Massachusetts

Electric Vehicles & Solar, A Powerful Combination

A Suntility plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for solar operations and maintenance.

As solar rapidly becomes more common, electric vehicles are becoming more common as well. The electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) market grew 70% from 2014 to 2015 globally with 550,000 electric and hybrid cars sold worldwide in 2015 alone according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). 100,000 of those were in the U.S., second only to China with 200,000 vehicles (IEA). The market locally in Massachusetts grew by 37% in 2016 for the vehicles (Forbes).

Tax credits, rebates, lower costs of ownership, safety, and driving experience are all major benefits that prospective electric car buyers are factoring in when considering purchasing a new vehicle, especially as electric vehicle options continue to expand.

Electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles also play an important role in reducing imports of petroleum. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), in 2014, the United States imported about 27% of the petroleum it consumed, and transportation was responsible for nearly three-quarters of total U.S. petroleum consumption. Switching to electric vehicles therefore reduces the need for foreign oil.

How clean really are these cars? Electric vehicles, while they do have some greenhouse gas emissions associated with their use and manufacture, are significantly cleaner than conventional gasoline engines. For example, based on a 2015 study performed by the Union of Concerned Scientists, battery-electric vehicles have half the life cycle global warming emissions of gasoline vehicles.

Charging infrastructure is a key element to further adoption. Charging stations have been rapidly expanding domestically and internationally, with over 40,000 in the U.S. and an estimated 1.45 million globally according to DOE figures. Many major transportation corridors and public locations host charging stations that are either free or have a nominal fee.

With electric car sales expanding quickly in the U.S., many countries are seeing electric vehicles as a much more significant percentage share of their domestic car sales. For example, Netherlands and Norway have seen electric vehicle sales as a percentage of total sales, well above 7.5% of total sales with the Netherlands percentage of EV sales around 10% and Norway around 25% (IEA). These markets illustrate the burgeoning potential of these vehicles and the commercial opportunities for electric vehicle manufacturers.

U.S., China, and Japan, despite large and growing electric vehicle sales, are only in the early stages of EV technology capturing greater market share. Innovative and established car makers alike are racing to provide the electric vehicles that consumers are demanding and our economies and environment need.

By Michael on March 23, 2017

The Basics Of Net Metering Credits In Massachusetts

Net metering credits are an important source of value for solar projects in Massachusetts.

Commercial and utility-scale solar projects very often send net metering credits to be used on other accounts in a process called virtual net metering. Massachusetts is one of many states that allows virtual net metering. Virtual net metering is the ability for one site that generates excess electricity, to send that value, in the form of net metering credits realized on that account’s bill, to another account’s electric bill. These credits provide recipients with meaningful savings on their electric bills, and for the solar project sending them, a steady stream of revenue.

In one basic example, a solar farm site generates electricity far in excess of what that site could use in a month. It designates to the utility to send that excess value (the net metering credits) to the electric account of a building on a separate property in the same utility territory. The credits arrive on the other buildings electric bill and offset what that building would have normally had to pay that month.

Another example is where the array allocates net metering credits to multiple accounts monthly.

If you own a solar array, or receive net metering credits from a solar array, it is important that you have dedicated professionals ensuring both: 1) the proper amount of net metering credits is being generated; and 2) that the proper value of net metering credits is being received. Hundreds of thousands of dollars up to millions of dollars a year, in net metering credits can be generated by these solar projects. The larger the system, and the more accounts receiving credits, the more critical having a service such as Suntility’s Net Metering Credit Services becomes. Utility and customer mistakes are all too common and proper management and administration helps avoid losing significant value.

Suntility works with many of the largest solar installations in the state servicing hundreds of electric accounts that receive net metering credits. These clients include Fortune 200 energy companies, municipalities, commercial real estate owners, financial institutions and more.

Contact Suntility to learn how your solar project or net metering arrangement can benefit from our expertise in managing Massachusetts net metering credits. Call us at 508-538-4-Sun or contact us through our the website here: www.suntilityelectric.com/contact-us-today-for-a-free-consultation-or-for-more-info/

By Michael on September 20, 2016

Suntility Managed Solar Is Better Performing Solar

Famous management expert and author Peter Drucker said “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.” Too many commercial solar owners, and those in renewable energy arrangements, aren’t doing either. The cost of ineffective, or absent, management of these systems can easily add up and total in the thousands, tens of thousands, and in some cases hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in lost revenue and savings.

