Massachusetts

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

Suntility’s Community Shared Solar Services Expand Electricity Savings Opportunities in Massachusetts

Suntility’s market experience and expertise in Massachusetts are driving results for renewable energy installation owners and parties to renewable energy agreements. One of Suntility’s most unique offerings, Community Shared Solar Services, further expands Suntility’s focus on providing significant value to those in the Massachusetts renewable energy market.

Sippican Community Solar Garden Presentation in Brewster November 5th

With the Sippican Community Solar Garden® Cooperative, a Community Shared Solar project in Southeastern Massachusetts, the reach and scope of Suntility services spans nearly all electricity users in the area. In this new Cooperative, modeled on the highly successful Brewster Community Solar Garden® Cooperative, participants purchase SunRights™. Each SunRight™ is $5000 and provides at least $7200 worth of credits to offset the member’s electric bills. Therefore, one SunRight™ saves a member at a minimum $2200. These credits are produced locally by the Sippican Community Solar Garden® Project.

In a time of rapidly rising electricity rates, and following NSTAR and National Grid’s huge electric price hikes of around 30%, SunRights™ offer a tremendous alternative to being stuck with an increasingly expensive electric bill. Simply put, the more electricity rates go up, the more SunRight™ holders save. Initial membership terms are 10 years.

For those that are NSTAR electric customers in Southeastern Massachusetts and are interested in capturing the savings offered by SunRights™ a series of presentations are being held locally.

Marion – December 1st at 6:30pm – Marion Music Hall – 164 Front St

Wellfleet – December 9th at 6:30pm – Wellfleet Public Library – 55 W Main St

Falmouth – December 11th at 7:00pm – Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve – 131 Waquoit Hwy

Visit www.SippicanCommunitySolarGarden.com to learn more or call 508-538-4-Sun. For additional info on this exciting development for Southeastern Massachusetts click on the following links.

Member Benefits & More

Who can join the Sippican Community Solar Garden® Cooperative?

Save $2200 on your electric bills with a SunRight™!

By Michael on November 26, 2014

Press Release – Southeastern Mass Electricity Users Set to Save Thousands Each

– Press Information –

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2014

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

www.SippicanCommunitySolarGarden.com

Southeastern Mass Electricity Users Set to Save Thousands Each
Community Solar Garden® Delivers Electricity Savings

One of the state’s largest electric utilities just announced its electricity prices would rise a whopping 37%. Electricity price increases are painful, but not for members of a Community Solar Garden Cooperative.

Cooperative members are set to save in excess of $2200. By purchasing a Sunright™ at $5000 a member will receive $7200 worth of utility credits to offset their electric bills. There is a bonus as well. The more electricity rates go up, the more SunRight™ holders save. Electricity users not sure if one SunRight™ will be enough to cover their usage are purchasing multiple. The total number of SunRights™ available is limited though, so the Cooperative is already seeing high demand.

What is powering these electric bill credits? The savings are straight from the sun in the form of solar electricity. After all, few things are more predictable than this fuel source. The project is based locally, ensuring the most economic benefit for the communities it serves. That means greater energy independence. It also means less money is sent out of region for energy used by local homeowners, businesses and non-profits.

This is the clean energy everyone is excited about. Not only is it affordable, it is accessible. If a home or business isn’t ideal for a solar installation, that no longer matters. With SunRights™, members receive the same direct bill savings a solar installation offers except without the solar panels on their property. NSTAR electric customers in Southeastern Massachusetts are eligible to receive the rewards of this local renewable energy. For more info on how to achieve these savings on your electric bill and to sign up call 508-538-4-Sun.

Upcoming Community Solar Garden Events
All are welcome. Seating is limited.

Dartmouth – Oct. 28th at 7:00pm – Patron’s Hall Dartmouth Grange, 1133 Fisher Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02747

Harwich – Oct. 29th at 6:30pm – Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak St, Harwich, MA 02645

Brewster – Nov. 5th at 6:30pm – Brewster Ladies Library, 1822 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631

Falmouth – Nov. 11th at 7:00pm – First Congregational Church, 68 Main St, Falmouth, MA 02540

Sippican Community Solar Garden Quotes

“We’re proud to be a part of this project. Community solar will drive significant electricity savings for its members for years to come. Along with our partners, 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. Even more of the community can realize the benefits from this local renewable energy source. ”
– 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 thrill to join this effort in providing another alternative to high electricity prices.”
– Andrew Wade, President, My Generation Energy, Inc.

– ### –

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.

Sippican Community Solar Garden Facts

SunRights™ Available: 300
SunRight™ Price: $5,000
SunRight™ Net Metering Value Guarantee: $7,200
SunRight™ Average Monthly Value: $60
SunRight™ & Membership Term: 10-years
Who Can Join: NSTAR Electric Account Holders in Southeastern Massachusetts
Project Location: Marion, MA
Anticipated Project Commissioning: Early 2015
Anticipated Project Size: 950 kW (Approximately 3,000 Solar Panels)
Anticipated Annual Electricity Production: 1,265,000 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

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.

www.mygenerationenergy.com

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.

www.suntilityelectric.com

– ### –

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 October 13, 2014

Your Massachusetts Solar Experts – Net Metering Credits, Community Shared Solar, Monitoring, Operations & Maintenance and More

For many solar project investors in Massachusetts solar is not their primary business – but it is a strong investment for those with the right opportunity (available real estate, off-takers, etc.). These solar owners concentrate an incredible amount of focus and effort at the beginning of a solar deal: finding the right partner; performing feasibility studies; running financial models; contract work; arranging financing; permitting; and overseeing construction. Often overlooked though are the critical operational and asset management roles following commencement, put simply:

– generating as much solar power possible; and

– maximizing the available revenue streams.

