solar energy FAQs

Solar Energy

Financing

Development & Construction

Sustainability

Once I install solar energy, how does it impact my sustainability goals?

By adopting renewable energy, you are directly offsetting electricity from the utility grid that may utilize fossil fuels (depending on your area). In addition, each megawatt-hour (MWh) of system production generates a Renewable Energy Credit (REC) that you can “retire” to claim your environmental benefits and impact. Alternatively, you can sell these credits to another entity so that they can claim the environmental benefit as their own.

How can carbon offsets be quantified as the result of a solar system?

An easy way to calculate the carbon offsets of your solar project is to use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator. This calculator uses nationwide assumptions about utility grid pollution to determine your offset. If you would like a more localized approach, you can determine the carbon emissions rate of your utility to calculate your system’s offset.

Storage

How does energy storage work?

Storage is primarily deployed to further reduce costs on your utility bill by reducing electric demand and the associated charges. Most commercial customers pay both energy costs and demand charges on their electricity bills. While solar energy impacts the energy portion, energy storage can reduce the demand portion of the bill — creating a significant savings opportunity that complements on-site solar. Depending upon your state and utility territory, storage may also be used to optimize revenue opportunities by providing grid services. Furthermore, storage has the potential to provide resiliency to your building to serve as short term back-up power during a grid outage.

How much does energy storage cost?

The cost of energy storage depends on several factors: like your state, utility territory, and your building’s energy profile. At DSD, we carefully evaluate the value proposition of storage at your unique facility. We proudly offer a transparent analysis so that each customer can make an informed decision about the cost and benefits of adding storage to their PV project.

How much space does it take up?

For typical commercial and large-scale applications, the storage unit containers vary from the size and shape of a large refrigerator on the small end, to a shipping container on the large end. The containers are weather-proof, secure, and engineered to house the battery cells and all other hardware equipment.

Where would the energy storage units be located?

Storage units are typically mounted and secured on a new concrete pad located outside, and in close proximity to, the electric meter (or point of interconnection). The units are typically tucked away and can be fenced and screened for minimal disturbance to a building’s aesthetic profile.

Are there any incentives available for energy storage?

There are many incentives available for storage, depending upon your state, utility territory, and local jurisdiction. The states most commonly offering storage incentives include California, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. Other states may also offer grants or tax benefits for storage projects that can help offset the cost. No matter where you are located, if you have high demand charges, you may have an opportunity to save with energy storage.

How does DSD manage storage projects?

DSD proudly offers battery storage as a fully integrated deliverable. We are technology-agnostic and source from leading battery hardware providers, as well as best-in-class battery management platforms. This enables us to offer economically optimal solutions tailored to each interconnecting meters’ unique consumption pattern and electric tariff, or in-front-of-meter program. Additionally, our integrated solar solutions can be contracted for, constructed, and financed along with the co-located solar project, simplifying customers’ procurement and administrative processes and accelerating deployments.

Operations & Maintenance

Who owns and manages the solar project for the long term? Who comes to inspect the system and fix any issues that may arise?

Under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the project owner is responsible for the long-term operations and maintenance. This includes annual cleanings, inspections and necessary repairs. In addition, the owner will monitor the system for any irregularities and notify you in the case of an issue. If you purchase the system yourself, you can enter into an operations and maintenance agreement with a third-party to manage this process on your behalf.

Feel free to contact us today and let us know what aspects of our solar energy services and solutions you’d like to know more about; our DSD solar energy experts are here to assist!

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