SOLAR SOLUTIONS Archives - O3 Energy

Coca-Cola Distribution Visitor Center Goes Solar

Andrew Sheppard — Fri, 29 May 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Coca-Cola Distribution Visitor Center Goes Solar

How do we make our clients’ lives easier? We provide them with clearly defined, fully optimized solar solutions. Check out how we helped a Houston, TX-based Coca-Cola distribution facility revitalize its energy efficiency with a rooftop solar panel structure.

How a Simple Solar Investment Revolutionized the Energy Efficiency of a Global Institution

You don’t become (and remain) an iconic brand without adapting along the way. Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable and ubiquitous names in the world, and they understand the need for innovation. That’s why when they wanted to join in the effort to kickstart the Climate Action Plan in Houston, TX, they reached out to O3 Energy.

The Problem

Companies around the world are having to make difficult decisions regarding their energy efficiency. The system they’re using now might cost them too much on a month-to-month basis … but wouldn’t the upfront cost of solar panels be more than that? That’s where so many facilities make mistakes. Solar systems not only offer quick, predictable ROI, they also lower your monthly energy bill significantly enough that it offsets what you were paying before. Coca-Cola’s Houston facility wanted to join the effort, and the O3 Energy team was eager to jump in. When they decided a rooftop solution was right for them, we immediately picked up the baton on the project and went to work.

The Solution

Rooftop solar panel structures are a great way to make use of space that otherwise may not serve much of a purpose (beyond protecting everything that lies beneath it in your building). Our team specializes in time-sensitive, cost-efficient solar EPC services—meaning we handle every part of the project from initial design and conception, all the way through to installation and construction. We worked closely with the Coca-Cola team to make sure their budget was adhered to and the scope of the project never extended beyond the limits of exactly what they were looking for. Specifications included:

Total System Size (DC W): 120.6 kW
Panel Type: Hansol 335 W
Number of Modules: 360
First-Year System Output: 164,000 kWh

The Result

There are myriad reasons why investing in solar is a wise decision—beyond the obvious environmental benefits, there are several ways in which it improves the quality of your space and offers a low operating cost. And with solutions that are custom-tailored to your exact specifications, O3 Energy guarantees that the final product will yield the results you were looking for. The rooftop structure we installed provided our client with several advantages almost immediately, including:

100% electric bill offset
$445,642 in 25-year savings
201% 25-year ROI
$286,129 increase in property value

With a return like that, it’s not hard to see why they made the decision to go solar with O3. Are you ready to take the next step to a more sustainable and cost-efficient energy solution?

Get Started Today

What’s holding you back from choosing a more efficient option for your energy source? At O3 Energy, we help our clients find out exactly what would work for them. For more information on how you can jumpstart your journey toward increased solar energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and a more sustainable future, reach out to our team today.

The post Coca-Cola Distribution Visitor Center Goes Solar appeared first on O3 Energy.

How Adding Solar Panels for Commercial Buildings Can Help Your Business

Andrew Sheppard — Tue, 05 May 2020 09:00:00 +0000

How Adding Solar Panels for Commercial Buildings Can Help Your Business

Are you doing what you can to secure your business’s long-term future? A solar solution for your commercial facility is one of the savviest investments you can make for your space. With predictable ROI, you’re immediately putting your business in a better position to succeed.

Do You Know the Long-Term Benefits of Solar Energy?

If you’re a forward-thinking business, you’re always focused on new ways to tweak, fine-tune, and improve old, outdated processes. But are you applying that same thought process to your facility as a whole? Cutting costs doesn’t have to be about scaling your team down—there are simple, efficient ways to free up your budget while still maintaining quality and keeping your staff on board. Solar solutions for commercial facilities are a great way to improve energy efficiency for your building and minimize ongoing utility costs. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about commercial solar solutions from O3 Energy.

Ready to begin your solar project? Begin your collaboration with O3 Energy today and see the difference an experienced provider can make.

Learn More

What Are the Benefits of Installing Solar Panels for Commercial Buildings?

You may have heard that solar is a rapidly growing industry, but have you put serious thought and consideration into shifting from whatever energy source you rely on now? Conventional, outdated models aren’t going to provide you with the results you’re looking for. It’s time to start taking solar seriously. Benefits of installing a solar system for your facility include:

Solar Panel ROI

Don’t think of solar panels as an expense—think of them as an investment. The ROI you receive from a solar panel structure is predictable and often available within a reasonable timeframe, meaning you see the benefits much more quickly than other investments.

