July 14, 2008 - Johnson Controls, known for its energy-saving building solutions, is making the (short) leap to on-site renewable energy generation. The industrial giant has begun selling solar energy kits to schools and businesses looking to lower electricity costs even further, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.

"This is our attempt just to take the mystery out of [solar energy]," says Don Albinger, director of renewable energy programs for Johnson Controls. "It's meant to give [customers] their first taste."

The end goal is to incorporate renewable energy into its core suite of energy solutions, according to Albinger. "Every energy efficiency project that we're involved with should have a solar component to it," he says.

The company plans to start big by undertaking its largest project to date incorporating solar energy into the refurb of its own headquarters.

Johnson Controls' earnings were up 29% in the fourth quarter of last year, due in large part to higher demand for company services that improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

The company expects to expand considerably over the next five years, adding 60,000 jobs worldwide.

Last October, Johnson Controls unveiled a new corporate identity, that reflects its vision of "a more comfortable, safe, and sustainable world. For a look inside the company's rebranding effort, read our interview with senior execs Darryll Fortune and Monica Levy."