Frequently Asked Questions

• How is NRE different from the local solar company I saw in the phone book?
  Chances are, the company you saw in the phone book is just a solar installer or contractor that would charge you for their services to perform the installation. NRE provides services allowing our clients to achieve reduced carbon emissions, energy independence, predictable pricing, and enhanced sustainability without the upfront costs, risk of ownership, or ongoing maintenance associated with building and owning a solar power plant themselves. We have a team of experienced professionals ready to design a solution that meets your needs while delivering maximized returns on investment. We believe the only way renewable energy will succeed is if it is profitable.
• What is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?
  A PPA is a contract fixing the terms of an electrical energy service agreement between an energy service provider (in this case, NRE) and an end user (customer). NRE assumes all the risks and responsibilities of ownership. Sometimes referred to as a "third party" ownership model, this approach allows you to focus on your core business - you are not responsible for providing any upfront capital since we pay for the installation of the system, and then we manage and operate the system over the life of the contract. Contract terms range from 15 to 25 years, during which you will enjoy predictable, predetermined electricity costs and reliable power from a solar system that is a source of pride for your organization. At the end of the PPA term you can choose to purchase the solar system at fair market value or potentially extend the PPA.
• How much can my organization really save?
  We typically save customers anywhere from 10% to 50% annually on their electric bill. Savings is difficult to predict without a preliminary site analysis, which NRE is happy to provide at no charge to you. Savings depend on a number of factors, including:

  • Property Size. More space accommodates a larger energy system, which generally translates to greater savings.
  • Geographic Location. Regional electric prices vary greatly - states located in the Midwest have very low utility rates compared to heavily populated states such as New Jersey or California, so savings in these areas are typically less. Additionally, not all states have financial incentives to encourage solar energy projects.
  • Ancillary Initiatives. Many of our clients are already actively seeking to promote themselves as "green" by purchasing power in clean energy markets or buying renewable energy credits. We will build a comprehensive financial model that pinpoints all costs recovered from the implementation of a solar energy system.
• How long will my solar system last?
  Solar generating systems that are designed, installed, and maintained well will operate for more than 20 years. The basic solar panel has no moving parts and can last more than 30 years. Many problems occur because of bad installation practices, which may include substandard components, insufficient wire size, or poorly designed layout and system optimization. The best way to ensure and extend the life and effectiveness of your solar system is by having it installed and maintained properly.
• What is net metering?
  Currently, more than 30 states have net metering programs across the United States. Net metering is a policy that allows those that install solar systems to receive full value for the electricity that their solar energy system produces. Effectively, it allows anyone with a solar system to use excess electricity produced to reduce their electric bill. When the system is installed, Neuwing will ensure that all electricity produced goes to the client, but if the system produces more power than required, it will be sold back to the local utility for a credit against the electric bill.
• What is an SREC?
  SREC is an acronym for "Solar Renewable Energy Certificate." An SREC is a tradable certificate that represents all the clean energy benefits of electricity generated from your solar electric system. SRECs are issued once a solar facility has generated 1000kWh (1MWh), through either estimated or actual metered production, and they can be sold or traded separately from the power generated. In certain U.S. states, utilities must comply with Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mandates. If the RPS has a distributed (or customer-sited) generation component or a solar "carve-out" requiring a certain amount of energy be produced by solar electricity, the utility will commonly satisfy that requirement by purchasing SRECs from qualifying solar installations. Currently, SRECs trade in the $300 - $700 range in the Northeastern U.S., depending on the state in which they are generated.
• Who buys SRECs?
  SRECs can be bought by electricity suppliers, renewable energy marketers, private businesses and individuals interested in supporting the development of solar energy. A list of electric suppliers that are required to purchase SRECs, interested 'aggregators' and brokers is available on the web to keep buyers and sellers informed of the going price. Neuwing has brokered SRECs and other environmental attributes for years, so we will always ensure that you receive the best price execution on any SREC trade.
• What about roof leaks?
  NRE has strategic alliances with the nation's leading solar panel manufacturers and uses the most advanced technology available. In many cases, this allows us to install systems that are self-ballasted and snap into place. These panels do not require any roof penetration, and they can easily be moved and repositioned. They are also lightweight and weigh less than a single layer of shingles.
• I own a large commercial property and lease space to several tenants. How do I benefit from renewable energy?
  A solar installation will enable tenants to enjoy renewable power at competitive prices while NRE pays rent to owners for the use of their roof space. Our services are a zero capital cost improvement that "greens" a property, making it more attractive to tenants, buyers and store customers.
• How long does the permitting and construction process take?
  Time to delivery of a generating system depends on the system size and type. In many cases, NRE can analyze the site, design a system, obtain approvals/permits, and complete construction of a solar system in 4 to 6 months. Solar farms that generate more than 1 megawatt may take 12 to 18 months to complete from the time a lease or agreement of sale is signed.
• Will we still need our utility?
  Yes - solar systems only generate power when the sun is out. However, it is important to note that most utilities also charge higher prices during daylight hours, which correspond to peak hours of demand. Regardless, the local utility will continue to supply power to supplement your power needs at night and at any other time when the business requires more power than the solar system generates. Alternatively, if you produce more power than you consume, the electric meter will actually "spin backward," as you will be selling this power back to the utility, offsetting costs on your monthly bill.
• What happens if we have a blackout in our region?
  Solar systems are normally required by law to shut down until utility power is restored unless they have adequate battery backup. NRE will manage the shutdown process for you, leaving you free to worry about other critical impacts to your business from the power loss.
• Does my roof need to face south to install a solar system?
  Roof orientation is the direction the roof faces. Ideally, this is south, resulting in optimum exposure throughout the year. Neuwing can guide you as to the best orientation of panels, and we can provide alternate solutions in cases where optimum placement is not an option.
• Will our system work when it is cloudy?
  Solar cells require sunlight to produce electricity, so full sun is always best. In cloudy conditions, the solar system can still generate most of its maximum output. However, thorough geographic models of sunlight patterns have been developed that allow us to accurately forecast the system production and resulting impact to your bottom line from installing a solar energy system.

For more information on our solar energy development services, contact us today!