Archive for the ‘Installers’ Category

SRECTrade Partners With 365 Pronto For 3G Sunset

Posted November 4th, 2021 by SRECTrade.

Overview
Next year, telecommunications providers will phase out their support of more than 22 million 3G communications devices—including the revenue-grade meters used for measuring and recording the production of solar energy systems. As a result, these meters will fall out of compliance for the minting of SRECs and receipt of quarterly payments to solar system owners.

To prevent this sunset from impacting you, SRECTrade has partnered with 365 Pronto to remove and dispose of old revenue-grade meters and replace them with new revenue-grade meters that follow the regulations and network communications needed for verified SREC payments to system owners.

While there is no fine or penalty for not having the meter swapped out, system owners who choose not to upgrade their meter(s) could soon stop receiving SREC payments, negatively impacting the expected return on investment from their solar installation(s).

If you have not yet been contacted by us, don’t worry, we’ll be in touch in the coming weeks as the program rolls out.

Pricing, Payment, and Rollout
System owners are responsible for the cost of this replacement equipment and related labor. SRECTrade is committed to helping our customers keep costs low, so we have negotiated preferred pricing with 365 Pronto, our technology and logistics partner. This pricing is conditional on the system owner registering for the replacement in a timely manner when the rollout has reached their geographical region.

The rollout with be conducted in phases and will begin in Massachusetts. If you register before Saturday, November 20, 2021, you’ll be eligible for a 20% in-market price discount on your meter and installation.

If you delay the registration—or do so outside the period within your region—we cannot guarantee the agreed-upon preferred price.

Massachusetts SREC Market
Current SREC market prices are around $300/MWh/SREC. For the average system size of 7 kW, this represents a potential loss of $2,100 per year in quarterly SREC credit payments for Massachusetts residents. For systems larger than the average, the loss is even greater.

Next Steps
If you are a Massachusetts resident and have been recently contacted by us regarding your SREC payments, the process begins by visiting a simple, step-by-step, online interface to register your system:

Replace Your Revenue-Grade Meter – Sign Up with 365 Pronto

Again, if you have not yet been contacted by us, don’t worry, we’ll be in touch in the coming weeks as the program rolls out.

We estimate that your meter will arrive 30-40 days after you purchase it. Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your meter in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation. In many cases, the homeowner does not have to be present during the installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a revenue-grade meter?
    • The meter is what your solar system uses to communicate your solar output withthe SREC tracking registry. Without this meter, the registry cannot determine how many SRECs to mint to you.
  2. Why is this replacement necessary?
    • Wireless communications protocols become obsolete over time, and the wireless carriers (Verizon, AT&T, etc.) are phasing out old networks (2G/3G) in favor of faster, upgraded networks. Many solar systems installed more than three years ago likely have equipment designed for the network technology of the time (2G/3G).
  3. What is 365 Pronto?
    • 365 Pronto is our technology and logistics partner. It is a technology platform company matching asset owners (you) with an on-demand qualified workforce (local service providers) through automated technology. Because of its unique model, it can service the entirety of SRECTrade’s systems under trading.
  4. How much will a new meter cost?
    • Through our partnership, we were able to negotiate a special lower-than-market price just for Massachusetts SREC Trade customers.  This price includes all parts and installation, plus a one-year cellular data plan.
    • You should act now, because next month, 365 Pronto providers will be conducting work in your area. If you reserve your meter replacement slot by Saturday, November 20, 2021, you can secure a 20% in-market price discount on your meter and installation.
    • You will need to register and purchase your replacement meter before Saturday, November 20, 2021, to secure this discount.
  5. Can I use my original installer?
    • Yes, you may contact your installer to ask about having this work performed. However, providers who are not part of the 365 Pronto network may not be able to guarantee the same price. This is why it is important to book your meter replacement with 365 Pronto before Saturday, November 20, 2021 and reserve your discounted price.
  6. When will my new meter be installed?
    • We expect that your meter will arrive 30-40 days after you purchase it. Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your meter in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation. At that time, 365 Pronto will process your payment for the installation of your meter. In many cases, the homeowner does not have to be present during the installation.
  7. Do I need to do anything once the new meter is installed?
    • No. Once your new meter is installed, it will begin to communicate your solar output with SRECTrade as normal. If you have questions about your account, please email ma.renewables@srectrade.com.
  8. How do I know my meter is working?
    • We understand that there is a delay between when your output is recorded and when your SRECs are minted. We will provide email confirmation to let you know that the system is working. If you have questions about your account, please email ma.renewables@srectrade.com.

*Disclaimer: Price is subject to i) sales tax on equipment and ii) change, based on availability and offering acceptance timing. We expect that your meter will arrive 30-40 days after you purchase it. Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your meter in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation.

