1. FAQs

  2. What is distributed solar power?

    Recurrent Energy is a distributed power company and a leading provider of onsite solar energy. We build, own and operate locally-sited solar power systems, selling the electricity to large energy users under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), or internationally, via Feed-in Tariffs (FiT).

    We’re at the forefront of reinventing the business of distributed generation — using proven solar technology to solve rising energy demand with clean power plants located exactly where they’re needed most.

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  3. How is Recurrent Energy different from other companies providing similar services?

    We enable utilities, commercial, and government customers to achieve reduced carbon emissions, energy independence, predictable pricing, and enhanced sustainability — all without the upfront cost, risk of ownership, or operating burden of having to own a solar power plant themselves.

    In addition to making solar energy a practical choice for today’s large energy users, Recurrent Energy also uniquely differentiates itself with industry-leading expertise (100+ years of solar and energy project experience among the leadership team), track record (an ever-growing pipeline of projects, including the largest solar PV installation in California), and financial strength (over $75M in equity capital from Hudson Clean Energy Partners in July 2008, plus partnerships with some of the leading financial institutions and visionaries in renewable energy).

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  4. What are Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)?

    Under the terms of a PPA, Recurrent Energy builds, owns, operates and maintains a solar power generating facility. Recurrent Energy pays all upfront costs, while the customer only buys the electricity generated by the system.

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  5. How does solar energy benefit the environment?

    Conventional electricity generation through the combustion of fossil fuels — such as coal, natural gas, and oil — is the nation’s single largest industrial source of air pollution. By using clean electricity provided by solar generating systems, organizations reduce their need for utility electricity and avoid the related emissions of pollutants and carbon dioxide — the principal greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

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  6. Are there economic advantages to operating a more sustainable building?

    In today’s increasingly green world, sustainability is a key driver of market appeal and long-term competitive advantage. Sustainable buildings typically secure higher rents and higher sale prices compared to non-green buildings. We share a core belief with our clients that sustainable buildings:

    • Attract more employees, shoppers and visitors
    • Compete better for tenants and buyers
    • Lease for longer terms at higher rates
    • Have less turnover and vacancy
    • Appreciate in value at above-market rates

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  7. Does your commercial offering help qualify my company or organization as “green”?

    Yes. Recurrent Energy's distributed solar power helps companies qualify their buildings for green certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. Onsite solar generation provides points towards LEED certification under the On-Site Renewable Energy component. Distributed solar power can also help organizations qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.

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  8. How long does the construction process last?

    In general, a solar power project will take between 8 and 16 weeks, depending on contract requirements, site conditions, local building requirements and utility interconnection procedures.

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  9. Does installation of solar disrupt tenants or neighbors?

    Recurrent Energy’s engineering, design and other technical experts work to ensure minimal tenant and site disruption, with very little impact on normal building or surrounding community activities. Because the majority of the work is either on the rooftop, secured field, or building exterior, solar projects are typically less problematic for tenants or neighbors than other types of renovations. Also, once the system is active it is silent and virtually unobtrusive.

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  10. Is it difficult to get utility approval for commercial systems?

    Not at all. Recurrent Energy handles all of the aspects of utility interconnection and makes the entire process seamless for our customers.

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  11. What is the payback time on your solar power systems?

    There is no payback time because our clients make no investment in the system and receive grid-competitive solar energy. Recurrent Energy finances, constructs, owns and operates the solar generating system. We provide solar energy service to our clients by the kilowatt-hour at grid-competitive prices with no capital investment or operating expense burden.

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  12. How does an organization get started?

    Recurrent Energy’s distributed solar power is available to large scale energy buyers within the commercial, government and utility sectors. To get started, call Recurrent Energy’s sales team:

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