Broomfield, Colo.-based solar installer Real Goods Solar (Nasdaq: RSOL) announced today that it priced its initial public offering of 5.5 million shares at $10 per share.

That's a 500,000 share boost from terms the company set last month, but at the bottom of an expected $10 to $12 per share range (see Real Goods Solar sets IPO terms).

ThinkPanmure, formerly Think Equity, is the lead underwriter on the deal, with Canaccord Adams and Broadpoint Capital acting as co-managers.

The underwriters have an option to purchase up to an additional 825,000 shares.

Real Goods Solar is a subsidiary of Broomfield, Colo.'s Gaiam (Nasdaq: GAIA), which sells environmentally friendly lifestyle products.

Gaiam will continue to control Real Goods Solar through its 100 percent holding in Real Goods' Class B shares.

The Class B shares are worth 10 votes apiece, versus one vote for the Class A shares that are being sold in the IPO.

Real Goods Solar said it's installed more residential solar energy systems in the U.S. than any other company, including more than 2,400 residential and small commercial systems.

The company said it plans to use $19.8 million of its expected proceeds to repay amounts owed to parent Gaiam, with the remainder of the cash going toward working capital and general corporate purposes, which it said could include future acquisitions.

Real Goods Solar's shares are set to start trading today on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker "RSOL."