40%

Maturity Date

'

'

1-Nov-18

'

1-Nov-19

'

'

31-Dec-16

31-Dec-16

'

'

30-Nov-18

30-Nov-18

30-Nov-19

'

'

31-Dec-24

'

30-Jun-15

30-Nov-38

'

30-Jun-15

31-May-16

31-Dec-16

30-Nov-38

30-Apr-44

31-Jul-44

'

'

Maturity Date, Start

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Mar-15

31-Mar-15

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-32

'

'

30-Jun-32

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity Date, End

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Dec-18

31-Dec-18

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Dec-32

'

'

31-Dec-32

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Indebtedness_Additional_Inform

Indebtedness - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

26-May-10

Nov. 21, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 20, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 20, 2014

Feb. 20, 2014

Feb. 04, 2014

Mar. 20, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

23-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 06, 2014

Jan. 06, 2014

Jun. 07, 2013

Jan. 06, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Working Capital Financing [Member]

Working Capital Financing [Member]

Subsidiary [Member]

Series 2013-1 [Member]

Term loan due in May 2016 [Member]

Term loan due in May 2016 [Member]

Term loan due in May 2016 [Member]

Term loan due in May 2016 [Member]

Term loan due in May 2016 [Member]

Term loan due in May 2016 [Member]

Term loan due in December 2016 [Member]

Term loan due in December 2016 [Member]

Term loan due in December 2016 [Member]

Term loan due in December 2016 [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes [Member]

Lease pass-through financing obligation [Member]

Lease pass-through financing obligation [Member]

2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018 [Member]

2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018 [Member]

2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018 [Member]

2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018 [Member]

2.75% Convertible senior notes due in 2018 [Member]

1.625% Convertible senior notes due in 2019 [Member]

1.625% Convertible senior notes due in 2019 [Member]

1.625% Convertible senior notes due in 2019 [Member]

1.625% Convertible senior notes due in 2019 [Member]

Term loan due in June 2015 [Member]

Term loan due in June 2015 [Member]

Term loan due in June 2015 [Member]

Term loan due in June 2015 [Member]

Term loan assumed from Silevo acquisition [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]

Loans

February 4, 2014 agreement [Member]

February 4, 2014 agreement [Member]

February 4, 2014 agreement [Member]

February 4, 2014 agreement [Member]

February 4, 2014 agreement [Member]

February 4, 2014 agreement [Member]

May 23, 2014 agreement [Member]

May 23, 2014 agreement [Member]

May 23, 2014 agreement [Member]

May 23, 2014 agreement [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-2, Class A [Member]

Solar Asset-backed Notes, Series 2014-2, Class B [Member]

Series 2013-1 [Member]

Series 2014-1 [Member]

Series 2014-1 [Member]

June 7, 2013 agreement [Member]

VIE, primary beneficiary [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Public offering [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Public offering [Member]

June 7, 2013 agreement [Member]

June 7, 2013 agreement [Member]

June 7, 2013 agreement [Member]

June 7, 2013 agreement [Member]

Silevo, Inc. [Member]

Revolving credit facility [Member]

Revolving credit facility [Member]

Revolving credit facility [Member]

Revolving credit facility [Member]

Revolving credit facility [Member]

Revolving credit facility [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Working Capital Loans Facility [Member]

Working Capital Loans Facility [Member]

Working Capital Loans Facility [Member]

Working Capital Loans Facility [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

Federal Funds Rate [Member]

LIBOR Option 2 [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving line of credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

$75,000,000

'

'

'

Credit facility interest rate terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'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 $200.0 million in 2013. Borrowed funds bear interest at an annual rate of 3.25% plus LIBOR or, at the Companybs option, 2.25% plus the highest 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%

'

'

'

'

'

Basis interest rate

'

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.25%

'

'

'

'

3.25%

0.50%

1.00%

Borrowed funds, base interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.25%

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible senior notes issued date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Oct-13

'

'

'

'

30-Sep-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible senior notes aggregate principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

230,000,000

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from convertible debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

222,500,000

'

'

'

488,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Nov-18

'

'

'

'

1-Nov-19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan facility interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.75%

'

'

'

'

1.63%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.80%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible senior notes conversion amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible senior notes number of equity instrument for each $1,000 of principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16.2165

'

21.4868

'

11.972

'

15.8629

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible senior notes conversion price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$61.67

$46.54

'

'

$83.53

$63.04

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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.

