Solar

Solar Energy and Suntility Solar Energy Services in Massachusetts

The Value of Solar Operations & Maintenance (O&M)

“Solar plants are first and foremost financial assets. There are risks to overlooking that they are financial assets.” – Cedric Brehaut of SoliChamba author of the Greentech Media Research report ‘Megawatt-Scale PV Plant Operations and Maintenance’ quoted in a recent SolarPowerWorldonline.com article.

Solar is like any other investment. It has an inevitable amount of servicing and attention required to ensure it is performing properly and so that the owner of that asset is in the strongest position possible at the best value. Striking the proper balance between proactive maintenance of your solar array and light touch servicing is key to maximizing financial returns. As the initial grants, accelerated depreciation and tax credits of a system are realized the investment result is ultimately determined by the solar installation’s production. The net metering credits and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) drive future returns, especially in Massachusetts. System down-time, surprise maintenance issues and equipment malfunctions are all counter to production. The strong combined value of SRECs and net metering credits should only focus thoughtful owners more on how well their system is producing and what they can do to ensure consistent performance. In fact that was one of the policy goals when the SREC and net metering programs were designed – to focus owners on generating as much solar energy as possible as economically as possible. That result is the goal and constant aim of Suntility as well. To learn more about how we can work with you to optimize your solar facility reach out to us for a free consultation.

Suntility is your trusted partner in success. Suntility provides renewable energy maintenance services, utility 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 April 2, 2014

Solar Maintenance & Solar Inspections From Suntility

Simply put a well maintained solar installation is a well performing solar installation. By identifying latent or hidden system issues solar installation owners can easily save tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars in electricity and SRECs by increasing system uptime and reducing avoidable expenses – the classic ‘stitch in time saves nine.’ With regular inspections and preventative maintenance the lifetime of your solar panels, inverters and supporting electrical and structural infrastructure can be increased. Considering the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars invested in your renewable energy facility regular inspections and preventative maintenance programs can maximize your existing asset at a very low cost. Working with Suntility your solar installation will receive regular point by point inspections for everything from the solar panels to where your installation ties into your existing electrical infrastructure or the utility grid. These inspections and associated reports detail areas in good condition, areas to address, and areas for further review so that you have actionable information as to the quality and status of your solar array.

Suntility’s analysis, trouble-shooting and technical reviews offer the comprehensive support to meet your site’s specific needs and produce the best system outcomes. For a free initial consultation for maintenance of your Massachusetts solar installation and a program developed specifically for you contact Suntility today.

Suntility is your trusted partner in success. Suntility provides renewable energy maintenance services, utility 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 March 10, 2014

Why Is My NSTAR Or National Grid Electric Bill So High?

Considering the rising cost, or value, of electricity it is definitely worth making sure that you are being billed for the appropriate amount and at the appropriate rate. At the same time utility billing and net metering credit regulations are becoming increasingly arcane for the average electric account holder with solar or wind. Therefore a regular detailed review of all of the constituent elements of your bill is important. Even as electric rates have gone up by significant amounts this winter due to cold weather and energy supply constraints, there are a number of key places on your bill where you can have control with the right expertise. If you’re a net metering facility ensuring that you’re receiving the proper net metering credits is key. The same is true if you are allocating or receiving credits through the use of a Schedule Z form. Properly managing your account will make sure you’re on top of, and reducing, one of the largest expenses for commercial and industrial organizations in Massachusetts – electricity.

To learn about Suntility Electric’s Bill Audit and Net Metering Credit Services and how we can analyze, manage and provide actionable savings to your electric account or accounts contact us today.

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on March 10, 2014

Site Audits & Bill Audits are a Great Way to Start the Spring & Summer Solar & Wind Production Seasons

With the best months ahead for renewable energy production, and most specifically for solar, now is a great time to ensure your utility electricity account (NSTAR or National Grid) is in order and that your physical renewable energy facility is in good shape. Before spring is prime time to recognize any potential maintenance issues and also ensure your utility account will be providing you the best value through the peak production months ahead.

