Saving With Solar: Understanding Retail Solar Power Purchase Agreements

In 2010, PPAs and leases made up around 43% of all PV installations (by capacity) in the non-residential sector and approximately 17% of capacity additions in the residential sector. In this webinar, we examined the emergence of PPAs and discussed the future of PPAs and other similar ownership structures. PPA experts discussed how retail PPAs work, how municipalities have taken advantage of the PPA model to lock-in their energy costs, and discussed innovative PPA ownership models. Speakers drew upon their experience in implementing solar PPAs to provide an understanding of the advantages and limitations of PPAs. The webinar began with a summary of where, and under what conditions, retail PPAs work in the U.S. This discussion briefly mentioned the intricacies that affect the legality of retail PPAs.  Financing issues were highlighted, and speakers covered how local governments can finance PPAs.We also highlighted two case studies of local governments that have used a PPA or hybrid PPA model to install solar. Examples from Morris County, NJ and Natick, MA will be covered.