Solar Energy

Companies interested in sustainability and the potential financial benefits of leveraging solar incentives discover there are several different ways to engage with solar projects. MassMEC can help your business evaluate the cost, benefits, and payback of all available options, which may include:

1. Ownership: The business develops and owns the project outright, receives the available federal tax credit and state incentives, and most often uses the electricity behind-the-meter. Considerations: Owning the project requires significant capital (or debt) to purchase and a long-term right to the property upon which it is developed.
2. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): The solar developer owns the project and the business agrees to purchase the electricity from the developer.  Considerations: While not typically requiring any upfront capital, the business is making a long-term commitment to purchase electricity at a specified rate, which may or may not be competitive in the future.
3. Site-Lease: The solar developer owns the project and the business receives a monthly lease payment from the developer. Considerations: The business should consider whether the space occupied by the project might be needed during the term for expansion.
4. Net-Metering / Community Solar: The solar developer owns the project and the business receives net-metering credits on their utility bill.  Considerations: Requiring no upfront capital, the business should understand any financial exposure from a contractual rate floor.

Ask MassMEC to assist you in finding the optimal solution for your business’ specific financial, operational, and environmental objectives.

Battery Storage

Onsite battery storage is an increasingly compelling option for businesses looking to manage capacity costs, reduce peak demand, participate in demand response programs, and enhance their resilience. New incentive programs designed to reduce the “Dirty Peak” in New England when system demand is at its highest are making onsite batteries much more financially compelling. Yet maximizing financial return requires deep knowledge of utility tariffs, incentives, and operational requirements.

MassMEC helps businesses explore various onsite battery business models such as own, lease, or sub-lease space to a third-party owner – providing the options and guidance needed to determine the best structure to meet financial and operational goals.