Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Developed technology Developed Technology Rights [Member] Trade names Trade Names [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Estimated useful lives Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life 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] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Residential solar energy systems Residential Solar Systems [Member] Residential Solar Systems [Member] Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items] Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items] Power purchase or lease agreement term Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Deferred revenue Contract with Customer, Liability Deferred revenue, revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Contracted but not yet recognized Contract with Customer, Amount Not Yet Recognized Contract with Customer, Amount Not Yet Recognized 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, existing deferred revenue Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period, Prior Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period, Prior Residential solar energy system, average age Property, Plant and Equipment, Average Age Property, Plant and Equipment, Average Age Revenue recognized, term Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] 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. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of (income) loss before income taxes Schedule Of Loss Before Income Taxes Table [Text Block] Schedule of loss before income taxes. Schedule of income tax provision (benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of the statutory federal rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of uncategorized tax benefits Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Schedule of summarization of tax years that remain open and subject to examination by tax authorities Summary of Income Tax Examinations [Table Text Block] Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of prepaid expenses and other current assets Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Customer agreements and incentives Service [Member] Service [Member] Solar energy systems and product sales Product [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 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Total revenue Revenues Cost of solar energy systems and product sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders, basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders, diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Summary of intangible assets, net Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of expected amortization of intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Subtotal Long-term Debt, Gross Less: Debt discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Total Long-term Debt Income attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Solar Energy Systems Disclosure [Abstract] Solar energy systems disclosure. Depreciation expense Depreciation Amortization of deferred grants Amortization Of Deferred Grants Amortization of deferred grants. Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Abstract] Variable interest entity disclosure. Carrying amounts and classification of VIE's asset and liabilities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Other Assets Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of accrued expenses and other liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] 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] Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value 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 (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Total assets Assets Solar energy systems, net Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net Cash Cash Restricted cash Restricted Cash, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities 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. Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities Deferred grants Deferred Grants Deferred grants. Non-recourse debt Non-Recourse Debt Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of the year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reversal of prior year unrecognized tax benefits due to the expiration of the statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized tax benefits at end of the year Other Assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Costs to obtain contracts Capitalized Contract Cost, Gross Accumulated amortization of costs to obtain contracts Capitalized Contract Cost, Accumulated Amortization Unbilled receivables Unbilled Receivables, Current Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Other assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Total Amortization cost Amortization of Deferred Sales Commissions Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating leases, 2019 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months Operating leases, 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Operating leases, 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Operating leases, 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Operating leases, 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Operating leases, thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Operating leases, future lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, 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, present value of future payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Operating leases, amont not on Balance Sheet Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Off Balance Sheet Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Off Balance Sheet Operating leases, revised present value of future payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount, Revised Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount, Revised Operating lease, current portion Operating Lease, Liability, Current Operating leases, long term portion Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Sublease Income Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Sublease income, 2019 Sublease Income, Payments Due Next Twelve Months Sublease Income, Payments Due Next Twelve Months Sublease income, 2020 Sublease Income, Payments Due Year Two Sublease Income, Payments Due Year Two Sublease income, 2021 Sublease Income, Payments Due Year Three Sublease Income, Payments Due Year Three Sublease income, 2022 Sublease Income, Payments Due Year Four Sublease Income, Payments Due Year Four Sublease income, 2023 Sublease Income, Payments Due Year Five Sublease Income, Payments Due Year Five Sublease income, thereafter Sublease Income, Payments Due After Year Five Sublease Income, Payments Due After Year Five Sublease income, future payments Sublease Income, Payments Due Sublease Income, Payments Due Net Operating Leases Net Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Net Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Net operating leases, 2019 Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months Net operating leases, 2020 Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Net operating leases, 2021 Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Net operating leases, 2022 Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Net operating leases, 2023 Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Net operating leases, thereafter Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Net operating leases, future lease payments Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Net operating leases, present value of future payments Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Net operating leases, revised present value of future