Currents

An Energy Newsletter for Local Governments

Power Purchase Agreements: Solar Power without the Upfront Cost

The Rahus Institute released a guide for organizations interested in purchasing solar electricity without buying the solar equipment. The Customer’s Guide to Solar Power Purchase Agreements provides a consumer-level explanation of this rapidly growing business model where a ‘solar services provider’ installs the equipment for a university or other organization, and the customer only pays for the solar electricity.

Using a reader-friendly style and colorful graphics, the straightforward, easy-to-understand digital guide will help organizations throughout the United States understand whether a solar power purchase agreement is right for them, and if so, how to proceed.

“We want to help schools, government agencies, and other organizations interested in using solar. This guide explains the basics about the solar power purchase model and compares it against the other financing options,” said Tor Allen, Executive Director of the Rahus Institute. “We clarify exactly what a solar power purchase agreement is, how to decide if it makes sense for your organization, and how to work with experienced solar services providers.”

The free guide is available for download at: www.californiasolarcenter.org

Several other resources, including example contracts and project planning documents are available free of charge.

The free guide is sponsored by several solar power services companies, plus state and local energy agencies, including: MMA Renewable Energy Ventures, Solar Power Partners, SunEdison, City of Palo Alto Utilities, Anaheim Public Utilities, City of Lodi Electric Utility Department, and the Energy Trust of Oregon.

Questions: Contact Tor Allen - ppa@rahus.org or 925-370-7262

Local Government PPAs for Solar

California’s Department of General Services recently negotiated PPAs for the California State University system, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Mental Health for approximately 10 MW of solar and at a price less than current utility rates. There is interest in trying to develop a similar program for local governments in California. If interested, contact Aaron Klemm, Energy Project Manager for the City of Huntington Beach (Aaron.Klemm@surfcity-hb.org) or 714-536-5537.

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