While solar is highly reliable and durable relative to so many other technologies, it isn’t flawless. Equipment can malfunction and will degrade, there can be interruptions from weather and animals/pests, equipment resets will often be required, inverters may require preventative maintenance or repair, communication devices can fail and grid/site disruptions can also derail solar performance. These are just some of the factors that can negatively impact solar results and ultimately financial returns.

Suntility is dedicated to helping system owners face their most challenging issues and is driving solid outperformance. In a recent study of commercial and utility-scale systems in Massachusetts, solar installations monitored by Suntility professionals performed 6.5% better than those without Suntility’s dedicated monitoring services. Think of what that could mean financially for your system.

Furthermore the revenue streams that these systems produce are also subject to additional administrative processes that are manual and where errors are commonly found including: the allocation of net metering credits by the utilities; as well as with the brokerage of SRECs. Having an industry leading team overseeing these aspects of your project is a must and just as important as the actual solar production itself.

Suntility’s solar management solutions provide the oversight and insights to help ensure that clients are receiving as much value as possible from their clean energy. To learn more about our services check out these links:

– Solar Maintenance Services

– Solar Net Metering Credit Services

– Solar Consulting Services

– Solar Owner’s Agent Services

Suntility is your trusted partner in success. Suntility provides renewable energy maintenance services, net metering credit services, owner’s agent services and consulting solutions to optimize facility reliability, performance and value.

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on September 1, 2016

Four Keys To Success If You’re A Commercial Or Utility-Scale Solar Project Owner

Want a better performing solar array and better solar financials? Learn ways to ensure the proper management of the significant investment you’ve made in solar with these four keys to success.

1 – Monitoring Your System

Many owners wrongly assume that their installation will work flawlessly from commencement, or that if something does go wrong they’ll somehow be alerted. While solar installations are designed to last 25 to 30 years, issues will come up. Being able to recognize those issues early on and respond effectively can be the difference between losing a few hundred dollars of savings and tens of thousands of savings.

That is exactly why active remote monitoring is essential. Only with industry experts monitoring your system and measuring it’s performance relative to other systems in the area can you rest assured that your system is performing as it should. As issues are identified and alerted directly to you, you’ll save significant production value in the process.

2 – Performing Regular Inspections

Many major system issues that cause lost production and expense are entirely avoidable. By performing regular inspections with the right expertise, system owners can ensure better uptime and lower costs of operation long-term. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish by not investing in the proactive management of your array. Furthermore, regular inspections are viewed favorably by insurance companies as they reduce risk and demonstrate the owners commitment to strong and consistent solar production.

3 – Verifying The Value Of Your Net Metering Credits And Resolving Billing Issues

In states such as Vermont and Massachusetts net metering credits are a critical source of value for solar project owners. However, because of old, arcane, and in many cases manual billing systems, utilities make significant errors when providing these credits to solar projects and their recipient accounts. That is where expert verification comes in. By tracking and analyzing the flow of net metering credits, errors can be identified and resolved to not only ensure full value but to save tens of thousands even hundreds of thousands of dollars of lost revenue and savings.

4 – Understanding You Have Choices When Selling SRECs and RECs

Most solar project owners only believe they have one choice when selling their SRECs or RECs. SREC and REC markets can be all too opaque and working with the right broker can make a huge difference in cash flows. Knowing the right questions to ask, and key qualifications are important when considering this solar project value stream. A solar project owner should be prudent and work with a broker that can offer the best in liquidity, pricing and platform.

Learn how Suntility’s professional solar services can help you and your existing solar array achieve success. Contact us today at 508-538-4-Sun.

By Michael on April 23, 2016

Sippican Community Solar Garden® Project receives prestigious 2016 Photovoltaic Project of Distinction Award

The nation’s premier approach to community solar, exhibited with the Sippican Community Solar Garden® Project, receives prestigious 2016 Photovoltaic Project of Distinction Award.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) presented My Generation Energy and Enphase Energy with the award at the Solar Power PV Conference & Expo – Boston on February 24, 2016.

