1. FAQs

  2. What is Solar as a ServiceSM?

    Recurrent Energy is the industry pioneer in Solar as a Service. We build, own and operate onsite solar power systems, selling the clean electricity to our customers under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

    In return for hosting a Recurrent Energy-owned solar power system, our commercial, government and utility customers can secure long-term clean electricity while achieving reduced carbon emissions, energy independence, predictable pricing, and enhanced sustainability — all without the upfront cost, risk of ownership, or operating burden of doing it themselves.

    back to top

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

    As the pioneer in Solar as a Service, we are uniquely overcoming the barriers to widespread adoption, making solar energy a practical choice for today’s large energy users.

    In addition, Recurrent Energy’s leadership team brings more than 85 years of solar and energy project experience in project development, engineering, structured finance, plant operation and international construction working for companies such as Bechtel, Calpine, PG&E, American Electric Power, Prevalent Power and Energy Innovations.

    The company is also backed by some of the leading financial institutions and visionaries in renewable energy. The most notable of those are Morgan Stanley, having partnered with Recurrent Energy to provide a $200M fund — one of the largest such funds in the solar industry today.

    back to top

  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.

    back to top

  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.

    back to top

  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

    back to top

  7. Does Solar as a Service help qualify my company or organization as “green”?

    Yes. Solar as a Service 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. Solar as a Service can also help organizations qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.

    back to top

  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.

    back to top

  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.

    back to top

  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.

    back to top

  11. What is the payback time on your solar 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.

    back to top

  12. How does an organization get started?

    Solar as a Service is currently available to large scale energy buyers within the commercial, government and utility sectors. To get started, call Recurrent Energy’s sales team:

    back to top