Onsite Solar

A net-metered onsite solar PV system is one that is “behind-the-meter” and directly-connected to a client’s property.  Commercial/industrial systems typically range in size from 200 kW – 2MW, but may be smaller or larger depending upon a client’s property size and electricity consumption.  System size is typically determined by the following:

• The client’s electricity consumption, typically determined from the past 12-months of electric bills at the time of system analysis.
• The physical limits of the client’s property in which to accommodate the solar PV system.  In some cases, the system may be capable of generating more or less energy than the client consumes.
• Government regulations determining the use of backup storage and/or overproduction of solar energy.

Assess the client’s physical property to see if one or more of the following solar configurations is potentially suitable:

• Rooftop
• Parking lot carport
• Property-attached ground array

• Conduct an initial site survey to assess the configuration and general condition of the client’s property to determine if it may accommodate a solar PV system.
• Examine the client’s main electrical service to determine its configuration and general condition.

Develop a proposal based on system size and consumption for the following options: 

• PPA (a.k.a. Power Purchase Agreement) – a reduction in energy costs with no capital outlay to the client for installation or maintenance of the solar PV system.  The client “hosts” the system but does not receive any renewable incentives.  There is also an option to purchase the system during the term of the contract.
• Solar loan/cash purchase – The client can receive a federal tax credit and financial benefits, depending on the property and state incentives.  It also would receive free electricity for the life of the solar PV system (typically 25 years).
• Lease option – similar to a PPA, but the tax credits and other financial incentives belong to the owner of the system (not the client).