Increase Property Value

You may not be looking to sell your building right now, but what about a few years down the line? You never know what might change. You always want to do what you can to increase the value of your space. The solar revolution isn’t going anywhere anytime soon—if anything, having a solar structure is only going to become more expected over the years.

Tax Credits Are Disappearing

The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is slowly being phased out, meaning right now is one of the last great times for you to invest. Businesses can also take an immediate first-year deduction on solar installations, saving them even more money than before.

Improve Cash Flow Quickly

Once your solar panel is fully installed and connected with your local energy grid, you’ll see an immediate decrease on your energy bill every month. Less money goes to the power company, and more money stays in your pocket. Not only will you be able to enjoy the same level of energy use for less money, but your consumption won’t have nearly as much of an impact on the environment.

Improve Your Brand Image

Who doesn’t love working with a company that cares? Doing what you can to help your company go green not only improves the energy efficiency of your building, but also actively improves your image in the eyes of your local community.

Minimal Ongoing Maintenance

Who wants an energy system that they constantly have to maintain? At O3 Energy, our goal is to set you up with a system that requires minimal ongoing maintenance, allowing you to structure your budget accordingly and avoid costly fixes. Solar solutions don’t require nearly as much maintenance as some alternatives, and our focus is to make sure everything stays that way.

How Can O3 Energy Help?

If you want to make the jump to a solar solution, you need to use a provider you can count on. For seamless project management from beginning to end, there’s no one better than O3 Energy. Our team collaborates closely with your own, meaning you get more than just a solar contractor—you get a partner. We offer comprehensive solar EPC solutions—from initial engineering to construction to maintenance and beyond, we’re there for your company every single step of the way. Simply put, we make commercial solar installation simple.

Ready to Take That Next Step?

Why put it off? Solar is the way of the future, and we’re here to show you the way forward. O3 Energy has the experience, resources, and in-house expertise available to make sure the commercial solar solution we provide for your company not only makes sense for right now, but also benefits you in the long run. For more information on how we can help you take that next step and provide you with an energy-efficient, turnkey solution, reach out to O3 Energy today.

The post How Adding Solar Panels for Commercial Buildings Can Help Your Business appeared first on O3 Energy.

How Solar Engineering Simplifies the Installation Process

Andrew Sheppard — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 08:00:00 +0000

How Solar Engineering Simplifies the Installation Process

Your space is unique; shouldn’t your solar solution reflect that? O3 Energy has the resources and experience to customize your solar panel system.

First Things First: What Do Solar Engineers Do?

You need to work with someone that can investigate the nuances of your space and prescribe custom-tailored solutions that align closely with your budget, schedule, and long-term needs. And when it comes to your solar power system design, there’s no one more capable of juggling all of those factors than O3 Energy’s team of solar engineers.

Every client and every energy generation system is unique.The solar energy engineering team must work diligently to deliver something that fits seamlessly with your environment. When we say that our team delivers cutting-edge, comprehensive solar EPC services, we emphasize the importance of every letter: “E” for engineering, “P” for procurement, and “C” for construction. O3 Energy’s engineering services include:

Dynamic concept illustrations
Layout planning based on your unique space
Detailed construction plans
In-depth project mapping

Our clients must have a complete understanding of the entire scope of their solar project. That’s why we emphasize close collaboration from start to finish.

Finding a quality partner for your solar installation has never been easier thanks to O3 Energy. To find out how we can take your space to the next level with customized solar panels, reach out today.

Discover the O3 Difference

Where Do Procurement and Construction Come In?

We believe in the power of seeing your project through from the very beginning all the way to the end. Implementing solar panels is a much simpler process if you have one select provider guiding you the entire way, and the team at O3 Energy is more than up to the task of helping you along. Once we’ve moved beyond the engineering phase, we provide turnkey solar energy procurement and efficient construction services.

Procurement

You might have a number in mind of what you’re willing to spend, but how likely is it that you’ll find a payment option that fits with what’s in your head? Our team employs in-house personnel dedicated to collaborating with industry-leading manufacturers, making sure that we can turn around and give our customers the best possible pricing options. We’re there for you throughout the entire purchasing and logistics process.

