My Generation Energy

Earth Day: We Don’t Have To Live With Air Pollution

This Earth Day brings special significance. We celebrate the 50^th Earth Day, a milestone in itself, at a time when respiratory health has never been on the mind of more people and has never been more important to humanity.

Scientists, researchers and health professionals have long shown the detrimental effects of air pollution on respiratory health. Air pollution causes increased rates of asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), premature death, heart disease and can make coronavirus cases worse.

We don’t have to live with air pollution.

We can make choices to use clean energy for electricity and transportation. Fortunately, the costs of clean energy sources such as wind and solar have fallen dramatically over the past decade, down 34% and 76% respectively, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). New wind and solar are now competitive with new natural gas generation (Bloomberg News). Electric vehicles are now cost competitive with the average price of a new car ($37k according to Edmunds.com), AND have lower operating costs. Solar, wind, and electric vehicles aren’t technological luxuries, they are smart financial choices and good for our health.

Here are a few ways to save money, reduce air pollution and save the planet:

look into getting solar with a free no-contact, or remote, solar assessment from the folks at My Generation Energy, Inc. (508-406-9133);
get an electric vehicle (see Drive Green from the Green Energy Consumers Alliance) or bike commute;
participate in your local utility’s energy efficiency program (Mass Save here in MA); and
compost food waste (especially if you have ‘pay-as-you-throw’ in your municipality).

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.

Contact Suntility Electric LLC at 508-538-4-Sun

By Michael on April 22, 2020

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

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

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

“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

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

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.

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

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

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