Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name Plan Name [Domain] Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Employee stock purchase plan. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] ESPP offering period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Number of purchase periods Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Purchase Periods Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Purchase Periods Maximum percentage in payroll deductions to acquire shares of common stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Rate Maximum deductible fair market value of shares available for employee to purchase per calendar year Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Maximum Deductible Fair Market Value Of Shares Per Calendar Year Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award maximum deductible fair market value of shares per calendar year. Maximum number of shares available for employee to purchase per offering period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Employee Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Indebtedness Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, tax expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Recognized interest expense on derivatives into earnings, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Recognized interest expense on derivatives into earnings, tax expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax Additional amount to be classified as an increase to interest expense during next 12 months Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities, operating cash flows from operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities, operating cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities, financing cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Weighted average remaining lease term (years), operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted average remaining lease term (years), finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted average discount rate, operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Weighted average discount rate, finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Award Type Award Type [Axis] Equity Award Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Number of awards, unvested, balance (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Number of awards, granted (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Number of awards, issued (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Number of awards, forfeited (in units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Number of awards, unvested, balance (in units) Weighted-average grant date fair value, unvested, beginning balance (in dollars per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant date fair value, granted (in dollars per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant date fair value, issued (in dollars per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant date fair value, forfeited (in dollars per unit) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant date fair value, unvested, ending balance (in dollars per unit) Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Accrued employee compensation Accrued Employee Benefits, Current Operating lease obligations Operating Lease, Liability, Current Accrued interest Deposit Liabilities, Accrued Interest Accrued professional fees Accrued Professional Fees, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Number of business activities Number Of Business Activities Number of business activities. Customer agreement, initial term Customer Agreement, Initial Term Customer Agreement, Initial Term Customer agreement, renewal term Customer Agreement, Renewal Term Customer Agreement, Renewal Term Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Previously Reported Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Adoption Impact Restatement Adjustment [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 and ASC 842 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 and Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 and Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Solar energy systems, net Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Accrued expenses and other liabilities Deferred revenue, current portion Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred grants, current portion Deferred Grant Current Portion Deferred grant current portion. Pass-through financing obligation, current portion Lease Pass Through Financing Obligation Current Portion Lease pass-through financing obligation, current portion. Deferred revenue, net of current portion Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Deferred grants, net of current portion Deferred Grant Income Noncurrent Deferred grant income noncurrent. Pass-through financing obligation, net of current portion Lease Pass Through Financing Obligation Net Of Current Portion Lease pass-through financing obligation, net of current portion. Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Products and Services Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services Products and Services [Domain] Solar energy systems Solar Energy Systems [Member] Solar energy systems. Products Products [Member] Products. Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Customer agreements Operating Leases, Income Statement, Minimum Lease Revenue Incentives Government Tax Rebates And Other Incentives Government tax rebates and other incentives. Customer agreements and incentives Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Solar energy systems and product sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Total revenue Revenues Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net income available to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average shares used to compute net income per share attributable to common stockholders, basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average effect of potentially dilutive shares to purchase common stock (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Weighted average shares used to compute net income per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net income per share available to common stockholders Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Number of Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of stock options, outstanding, balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Number of stock options, granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Number stock options, exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Number of stock options, cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Number of stock options, outstanding, balance (in shares) Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted-average exercise price, outstanding, balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-average exercise price, granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-average exercise price, exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-average exercise price, cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted-average exercise price, outstanding, balance (in dollars per share) Weighted-average remaining contractual life, options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Options vested and exercisable, number of options (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested And Exercisable Number Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options vested and exercisable number. Options vested and exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options vested and exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options vested and exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Cash Cash Restricted cash Restricted Cash Total Cash and Restricted Cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Finance lease cost: Finance Lease, Cost [Abstract] Finance lease cost, amortization of right-of-use assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Finance lease cost, interest on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Expense Short-term lease cost Short-term Lease, Cost Variable lease cost Variable Lease, Cost Total lease cost Lease, Cost Schedule of carrying values and fair values of debt instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value, financial instruments measured on recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Revenue: Customer agreements and incentives Cost of customer agreements and incentives Cost Of Revenue For Operating Leases And Incentives Cost of revenue for operating leases and incentives. Sales and marketing Selling and Marketing Expense General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Diluted (in dollars per share) Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of income taxes Less interest income (expense) on derivatives recognized into earnings, net of income taxes Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Financial Instrument Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments Financial Instruments [Domain] Fair Value, Hierarchy Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Derivative assets Derivative Asset Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net [Abstract] Pass-Through Financing Obligations Lease Pass Through Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Lease pass through obligation disclosure. Equity [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable Non Controlling Interests [Member] Redeemable non controlling interests. Total Stockholders' Equity Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Increase From Subsidiary Equity Issuance Redeemable noncontrolling interest increase from subsidiary equity issuance. Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Decrease From Distributions Redeemable noncontrolling interest decrease from distributions. Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-16 and ASU 2016-09 Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of restricted stock units, net of tax withholdings Restricted Stock Value Share Issued Net Of Tax Withholdings Restricted stock value share issued net of tax withholdings. Stock based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Contributions from noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Distributions to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Balance at end of period Number of funds, carrying value adjusted to redemption value Number of Funds, Carrying Value Adjusted to Redemption Value Number of Funds, Carrying Value Adjusted to Redemption Value Summary of stock option activity Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of activity for all restricted stock units (RSUs) Share-based Compensation, Performance Shares Award Nonvested Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of stock-based compensation expense Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Customer agreements and incentives Operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of solar energy systems and product sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Research and development Research and Development Expense Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Loss from operations Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense, net Other expenses (income), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Net loss Net income available to common stockholders Weighted average shares used to compute net income per share available to common stockholders Weighted average shares used to compute net income per share attributable to common stockholders, basic (in shares) Weighted average shares used to compute net income per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted (in shares) Schedule of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest, total stockholders' equity and noncontrolling interests Schedule Of Changes In Stockholders Equity Redeemable Non Controlling Interest And Non Controlling Interest Table [Text Block] Schedule of Changes in stockholders equity redeemable non-controlling interest and non-controlling interest. Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of other assets Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Bank line of credit Bank Line Of Credit [Member] Bank line of credit. Senior debt Senior Debt [Member] Senior Debt [Member] Subordinated debt Subordinated Debt [Member] Securitization debt Securitization Debt [Member] Securitization Debt [Member] SREC Loans SREC Loans [Member] SREC Loans [Member] Measurement Basis Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Debt instrument, fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Warrants Warrant [Member] Warrant, term Class of Warrant or Right, Term Class of Warrant or Right, Term Warrant, number purchased Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Warrant, exercise price (in dollars per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Warrant, vesting percentage Class of Warrant or Right, Vesting Percentage Class of Warrant or Right, Vesting Percentage Warrant, milestone one, solar energy systems Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone One Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone One Warrant, milestone, marketing and sales dollars Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone One, Dollar Value Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone One, Dollar Value Warrant, vesting term Class of Warrant or Right, Vesting Term Class of Warrant or Right, Vesting Term Warrant, milestone two, solar energy systems Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone Two Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone Two Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Solar energy systems under lease pass-through fund arrangements Solar Energy Systems Under Lease Pass Through Arrangements [Member] Solar energy systems under lease pass through arrangements Range Range [Axis] Range Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Initial lease term Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Solar energy systems, gross Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Gross Depreciation on lease Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Accumulated Depreciation Discount on expected remaining lease payments Percentage Of Discount On Expected Remaining Lease Payments Percentage of discount on expected remaining lease payments. Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Authority, Name Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Income Tax Authority Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority Income Tax Authority [Domain] State State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Effective income tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits income tax penalties and interest accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Unrecognized tax benefits, reduction resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Net operating loss carryforwards, Year of expiration Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiration Year Operating loss carryforwards expiration year. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Solar Energy Systems Disclosure [Abstract] Solar energy systems disclosure. Solar energy system equipment costs Equipment [Member] Inverters Inverters [Member] Inverters. Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Add: construction-in-progress Construction in Progress, Gross Total solar energy systems, net Computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of shares excluded from computation of diluted net income per share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Equity Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Lease expense and other information related to leases Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Accrued expenses and other liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Abstract] Variable interest entity disclosure. VIE Arrangements Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Costs to obtain contracts Capitalized Contract Cost, Gross Accumulated amortization of costs to obtain contracts Capitalized Contract Cost, Accumulated Amortization Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Other assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Other assets, total Amortization cost Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Restricted cash Restricted Cash At Carrying Value Restricted cash at Carrying value. Accounts receivable, net Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Total assets (1) Assets Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests Distributions Payable To Noncontrolling Interests And Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Distributions payable to non-controlling interests and redeemable non-controlling interests. Non-recourse debt, current portion Non Recourse Debt Current Non recourse debt current. Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Non-recourse debt, net of current portion Non Recourse Debt Noncurrent Non recourse debt noncurrent. Total liabilities (1) Liabilities Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Carrying amounts and classification of the VIEs' assets and liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheets Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Customer receivables Contract with Customer, Asset, Gross, Current Unbilled receivables Unbilled Receivables, Current Other receivables Other Receivables, Gross, Current Rebates receivable Rebates Receivable, Current, Gross Rebates Receivable, Current, Gross Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accounts receivable, net Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Contracted SRECs Contracted Solar Renewable Energy Credits [Member] Contracted solar renewable energy credits. Uncontracted SRECs Uncontracted Solar Renewable Energy Credits [Member] Uncontracted solar renewable energy credits. Term Loan Due in October 2024 Term Loan Due in October 2024 [Member] Term Loan Due in October 2024 [Member] Term Loan Due in April 2024 Term Loan Due in April 2024 [Member] Term Loan Due in April 2024 [Member] Term Loan B Term Loan B [Member] Term loan B. Term Loan B, Class A Term Loan B, Class A [Member] Term Loan B, Class A [Member] Term Loan B, Class B Term Loan B, Class B [Member] Term Loan B, Class B Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Term loan. Term Loan A Term Loan A [Member] Term loan A. Bank term loan due September 2020 Bank Loan Due September 2020 [Member] Bank Loan Due September 2020 [Member] Banke Term Loan Due April 2022 Bank Term Loan Due April Twenty Twenty Two [Member] Bank term loan due April twenty twenty two. Bank term loans due September 2022, Tranche One Bank Term Loan Due September Twenty Twenty Two Tranche One [Member] Bank Term Loan Due September Twenty Twenty Two Tranche One [Member] Bank term loans due September 2022, Tranche Two Bank Term Loan Due September Twenty Twenty Two Tranche Two [Member] Bank Term Loan Due September Twenty Twenty Two Tranche Two [Member] Securitization loans Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Aggregation facility, March 2023 Aggregation Facility March 2023 [Member] Aggregation Facility March 2023 [Member] Aggregation facility, December 2021 Aggregation Facility December 2021 [Member] Aggregation Facility December 2021 [Member] Minimum Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] LIBOR Floor Rate Libor Floor Rate [Member] Libor floor rate member. Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Senior secured revolving letter of credit facility Senior Secured Revolving Letter Of Credit Facility [Member] Senior secured revolving letter of credit facility. Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Recourse debt Recourse Debt [Member] Recourse Debt Member Non recourse debt Non Recourse Debt [Member] Non Recourse Debt Member Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Minimum unencumbered liquid assets to be maintained Minimum Unencumbered Liquid Assets Minimum unencumbered liquid assets. Interest coverage ratio Interest Coverage Ratio Interest coverage ratio. Loan outstanding balance Long-term Debt Basis spread on Federal Funds Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Federal Funds Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Federal Funds Rate Facility available period Revolving Line Of Credit Facility Available Period Increase Revolving line of credit facility available period increase. Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate, periodic increase Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Periodic Increase Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Periodic Increase Revolving line of credit facility available period, period increase Revolving Line Of Credit Facility Available Period, Period Increase Revolving Line Of Credit Facility Available Period, Period Increase Term loan prepayment penalty, percent Term Loan Prepayment Penalty Percent Term Loan Prepayment Penalty Percent Secured borrowings assets carrying amount Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount Debt, weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Senior Subordinated Securitization Class A Securitization Debt, Class A [Member] Securitization Debt, Class A [Member] Securitization Class B Securitization Debt, Class B [Member] Securitization Debt, Class B [Member] SREC Loans Long term debt, current Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long term debt, noncurrent Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long term debt Unused borrowing capacity Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Other Assets Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of customer agreements and incentives Cost Of Operating Leases And Incentives [Member] Cost of operating leases and incentives. Cost of solar energy systems and product sales Cost Of Solar Energy Systems And Product Sales [Member] Cost of solar energy systems and product sales. Sales and marketing Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] Research and development Research and Development Expense [Member] General and administration General and Administrative Expense [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Compensation expense recognized Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Schedule of debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization, net of amortization of deferred grants Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Interest on pass-through financing obligations Interest On Lease Financing Interest on lease financing. Reduction in pass-through financing obligations Reduction In Lease Pass Through Financing Obligations Reduction in lease pass through financing obligations. Other noncash losses and expenses Other Noncash Expense Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities and Other Operating Liabilities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Payments for the costs of solar energy systems Payments For Cost Of Solar Energy Systems To Be Leased Payments for the cost of solar energy systems to be leased. Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Proceeds from state tax credits, net of recapture Proceeds From State Tax Credits Net Of Recapture Proceeds from state tax credits, net of recapture arrangements. Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Repayment of debt Repayments of Debt Payment of debt fees Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Proceeds from pass-through financing obligations Proceeds From Lease Pass Through Financing Obligations Proceeds from lease pass through financing obligations. Contributions received from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from exercises of stock options, net of withholding taxes paid on restricted stock units Proceeds (Payments) From Stock Options Exercised And Issuance Of Shares In Connection With Employee Stock Purchase Plan Proceeds (Payments) From Stock Options Exercised And Issuance Of Shares In Connection With Employee Stock Purchase Plan Payment of finance lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net change in cash and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Cash and restricted cash, beginning of period Cash and restricted cash, end of period Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Cash paid for taxes Income Taxes Paid Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Purchases of solar energy systems and property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued expenses Purchases Of Solar Energy Systems And Property And Equipment Included In Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses Purchases of solar energy systems and property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Purchases of solar energy systems included in non-recourse debt Notes Assumed Distributions payable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests Accrued Distributions To Noncontrolling Interests And Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Accrued distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests. Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letter of credit, fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Purchase commitment Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Total Inventory, Net Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Accounts receivable (net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $2,454 and $1,665 as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively) State tax credits receivable State Tax Credits Receivable Current State tax credits receivable current. Inventories Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill Goodwill Liabilities and total equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Finance lease obligations, current portion Capital Lease Obligations, Current Finance lease obligations, net of current portion Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Recourse debt Long-term Line of Credit Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value—authorized, 200,000 shares as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017; no shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.0001 par value—authorized, 2,000,000 shares as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017; issued and outstanding, 108,681 and 107,350 shares as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total equity Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and total equity Liabilities and Equity Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Basis Of Presentation And Principles Of Consolidation Policy Policy [Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for basis of presentation and principles of consolidation. Reclassifications Reclassifications Policy Policy [Text Block] Reclassifications Policy. Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Solar Energy Systems, net Solar Energy Systems Disclosure [Text Block] Solar energy systems disclosure. Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Topic 230 and ASC 842 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 & Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 & Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 & Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 & Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] Net cash used in operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net change in cash and restricted cash Allowance for doubtful accounts Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Total assets Total liabilities Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue Deferred grants Deferred Grants Deferred grants. Non-recourse debt Deferred Revenue Arrangement, by Type [Table] Deferred Revenue Arrangement, by Type [Table] Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Axis] Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Axis] Deferred Revenue [Domain] Deferred Revenue [Domain] Under Customer Agreements: Payments Under Customer Agreements [Member] Payments Under Customer Agreements [Member] Under SREC contracts: SREC Contracts [Member] SREC Contracts [Member] Deferred Revenue Status [Axis] Deferred Revenue Status [Axis] Deferred Revenue Status [Axis] Deferred Revenue Status [Domain] Deferred Revenue Status [Domain] [Domain] for Deferred Revenue Status [Axis] Payments received Payments Received [Member] Payments Received [Member] Financing component balance Financing [Member] Financing [Member] Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items] Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items] Deferred revenue, revenue recognized Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized Contract with customer, liability Contract with Customer, Liability Revenue expected to recognize over next twelve months, percent Contract With Customer, Revenue Expected to Recognize Over Next Twelve Months, Percent Contract With Customer, Revenue Expected to Recognize Over Next Twelve Months, Percent Revenue recognized, term Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Revenue recognized, term, existing deferred revenue Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period, Prior Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period, Prior Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Power purchase or lease agreement term Number of types of investment funds used by the company Number Of Investment Funds Used By Entity Number of types of investment funds used by entity. Organization Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Credit Derivatives Contract Type Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Interest rate swap, 8/31/2022-9/30/2022 Interest Rate Swap Contract One [Member] Interest rate swap contract one Interest rate swap, 4/30/2024-10/31/2024 Interest Rate Swap Contract Two [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Two Interest rate swap, 10/31/2028 Interest Rate Swap Contract Three [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Three Interest rate swap, 6/20/2030 Interest Rate Swap Contract Four [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Four Interest rate swap, 9/30/2031 Interest Rate Swap Contract Five [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Five Interest rate swap, 4/20/2032 Interest Rate Swap Contract Six [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Six Interest rate swap, 7/31/2034 Interest Rate Swap Contract Seven [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Seven Interest rate swap, 7/31/2035 Interest Rate Swap Contract Eight [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Eight [Member] Interest rate swap, 10/31/2036 Interest Rate Swap Contract Nine [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Nine [Member] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items] Quantity Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Hedge interest rates Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative asset, fair market value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liability, fair market value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Outstanding stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Unvested restricted stock units Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of net income per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Summary of derivative instruments Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of revenue from external customers Revenue From External Customers Table [Text Block] Revenue from external customers. Adoption of new accounting pronouncement Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Cash and restricted cash Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Accounts receivable, net Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, by Arrangement, Disclosure [Table Text Block] Solar energy systems, net Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Table Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating leases, 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Operating leases, 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating leases, 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating leases, 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating leases, 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating leases, thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating leases, future lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Operating leases, future lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Operating leases, amount representing interest Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Operating lease obligations Operating lease obligations, net of current portion Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Finance Leases Capital Leases of Lessee [Abstract] Finance leases, 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Finance leases, 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years Finance leases, 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years Finance leases, 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years Finance leases, 2022 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Finance leases, thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Finance leases, future lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Finance leases, amount representing interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Finance leases, present value of future payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Finance lease obligations, current portion Leases [Abstract] Depreciation expense Depreciation Amortization of deferred grants Amortization Of Deferred Grants Amortization of deferred grants.