'

'

'

'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.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capped call option agreement price

57,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

57,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cap price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

126.08

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial strike price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

83.53

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, Expiry date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4-Sep-19

29-Oct-19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum amount to be borrowed under financing agreement

'

'

'

16,300,000

350,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of funded tranches

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, interest rate terms

'

'

'Each tranche bore 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 highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (ii) Bank of America's published "prime rate" or (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%.

'

'

'

'

'Company's option, plus the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (ii) Bank of America's published "prime rate" or (iii) LIBOR plus 1.00%.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan by subsidiary, amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

220,000,000

100,000,000

'

'

125,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

158,000,000

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Facility interest rate description

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR plus 3.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR plus 3.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pre-existing term loan with an outstanding principal balance

1,299,679,000

518,392,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Solar asset-backed notes aggregate principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

145,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

288,000,000

160,000,000

41,500,000

54,400,000

70,200,000

136,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt discount percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.01%

'

'

0.05%

0.01%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lease financing obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lease financing obligation termination

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,200,000

74,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Settlement of term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

129,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on debt extinguishment

($1,504,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

VIE_Fund_Arrangements_Addition

VIE Fund Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'
Investors contribution to variable interest equity	'	$1,333.10
Total consideration paid	0.5	'
Carrying value of the assets	'	$28

VIE_Fund_Arrangements_Carrying

VIE Fund Arrangements - Carrying Values of Assets and Liabilities of Subsidiary in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$696,516		$577,080		$132,986	$160,080
Restricted cash	22,710		19,182		'	'
Accounts receivable - net	22,931		23,011		'	'
Rebates receivable	26,313		20,131		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	46,001		27,020		'	'
Total current assets	1,049,465		787,663		'	'
Restricted cash	607		301		'	'
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased - net	2,440,140		1,682,521		'	'
Other assets	70,438		38,473		'	'
Total assets	4,149,380	[1]	2,809,534	[1]	'	'
Current liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Current portion of deferred U.S. Treasury grant income	15,330		15,340		'	'
Accrued and other current liabilities	133,657		72,157		'	'
Customer deposits	8,268		8,828		'	'
Current portion of deferred revenue	83,016		59,899		'	'
Total current liabilities	510,105		338,206		'	'
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	515,098		410,161		'	'
Deferred U.S. Treasury grant income, net of current portion	401,319		412,469		'	'
Total liabilities	3,025,276	[1]	1,960,410	[1]	'	'
Subsidiary of Common Parent [Member]	'		'		'	'
Current assets:	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	23,770		35,141		'	'
Restricted cash	892		115		'	'
Accounts receivable - net	7,746		4,802		'	'
Rebates receivable	20,849		17,351		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	603		3,831		'	'
Total current assets	53,860		61,240		'	'
Restricted cash	300		'		'	'
Solar energy systems, leased and to be leased - net	1,245,508		759,148		'	'
Other assets	3,256		2,777		'	'
Total assets	1,302,924		823,165		'	'
Current liabilities:	'		'		'	'
Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,934		20,390		'	'
Current portion of deferred U.S. Treasury grant income	6,502		6,668		'	'
Accrued and other current liabilities	106		615		'	'
Customer deposits	4,066		5,291		'	'
Current portion of deferred revenue	15,684		13,754		'	'
Current portion of bank borrowings	260		251		'	'
Total current liabilities	33,552		46,969		'	'
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	237,681		206,324		'	'
Bank borrowings, net of current portion	5,340		5,482		'	'
Deferred U.S. Treasury grant income, net of current portion	172,173		180,566		'	'
Other liabilities and deferred credits	10,916		1,893		'	'
Total liabilities	$459,662		$441,234		'	'
[1]	SolarCity Corporation's, or the Company's, consolidated assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $1,332,276 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 $1,245,508 and $759,148 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; property and equipment-net, of $25,855 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; cash and cash equivalents of $24,254 and $35,141 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; inventory, of $2,764 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; restricted cash, current, of $892 and $115 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accounts receivable, net, of $7,746 and $4,802 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; prepaid expenses and other assets of $852 and $3,831 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; rebates receivable of $20,849 and $17,351 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; restricted cash, noncurrent, of $300 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and other assets of $3,256 and $2,777 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company's consolidated liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include $29,811 and $32,029, 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 $6,934 and $20,390 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accounts payable of $3,292 and $0 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; customer deposits of $4,066 and $5,291 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; accrued liabilities and other payables of $816 and $615 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; and bank borrowings of $14,703 and $5,733 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Redeemable_Noncontrolling_Inte2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries - Activity of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	$804,415	'
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	'	'	233,103	'
Net loss	-70,116	-37,810	-233,794	-111,962
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	'	'	-85,134	'
Transfers from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	'	'	-25,248	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests arising from business acquisition	'	'	2,000	'
Ending balance	954,860	'	954,860	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'	'	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	44,709	'
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	'	'	194,958	'
Net loss	'	'	-98,731	'
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	'	'	-8,664	'
Transfers from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	'	'	25,248	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests arising from business acquisition	'	'	14,174	'
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interests	'	'	-2,450	'
Ending balance	$169,244	'	$169,244	'

