Who pays for the removal of the panels at the end of the lease period?

The owner of the system is responsible for removing the panels at the conclusion of the lease.

What are the terms for cancelling the agreement?

Cancelation of the agreement is possible and the costs associated depend on the timing of when it happens within the contracted period. 

What happens if the building is sold?

The lease and power purchase agreement can be transferred to the new owner. Another option is to buy-out the system before the sale, with the exact cost dependent upon when in the contract period the buy-out takes place. 

Is there a sample power purchase agreement that we can review prior to moving forward?

Yes.

 To confirm, there is absolutely no out of pocket costs to Host Facility(ies) other than the preparation of the host facility?

The only out of pocket expenses that occur are related to site preparation.

How do you arrive at the “current electrical rate”?

The current electric rate is a calculation from your electric bill. The calculation is: (Total Cost – Service Fee) / KW hours consumed.

Are we subject to taxes and tariffs on the electricity that is produced on our building?

From a consumption standpoint, there are no taxes or tariffs. The power that is generated by the system and consumed is ‘behind the meter’, offsetting onsite usage directly.

The cost of solar power is predictable. However, the cost of “current electricity” is not. How can you guarantee a minimum of a 10% reduction in our engery costs?

The price is set based on the rate your utility electric company charges for electricity. The guarantee is in writing and we are contractually obligated to adhere to it. The actual cost of producing the electricity can be higher or lower than the contracted rate, and CTPP accepts the risk that comes with that. The Host, however, will be guaranteed a rate savings on the power produced.

What will my utility bill look like in the future?

You will have two utility bills. One from CTPP or its agent for the contracted power generation from the solar unit with a discount from the utility electric company usage cost (minimally 10% lower). You will also have your standard utility bill that will cover gas usage/delivery and electrical usage/delivery beyond what is generated by the solar system.

How long are the panels warranted for?

25 years and they are lasting 35+ years.

Will hail break the solar panels?

No. The glass covering on solar panels is the same as the glass on skylights.

Will you remove the solar panels if we need to repair or replace the roof after the system is installed?

For a small problem that needs a few panels moved to patch a leak, yes, we can do that as part of the O&M service. If an entire roof or roof section needs to be moved we can do that at your expense. This is not covered in the O&M as it would significantly raise the O&M low rates. This is the reason that we install panels on a relatively new roof, as then the life of the roof matches the life of the panels. If this is 15 to 20 years in the future, the economics of getting a new solar might be more beneficial than removing and reinstalling the existing system.

How are the panels mounted to the roof?

Flat roofs use a non-penetrating ballasted and/or glued system. Slated shingle roofs have the solar panels affixed to the roof using a racking system.

What interior space is needed to run the system?

As batteries are not part of the system, minimal interior space is needed. Typically, the size of a small closet is needed to house power inverters and related equipment to connect the generated power to the existing power setup.

Why is the solar system not setup to cover all of my electrical usage?

The solar system is sized to produce about 90% of your historical electrical needs. While it is possible to produce 100%, it is unadvisable because electric usage varies so greatly. Additionally, being connected to the grid means you always have electricity on demand and don’t have to worry about weather condition or usage fluctuations. The idea is to use solar power at times when electric companies charge their highest rates. That way, when grid power is being consumed, it is at lower rates.

Who monitors performance of the system? How do we know if the system is working properly?

CTPP or its agent will monitor the system performance and ensure efficient operation. This process is conceptually the same for how your electric company monitors current grid performance only on a smaller scale.

How do we monitor the amount of electricity generated by our solar system, so that we can match it to the amount that we are paying?

The inverter that is installed captures all of the power generation specifics by hour/day/month. This can be monitored visually or via the internet.

What about batteries?

There are no batteries associated with these systems. The extra energy produced is stored/banked in the grid, at no cost. 

What about selling electricity back to the grid?

When you sell electricity you get paid wholesale rate and when you buy it you pay retail. The benefit is not worth it. It is better to reduce your electric usage to reduce your costs.

Will I get all my electricity from you?

No. You buy from us, only the portion of the electricity that is produced by the solar panel system. You will stay connected to the grid and get the remainder of your electricity from your utility.