The Sippican Community Solar Garden Project, 912kW, demonstrates a number of unique design features as well as a one-of-a-kind program approach for the purchasers of the output. The project team consisted of My Generation Energy, Inc. (installation and design) as well as Suntility Electric, LLC (Cooperative setup, enrollment and program management).

To improve the effectiveness of the site in Marion, Massachusetts, and reduce project and on-going costs a new microinverter solution from Enphase, the C250, was paired with high efficiency panels. This high voltage microinverter solution eliminated the need to install site mini-transformers, improves the capacity factor of the installation and reduces future maintenance costs. This solution, with it’s simple cabling, also helped speed the project construction during a winter that featured exceptionally harsh conditions for the Northeast.

The purchasers of the output, in the form of net metering credits, from the project include a Cooperative and a local financial institution. The Sippican Community Solar Garden Cooperative leverages the purchasing power of a large group and aids hundreds of community members in receiving substantial direct savings on their electric bills over ten years. From across 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts members of the Cooperative span from low-income, to condo owners, to small businesses, families, faith organizations, non-profits and more.

This Cooperative approach continues the success of a program pioneered in Brewster, Massachusetts, with the Brewster Community Solar Garden Cooperative, which was one of the first community shared solar programs implemented in the nation in 2012. The Brewster project, 346kW, was spearheaded by the same project team as the Sippican project, and has consistently exceeded production expectations and was one of the inspirations for the Community Shared Solar designation in the SREC-2 program in Massachusetts that the Sippican project has achieved. My Generation Energy and Suntility Electric are pursuing additional projects of this nature.

By Michael on March 4, 2016

Suntility Client Case Studies – Learn How We’re Helping Our Clients

Suntility™ Client Case Studies
Learn more about how Suntility’s essential services are increasing revenue and generating savings for clients with our leading renewable energy solutions. Two solutions highlighted here include our Net Metering Credit Services and our Maintenance Services for solar energy installations.

Suntility™ Clients

Hyannis Sun Self Storage

Hyannis Sun – Suntility – Case Study

About Hyannis Sun Self Storage – Conveniently located on Communication Way in Hyannis, Hyannis Sun Self Storage has many sizes to accommodate commercial & personal storage. They’re close to Hyannis Airport and offer a free move in truck and sell packing and moving supplies as well. Sun Self Storage facilities span New England, serving numerous communities and all your self storage needs. http://sunselfstorage.com/hyannis.html

JDH Solar & Norfolk Ice Arena

JDH – Suntility – Case Study

About Norfolk Arena – Norfolk Rink Management, Inc. was established in the winter of 1995 and is a family owned business. It is a place to not only “Learn how to skate”, but an activity for the whole family all year long. Check out all of the programs and hours they have to offer. Norfolk Arena is the coolest place in town! http://norfolkarena.com/about_norfolk_arena.html

By Michael on November 4, 2015

Press Release – Enphase, Suntility & My Generation Energy Team Up For Sippican Community Solar Garden Project

PETALUMA, Calif., Jun 16, 2015 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. and My Generation Energy, Inc., a southeastern Massachusetts-based solar installer and developer, announced today the completion and commissioning of the Sippican Community Solar Garden® in Marion, Mass…

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/enphase-energy-teams-with-my-generation-energy-on-900kw-commercial-solar-installation-2015-06-16

About My Generation Energy, Inc.

My Generation Energy is a Southeastern Massachusetts based installer and developer of solar facilities. In the past five years, My Generation Energy has installed over 4MW of solar power (17,000 panels) including hundreds of residential and small commercial systems in over 20 towns. A significant portion of this portfolio was developed under the Community Solar Garden and Unutility Electric® models for local-investor-owned projects. My Generation Energy has established a track record for on-time management with flawless inspections. www.mygenerationenergy.com

About Suntility Electric, LLC

Suntility’s experience on renewable energy projects spans over 200 systems across Massachusetts providing a range of management services for solar and wind facilities to maximize production and expand the community benefits of these clean energy sources. Suntility’s renewable energy management clients include community shared solar organizations, nonprofits, local business owners, finance organizations, commercial real estate investors, industrial property owners, municipalities, homeowners and more. www.suntilityelectric.com

About Enphase Energy, Inc.