payments Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount, Revised Lessee, Net Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount, Revised Net operating leases, long term portion Net Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Net Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Finance leases Finance Lease Liabilities, Payments, Due [Abstract] Finance leases, 2019 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months Finance leases, 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Finance leases, 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Finance leases, 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Finance leases, 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Finance leases, thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Finance leases, future lease payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Finance leases, amount representing interest Finance Lease, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Finance Lease, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Finance leases, present value of future payments Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Finance lease obligations, current portion Finance Lease, Liability, Current Finance lease obligations, net of current portion Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Bank line of credit Bank Line Of Credit [Member] Bank line of credit. 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 Due in December 2020 Term Loan Due in December 2020 [Member] Term Loan Due in December 2020 [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 Loan Due September 2020 Bank Loan Due September 2020 [Member] Bank Loan Due September 2020 [Member] Subordinated debt Subordinated Debt [Member] Bank term loan due April 2022 Bank Term Loan Due April Twenty Twenty Two [Member] Bank term loan due April twenty twenty two. Bank term loan 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] Bank term loan due January 2030 Bank Term Loan Due January Twenty Thirty [Member] Bank Term Loan Due January Twenty Thirty [Member] Securitization loans Solar Asset Backed Notes [Member] Solar asset backed notes. SREC Loans SREC Loans [Member] SREC Loans [Member] Lender Name Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Aggregation Facility, October 2024 Aggregation Facility, October 2024 [Member] Aggregation Facility, October 2024 [Member] Aggregation facility Aggregation Facility [Member] Aggregation facility. Revolving Loan Facility, September 2020 Revolving Loan Facility, September 2020 [Member] Revolving Loan Facility, September 2020 [Member] Variable Rate Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] Prime Rate Prime 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 Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Subsidiary three Subsidiary Three [Member] Subsidiary Three [Member] Subsidiary one Subsidiary One [Member] Subsidiary One [Member] Subsidiary two Subsidiary Two [Member] Subsidiary Two [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt instrument, 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. Debt covenant, liability maintenance Debt Covenant, Liability Maintenance Debt Covenant, Liability Maintenance Interest coverage ratio Interest Coverage Ratio Interest coverage ratio. Loan outstanding balance Prepayment penalty Debt Instrument, Prepayment Penalty Debt Instrument, Prepayment Penalty Prepayment penalty percent Term Loan Prepayment Penalty Percent Term Loan Prepayment Penalty Percent 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, federal funds rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Federal Funds Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Federal Funds Rate Debt instrument, 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 Secured borrowing, carrying amount Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount Debt instrument discount rate Debt Instrument Discount Rate Debt instrument discount rate. Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Redeemable noncontrolling interest. Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Total Stockholders' Equity Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Beginning balance, (in shares) Shares, Issued Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cumulative effect of adoption of new ASU's (No. 2016-13 and No. 2016-16) Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Beginning balance, adjusted Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount, Adjusted Balance Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount, Adjusted Balance Beginning balance, adjusted Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance Exercise of stock options (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of restricted stock units, net of tax withholdings (in shares) Restricted Stock, Shares Issued Net of Shares for Tax Withholdings Issuance of restricted stock units, net of tax withholdings Restricted Stock, Value, Shares Issued Net of Tax Withholdings Shares issued in connection with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Shares issued in connection with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Acquisition of noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Distributions to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Issuance of shares due to business acquisition in 2015 (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Issuance of shares due to business acquisition in 2015 Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Offering costs in connection with underwritten public offering Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Net income (loss) Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Before Cumulative Adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Before Cumulative Adjustment Ending balance Ending balance Ending balance, (in shares) Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract] Accruals and prepaids Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Deferred revenue Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income Net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Stock-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Investment tax and other credits Deferred Tax Assets, Investments Interest Expense Deferred Tax Asset, Interest Carryforward Deferred Tax Asset, Interest Carryforward Interest rate derivatives Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Less: Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Deferred revenue Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Deferred Income Capitalized initial direct costs Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Other Capitalized Costs Fixed asset depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities Depreciable Fixed Assets Deferred tax liabilities depreciable fixed assets. Deferred tax on investment in partnerships Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments Gross deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net VIE Arrangements Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Results of Operations Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Schedule of property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Total Inventory, Net Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Solar energy system equipment costs Equipment [Member] Inverters Inverters [Member] Inverters. Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Solar energy systems, gross Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Accumulated Depreciation Add: construction-in-progress Construction in Progress, Gross Total solar energy systems, net Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax Interest (expense) income on derivatives recognized into earnings, net of income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent 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 Sublease income Sublease Income Total lease cost Lease, Cost Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Tax provision (benefit) at federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State income taxes, net of federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Effect of noncontrolling and redeemable noncontrolling interests Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss), Percent Stock-based compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Percent Effect of prepaid tax asset Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Percent Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent Effect of federal rate change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Effect of valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Total Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other expense (income) Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Swap Swap [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI (1) Gain (loss) reclassification from OCI Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax Less: Cumulative effect of adoption of new ASU (No. 2017-12) (3) Net gain (loss) on derivatives Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax Tax (expense) benefit, unrealized gain (loss) recognized in OCI Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, Tax Tax benefit (expense), (loss) gain reclassified from OCI to earnings Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, Tax Tax (expense), cumulative effect of adoption of new asU Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Tax Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Photovoltaic Modules Photovoltaic Modules [Member] Photovoltaic modules. Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Settled litigation Settled Litigation [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Slovin et al. v. Sunrun Inc. and Clean Energy Experts, LLC Slovin et al. v. Sunrun Inc. and Clean Energy Experts, LLC [Member] Slovin et al. v. Sunrun Inc. and Clean Energy Experts, LLC [Member] Cohen, et al. v. Sunrun Inc., et al. Cohen, et al. v. Sunrun Inc., et al. [Member] Cohen, et al. v. Sunrun Inc., et al. [Member] Fink, et al. v. Sunrun Inc., et al. Fink, et al. v. Sunrun Inc., et al. [Member] Fink, et al. v. Sunrun Inc., et al. [Member] 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 Settlement amount, accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Settlement amount, funded by insurers Loss Contingency, Undiscounted Amount of Insurance-related Assessment Liability Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Table] Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Credit Derivatives Contract Type Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Axis] Credit Derivatives Contract Type Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain] Interest rate swap, effective 5/21/2018, maturity 9/20/2020 Interest Rate Swap Contract One [Member] Interest rate swap contract one Interest rate swap, effective 4/29/2016, maturity 8/31/2022 Interest Rate Swap Contract Two [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Two Interest rate swap, effective 7/31/2017-1/31/2019, maturity 4/30/2024-10/31/2024 Interest Rate Swap Contract Three [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Three Interest rate swap, effective 4/30/2021, maturity 10/30/2026-10/31/2026 Interest Rate Swap Contract Four [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Four Interest rate swap, effective 10/22/2018, maturity 9/20/2027 Interest Rate Swap Contract Five [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Five Interest rate swap, effective 9/20/2020, maturity 6/20/2030 Interest Rate Swap Contract Six [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Six Interest rate swap, effective 9/20/2020, maturity 1/20/2031 Interest Rate Swap Contract Seven [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Seven Interest rate swap, effective 1/31/2019-10/31/2024, maturity 7/31/2034 Interest Rate Swap Contract Eight [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Eight [Member] Interest rate swap, effective 7/31/2017-4/30/2024, maturity 7/31/2035 Interest Rate Swap Contract Nine [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Nine [Member] Interest rate swap, effective 1/31/2018-10/18/2024, maturity 10/31/2036 Interest Rate Swap Contract Ten [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Ten [Member] Interest rate swap, effective 1/31/2019-4/30/2021, maturity 4/30/2037 Interest Rate Swap Contract Eleven [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Eleven [Member] Interest rate swap, effective 10/30/2026-10/31/2026, maturity 1/31/2038 Interest Rate Swap Contract Twelve [Member] Interest Rate Swap Contract Twelve [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 Fair Market Value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Senior Senior Debt [Member] Senior Debt [Member] 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] Long term debt, current Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long term debt, Noncurrent Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Unused Borrowing Capacity Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Summary of stock option activity Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Estimated fair value of stock options Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Summary of activity for all 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] Schedule of unrealized gain or loss recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Offsetting assets Offsetting Assets [Table Text Block] Offsetting liabilities Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of derivative instruments classified as derivative assets Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Clean Energy Experts, LLC Clean Energy Experts L L C [Member] Clean energy experts. Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Achievement of sales targets and continued employment of key employees acquired in acquisition Achievement of Sales Targets and Continued Employment of Key Employees Acquired in Acquisition [Member] Achievement of Sales Targets and Continued Employment of Key Employees Acquired in Acquisition [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Purchase consideration, payment of cash Business Acquisition Payment Of Cash Business acquisition payment of cash. Purchase consideration, common stock (in shares) Business Combination Consideration Aggregate Share Amount Business combination consideration aggregate share amount. Purchase consideration, amount on issuance of shares Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned Payments to acquire businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Purchase consideration, shares issued Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Restricted cash, current and long-term Restricted Cash Total Cash and Restricted Cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Disclosures [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] 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 Deferred revenue, current portion Contract with Customer, Liability, 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 Contract with Customer, Liability, 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. Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Redeemable noncontrolling interests Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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. Property and Equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Machinery and equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Leasehold improvements, furniture, and computer hardware Leasehold Improvements Furniture And Computer [Member] Leasehold improvements furniture and computer member. Vehicles Vehicles [Member] Computer software Computer Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Total property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Total property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Customer agreements Customer Agreements [Member] Customer Agreements [Member] Incentives Incentives [Member] Incentives [Member] Solar energy systems Solar Energy Systems [Member] Solar energy systems. Products Manufactured Product, Other [Member] Manufactured Product, Other [Member] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Customer agreements and incentives Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Derivative Asset [Abstract] Derivative Asset [Abstract] Derivative assets, gross amounts of recognized assets Derivative asset, gross amounts offset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative assets, net amounts of assets Derivative Asset Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Derivative liabilities, gross amounts of liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative liabilities, gross amounts offset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liabilities, net amounts of liabilities Derivative Liability Derivative, net, gross amounts of assets/ liabilities Derivative, Fair Value, Net Derivatives, net amounts of assets/ liabilities Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Total revenue Operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Sales and marketing Selling and Marketing Expense Research and development Research and Development Expense General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Loss from operations Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Other (income) expenses, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss before income taxes Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net loss Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to common stockholders Net income per share attributable to common stockholders Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Weighted average shares used to compute net income per share attributable to common stockholders Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Domain] Enphase Enphase Energy I N C [Member] Enphase Energy Inc. Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Purchase from related party Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Outstanding payables to related party Accounts Payable, Related Parties Lease expense and other information related to leases Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] 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 Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net change in cash and restricted cash(1) 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 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 Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] State Tax Credits Receivable State Tax Credits Receivable Policy [Text Block] State tax credits receivable. Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Solar Energy Systems, net Lessor, Leases [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalization of Software Costs Capitalization Of Software Costs Policy Policy [Text Block] Capitalization of software costs policy. Intangible Assets, net Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred Revenue Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block] Deferred Grants Deferred Grants Policy [Text Block] Deferred Grants. Warranty Accrual Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block] Solar Energy Performance Guarantees Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Research and development Expense Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interests And Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Policy Policy [Text Block] Noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests policy. Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentrations of Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] 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 Schedule of revenue from external customers Revenue From External Customers Table [Text Block] Revenue from external customers. Cash and restricted cash Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Cash and restricted cash Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Accounts receivable, net Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment depreciation Intangible assets, net Finite Lived Intangible Assets Estimated Useful Lives Table [Text Block] Finite lived intangible assets estimated useful lives. Deferred revenue Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Adoption of new accounting pronouncement Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Debt, Excluding Debt Discount Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Carrying value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Award Type Award Type [Axis] Equity Award Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Unvested beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Issued (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Cancelled / forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Unvested ending balance (in shares) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Unvested beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Issued (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Cancelled / forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested ending balance (in dollars per share) Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Weighted average remaining life (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Period before Next Renewal or Extension Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [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 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 Contract with Customer, Liability Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Net cash used in operating activities Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [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 Business acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [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 and other obligations Proceeds From Lease Pass Through Financing Obligations Proceeds from lease pass through financing obligations. Payment of finance lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease 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 Acquisition of noncontrolling interests Payments To Acquire Non Controlling Interest Payments to acquire non-controlling interest. Proceeds from exercises of stock options, net of withholding taxes paid on restricted stock units Payments for (Proceeds from) From Stock Options Exercised And Issuance Of Shares In Connection With Employee Stock Purchase Plan Payments for (Proceeds from) From Stock Options Exercised And Issuance Of Shares In Connection With Employee Stock Purchase Plan Offering costs paid related to initial public offering Proceeds From Payments For Offering Costs Paid Related To Initial Public Offering Net Proceeds from payments for offering costs paid related to initial public offering net. Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net change in cash and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid, Net 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 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Assets Acquired Schedule of inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Denominator: Weighted average shares used to compute net income per share attributable to common stockholders, basic (in shares) 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) Net income per share attributable to common stockholders Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Income Tax Authority, Name Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] California California Franchise Tax Board [Member] Other State Other State [Member] Other state. California Enterprise Zone Credits. California Enterprise Zone Credits [Member] California enterprise zone credits. Income Tax Authority Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority Income Tax Authority [Domain] U.S. Federal Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Adjustment Scenario, Adjustment [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Deferred Tax Asset Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Investment tax credit Investment Tax Credit Deferred tax asset, valuation allowance Valuation allowance, deferred tax asset, increase (decrease) Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Prepaid taxes Prepaid Taxes Deferred tax assets, gross Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards, domestic Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards, state and local Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Cumulative effect of adoption Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Income tax expense (benefit) Unrecognized tax benefits, period increase (decrease) Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease) Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards 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 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Obligation Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Obligation 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 Computation of basic and diluted net income 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] Cash Equity Financing [Abstract] Cash equity financing. Cash Equity Financing Cash Equity Financing Disclosure [Text Block] Cash equity financing disclosure. Leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Furniture Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Computer hardware and software Computer Hardware And Software [Member] Computer hardware and software. Estimated useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Solar Energy Systems, Net Solar Energy Systems Disclosure [Text Block] Solar energy systems disclosure. Customer receivables Contract with Customer, Asset, Gross, Current Other receivables Other Receivables, Gross, Current Rebates receivable Rebates Receivable, Current, Gross Rebates Receivable, Current, Gross Allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts receivable, net Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] 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 Quarterly results of operations Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable (net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $2,228 and $1,665 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively) State tax credits receivable State Tax Credits Receivable Current State tax credits receivable current. Inventories Total current assets Assets, Current Restricted cash Restricted Cash, Noncurrent Property and equipment, net Intangible assets, net Goodwill Goodwill Total assets (1) Liabilities and total equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Finance lease obligations, current portion Non-recourse debt, current portion Non Recourse Debt Current Non recourse debt current. Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Recourse debt Long-term Line of Credit Non-recourse debt, net of current portion Non Recourse Debt Noncurrent Non recourse debt noncurrent. Total liabilities (1) Commitments and contingencies (Note 20) Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value—authorized, 200,000 shares as of December 31, 2018 and 2017; no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.0001 par value—authorized, 2,000,000 shares as of December 31, 2018 and 2017; issued and outstanding, 113,149 and 107,350 shares as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Accumulated other comprehensive loss 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 Cost of customer agreements and incentives Cost Of Revenue For Operating Leases And Incentives Cost of revenue for operating leases and incentives. Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock Class of Stock [Domain] Convertible Preferred Stock Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Preferred stock dividend declared or paid Dividends, Preferred Stock Common stock dividends Dividends, Common Stock, Stock Accrued employee compensation Accrued Employee Benefits, Current Operating lease obligations Accrued interest Deposit Liabilities, Accrued Interest Accrued professional fees Accrued Professional Fees, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of significant accounting policies. Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of significant accounting policies. Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Number of business activities Number Of Business Activities Number of business activities. Bad debt expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Uncollectible receivables written off Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs Estimated useful life Public Utilities, Property, Plant and Equipment, Equipment, Useful Life Customer Agreements, initial set up, discount percent Customer Agreements, Initial Set Up, Discount Percent Customer Agreements, Initial Set Up, Discount Percent Capitalized additional costs associated with software Capitalized Additional Costs Associated With Software Capitalized additional costs associated with software. Solar materials purchases from top five suppliers Inventories Acquired Inventories acquired. Plan Name Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name Plan Name [Domain] MEC 2009 Stock Plan M E C Two Thousand Nine Stock Plan [Member] MEC two thousand nine stock plan. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan Two Thousand Thirteen Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Two thousand thirteen equity incentive plan. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan Two Thousand Fourteen Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Two thousand fourteen equity incentive plan. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan Two Thousand Fifteen Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Fifteen Of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Member. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] Employee stock purchase plan. Vesting Vesting [Axis] Vesting Vesting [Domain] End of One Year Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Monthly Over the Remaining Three Years Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] Quarterly Over the Remaining Three Years Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member] Expire in August 2017 Share Based Compensation Award Tranche Four [Member] Share based compensation award tranche, four. Expire in September 2017 Share Based Compensation Award Tranche Six [Member] Share based compensation award tranche six. Expire in September 2019 Share Based Compensation Award Tranche Five [Member] Share based compensation award tranche, five. Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Performance-based Plan Performance Based Awards Plan [Member] Performance based awards plan. Warrants Warrant [Member] Additional common stock shares reserved for issuance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized Common stock reserved for issuance (in shares) Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Stock options granted, expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Stock options vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting award percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Stock option plan, number of shares granted (in shares) Minimum annual automatic increase included in common stock reserved for future issuance as of first day of each fiscal year Minimum Annual Increase Included In Common Stock Reserved For Future Issuance As Of First Day Of Each Fiscal Year Minimum annual increase included in common stock reserved for future issuance as of first day of each fiscal year. Minimum percentage of annual automatic increase included in common stock reserved for future issuance as of last day of immediately preceding fiscal year Minimum Percentage Of Annual Increase Included In Common Stock Reserved For Future Issuance As Of Last Day Of Immediately Preceding Fiscal Year Minimum percentage of annual increase included in common stock reserved for future issuance as of last day of immediately preceding fiscal year. Additional common stock shares reserved for issuance Additional Common Stock Shares Reserved For Issuance Additional common stock shares reserved for issuance. Unvested exercisable shares Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Repurchase Options Unvested Exercisable Sharebased compensation arrangement by sharebased payment award repurchase options unvested exercisable. Unvested options exercised Stock Issued During Period Repurchase Unvested Stock Options Exercised Stock issued during period repurchase unvested stock options exercised. Annual automatic increase included in common stock reserved for future issuance as of last day of immediately preceding fiscal year Annual Increase Included In Common Stock Reserved For Future Issuance As Of Last Day Of Immediately Preceding Fiscal Year Annual Increase Included In Common Stock Reserved For Future Issuance As Of Last Day Of Immediately Preceding Fiscal Year Weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Total fair value of options vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Terms of shares available for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award Unvested options subject to repurchase, outstanding Subject To Repurchase Unvested Stock Options Outstanding Subject to repurchase unvested stock options outstanding. Vesting starting period Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Awards Vesting Starting Period Share based compensation arrangements by share based payment awards vesting starting period. Expiration period of RSUs Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Year And Month Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Year and Month. Outstanding RSUs Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Equity Instruments Other Than Options Outstanding Before Vested And Exercisable Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment equity instruments other than options outstanding before vested and exercisable. Compensation expense recognized Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Offering period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Offering Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Offering Period 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 Term of offering period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Plan Offering Period Description Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award plan offering period description. Total unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted-average period of recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Warrant, term Class of Warrant or Right, Term Class of Warrant or Right, Term Warrant, number purchased (in shares) 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 two, 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 Warrant, vesting percentage, milestone one Class or Right, Milestone One, Vesting Percentage Class or Right, Milestone One, Vesting Percentage Warrant, vesting percentage, milestone two Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone Two, Vesting Percentage Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone Two, Vesting Percentage Warrant, milestone one and two, marketing and sales dollars Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone One and Two, Dollar Value Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone One and Two, Dollar Value Warrant, vesting percentage, milestone three Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone Three, Vesting Percentage Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone Three, Vesting Percentage Warrant, milestone three, solar energy systems Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone Three Class of Warrant or Right, Milestone Three Tax Period Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period Tax Period [Domain] Earliest Tax Year Earliest Tax Year [Member] Latest Tax Year Latest Tax Year [Member] Open Tax Year Open Tax Year Number of Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Exercised (in shares) Cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Outstanding, ending balance (in shares) Options vested and exercisable (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 expected to vest (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding, beginning balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, 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 Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, 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 Outstanding, ending balance (in dollars per share) Options vested and exercisable (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 expected to vest (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted-average remaining contractual life, options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted-average remaining contractual life, options vested and exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted-average remaining contractual life, options vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value, options vested and exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value, options vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair value, measurements, recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] 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] Financial Instrument Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments Financial Instruments [Domain] 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 liabilities Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Number of reporting units Number of Reporting Units Goodwill impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Indebtedness Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Derivatives Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Net Income Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of solar energy systems, net Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Table Text Block] 2015 Equity Incentive Plan 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan Twenty Fifteen Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Outstanding stock options Shares of common stock reserved for issuance (in shares) Schedule of reserve shares of common stock for issuance Common Stock Reserved For Issuance Table [Text Block] Common stock reserved for issuance. 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] 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 (loss) per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Bank line of credit Senior debt Securitization debt Securitization Debt [Member] Securitization Debt [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 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] 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] Current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total 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 Initial lease term Depreciation on lease Discount on expected remaining lease payments Percentage Of Discount On Expected Remaining Lease Payments Percentage of discount on expected remaining lease payments. Schedule of carrying values and fair values of debt instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]