Many solar and wind projects are completed in early spring after the snow and ice has cleared. Therefore full technical audits at this time can offer a detailed picture of the workmanship of an installation and offer the peace of mind that you’ll be in the best position moving forward with your net metering credits and renewable energy certificates as well. Additionally for existing systems harsh winter weather conditions can also warrant further technical reviews. For solar and wind facilities worth millions of dollars, site audits and bill audits are both extremely cost-effective ways to help manage the significant investment you’ve made in clean energy. To learn more and receive a free initial consultation and complimentary proposal for your installation(s) contact us at the information below.

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on February 25, 2014

Best 6 Solar Production Months Ahead – More Sunshine Means More Net Metering Credits & SRECs On The Way

The melt from New England’s deep freeze has begun and solar installation owners in Massachusetts can look forward to the 6 best months of solar production in the year starting with March.

In a start to the year characterized by nearly consistent below average temperatures and above average precipitation, systems from Cape Cod to Boston to the Metrowest area and to the Berkshires are beginning to achieve strong production. Low pitch solar installations, which are most susceptible to snow cover, have completely melted in most cases based on Suntility’s solar monitoring services. The beginning of February was especially challenging for many solar installations as cold temperatures trapped snow on solar panels and many systems almost used more energy than they produced for the first two weeks of the month.

With the snow dissipating and better weather ahead – we can hope – months like March, April and May are typically very strong for solar production. These spring months have limited tree cover (less shading), are cool (solar panels have a negative temperature coefficient which means they function better in colder weather), the sun is higher in the sky and the daylight hours are longer. For example, March historically offers 15-25% better solar production than February based on National Renewable Energy Laboratory solar data for the Northeast.

With the best months ahead it is important to have the right services in place to make sure that your solar installation is well maintained; performing at its best; and that you’re receiving the full and proper value for your net metering credits and maximizing your solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) or REC revenue streams. To learn how to make the most of the months ahead for your solar array get started with a free consultation by contacting Suntility.

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on February 22, 2014

See What Suntility Clients Are Saying About Suntility Services

“Suntility has provided us tremendous value with their analysis and recommendations. Their input has helped me and my management team better understand the opaque solar space. Their monitoring and inspections have been invaluable in helping us properly balance the very confusing net metering schedule. I am a sincere fan!”

– Metrowest Utility-Scale Solar Installation Owner & Commercial Real Estate Investor

“I want to compliment you on the way that your organization has helped me out in my efforts to better operate the solar farm. [Suntility] has been outstanding.”

– Plymouth Area Utility-Scale Solar Installation Owner & Experienced Business Owner

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on February 19, 2014

Suntility – The Clean Energy Experts For Your Wind or Solar Facility

You’ve made, or are going to make, a significant investment in wind or solar. The sun and the wind are free and many of the components (i.e. solar panels, inverters, structural elements) have long warranties; so once the system is installed you’ll be set to go, right?

While solar and wind do boast these tremendous advantages over other forms of energy generation these systems utilize incredibly sophisticated equipment and your investment operates in an ever changing regulatory and market environment. It’s important to have someone working alongside you that can provide you with the comprehensive solutions to help you meet and exceed your clean energy goals. Our technical and regulatory advice, maintenance decisions, dedicated monitoring, and net metering credit and renewable energy certificate (including solar renewable energy certificate) support are all value driven. That means we’re always seeking for you to achieve the most with the investment you’ve made. Ultimately each decision made in the life-cycle of a wind or solar installation can have a significant impact on the overall financial results. It’s worth having experienced and quality industry professionals ensuring you achieve the best outcomes possible.

To understand how we can help you and your investment in a solar or wind facility in Massachusetts reach out to us for a free initial consultation.

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on February 2, 2014

What is an SREC or REC?

SRECs and RECs are integral parts of the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which requires an increasing percentage of the state’s electricity supply to come from renewable energy sources. The required percentage of renewable energy in Massachusetts is increasing by 1% each year and the requirement is targeted to reach 15% by 2020 with an additional 1% each year thereafter. For example retail electric suppliers must provide a minimum percentage of 9% renewable energy as a percentage of sales by the end of 2014.