Equity_Schedule_of_Changes_in_

Equity - Schedule of Changes in Total Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	$804,415	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	'	233,103	'
Stock-based compensation expense	23,400	7,700	62,799	17,700
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options for cash	'	'	17,498	'
Purchase of capped call options	'	'	-57,600	'
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	'	'	2,000	'
Net loss	'	'	-135,063	'
Transfers to redeemable noncontrolling interests	'	'	-25,248	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	-85,134	'
Ending balance	954,860	'	954,860	'
Silevo, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock upon acquisition of Silevo	'	'	137,958	'
Issuance of restricted stock units upon acquisition of Silevo	'	'	132	'
Total Stockholders' Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	617,598	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	62,799	'
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options for cash	'	'	17,498	'
Purchase of capped call options	'	'	-57,600	'
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	'	'	2,000	'
Net loss	'	'	-52,479	'
Ending balance	727,906	'	727,906	'
Total Stockholders' Equity [Member] | Silevo, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock upon acquisition of Silevo	'	'	137,958	'
Issuance of restricted stock units upon acquisition of Silevo	'	'	132	'
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	186,817	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	'	233,103	'
Net loss	'	'	-82,584	'
Transfers to redeemable noncontrolling interests	'	'	-25,248	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	'	'	-85,134	'
Ending balance	$226,954	'	$226,954	'

Equity_Award_Plans_Additional_

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

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 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]

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

'

'

4,416,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000

15,000

'

'

'

'

'

Annual cash retainer

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised

75,200,000

39,900,000

162,645,000

91,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Grant date fair market value of options that vested

12,900,000

6,400,000

29,600,000

16,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unrecognized stock-based compensation

230,300,000

'

230,300,000

'

103,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,900,000

'

24,900,000

'

500,000

Weighted-average period

'

'

'

'2 years 9 months 7 days

'2 years 8 months 27 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of outstanding stock options, before vested and exercisable

'

'

11.80%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Grant date fair value of RSUs released

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

100,000

400,000

100,000

'

Stock-based compensation expense

'

'

45,660,000

13,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,800,000

200,000

6,300,000

300,000

'

Weighted-average exercise period

'

'

'7 years 7 months 2 days

'

'7 years 6 months 7 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 18 days

'

'1 year 11 months 27 days

Stock-based compensation expense

$23,400,000

$7,700,000

$62,799,000

$17,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity_Award_Plans_Summary_of_

Equity Award Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Options, Outstanding, Balance	'	'	13,949	'	'
Stock Options, Granted	'	'	4,416	'	'
Stock Options, Exercised	'	'	-2,696	'	'
Stock Options, Canceled	'	'	-1,851	'	'
Stock Options, Outstanding, Balance	13,818	'	13,818	'	13,949
Stock Options, Vested and exercisable	6,109	'	6,109	'	'
Stock Options, Vested and expected to vest	12,314	'	12,314	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Balance	'	'	$14.77	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	'	'	$68.72	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	'	'	$6.49	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Canceled	'	'	$33.16	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Balance	$31.16	'	$31.16	'	$14.77
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and exercisable	$8.46	'	$8.46	'	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest	$28.22	'	$28.22	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding	'	'	'7 years 7 months 2 days	'	'7 years 6 months 7 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and exercisable	'	'	'6 years 3 months 7 days	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and expected to vest	'	'	'7 years 5 months 16 days	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, Balance	'	'	$586,740	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Granted	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised	75,200	39,900	162,645	91,900	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Canceled	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, Balance	434,039	'	434,039	'	586,740
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and exercisable	313,101	'	313,101	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and expected to vest	$417,841	'	$417,841	'	'

Equity_Award_Plans_Summary_of_1

Equity Award Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Weighted-average fair value, Granted	$49.58

Equity_Award_Plans_Summary_of_2

Equity Award Plans - Summary of Fair Value of Stock Options Using Weighted-Average Assumptions (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Annual risk-free rate of return	1.92%	1.74%	1.97%	1.38%
Expected volatility	83.51%	89.95%	84.51%	95.20%
Expected term (years)	'6 years 29 days	'6 years 22 days	'6 years 26 days	'6 years 18 days

