If you have a residential or commercial property, you might as well hop on the solar energy trend and benefit from its various advantages.
But if you don’t have much knowledge about solar energy, you might be asking yourself: what is a solar PPA, and how does it work?
In this article, we’ll explain the definition of a solar PPA and explain when it should be part of your solar strategy. Let’s jump in!
What Is a Solar PPA?
A Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a financial mechanism used to facilitate the purchase of solar energy. This allows customers to finance the construction and maintenance of their own solar system while purchasing the electricity produced at a discounted rate.
The system is owned and operated by a solar provider, and customers pay for the energy produced by their system on a monthly basis. Solar PPAs are an effective way for businesses to reduce their electricity bills and emissions while still being able to benefit from clean and renewable solar energy.
How Do Solar PPAs Work?
The solar energy system owner is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the system. On the other hand, the electricity user is responsible for purchasing the energy produced.
The PPA outlines the terms of the agreement. This includes the cost of the energy, the term length, and the payment structure.
With solar PPA, customers will have a fixed price for the energy produced for the duration of the agreement. The duration can range from several years to a longer term of 20-25 years, making it easier to budget energy costs. Customers pay the solar provider for the energy produced at a discounted rate, resulting in savings for the customer.
The solar energy system owner can then use this revenue to cover the expenses associated with the ownership and maintenance of the system. In essence, the solar PPA allows for the shared use of solar energy between the two parties.
Different Types of Solar PPAs
The solar PPA helps consumers to shift their energy source from nonrenewable sources to renewable energy. This gives them energy security and a more reliable energy source. Depending on the type of solar PPA, the purchaser may also benefit from a lower electric rate than if he/she had purchased electricity from a utility.
The five main types of solar PPAs are:
Virtual PPAs
Virtual PPAs are emerging as a new way to access clean energy without the upfront capital costs associated with traditional solar PPAs. Virtual PPAs allow energy users to purchase clean energy from a remote location. This can be from a wind farm or solar field, where they do not have to build and own their own system.
With Virtual PPAs, energy buyers are able to lock in long-term, fixed electricity prices. They will also be able to hedge against volatile utility rates and procure clean, low-carbon energy.
Community Solar PPAs
With a community solar PPA, an individual homeowner or business cannot install and own their own rooftop solar panel system. Instead, they buy a share in a larger community solar farm. This allows the individual to benefit from the environmental and financial advantages of solar energy without the upfront costs or maintenance.
Through this, the homeowner or business can agree to purchase the electricity generated from the solar farm at a discounted rate over the term of the agreement. They can also receive credits on the customer’s utility bill.
On-Site PPA
In an on-site PPA, customer purchases electricity produced from a solar energy system installed on their property. The provider owns and maintains the system, while the customer only pays for the electricity produced.
Because the customer buys the electricity from the provider at a fixed cost, they can avoid the upfront costs associated with maintaining their on-site system. The provider can also gain profits from the sale of the electricity, making on-site PPAs beneficial for both parties.
Full-Service PPA
A full-service PPA includes all components of solar energy installation and includes maintenance, monitoring, and repair services. With a full-service PPA, the system owner takes on all risks associated with the solar energy system, such as any related production or performance shortfalls.
By choosing a full-service PPA, customers can lock in a low rate per kWh of solar energy. This can also be done without the financial risk of installing and maintaining a system on its own.
Rebate-Based PPA
With a rebate-based PPA, a customer can benefit from a government incentive program. This is when they purchase energy produced by the solar system that is eligible for a rebate. Under this agreement, the customer will enter into a long-term contract and will be billed monthly for the energy they consume.
The vendor, on the other hand, will benefit from long-term payments for the energy produced by their solar system. This arrangement allows for an efficient and sustainable energy production process.
Solar PPAs have become increasingly popular as the cost to install and upkeep a solar system has decreased. This makes it more cost-efficient to purchase energy from a solar service provider.
In all, these types of solar PPAs allow customers to access the many benefits of solar with no upfront cost. So if you’re ready to make the switch to solar energy, click this link!
Additional Considerations for Solar PPAs
Additional considerations for Solar PPAs include a comprehensive understanding of the contract length and rate schedule. The contract should detail the length of the agreement and the rate of the kWh of electricity produced from the solar panels. It should also indicate any penalty fees for early termination and any incentives or additional fees included.
Also, consider researching any applicable local incentives. These incentives, paired with PPAs, create a pathway for businesses to start saving money from day one.
Furthermore, consulting a professional engineer regarding the home’s solar energy requirements and the expected return on investment is highly recommended.
Learn More About Solar PPA Today
A solar PPA is a great way to make the switch to solar energy with minimal upfront costs. It takes away the hassle of managing and financing, providing an economical and environmental solution.
To learn more, be sure to contact your local energy provider to see if they offer solar PPAs, and get started with clean energy today!
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