Lowe's, the world’s second-largest home improvement retailer, announced it is entering the emerging smart energy market, with a system called Iris that allows home energy management, automation, and monitoring.
U.K.-based AlertMe will provide the hardware and cloud-based computing system behind Iris, which gives customers the ability to control and interact with their home from anywhere using their smart phones or computers.
The new services will allow customers to control thermostats, locks, lighting, and appliances. Customers can also monitor their homes with video cameras and door, motion, and fire sensors.
Lowe’s says Iris will offer simple, scalable solutions that homeowners can install for themselves at price points attractive to the mass market. The system will be available in mid-2012.
“While there have been various simple applications such as remote management of HVAC systems that have delivered significant savings, until now, there have been few comprehensive offerings aimed at the mass market,” said Stuart Sikes, president of Parks Associates, specialists in emerging consumer technology products and services.
Bart King is a PR consultant and principal at Cleantech Communications.
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Bart King is the founder and principal at New Growth Communications. He specializes in helping sustainability leaders develop thought leadership content and strategy
Published Jan 6, 2012 4pm EST / 1pm PST / 9pm GMT / 10pm CET