Construction

What kind of expertise does it take to make sure your project goes off without a hitch? At O3 Energy, our staff of certified project managers, contractors, and crew leaders has countless years of collective experience working on a broad range of solar projects. With a stellar safety record, a collaborative approach to problem-solving, and the ability to customize your solution based on your needs, we’re in a unique position to see your project all the way through to the very end.

Everything You Need, All in One Place

If you want to move forward confidently, all the pieces need to be in place before you proceed. That’s why it’s so important to work with a solar solutions provider that takes the time to account for your needs. At O3 Energy, our entire range of solar EPC services has been meticulously calibrated to function cohesively with each step seamlessly leading to the next. We want to make sure your solar installation aligns closely with what you had in mind and have the experience necessary to turn that vision into a reality. For more information on how our team of solar experts can handle your entire process, reach out to O3 Energy today.

The post How Solar Engineering Simplifies the Installation Process appeared first on O3 Energy.

What Are the Advantages of Turnkey Solar Procurement?

Andrew Sheppard — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 21:25:38 +0000

What Are the Advantages of Turnkey Solar Procurement?

Looking to make solar installation a priority? O3 Energy offers EPC solar service to make the entire process simpler than ever.

Seamless Solar Panel Supply Chain Management

You might have an idea of the direction you want your company to move in going forward, but do you know how to navigate that journey effectively? It all starts by collaborating with the right providers. And if you want to make your facility more efficient and pay a lower price for your monthly energy bill, finding a complete solar solution is one of the best places to start. With EPC solar services available in-house, O3 Energy is uniquely equipped to make your installation process as smooth as possible. EPC stands for engineering, procurement, and construction, and in this blog, we’ll talk about just how valuable a resource solar energy procurement can be for your team.

For quality solar solutions that fit your budget, schedule, and facility requirements, O3 Energy delivers. Find out the difference an experienced provider can make on your future.

We Make Solar Simple

What Is Solar Energy Procurement?

You want the installation of your solar panels to be as smooth and straightforward as possible. If efficiency is the ultimate end goal of integrating solar into your space, doesn’t it make sense that the process leading up to it would be easy to navigate, too? That’s where the “P” in EPC comes into play. Turnkey solar power solutions are entirely contingent on how easy it is to acquire what you’re looking for from your energy solution provider. From purchasing to logistics, O3 Energy has the experience and resources to help you maneuver around potential obstacles and acquire exactly what you’re looking for.

With close ties to large, industry-renowned manufacturers, we have access to preferred pricing options that meet our clients’ specific budget. We want to make sure that what we have to offer for your home, business, church, school, or commercial space makes sense for your financial situation, schedule, and any other factor that requires dexterity and careful handling.

How Can Procurement Benefit My Solar Project?

You’ve already decided that you want to go solar—great! You’ve made a decision that’s going to positively impact the world around you, lower your energy costs, and generally improve the functionality and management of your facility. But why is it so difficult to find a solar provider that makes following through on that decision easy? At O3 Energy, we believe in making sure our customers have as few hoops to jump through as possible. That’s why we want to clearly outline how procurement can make your life easier. Crucial benefits of procurement include:

Lower installation costs
Flexible payment options, including short-term and long-term PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements)
A consistent source of clean, renewable energy
Tax credits through the solar ITC
Access to industry-leading manufacturers, and insight into which option makes the most sense for your situation

What About the “E” and “C” in EPC?

For comprehensive project development for your solar technology, you need to work with a provider that truly does it all. At O3 Energy, our EPC solar services include all the steps and solutions necessary to make sure you have everything you need.

Engineering

Customizing your energy system to fit your needs is a simple proposition when you work with O3. All of our manufacturing processes are a direct reflection of our experience in the solar industry working with clients from several different verticals. That means your energy project will be suited to your needs and no one else’s. We provide dynamic concept illustrations, layouts, and detailed construction plans for your entire solar energy system.

Construction

With a staff of certified project managers, contractors, and crew leaders, we have all the resources we need in house to get your project installed quickly, efficiently, and for a low cost. We also work with specialty licensing personnel to obtain the permits you need to complete your project without a hitch. And with lofty safety standards in place, we make sure everything is done by the book, no shortcuts allowed.

Get Started Today

Integrating high-quality solar solutions for your facility doesn’t have to be complicated. When you work with O3 Energy, we account for every small step well in advance so you’re always confident in where you are in the process. With a team dedicated to making sure your needs are met from beginning to end, there’s no one better to work with on your solar installation. Reach out to O3 Energy today.