Equity_Award_Plans_Summary_of_3

Equity Award Plans - Summary of RSU Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 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	582
Restricted Stock Units, Released	-12
Restricted Stock Units, Cancelled	-8
Restricted Stock Units, Outstanding, Ending balance	582
Restricted Stock Units, Expected to vest - September 30, 2014	452
Weighted-Average Fair Value, Outstanding, Beginning balance	$25.46
Weighted-Average Fair Value, Granted	$69.79
Weighted-Average Fair Value, Released	$31.29
Weighted-Average Fair Value, Cancelled	$44.95
Weighted-Average Fair Value, Outstanding, Ending balance	$69.04
Weighted-Average Fair Value, Expected to vest - September 30, 2014	$68.89

Equity_Award_Plans_Summary_of_4

Equity Award Plans - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Capitalized (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventories [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, net of amounts capitalized	$44	$95	$44	$95
Property and Equipment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, net of amounts capitalized	1,401	'	4,223	'
Solar Energy Systems, Leased and to be Leased [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, net of amounts capitalized	$5,204	$1,861	$12,872	$4,235

Equity_Award_Plans_Summary_of_5

Equity Award Plans - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cost of revenue [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$302	$264	$1,765	$826
Sales and marketing [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	3,968	1,275	10,929	2,578
General and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	10,725	4,067	29,919	9,813
Research and development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,756	$114	$3,047	$183

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 23, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
						Silevo, Inc. [Member]	Silevo, Inc. [Member]	Solar energy systems leased and to be leased [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated consolidated effective income tax rates	-9.19%	0.07%	-9.07%	-0.06%	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives of solar energy systems	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'30 years
Long-term prepaid tax expense	$3,400,000	'	$3,400,000	'	$3,700,000	'	'	'
Purchase consideration for acquisition	'	'	'	'	'	251,151,000	251,200,000	'
Acquisition of intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	119,000,000	'
Acquisition of goodwill	292,500,000	'	292,500,000	'	148,900,000	'	143,658,000	'
Weighted-average life of intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'10 years	'
Long-term deferred tax liabilities primarily related to acquired intangible assets and net operating losses	$11,499,000	'	$11,499,000	'	$9,238,000	'	$23,700,000	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Com

Related Party Transactions - Components of Related Party Transactions (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue:	'	'	'	'
Solar energy systems sales to related parties	'	'	$2,479	$17
Expenditures:	'	'	'	'
Purchases of inventories from related parties	1,113	975	3,083	975
Referral fees paid or payable to a related party (included in sales and marketing expense)	'	$25	$92	$25

Related_Party_Transactions_Sum

Related Party Transactions - Summary of Related Party Balances (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'
Due from related parties (included in accounts receivable)	$30	$9
Due to related parties (included in accounts payable)	940	427
Due to related parties (included in customer deposits)	'	83
Deferred revenue from related parties (included in current portion of deferred revenue)	'	$831

Basic_and_Diluted_Net_Income_L2

Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Computation of Company's Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	$19,236	($2,103)	($52,479)	($82,483)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, basic	19,236	-2,103	-52,479	-82,483
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$19,236	($2,103)	($52,479)	($82,483)
Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, basic	93,323,687	79,918,110	92,335,789	77,228,677
Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	99,380,397	79,918,110	92,335,789	77,228,677
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, basic	$0.21	($0.03)	($0.57)	($1.07)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$0.19	($0.03)	($0.57)	($1.07)
Common Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dilutive effect of common stock	5,993,333	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dilutive effect of common stock	63,377	'	'	'

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 Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 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	'	'	'	690,829
Common 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	4,888,417	14,090,133	14,459,576	14,564,924
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	174,342	23,029	194,177	19,026
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	3,794,860	'	3,751,722	'

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 15, 2014	Oct. 15, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014	Oct. 15, 2014	Oct. 15, 2014
			Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
			Funds	Solar Bond Program [Member]	Solar Bond Program [Member]	Convertible senior notes [Member]	Convertible senior notes [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
								Solar Bond Program [Member]	Solar Bond Program [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument interest rate term range	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'7 years
Debt instrument minimum fixed interest rate range	'	'	'	2.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument maximum fixed interest rate range	'	'	'	4.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amount of bonds	$1,331,979,000	$535,691,000	'	'	$40,000,000	'	$66,000,000	'	'
Convertible senior notes, interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.63%	'	'
Debt instrument maturity date	'	'	'	'	'	1-Nov-19	'	'	'
Payment of convertible senior notes	'	'	'	'	'	7,600,000	'	'	'
Number of fund classes	'	'	2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate funds available for financing	'	'	113,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Paid-down of principal revolving credit facility, amount	'	'	$83,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'