Who can be an IPPsolar client?

Any large user of electricity qualifies. IPPsolar does not service residential clients.

What is the process of becoming IPPsolar’s client, from start to finish?

First, Client sends us site specifications such as available square footage and electricity consumption. Then, IPPsolar submits a proposal that outlines the commercial terms. If the terms are acceptable to client, then we send a power purchase agreement (“PPA”) to client for review. Once an agreement is reached on the PPA, IPPsolar reaches out to investors to finance the project.

What is required to start the process?

We need site specifications such as available square footage and electricity consumption.

How long does it take to install the system?

After financial closing, it takes approximately 3-4 months to deploy the system. There are no major technical challenges to installation.

What are the incentives provided by the government?

In the United States, there are Federal and State level benefits. At the Federal level, there are tax incentives in the form of accelerated depreciation and tax credits . The State level benefits come in different forms: a combination of grants, tax credits and renewable energy certificates. Every state has its own program. The challenge is to navigate through the complexities posed by the tax and regulatory environment. It must be noted that without State level tax incentives, Federal incentives are not sufficient to make a project’s return attractive enough from the point of view of investors.

As a customer of IPPsolar, do I benefit from tax incentives?

No. The benefits to the user of electricity materialize in lower cost of electricity. It is the investor providing the financing that will ultimately take advantage of the tax benefits. The tax benefits combined with cash flows from the sale of electricity to the offtaker will generate the rate of return targeted by the investor.

Can the offtaker also invest in the system it hosts?

Yes. The offtaker, provided that it is eligible for the tax benefits, can provide the capital to purchase and deploy the system. Thus, the offtaker will enjoy a rate of return from its investment over a long period of time.

In which states does IPPsolar operate?

IPPsolar operates in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

How does IPPsolar differentiate itself from other similar companies?

IPPsolar’s competitive advantage comes from: Deep knowledge of theregulatory and tax environment: IPPsolar’s team has a team of skilled and experienced professionals who have mastered the regulatory and tax regime. Deep expertise in project finance: financing industrial size solar power generation systems requires expertise in project finance, which few of our competitors possess. Relationship with over 600 sources of capital: One of the most challenging aspects in financing such projects is the ability to source capital and to structure such transactions. Our team has the relationships to successfully raise financing for projects.

Why is IPPsolar’s electricity rate cheaper than the local utility’s rate?

The tax incentives from the Federal and State governments allow us to pass some of the benefits to the offtaker in the form of a lower cost of electricity.

Who selects the installation company?

IPPsolar works with many different installation companies. If that is an important factor to the offtaker, IPPsolar can submit a list of reputable installers. Thereafter, the host can select the installer that it deems the most qualified. The host can also select an installer with whom it already has a working relationship. The only constraint is that the installer must be acceptable to the investor and its fees must be in line with industry norms.

What kind of damage will be made to the roof?

In continental US, there is typically no perforation done to the roof. The system is ballasted and can be removed easily. The only requirement is that the roof must be in good shape. In Florida and in Puerto Rico, perforation may have to be contemplated to make sure that the system withstands hurricanes. To avoid perforation, one solution is to lay thin film panels that are less efficient but can be taped to the roof.

Can the system be ground mounted?

Yes. Many systems are ground mounted. Site owners who have a lot of land or who are sensitive to the roof of their building may elect ground mounted systems. There is usually little price differential for the installation between a roof mounted system and a ground mounted system.

What if the solar system stops working? Will I be in the dark?

No. If for whatever reason the system stops working, the grid takes over automatically. There will be no interruption of power. Users of electricity receive a second bill from us every month. They will pay only for electricity produced that they used.

How reliable is the system?

Solar systems are fairly reliable. In fact, there are systems deployed in the 1960s that are still producing electricity. The panels come typically with a guarantee of 25 years. IPPsolar has an application software that monitors the system on a real time basis. If there is any malfunction, we immediately receive an alert and send a technician to fix the problem.

I own the property. My tenants pay their electric bill directly to the utility. Can I benefit from IPPsolar’s solutions?

Yes. In that scenario, IPPsolar would lease your roof to install the solar power generation facility. In parallel, IPPsolar would enter into a power purchase agreement with the tenant and will sell the electricity to the tenant directly.

Can I have all my electricity generated from solar?

It depends. ‘Net zero’ is when all the electricity comes from the sun. Net zero is usually possible if the building is not an intensive user of electricity. Most often, solar provides between 5% to 20% of total usage.

Is the age of the roof important?

Yes. The power purchase agreement has usually a term of 10 to 15 years. The roof ought to be in a good shape during the term of the PPA. It is possible to renovate the roof during the PPA but the PPA must then be extended by the period that corresponds to the interruption.