The post What Are the Advantages of Turnkey Solar Procurement? appeared first on O3 Energy.

What Are the Benefits of a Solar Carport?

Andrew Sheppard — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 19:22:39 +0000

What Are the Benefits of a Solar Carport?

Interested in how you can increase the value of your residence? Solar panel carports are an excellent way to maximize the energy efficiency of your commercial or residential building in an area that otherwise might go completely unused.

Why Install a Carport Solar System?

Have you made the jump to a solar solution yet for your space? For so many homeowners and facility managers alike, the biggest hurdle standing in their way is not having enough space. But thanks to solar power carports, it’s easier than ever to get all of the solar energy you need without having to worry about where the structure will fit. The intuitive mounting system of a carport structure is specifically designed to provide you with ample solar energy and still work seamlessly within your environment.

Typical carports and patio covers look great for a home or garage, but it’s definitely falling a little short of offering the same benefits of the superior solar alternative. While the protection that a conventional canopy provides for your car is helpful, shouldn’t you be trying to get even more out of the solutions you use for your space? In this blog, we’ll discuss all of the benefits that a solar carport system provides concerning energy production and spatial efficiency, and how O3 Energy can help you find the ideal solution for your space.

Need help installing solar solutions for your parking lot? Solar carports have revolutionized the way consumers view solar solutions. Find out what a difference the right energy solution can make for your utility bill—choose O3 Energy.

What Are the Benefits of a Solar Carport?

A more versatile, adaptable energy solution is the easiest way to improve the efficiency of your facility. Solar carports offer several crucial advantages to home and business owners, including:

It’s easier to maintain a parking lot: Carports are effective for channeling rain, snow, and other inclement weather to certain areas, which helps you save time and money for removal and maintenance. They also improve the safety of your parking lot by helping drivers avoid ice in the colder months.
They reduce your carbon footprint: Becoming a sustainable business is a great way to not only enhance your reputation in your community, but actively make a difference in the environment. By reducing your carbon footprint, you’re helping to make the world a healthier place for everyone, and you’re setting an important standard that other businesses and homes can follow moving forward.
They offer predictable alternatives to haphazard energy costs: Gone are the days of being left in the dark about how much your utility bill is going to be next month. Solar panels allow businesses to accurately forecast their consumption; businesses using conventional energy sources are often left at the mercy of the utility company in charge. Shouldn’t you always be aware of how much you owe? It’s time to eliminate surprises from your monthly budget once and for all.
They offer maximum convenience for your facility: Similar to ground-mount solar structures, in that neither requires a surface for mounting panels, carport solar systems are among the most convenient methods for integrating solar energy into your space. They’re changing the way homeowners, property managers, and facility managers are approaching their energy costs—if there’s no need to pay a higher amount with a less efficient system, why not make the switch?

Make the Change Today

Gone are the days when a parking area was just a parking area. It’s time to think vertically—it’s time to think solar. Mounting solar systems that fit your budget, environment, and schedule is what we do at O3 Energy. We recognize that finding a solution that aligns seamlessly with your needs can be difficult without a helping hand. So isn’t it about time you started collaborating with someone who has the experience, knowledge, and skillset to deliver what you’re looking for?

If you want to make a positive choice for both your individual environment and the world around you, it’s time to upgrade to a solar solution from O3. For more information on how we can provide exactly what you need to maximize efficiency, reach out to O3 Energy today.

The post What Are the Benefits of a Solar Carport? appeared first on O3 Energy.

When’s the Best Time to Buy Solar Panels?

Andrew Sheppard — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 19:16:42 +0000

When’s the Best Time to Buy Solar Panels?

Have you made the switch to solar yet? ITC solar expiration is coming up soon, and it’s crucial that you sneak in those benefits now if you want to save the most amount of money possible on your solar installation.

The Time to Go Solar Is Now

You may have heard about solar solutions in the past, but how much do you really know about all that they can offer? Whether you’re a homeowner or you operate an entire commercial facility, there are countless ways that solar panels can boost efficiency for your space while keeping your utility bill low. But even with all that information, so many are still on the fence. The best time to make the jump was years ago—the second-best time is right now. In this blog, we’ll talk about why you shouldn’t wait to get all of those great solar energy benefits. From instant utility savings to getting in before the solar investment tax credit (ITC) drops (or expires), there’s never been more to gain from making the switch to solar.

