The FINANCIAL — Americans across all ages and geographies are joining the movement, with nearly 40 percent of people, or 92 million Americans, planning to "disown" this summer alone, according to the study commissioned by Sunrun and conducted online by Harris Interactive.
An earlier survey found that 83 percent, or 195 million Americans, would participate in disownership if they could do so easily.
As millions of Americans begin making annual summer travel plans, it's no surprise that vacation homes are the most popular item people plan to disown this summer (15 percent), followed by cars (14 percent). But in addition to expected vacation items, the third most-popular item consumers plan to disown this summer are household tools such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, saws, and carpentry tools (13 percent), according toHarris Interactive Inc.
More than half of American families (52 percent of households with a child/children under age 18 present) will be renting, borrowing or leasing traditionally-owned items this summer, and of those families, 52 percent will be doing so because it makes vacationing easier and/or more affordable. Overall, 49 percent of Americans who plan to disown this summer said they plan to do so because it makes vacationing easier and more affordable, while 40 percent plan to disown this summer as a result of a desire to save money.
Sunrun helped fuel the disownership trend in 2007 when it invented solar service – also known as "third party-owned solar" – as a way for families to easily go solar without having to buy a solar system. Sunrun has the system installed on a homeowner's roof, often for no upfront fee, and then charges them a low monthly rate for power. Families generally pay less than they were paying their local utility for conventional electricity, the report shows.
"Disownership is quickly becoming the new normal. This modern and personalized form of consumer choice allows Americans to spend less but still have a valuable experience – and in some cases gain access to services they may not have been able to afford previously," said Lynn Jurich, Sunrun co-Founder and co-CEO. "Solar is a great example of this trend – Sunrun allows Americans to go solar without high upfront costs or the hassle of system ownership and can help lower their home energy bill," Jurich added.
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