Enphase Energy delivers energy management technology for the solar industry that increases energy production, simplifies design and installation, improves system uptime and reliability, reduces fire safety risk and provides a platform for intelligent energy management. Its semiconductor-based microinverter system converts energy at the individual solar module level and brings a system-based high-technology approach to solar energy generation, storage, control and management. For more information, visit www.enphase.com.

By Michael on June 17, 2015

Press Release – The Sippican Community Solar Garden is Set to Power Up in a Matter of Weeks

– Press Information –

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2015

Contact: Michael Stone, Suntility Electric, LLC
(508)566-6322; michael@suntilityelectric.com
(508)538-4-Sun – www.SippicanCommunitySolarGarden.com

The Sippican Community Solar Garden® is
Set to Power Up in a Matter of Weeks
Cooperative Enrollment Deadline Set for April 10th at 5:00 p.m.

Photo: Eversource linemen make the final connections between the Sippican Community Solar Garden project in Marion, MA and the local grid

The Sippican Community Solar Garden project construction is all coming together. The utility has installed its new poles and wires to connect the site to their service. The transformer and main electrical components will be in place and connected on April 7th. The solar panel array installation will be complete on April 10th. With the subsequent inspections by the local and utility officials to be completed shortly thereafter, the system is on schedule to begin producing clean energy before the end of April.

“Despite the poor weather conditions…we are pleased with the remarkable progress made this winter; a true testament to the strength, experience and focus of our entire team.” – Luke Hinkle, Manager Suntility, LLC, Founder My Generation Energy, Inc.

The Sippican Community Solar Garden® Cooperative has also seen dramatic growth. At its current rate of growth the Cooperative will be filled within weeks–well before the last panel is installed on April 10th. Between the list of those requesting the Cooperative to reserve them spots (SunRights™) and those already signed up, the total exceeds the number of SunRights™ available.

Therefore, today, the Cooperative is announcing an enrollment deadline of April 10th at 5:00 pm. Those missing the deadline may very likely be relegated to the waiting list.

Those interested in joining should contact the Cooperative at 508-538-4Sun or go to the Cooperative website, www.SippicanCommunitySolarGarden.com.

Sippican Community Solar Garden Facts

SunRights Available: 160 Total
– A Limited Number Remain & Are Going On A First-Come First-Served Basis

SunRight Price: $5,000

SunRight Estimated Average Monthly Value At Current Rates : $67.50

SunRight Estimated Total Value Received At 10 Years At Current Rates: $8,000

SunRight Net Metering Value Guarantee: $7,200

SunRight & Membership Term: 10-years

Who Can Join: Eversource Electric Account Holders In Southeastern Massachusetts
– The Cooperative Includes Members from Over 18 Towns

Project Location: Marion, MA

Anticipated Project Commissioning: April 2015

Project Size: Over 900 kW (Approx. 3,000 Solar Panels)

Anticipated Annual Electricity Production: 1,265,000 kWh
– Enough To Power Over 180 Massachusetts Homes

System Design & Installation: My Generation Energy, Inc.

On-going Maintenance & Monitoring Providers: My Generation Energy & Suntility Electric

Sippican Community Solar Garden Management: Suntility Electric, LLC

About My Generation Energy, Inc.
My Generation Energy is a Southeastern Massachusetts based installer and developer of solar facilities. In the past five years, My Generation Energy has installed over 4 MW of solar power (17,000 panels) including hundreds of residential and small commercial systems in over 20 towns. A significant portion of this portfolio was developed under the Community Solar Garden and Unutility Electric® models for local-investor-owned projects. My Generation Energy has established a track record for on-time management with flawless inspections.