Curious how our team can help you find affordable solar options? Check out our Solar Financing page.

Learn More

What Is the Solar ITC?

The solar ITC has been one of the biggest reasons why the solar industry has grown significantly over the last 10 to 15 years. With a 30% tax credit available for those installing solar panels, it was an easy decision for so many businesses to make. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end—the solar investment tax credit expiration date is approaching, and the sizable benefits you used to be able to receive, are dropping every year for the next few years. The number has already dropped to 26% in 2020; it drops a further 4% to 22% in 2021; and in 2022 commercial and utility facilities only receive a 10% benefit, with residential spaces ceasing to receive any benefit at all for any solar installation project.

While bills from both the House and Senate have been introduced to push back the expiration date, it’s not quite enough for potential solar investors to hang their hats on. That’s why it’s so important to make the right decision for your facility right now—the longer you put off your solar installation, the more likely you are to miss out on all the benefits that would otherwise put you in a much healthier financial position.

What Are Some Other Reasons I Should Invest in Solar?

One of the main details driving potential customers away from investing in solar is the initial installation cost. But did you know that some companies offer incentives during the chillier months? Summer is the most popular time to install panels, but your facility can potentially score a discount if you invest during the winter.

Another huge draw for first-time solar investors is the potential for increasing your energy storage. Solar panels can connect to an electricity grid, meaning any solar power your panel structure draws can be stored for later use in the grid. This can help give you a leg up for the months ahead and help to dramatically lower your utility bill throughout the entire year.

Flexible Payment Plans Are Available With O3

At O3, we want to make sure our clients have as easy a time as possible when converting to solar. That’s why we offer Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) plans to help our customers avoid excessive costs for panels, inverters, permits, and construction. With flexible lease terms between 10 to 20 years with extension and early buyout options, we’re confident that we can find the ideal payment plan for your unique financial circumstances.

Ready to Get Started?

It’s about time that you started using an energy source that streamlines efficiency without driving up costs. At O3, we want all of our customers to enjoy the benefits of solar on a schedule and budget that makes sense for their circumstances. For more information on how our team can leverage our expertise to help you save big on solar, reach out to O3 today.

The post When’s the Best Time to Buy Solar Panels? appeared first on O3 Energy.

O3 Energy Knows Every Aspect of C&I Solar

Spencer Smith — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 20:45:01 +0000

O3 Energy Knows Every Aspect of C&I Solar

O3 Energy Knows Every Aspect of C&I Solar – Contractors Corner

O3 Energy Corporation

When O3 Energy started in 2011, company founders identified a need in the market — commercial building owners didn’t know where to start when going solar. From development to financing to construction, O3 promotes itself as well-versed in all aspects of C&I solar and seeks out corporations with little experience in the finer details of solar power.

“The goal is to get as much solar deployed as possible, and our channel partner program allows us to assist in doing that,” said Brad Stutzman, co-founder and CEO of O3 Energy. The company often works with building electricians and other stakeholders wanting to install solar on their properties.

“If I’m a building owner thinking about converting to solar, the first thing I’m going to do is call my electrician. That electrician who’s been keeping up with the maintenance of a building doesn’t necessarily understand the ins and outs of solar,” Stutzman said. “We started partnering with individuals that had these clients. We started showing them how to put together the financing, how to carry projects through development to construction.”

Read the full artilce about O3 Energy through Contractors Corner here!

Full Article

The post O3 Energy Knows Every Aspect of C&I Solar appeared first on O3 Energy.

The Best Residential Solar Installers in Dallas, Texas

Spencer Smith — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 20:36:09 +0000

The Best Residential Solar Installers in Dallas, Texas

O3 Energy has been named one of the best solar installers in the Dallas, Texas region.

O3 Energy Corporation

Since being founded in 2011, O3 Energy Corporation and the O3 Home Solar division have helped numerous homeowners across Texas make the switch to cleaner, renewable energy. Not only does O3 Home Solar design, build, and install solar systems, but their ability to build lasting relationships with their clients is what’s separating them from the competition. This has led O3 Home Solar to become one of the highest-rated solar contractors in the state of Texas.

