Source: facilitiesnet.com
Solar energy is a hot topic within the buildings and construction industries and will continue to grow in the coming years. This topic's popularity creates a demand for understanding solar power purchase agreements within the context of commercial projects, and it warrants nuanced considerations for commercial property and construction business owners.
Apa itu Perjanjian Jual Beli Tenaga Surya (PPA)
Perjanjian Pembelian Tenaga Surya (SPPA), juga dikenal sebagai Perjanjian Pembelian Energi Surya (SEPA), adalah pengaturan antara fasilitas komersial atau properti, yang disebut sebagai tuan rumah, dan penyedia layanan surya, di mana tuan rumah setuju untuk menggunakan sistem fotovoltaik (PV) penyedia layanan surya. Sistem ini mengubah sinar matahari menjadi energi listrik oleh panel surya yang dipasang di atap atau properti inang, sebagai ganti penggunaan energi yang dihasilkan oleh sistem PV. Dalam skenario ini, tuan rumah adalah bisnis, instansi pemerintah, dan lembaga pendidikan yang menggunakan listrik tenaga surya tanpa biaya di muka per SPPA.
An SPPA is a performance-based arrangement where the host pays the solar service provider for the energy produced by its system, which is installed on the host's property. The solar service provider purchases the solar panels and all other required equipment for the project from a PV manufacturer. Typically, the PV manufacturer provides warranties for the solar equipment, provided it is installed properly. The solar service provider will either self-perform or subcontract the design and installation of the PV system, and they are responsible to specify the appropriate system components and arrange for follow-up maintenance over the life of the PV system.
Penyedia layanan surya berfungsi sebagai koordinator proyek yang dapat mengatur pembiayaan, desain, perijinan, dan konstruksi sistem PV. Banyak penyedia layanan surya memiliki investor atau pengembang luar yang akan memberikan pembiayaan ekuitas yang akan menerima manfaat pajak federal dan negara bagian untuk sistem tersebut. Ini adalah bagaimana manfaat SPPA dapat ditawarkan tanpa biaya di muka kepada tuan rumah. Mungkin ada contoh di mana investor dan penyedia layanan surya akan membentuk entitas tujuan khusus (SPE). Hal ini memungkinkan proyek berfungsi sebagai badan hukum yang menerima dan mendistribusikan pembayaran kepada investor dari manfaat pajak dan penjualan hasil sistem. SPPA harus menjelaskan bagaimana penyedia layanan surya diatur dan beroperasi sehubungan dengan sistem host.
Umumnya, utilitas lokal bertanggung jawab untuk melayani tuan rumah. Mereka juga merupakan interkoneksi antara sistem PV dan jaringan listrik, dan mereka terus menyediakan layanan listrik dengan tuan rumah. Hal ini dilakukan untuk menutupi periode ketika sistem memproduksi kurang dari kebutuhan listrik tuan rumah. Beberapa negara bagian memiliki pengukuran bersih, juga dikenal sebagai pengukuran energi bersih (NEM), yang memungkinkan tuan rumah menyimpan energi di jaringan listrik. NEM diperlukan jika sistem PV menghasilkan lebih banyak listrik daripada yang dibutuhkan. Jika sistem PV menghasilkan listrik lebih dari yang dibutuhkan, energi tambahan dapat dikirim ke jaringan dengan imbalan kredit dari utilitas lokal. Kredit ini dapat digunakan pada saat panel surya host kurang berproduksi, seperti pada malam hari, dan host dapat menggunakan energi yang tersimpan dari grid pada saat itu, tanpa biaya, daripada membayar utilitas berdasarkan akumulasi kredit.
Most states have some mandatory net metering requirements, including a cap as to the amount that can be kept, while other states allow the utility to provide a credit for excess electricity generated from the PV system. Some SPPAs provide for the solar service provider to receive all credits.
SPPA mencakup beberapa pemain kunci yang berbeda dalam perjanjian. Durasi sebagian besar SPPA, dalam konteks komersial, biasanya berkisar antara 15 hingga 20 tahun. Panjang perjanjian biasanya dinegosiasikan antara para pihak.
Commercial Considerations for an SPPA
There are several benefits a host receives when taking part in an SPPA. First, by using renewable energy, many hosts can make a difference for the environment and be a part of helpful sustainable business practices. Second, there are generally no upfront costs involved in entering into an SPPA. Third, the SPPA hopefully allows a host to lock in low energy costs, but just know there may be an annual price escalator between 1 to 5 percent to account for system efficiency. Currently, system efficiency is known to decrease as the system ages due to cell and battery memory, but technology is improving system efficiency. Lastly, some SPPAs will include a buyout option that will allow the host to buy the system before the end of the SPPA.
Tuan rumah juga harus mempertimbangkan risiko berikut yang terkait dengan SPPA.
1. Under an SPPA, a host is generally required to purchase the power produced at a pre-specified rate. If rates decrease, it is possible that a host can be locked into paying too much for the solar energy.
2. Consider if as an Owner you potentially pay less and save more by purchasing your own solar system with a cash purchase or capital improvement loan and receive the tax credits. This of course requires the host to have the capital necessary to accomplish the same and still enter into a contract for the systems installation, and a long-term service agreement with a contractor for maintenance.
3. Tuan rumah harus memberikan kemudahan atau lisensi bagi penyedia layanan tenaga surya untuk memiliki akses untuk menempatkan dan memelihara sistem PV di gedung atau properti. Tuan rumah juga harus menentukan cara mengizinkan akses ke gedung atau properti mereka sambil menjaga keamanan situs. Kerusakan pada properti melalui pemasangan dan pemeliharaan merupakan pertimbangan, meskipun SPPA-yang ditulis dengan baik akan mengalokasikan risiko tersebut.
4. Any contract is only as good as the solar service provider with whom an owner is contracting. Under an SPPA, a building or property owner or manager has no ownership or control over the solar equipment. Because of this, the host is reliant on the solar services provider to repair and maintain the system, which can be frustrating if the system is not being properly maintained. If there are issues with the PV system, the solar service provider is likely contracted to pay for the operation and maintenance costs. It is important to make sure the solar services provider is reputable, financially sound and will be around for twenty years and beyond. As a commercial building or property host, consider in an SPPA what happens if the solar services provider is acquired by another company, goes bankrupt, or simply closes the doors.
This list of considerations is not exhaustive. This list is merely for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.
While there are always various factors worth discerning for any type of agreement between parties, an SPPA may be a great option for a host for the reasons stated above. However, there are also benefits for a host to have control over its own PV system and receive the tax benefits for the PV system. If you are a commercial owner interested in exploring an SPPA, consult with an attorney that understands the intricacies of an SPPA and make sure your risks and rewards are properly allocated and accounted.
Matthew E. Cox, partner, and Raziye Andican, associate, are attorneys with Smith, Currie Hancock LLP, di masing-masing kantor perusahaan Columbia, Carolina Selatan, dan Tysons, Virginia.