About Suntility Electric, LLC
Suntility’s experience on renewable energy projects spans nearly 200 systems across Massachusetts providing a range of management services for solar and wind facilities to maximize production and expand the community benefits of these clean energy sources. Suntility’s renewable energy management clients include community shared solar organizations, non-profits, local business owners, finance organizations, commercial real estate investors, industrial property owners, municipalities, homeowners and more.

– ### –

Those interested in participating in the Sippican Community Solar Garden should call 508-538-4-SUN. Updates can also be followed on www.SippicanCommunitySolarGarden.com.

By Michael on March 22, 2015

Press Release – Suntility Electric Announces Cape Cod Five to Serve as Local Solar Cooperative Anchor

– Press Information –

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2015

Contacts:
Michael Stone – Suntility Electric, LLC; (508)538-4-Sun; michael[at]suntilityelectric.com; www.SippicanCommunitySolarGarden.com

Daniel Balkin – The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank; (508) 247-5684; dbalkin[at]capecodfive.com; www.capecodfive.com

Suntility Electric Announces Cape Cod Five
to Serve as Local Solar Cooperative Anchor

As NSTAR/Eversource announced its electricity rates have increased a whopping 29%, a new solar project aimed at guarding against those increases is being anchored by The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank. As anchor, the Cape Cod Five is supporting the establishment of a separate non-profit energy Cooperative. This Cooperative in turn, offers local residents and businesses savings on their monthly electric bills for the next ten years. The residents and businesses of Southeastern Massachusetts can share the benefits by joining the Sippican Community Solar Garden Cooperative.

As the project Anchor, Cape Cod Five will significantly enhance the bank’s initiative to move to renewable forms of energy to power its operations. Nearly twenty percent of the Bank’s total electrical usage will be supplied by solar electricity from the Sippican Community Solar Garden project.

Cape Cod Five’s participation in the anchor role allows more than half the total energy generated at Sippican Community Solar Garden site to go to the Cooperative members. This important factor was expressed by Dorothy A. Savarese, President and CEO, The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, “We are pleased to be the anchor for the Sippican Community Solar Garden project. It furthers our community commitment to be a responsible business, that is environmentally sensitive, and it also enables other area residents and businesses to benefit from this clean energy, produced locally and economically.”

Joining the Cooperative means purchasing one or more SunRights™ which entitles the member to receive credits on their electric bills for at least ten years. What is powering these electric bill credits? The savings are straight from the sun in the form of solar electricity at the project site. Credits earned at the site are then transferred to the accounts of the participants as dollar credits on their monthly NSTAR bills. There is a bonus as well. The more electricity rates go up,the more a member will save. The total number of SunRights available is limited though, so the Cooperative is already seeing high demand.

Like its predecessor, the Brewster Community Solar Garden, the project is based locally. This ensures the most economic benefit for the communities it serves. That keeps our energy dollars close to home.

About The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank

Founded in 1855, The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank is an independent state-chartered savings bank with over $2.6 billion in assets. Through its 22 offices, The Cape Cod Five offers a broad range of financial products and services to customers living on Cape Cod, the Islands and the neighboring areas. Services include consumer and commercial banking products; residential mortgages; investment management and trust services. Member FDIC.

About My Generation Energy, Inc.

My Generation Energy is a Southeastern Massachusetts based installer and developer of solar facilities. In the past five years, My Generation Energy has installed over 4 MW of solar power (17,000 panels) including hundreds of residential and small commercial systems in over 20 towns. A significant portion of this portfolio was developed under the Community Solar Garden and Unutility Electric® models for local-investor-owned projects. My Generation Energy has established a track record for on-time management with flawless inspections.

About Suntility Electric, LLC

Suntility’s experience on renewable energy projects spans nearly 200 systems across Massachusetts providing a range of management services for solar and wind facilities to maximize production and expand the community benefits of these clean energy sources. Suntility’s renewable energy management clients include community shared solar organizations, non-profits, local business owners, finance organizations, commercial real estate investors, industrial property owners, municipalities, homeowners and more.