That is where Suntility expertise comes in. Operating in an environment with complex incentives, utility regulations, along with the technical considerations of this unique capital equipment, requires trusted partners that have been working in Massachusetts since commercial solar began. That’s why so many of Massachusetts leading and most prominent projects turn to Suntility. Just ask our clients about the dedicated care and service that are central to our solar energy management solutions,

“Suntility has been an excellent consultant for several of our solar projects. They are personable, prompt and very professional. It is a pleasure and positive experience to work with them.” – Eastern Massachusetts Commercial Real Estate Manager

This expertise is tailored specifically to each project’s needs so that owners can maximize project value today and for the many tomorrows – after all these systems generate electricity for decades. Suntility is committed to helping you determine what the essential services are to get the most out of your solar installation and providing those services at the highest levels of professionalism possible. If you’re ready to take the next step to solar success contact us today.

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 September 26, 2014

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

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on August 28, 2014

Success in the Massachusetts Solar Credit Clearinghouse Auction & Massachusetts Net Metering Caps Raised 50%

The annual Solar Credit Clearinghouse Auction fully cleared on Friday August 1, 2014. Long-story-short, it’s very good news for solar owners.

What is a Solar Credit Clearinghouse Auction? First, let’s clarify what is being auctioned. A Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC for short) is issued to the owner of a solar project. The more clean solar energy it produces, the more SRECs are issued. The utilities purchase these certificates and the market price is somewhat regulated by the Commonwealth. Part of this regulating function is a “last chance to sell” provided by the Clearinghouse Auction at the end of each year.

Many solar owners, and those of us in the business, were watching closely as this auction played-out. Would it indeed “clear” meaning to sell all of the remaining 2013 SRECs? If so, confidence in the program and the Commonwealth’s ability to sufficiently regulate the market would be bolstered. The Clearinghouse Auction did indeed clear Friday; and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) immediately announced the results.

Good News for the Short-term and the Long-term

The immediate news is welcome to those participating in the auction. The long-term implications are also positive for everyone who already owns or is considering solar. Here is why: The regulation governing the SREC market has a feature where the auction process itself triggers the future market demand to increase. The details are complicated, but this creates additional pressure on the utilities to buy more SRECs and to purchase them sooner. In this way, the auction process has already driven the prices of 2014 SRECs upward in recent days. The SREC valuation will likely continue on that trend as it is anticipated that 2015 will be a “short year,” which will serve to drive prices up even further.

Solar owners rejoice in making a smart decision. Meanwhile, many of those considering going solar are now making their move based on this positive development!

Net Metering Legislative Update

Additionally in recent news out of Boston, the state legislature raised the amount of solar allowed to net meter (spin the meter backwards for full retail value) from 3% of the utilities historical peak demand to 4% of the utilities historical peak demand for private projects, and from 3% to 5% for public projects. This program is central to solar owners receiving full retail compensation for the energy they produce and send back to the grid when they aren’t using it on-site. The state will also study the benefits of net metering as part of the design of future incentive programs to achieve the governor’s goal of 1600MW of solar in the Commonwealth. For perspective there is currently over 393MW of net metering projects (including solar and wind) in Massachusetts. Prior to the legislation the net metering caps were set at 665MW. With this most recent legislative adjustment the new net metering cap levels will allow 998MW of net metering projects in the state. Important to note is that most projects under 25kW are exempt from the net metering caps, aren’t counted towards the aggregate net metering cap figures and that eligible small projects after the caps have been hit can still be built and net meter.

Portions of this article were posted on MyGenerationEnergy.com by Luke Hinkle founder of My Generation Energy and Founder and Manager of Suntility Electric, LLC.

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on August 4, 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

New Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) Program & Grid Modernization Efforts Move Massachusetts Towards a Greener Grid – Learn More & Get Involved

This spring the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources announced it’s second solar renewable energy certificate program in Massachusetts. This incentive program allows solar owners to be compensated for the clean, local, solar benefits of the energy they produce in addition to the electricity savings. This program is intended to move the state towards an installed solar capacity of 1600 MW by 2020. To put it in perspective 1 MW is enough to power about 180 homes annually.

At the same time significant discussion and planning is underway to ensure those resources can be brought online quickly, effectively and with the most benefits to electricity customers here in Massachusetts. To facilitate that the electric grid itself – from the Berkshires, to Boston, to Cape Cod – will need to evolve and become more modern. Suntility Manager Luke Hinkle has been actively engaged on these issues at the local, regional and state level and recently took part in a WCAI discussion titled ‘Smarter and Greener: Making Changes in Our Energy Use.’ This discussion covers the state of the electric grid, managing distributed generation resources, and actions that can be taken to ensure the electric system can adapt to the economic and environmental drivers in our world today. To listen click here:

http://capeandislands.org/post/smarter-and-greener-making-changes-our-energy-use

To learn more and get involved click here:

https://www.change.org/petitions/cape-power-brokers-green-our-grid-now

To learn more contact us at 508-566-6322

By Michael on May 9, 2014

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