While zero-down plans may at first seem like a fantastic option, there are a few drawbacks to considering a solar PPA. In this article, I have analyzed whether or not Is PPA a good option for solar along with the benefits and drawbacks of solar PPAs and the amount of money they can save you on your monthly electricity bill.
How Does a Solar PPA Work? How Does a PPA Work?
Are you curious about how does a Solar PPA work? or how does a PPA work? Well, there are three essential players involved in the process:
- The host
- The developer
- The utility
The host is the property owner who has reached an agreement with a developer on specified parameters. The developer is responsible for putting in the solar panels or PV system on the host’s property. The host incurs little or no expense.
The host takes use of the system’s generated electrical energy. They make monthly payments to the developer. The PPA specifies the price per unit kWh of solar electricity. The escalator component is highlighted as well. It denotes an annual increase in the price of power.
It is probable that the system does not always meet the host’s energy requirement. In contrast, the system may also occasionally create more electricity than is required. The utility principle is at work here. Excess electricity is sold to the utility grid. When extra kilowatt-hours are required, the utility compensates. After this, let’s see what does PPA stand for in solar energy?
Also Read: Do Solar Lights Stay On All Night?
What Does PPA Stand for in Solar Energy?
After learning how does a Solar PPA work? or how does a PPA work? You must also be curious to know what does PPA stand for in solar energy. A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a legally binding contract between energy purchasers and sellers. They gather together and agree to buy and sell a certain amount of energy generated by a renewable asset. PPAs are typically signed for a period of 10-20 years.
In solar energy, solar PPA serves the same purpose. This agreement lets homeowners allow companies to install solar systems on their properties. In such an agreement the owner only needs to pay for the power they use. After this, let’s learn what are advantages of PPA.
Is PPA a Good Option for Solar? What are Advantages of PPA?
Before switching to solar PPA technology let’s understand if is PPA a good option for solar. And if so, what are the advantages of PPA?
1. Minimal Up-Front Fees: Solar panel upfront costs, including system sizing, equipment acquisition, and installation, are managed by the developer. In this way, you can enjoy a solar panel system with a zero-down-payment option and immediately begin saving money.
2. Cheaper Electricity Rates: The developer provides homeowners with a stable electricity rate. Electricity expenditures can be predicted more accurately, which is helpful for family budgeting.
3. Property Value Goes Up: Consumers also gain because solar panels raise the market value of their homes. Since solar PPAs are contractually binding and typically last for decades, they can be sold or otherwise transferred between landowners. As a result, the property’s resale value is increased. Of course, this is contingent on the new homeowner’s interest in keeping the solar panels installed; otherwise, they will need to be removed.
5. Zero Obligations in Regard To Repairs Or Maintenance: Under a solar PPA, developers are responsible for all maintenance and repairs to the solar panels. So, let’s imagine bad weather (a storm, for example) causes damage to your panels or causes them to function poorly. If your panels break or stop working properly, it’s the developer’s job to fix them and keep them in tip-top shape so they can keep producing for you at peak efficiency.
5. Advantage of Incentives with Less Risk: Solar PPAs are advantageous for developers because they improve their ability to utilize tax credits, which lowers the cost of the system as a whole. One such restriction is that certain tax credits cannot be used by municipal host customers or other public entities that do not generate taxable income. Since the solar ITC only applies to residential installations, these clients can’t take advantage of it.
Also Read: Advantages and Disadvantages of Tidal Energy
Is PPA a Good Deal? What is Solar PPA Price Per kWh on Average?
A 5kW solar energy system costs between $10,000 and $15,000 in the United States. Still, if you are confused about whether or not is PPA a good deal or not? Yes, PPA is a good deal. Essentially, you do not have to pay the large upfront cost as a Solar Customer (or Host). You will not have to deal with any difficulties in arranging the equipment.
The developer will also handle the installation. The developer will be responsible for the system’s upkeep, operation, and performance. Aside from the electricity payment, there are no monthly fees. Energy prices will be more predictable and lower. Savings will begin immediately. Solar panels will keep your property cool on hot summer days by blocking sunlight.
Solar PPA price per kWh is another indicator of its competitiveness. In contrast to the price per watt, which takes the size of the solar system into account, the price per kilowatt-hour demonstrates the cost of the solar system per kilowatt-hour of energy produced. Solar PPA price per kWh is different for different places. It mostly depends on system size, technology, and local incentives.
In 2022, in the USA, solar PPA prices rose by 5.3% or $2.01 per MWh. This price changes every year.
Also See: How Many Volts Does a Solar Panel Produce?
What Does a Solar PPA Calculation Tool Do?
A solar PPA calculation Tool is used for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) between contractual parties’ small independent power producers (IPPs) and utilities purchasing electricity to meet the needs of their consumers. The tool is intended to determine relevant data for the basis of PPAs, specifically the Power Purchase Price for each unit of power delivered by the IPP.
A solar PPA calculation Tool is used to calculate the annual costs generated on power-based inputs:
- Plant characteristics (and technology)
- Investment
- Operating costs
- Additional costs (such as network reinforcement costs and transmission losses)
- The discount rate of the IPP’s average capital cost over a specified period.
The program determines PPA prices for the specified technology based on annual generation and costs, which include the capacity price (per kW) and energy price (per kWh). The initial inputs also enable calculating Net Present Value (NPV), and Levelized Costs of Electricity (LCOE), and adjusting them.
Also Read: Solar Power per Square Meter Calculator
What are Major Solar PPA Problems?
Along with the Pros, the cons are always lined up. So, some solar PPA problems are discussed below:
- In a PPA, you do not own the system and are bound to a twenty-year contract. While there may be ‘no money out of pocket,’ PPAs typically cost two to three times as much as owning the system outright.
- Many contractors who propose these contracts will quickly sell your system to a huge bank or Wall Street investing organization that would benefit from the tax credit and accelerated depreciation. You would be better off taking advantage of these offers yourself.
- The conditions of the majority of these contracts expressly state that “additional costs” are not included. Rather, they claim that they will charge you for change orders to address any ‘extras,’ such as upgrades to your main service panel required for installation, work required by the utility to bring your existing infrastructure into compliance, connecting existing circuits to the battery system, and so on.
- Selling a home with an existing PPA might be difficult. Transferring the PPA to a new buyer may sound appealing, but if the new buyer opts out, you will need to buy the system entirely or find another buyer.
- The most serious issues arise when considering end-of-term alternatives. If you renew your deal, you’ll be paying for something you’ll never possess but have already paid for three times over with monthly installments. Alternatively, you can pay Fair Market Value for the system. These are some of the major solar PPA problems, make sure you understand these tiny prints before engaging in a PPA. After this, let’s learn the difference between solar PPA vs lease.
Also See: 10 Ocean Energy Advantages and Disadvantages
What is the Difference Between Solar PPA vs Lease?
Let us clarify doubts regarding PPA vs. solar lease in brief. A solar PPA and a solar lease are so similar so why are we discussing solar PPA vs lease? You won’t have any upfront expenditures with solar PPAs or leases because you won’t be purchasing the solar panels.
The key distinction between the two is that with a solar PPA, you pay a third party for the solar electricity produced, but with a solar lease, you pay a third party for the solar system itself.
Solar leases and PPAs are effective for commercial and industrial enterprises since the benefits of a fixed lower rate for solar electricity and not having to worry about ownership of the solar PV system outweigh any disadvantages.
Recommended: 3 Leading Types Of Solar PV System