Being involved with numerous Fortune 500 companies, Adam Foley has managed and led the Home Solar division to gain recognition from Solar Power World, Dallas News, and several other publications. O3 Home Solar is an active member of the SEIA and NABCEP.

About O3 Energy Solutions

Since 2011, Dallas-based O3 Energy has provided energy solutions to heavy power users. It specializes in the development, construction, and operations of energy generation systems and facilities. The company provides clients with affordable clean energy through onsite generation. For more information, please visit o3energy.com

About The Article

While this move to a cleaner and greener energy source is in full swing, solar installers are becoming busier than ever. If you’re in the market for an installer, our list presents the best solar installers in Dallas. These 15 contractors were evaluated based on a number of criteria: awards, work history, reviews, and memberships in highly-recognized industry organizations.

Read the full list of the best residential solar installers in Dallas, Texas here!

Full Article

The post The Best Residential Solar Installers in Dallas, Texas appeared first on O3 Energy.

Earth Day Texas

kkoski — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 20:05:05 +0000

O3 Energy Solutions’ Brad Stutzman to Speak at the 7th Annual Earth Day Texas Event

A panel of solar industry experts will discuss exciting new technologies and the future of the residential, commercial, & utility-scale solar industries

DALLAS, April 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/

HILO, HI — DALLAS, TX — This weekend will mark the seventh annual Earth Day Texas event, which has rapidly become the largest regional earth day event in the country. Located at fair park in Dallas with over one million square feet of event space this event has the honor of now being the largest annual environmental exhibition and programming initiative in the world. This year there has been an increased focus on clean energy at the event with more attention to solar power and going green. The Earth Day Texas leadership team has decided to hold a discussion panel with solar industry experts including Dallas based Brad Stutzman of O3 Energy Solutions. Titled “An Intro to Residential, Commercial, & Utility-Scale Solar” this small panel will act as the solar power myth busters and discuss the fascinating issues and technologies arising in this industry. The segment will take place in the Tower building at fair park on Sunday from 12:00pm-12:45pm.

This will be the third year for Dallas based O3 Energy Solutions to showcase a booth and educate Earth Day Texas visitors on solar power and clean energy solutions. This year O3 Energy Solutions and Smart Energy 360 have partnered to provide information and solutions that can be beneficial for both homeowners and businesses. “Having the opportunity to be part of this event has become something our company looks forward to year after year” said Preston Howell, Director of Marketing for O3 Energy Solutions. “It’s an honor to know that right here in our backyard at the largest Earth Day event in the country, we can make an impact and educate people about a clean energy future.” O3 Energy Solutions and Smart Energy 360 will be located in a booth at the center of the automotive building from Friday through Sunday.

“Earth Day Texas isn’t only one of the world’s largest forums dedicated to the stewardship of our planet, but also a fully inclusive one that unites folks from across the stakeholder spectrum. We’re honored to once again host O3 Energy Solutions, a local leader in solar development, and their managing director Brad Stutzman at this year’s event. Brad’s insights and experience is crucial to this year’s panel on solar energy, as we dive into important issues facing the industry.” – Mohammed Abdalla (Director of Development and Outreach, Earth Day Texas)

About O3 Energy Solutions

Since 2011, Dallas-based O3 Energy Solutions has provided energy solutions to heavy power users. It specializes in the development, construction, and operations of energy generation systems and facilities. The company provides clients with affordable clean energy through onsite generation. For more information, please visit www.o3energysolutions.com

About Earth Day Texas

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on environmental education and awareness, Earth Day Texas has created the world’s largest annual forum for sharing the latest initiatives, discoveries, research, innovations, policies, and corporate practices that are reshaping our world. This three-day free event is held in April to celebrate progress, hope, and innovation and is the largest event in the world of its kind. Earth Day Texas brings together environmental organizations, businesses, academic institutions, government agencies, speakers, interactive programming, and subject matter experts along with live music and sustainable beer and food pavilions. Earth Day Texas creates a fun and engaging atmosphere for thought and experiential learning while encouraging attendees to be the change they wish to see in the world. What started in 2011 as an outdoor event spanning five blocks of Flora Street in Dallas’ Arts District will grow in 2016 to occupy approximately 1,000,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space in Dallas’ historic Fair Park. In doing so, Earth Day Texas has established itself as the largest annual environmental exhibition and programming initiative in the world. While many of our efforts are centered on our Earth Day Texas event in April, Earth Day Texas has also launched numerous year-round events to generate additional awareness and inspire people to get involved and help make a difference. These events include networking receptions with speaker panels, forums, film series, volunteer opportunities and environmental projects. Earth Day Texas continues to present attendees and participants with breakthrough solutions and fascinating innovations that will empower them to make a difference in their communities and the world – 365 days a year. For more information, please visit www.earthdaytexas.org/

The post Earth Day Texas appeared first on O3 Energy.