A Renewable Energy Certificate, or REC as it is commonly known, represents the positive environmental attributes associated with clean energy production. This is independent of, and in addition to, the electricity component of clean energy production. Effectively a REC is one of two components that renewable energy generators produce: electricity and RECs. Every time 1000 kWh (1 MWh) of electricity is produced by a qualified renewable energy facility, that facility produces a REC as well. These RECs once minted can be traded and sold to retail electric suppliers (utilities that generate electricity) to help them fulfill their renewable energy obligation. RECs can be created by a number of renewable energy sources including: solar PV; geothermal; marine or hydrokinetic energy; low-emission advanced biomass; low impact small hydroelectric; landfill methane gas; fuel cell; wave/tidal energy; ocean thermal electric; wind; and solar thermal electric. REC prices trade in a range that is in part determined by an Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) Rate set by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. If retail electric suppliers are unable to procure enough RECs in the marketplace to satisfy their renewable energy obligation they must pay a penalty at the Alternative Compliance Rate. Therefore electric suppliers have been incentivized to purchase RECs in the open market place to avoid the ACP.

A Solar Renewable Energy Certificate, or SREC, is virtually the same as a REC except that SRECs are associated with energy from solar photovoltaic systems. Because they have a separate and higher ACP than regular RECs, SRECs often command a higher market price. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has also utilized a price support auction to aid SREC pricing. This auction is often referred to as the Solar Credit Clearinghouse Auction or DOER Auction. While the majority of SREC sales occur in the open market through SREC brokers the Solar Credit Clearinghouse Auction is an important option for solar installation owners.

To understand your options in brokering your RECs or SRECs contact Suntility Electric and we can discuss what is available to you in the marketplace to assist you in selling your certificates.

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on January 28, 2014

How Do You Know That You’re Getting The Proper Energy Value From Your Wind Or Solar Installation?

Rebates, tax credits and depreciation aside long-term renewable energy facility owners know that the electricity savings, often in the form of net metering credits, and renewable energy certificates are key drivers of project returns. Therefore ensuring your wind or solar facility is: 1) properly producing; and 2) accurately accounting for the net metering credits and renewable energy certificates is critical for the success of your investment. At Suntility we’re dedicated to helping you achieve both goals: peak performance and helping you optimize the energy value of your system. With our market insights and experience on hundreds of renewable energy installations, solar and wind, Suntility is a trusted partner to provide operations support, system administration, facility maintenance, performance reporting, production verification as well as brokerage assistance for renewable energy certificates and solar renewable energy certificates. Managing renewable energy systems across the state from Southeastern Massachusetts to the Boston area and beyond, Suntility has got you covered for your renewable energy system needs.

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on January 28, 2014

Monitoring Your Renewable Energy Facility Is Key To Maximizing System Uptime

Suntility performs daily detailed tracking and analysis of your wind or solar project to ensure proper function, uptime and system cash flows

Suntility performs detailed daily tracking and analysis of your wind or solar project to ensure proper function, uptime and system cash flows

Having a professional monitor your clean energy system is an essential service function for your wind or solar facility. For example losing a few days worth of solar production can quickly cost you thousands of dollars of revenue and savings that you could have captured if only you were aware of the issue and had someone making the appropriate response. For solar a number of issues need to be monitored including: grid disruptions; system disconnections; inverter malfunctions; communication issues; and other potential issues. While the majority of solar installations have equipment, either revenue grade meters or inverters, that can generate automated alerts for problems, these alerts are very common and interpretation is important to identify issues that are real and require immediate attention. Having a solar expert to break through all the noise and focus on what matters to keep your system running as well as possible is absolutely critical. Working with Suntility you will receive daily monitoring of your wind or solar installation to provide you with the peace of mind that your system is experiencing no issues and if it is that the appropriate response will be made. Furthermore Suntility monitors your wind or solar project on holidays, vacations and weekends so that you don’t have to – after all renewable energy doesn’t take any days off. Suntility’s review also covers high wind and weather events to further ensure that storm related problems are identified as quickly as possible as well.

To learn more about Suntility’s comprehensive administration, detection and tracking for your Massachusetts commercial or utility-scale wind or solar installation contact us at 508-566-6322.

By Michael on January 23, 2014

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