Solar power generation system group buying network

What is a solar power purchase agreement (SPPA)?

A Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) is a financial arrangement in which a third-party developer owns, operates, and maintains the photovoltaic (PV) system, and a host customer agrees to site the system on its property and purchases the system's electric output from the solar services provider for a predetermined period.

What is a solar service provider (SPPA)?

With this business model, the host customer buys the services produced by the PV system rather than the PV system itself. This framework is referred to as the "solar services" model, and the developers who offer SPPAs are known as solar services providers.

What is solar systems integration?

Solar systems integration involves developing technologies and tools that allow solar energy onto the electricity grid, while maintaining grid reliability, security, and efficiency. For most of the past 100 years, electrical grids involved large-scale, centralized energy generation located far from consumers.

What does a solar service provider do?

The solar services provider purchases the solar panels for the project from a PV manufacturer, who provides warranties for system equipment. The installer will design the system, specify the appropriate system components, and may perform the follow-up maintenance over the life of the PV system.

How can solar energy be integrated?

By 2030, as much as 80% of electricity could flow through power electronic devices. One type of power electronic device that is particularly important for solar energy integration is the inverter. Inverters convert DC electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to AC electricity, which the electrical grid uses.

Are there other organizations that facilitate solar co-ops?

In addition to Solar United Neighbors, there are several other organizations that facilitate solar co-ops, like Solarize and Solar Crowd Source. Solar co-ops enable members to easily learn about all aspects of solar in partnership with their fellow co-op members.