Whitepaper: Prepaid PPA Explained

kkoski — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 20:28:00 +0000

Whitepaper: Prepaid PPA Explained

The Advantages of Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)

There exist multiple financing instruments for solar photovoltaic systems. Among the most successful and widely adopted method for financing the clean energy revolution through solar and wind in the United States is the Power Purchase Agreement or most commonly abbreviated and known in the industry as the PPA.

An important and attractive feature of the PPA is that it is a no-money down solution for the end-user. It’s as simple as paying electricity on a separate bill at a lower rate with all the bells and whistles included on-site. This gives businesses and non-profits the ability to market themselves as going green and to save money on one of their key operating expenses at the same time without the burden of having to worry about maintenance, insurance or risks of owning and operating the equipment.

The Differences in Prepaid PPAs Financing Options

For many end-users of solar electricity, a solar PPA agreement is the best option. However, due to the long-term nature of such an agreement, not many users can qualify as PPA customers in the eyes of the PPA providers and financiers on the other end.

The opportunity for a novel financing instrument is ripe in solar, as it’s a case of high demand and falsely perceived low supply of financing capital.

Prepaid PPAs are ideal for those who do not qualify for the long-term credit-worthiness of a PPA. It’s essentially a mix between a cash deal on the solar equipment and the ease and risk-averse benefits of a PPA. We call it the Prepaid PPA, which allows electricity end-users to pay upfront with a marked discount a percentage of the electricity produced throughout the operating facility. This reduces the credit risk and allows the project not only to start saving from day one, but gives the end-user a higher effective cash flow than a normal PPA due to the upfront payment discount.

The PPA rate is given as 13 cents/kWh. Let’s say that the electricity price is 15 cents/kWh so switch to the power purchase agreement is a no brainer. However, when financiers assess the risk factors of this PPA, it will be often the case that a 100 kW system is on the small end of the spectrum for financing a PPA and soft costs would eat up most of the value and kill the project and its prospective for future energy savings. Also shown is the option of a 50% prepaid PPA represented in the adjacent darker orange bars as an attractive alternative that we can implement and make work for financiers. 50% of the projected power is paid up-front at an even steeper discount of 10 cents/kWh. For the life of the system, the rest of the power is sold at the same 13 cents/kWh creating an accumulated savings of $57,000.

This one example demonstrates a market creating opportunity for small-scale C&I (Commercial and Industrial) projects that have been on the back-burner due to negligence by financiers. A Prepaid PPA’s value can be best described through examples such as the above. Typical prepaid percentages are 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% but your developer should be able to offer you an endless range of customization for your prepay amount as you would receive on a home loan.

At the high end of the Prepaid Percentages, end-users can find a quicker path to ownership and learn-as-you-go when it comes to operating their own solar equipment alongside the O&M team. For example, we can use a 90% prepayment and provide an even steeper discount of 9 cents/kWh for the upfront. The rest of the payment will be billed at the PPA rate of 13 cents/kWh. This helps us cover insurance and O&M costs so you can enjoy the benefits of lower electricity bills care-free. At the end of 7 years, 10 or 15 years, we offer a buyout option for the system at Fair Market Value (Our legal team tells us to say that but we would donate it to you at year 7 when you a ready and comfortable to own the system yourself). Below is an example of a 90% Prepay. When it comes down to owning a PV power plant, we believe these can be in operation for well over 30 years if properly taken care of, so the electricity savings in the following chart might not be representative of overall savings.

This example saves you $137,000:

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” – Warren Buffett

Power Purchase Agreements

No Money Down Energy Savings
Peace of Mind Maintenance
Not everyone qualifies

Pre-Paid PPAs

Most everyone qualifies
Path to Ownership is faster and simpler
Peace of Mind Maintenance
Greater overall lifetime savings than a normal PPA

The post Whitepaper: Prepaid PPA Explained appeared first on O3 Energy.