Bill Audit

Massachusetts Focuses on Expanding the Community Benefits of Solar

As the state is just days away from approaching 16,000 cumulative solar installations, following the announcement of a state total of over 15,000 solar projects from earlier this week, the next round of photovoltaic projects in the Commonwealth will be uniquely local and equally as innovative. As highlighted by Governor Deval Patrick in a recent keynote speech on solar,

“We have a solar revolution underway here in the Commonwealth…Solar is a key part of our clean energy future. That future won’t happen overnight because it can’t, but it will happen because it wants to. And it will be up to all of us to make it happen.”

In a bid to expand the scope of solar, increase consumer options, and clean energy access, the following segments of solar installation will play a more central role in the progress to Massachusetts’ goals of 1600MW of solar by 2020:

– Small residential and commercial;

– Solar canopy units;

– Emergency power generation units;

– Community shared solar generation units; and

– Low or moderate income housing generation units.

Encouraged by proven models such as the 346kW Brewster Community Solar Garden™, and recognizing the possibilities to increase participation in the benefits of solar, these market segments will be key drivers of solar adoption in the years to come.

Community shared solar generation for example provides true consumer choice, allowing homeowners, businesses, and non-profits the ability to derive their energy locally, and with 100% renewable electricity. The Brewster Community Solar Garden™ facility, featured in a 2014 Enphase Energy press release represents a shining example of how a diverse and vibrant group of stakeholders in a community can work together and prosper from locally sited solar. Installed by My Generation Energy which has installed solar from Martha’s Vineyard to Marion, and from Quincy to Wellfleet, the project is managed by the comprehensive suite of Suntility Electric‘s solar management solutions.

“The Brewster Community Solar Garden™ project, as the first Community Shared Solar Project in the state, with nearly 3 years of operational experience, truly demonstrates the positive reception, broad benefits and strength of this exciting model,” Suntility Manager Michael Stone. “This collaborative approach to solar has successfully driven the reach of this clean, quiet, local power from beyond individual rooftops to numerous electric accounts in the area.”

If you’re a Massachusetts resident, business, or non-profit interesting in participating in a community solar garden project near you contact us by entering your information here:

https://www.suntilityelectric.com/contact-us-today-for-a-free-consultation-or-for-more-info/

If you’re a solar or wind project owner and are interested in our leading renewable energy services please contact us or feel free to read these resources on:

Massachusetts Net Metering Credits;

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates in Massachusetts;

Solar Management in Massachusetts;

Wind Management in Massachusetts; and

the Brewster Community Solar Garden™.

About Suntility Electric, LLC

Suntility’s experience on renewable energy projects spans nearly 200 systems across Massachusetts including wind and solar providing a range of services including: professional monitoring; performance reporting; owner’s agent services; net metering credit services; agency reporting; SREC brokerage assistance; solar installation inspections and audits; NSTAR and National Grid bill audits; renewable energy consulting; solar maintenance; and more.

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 August 28, 2014

Need help managing your Massachusetts Net Metering Credits? You’re not alone.

Unclear on the Schedule Z, or even what it is? Managing a lot of electric accounts? and a high volume of net metering credits? Have you experienced challenges with the utilities in the past? Are net metering credits something that you don’t have expertise in or don’t have the bandwidth to do, or both?

Commercial and utility-scale wind and solar project owners in Massachusetts have received a diverse set of incentives over the years. These include: rebates; grants; tax credits; accelerated depreciation; renewable energy certificates; and net metering credits. Managing the last set of incentives – net metering credits – is very often the most cumbersome with the unique combination of arcane utility regulations and the constant administrative attention required.

Ensuring everything is done properly by your Massachusetts utility, WMECO, National Grid or NSTAR, is absolutely critical considering the significant value of these credits. Whether you are the solar or wind owner allocating the credits or the recipient of the credits, such as a municipality, it’s important to know that you’re getting your full value and you’re optimizing the value of this important incentive. Absent dedicated professional management of your net metering credits and net metering credit accounts, you could very easily be losing tens of thousands of dollars through your own mistakes or those of the utility. At Suntility we’ve discovered and corrected hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of utility and user net metering credit errors.

To get started in successfully navigating this key Massachusetts renewable energy program, contact Suntility today to learn about the advantages we can provide you and your project.

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

Additional articles you may be interested in, include:

Solar Monitoring – Peace of Mind & Better Results For Your Solar Installation

What is an SREC or REC?

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

By Michael on July 30, 2014

Suntility’s Holistic Approach to Solar Operations, Maintenance & Administration

According to Solar Power World Online, “Solar plant owners and investors face a daunting task calibrating all the levers of solar asset ownership to reap a strong ROI.” Even with limited and/or no moving parts, long warranties, no fuel requirements, and other benefits versus traditional capital equipment, commercial and utility-scale solar still presents a unique series of tasks required of investors to ensure the myriad blue collar and white collar roles are fulfilled to maximize return on investment.

Having dedicated industry professionals that understand everything from the technology to the regulations for your solar project(s) and that can efficiently manage both over time is fundamental to the long-term success of your investments in this growing clean energy resource. Working with Suntility you can be confident that the key multidisciplinary roles required of your facility will be fulfilled to ensure that your system is both producing as well as possible and as economically as possible. With deep industry experience spanning back to the beginning of commercial deployment in Massachusetts, and significant and diverse capacity under management across the state, Suntility is uniquely positioned to cost-effectively deliver the solar performance solutions that will benefit your project(s) long-term. Whether you require just a solar monitoring partner or our full suite of solar management solutions, our services and efficiency of expertise will allow you to focus on what you do best.

About Suntility Electric, LLC

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on July 1, 2014

Suntility Manager Speaks at National Fire Protection Association Conference on Solar Power

Luke Hinkle, Manager of Suntility, spoke at the nation’s premier event on fire safety this past week in Las Vegas. This important discussion focused on safe design choices to significantly reduce potential hazards to property owners and fire fighters. Functioning in an owner’s agent role and as the managers of multiple megawatts of renewable energy across Massachusetts, Suntility views safety as not only a fundamental component in reducing risks and liability associated with these energy projects but also critically important to increasing overall system reliability and uptime. Luke Hinkle, Ph.D., also the Founder of My Generation Energy, has long advocated for solar safety considerations in design, installation, and system ownership, having presented on solar safety to the fire departments of the Massachusetts towns of Brewster, Falmouth, Sandwich and Tisbury on Martha’s Vineyard.

About Suntility Electric, LLC

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on June 16, 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.

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

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