Additional Sippican Community Solar Garden Quotes

“Cape Cod Five is excited to be part of this community project, and for the chance it provides us to further our commitment to our Green Initiative, whereby we are always seeking ways to lesson our impact on the environment. The Bank and its namesake foundation have long supported environmental causes, and the Community Solar Garden concept presents us with a solid opportunity to make a smart business decision which also serves to supports this agenda. It is our hope that by participating in this way, we will also help make the benefits of renewable power available to those who, for whatever reason, may not be able to participate where they currently reside or work.”
-Christopher Raber, Senior Vice President, The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank

“Community solar will drive significant electricity savings for its members for years to come. Along with our anchor Cape Cod Five, Suntility Electric is pleased to make this clean energy opportunity available to the residents and organizations of Southeastern Massachusetts. This is an important step toward energy independence for our region.”
– Michael Stone, Manager, Suntility Electric, LLC

“This Community Solar Garden project follows on the success of the Brewster Community Solar Garden, now in its third year. Those who missed out on that opportunity have another chance to join the cooperative movement in energy savings.”
– Luke Hinkle, Manager, Sippican Community Solar Garden, LLC

“We are excited to provide another high-performance installation for a Community Solar project in our region. While we are focused on installing solar on homes and businesses throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, it’s a privilege to join this effort in providing another alternative to high electricity prices.”
– Andrew Wade, President, My Generation Energy, Inc.

Sippican Community Solar Garden Cooperative Facts

SunRights Available: 160
SunRight Price: $5,000
SunRight Net Metering Value Guarantee: $7,200
SunRight & Membership Term: 10-years
SunRight Average Monthly Value : $60
Who Can Join: NSTAR Electric Account Holders in Southeastern Massachusetts
Project Location: Marion, MA
Project Commissioning: 2015
Project Size: 914 kW (3,264 Solar Panels)
Anticipated Annual Electricity Production: 1,250,000 kWh
System Design & Installation: My Generation Energy, Inc.
On-going Maintenance & Monitoring Providers: My Generation Energy & Suntility Electric
Sippican Community Solar Garden Management: Suntility Electric, LLC

Those interested in participating in the Sippican Community Solar Garden Cooperative should call 508-538-4-SUN. Updates can also be followed on www.SippicanCommunitySolarGarden.com.

By Michael on February 27, 2015

Local Efforts Overcome Electricity Price Hikes

How can a community truly benefit from its own energy? With the simple throwing of a switch in Brewster three years ago, a fundamental switch in electricity generation was begun. That switch energized the Brewster Community Solar Garden® facility, and transformed how a community gets its electricity. Now in its third successful year, this revolution is expanding across the region.

The organization leading this breakthrough is the Brewster Community Solar Garden Cooperative. A Cooperative full of local members: a church; a liquor store; and dozens of residents. Why the interest in forming an electricity cooperative? Simple, the members enjoy sizeable savings on their electric bills from a local solar project in the town. And those benefits are real. Over the three years, the members have received even more savings than planned.

Now electricity rates are going up a whopping 29% for NSTAR electric customers in 2015. What does that mean for the Brewster Cooperative members? Well, they feel just a little smarter. Fortunately, as electricity rates rise, the savings for members also increases to keep pace. That’s because the solar project is local and the electricity it generates for the Cooperative rises at the same utility rate—very clever indeed.

The Brewster Community Solar Garden Cooperative is a true success; however, this victory isn’t the end of the energy success story. The same team that developed and created the Cooperative in Brewster is forming another—and this one serves the entire region.

The Sippican Community Solar Garden Cooperative is the next, bigger, better thing in responsible, local energy. The basic program for the Sippican Cooperative is the same as in Brewster. The main difference is this new Cooperative is three times larger and membership is available to every NSTAR electric customer in Southeastern Mass. The Cooperative will provide a guaranteed savings to each member in the Cooperative. The savings are immediate and can be seen in black and white on your electric bills.

The Brewster and Sippican projects demonstrate that these electricity Cooperatives can make solar energy an option for everyone. Long gone are the days when the benefits of solar were only available to a small number of homeowners and businesses. Electricity rates are going up. But sunshine has always been a local free resource. When it’s converted to electricity, everyone joining the Cooperative can benefit.

To learn more visit www.sippicancommunitysolargarden.com or call 508-538-4-Sun.

By Michael on December 22, 2014

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