SRECTrade Massachusetts Class I Application Updated and Open!

Posted March 11th, 2021 by SRECTrade.

March 24, 2021 EDIT: Removed the text, “There is no requirement in MA Class I for projects to utilize a revenue grade meter, regardless of size.” See the added “Minimum Meter Accuracy” table from Section 2.1 e) of the NEPOOL GIS Operating Rules below for revenue grade meter requirements.

SRECTrade’s MA Class I application is now fully updated and live on our website. This update includes streamlining our online application to only require fields that are necessary for obtaining MA Class I certification.
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To start an MA Class I application, please log in to your SRECTrade account and select the link to “Apply to sell SRECs”.

Below is more info about the MA Class I REC Market parameters:

  • Any solar PV project interconnected to the New England ISO is eligible to sell MA Class I RECs.
  • As of the time of this post, the current MA2020 Class I spot market price is approximately $40.00 (per MWh).
  • There are no REC factors in the MA Class I market as there were in MA SREC-II; one Class I REC is generated per 1 MWh of production.
  • Qualified MA Class I projects are not limited to 40 quarters of REC transactions like in the past MA SREC markets; they are eligible to transact in perpetuity.
  • All MA Class I projects are required to utilize an Independent Verifier for production reporting. If you have questions about whether your solar inverters/meters qualify, please view the approved NEPOOL Independent Verifiers List (current as of the time of this post).
  • SRECTrade’s MA Class I Market page will have more information added to it in the near future.
  • Metering requirements are as follows:
“Minimum Meter Accuracy” table in Section 2.1 e) of the NEPOOL GIS Operating Rules.

Regarding fixed-price contract opportunities, 5- and 10-year forward contract links will be emailed on a quarterly basis to interested parties. Please email installers@srectrade.com to indicate your interest in this mailing list.

As always, please contact SRECTrade with any questions and we look forward to working with you in the MA Class I market.

IL ABP Marketing Guidelines Training – Webinar

Posted April 9th, 2019 by SRECTrade.

Earlier today, SRECTrade hosted a training webinar for its Illinois Adjustable Block Program (ABP) partners. Among other topics, the webinar reviewed the ABP’s Distributed Generation (DG) Final Guidelines for Marketing Material and Marketing Behavior. SRECTrade requires its partners to review the Final Marketing Guidelines in full to ensure that they are compliant with ABP consumer protection requirements. There is a separate set of guidelines that govern ABP community solar facilities.

For access to the presentation slides, please click HERE. To view a video recording of the webinar, please click the image below.

SRECTrade Expands Eligible Solar Generation Auto-Reporters to Include eGauge and Fronius Integrations

Posted March 21st, 2019 by SRECTrade.

SRECTrade is excited to announce that eGauge and Fronius are now eligible to auto-report production for all PJM GATS facilities through SRECTrade’s online platform. The new integrations expand on SRECTrade’s existing functionality with Enphase Energy and SolarEdge. These new integrations demonstrate SRECTrade’s commitment to focusing on delivering efficient technology solutions to its clients.

Selecting eGauge will require applicants to also provide the eGauge “Device ID” or “Device Name”. Similarly, selecting Fronius will require applicants to also provide the Fronius “Site ID”. SRECTrade’s Operations and Reporting Team will work with applicants on completing auto-reporting setups.

For Illinois-sited facilities, eGauge and Fronius are now approved auto-reporters for the Illinois Adjustable Block Program (ABP).

MA SREC-II Extension Webinar

Posted December 13th, 2016 by SRECTrade.

Earlier today, SRECTrade hosted a webinar covering the current state of the Massachusetts SREC-II program, key deadlines for qualifying systems under SREC-II, and SRECTrade application processes.

The application window is currently open for all MA systems, regardless of size, although qualification deadlines are approaching. Please feel free to reference SREC-II Extension Application Instructions HERE.

For access to the presentation slides, please click here: MA SREC-II Extension Webinar. To view a video recording of the webinar, please click the image below.

This document and recording is protected by copyright laws and contains material proprietary to SRECTrade, Inc. It or any components may not be reproduced, republished, distributed, transmitted, displayed, broadcast or otherwise exploited in any manner without the express prior written permission of SRECTrade, Inc. The receipt or possession of this document does not convey any rights to reproduce, disclose, or distribute its contents, or to manufacture, use, or sell anything that it may describe, in whole or in part. If consent to use these materials is granted, a link to the current version of this document on the SRECTrade website must be included for reference.

MA SREC-II Installer Webinar

Posted December 12th, 2016 by SRECTrade.

SRECTrade will be hosting a webinar this Tuesday, December 13th, at 2:00 PM EST. The webinar will cover the current state of the Massachusetts SREC-II program, key deadlines for qualifying systems under SREC-II, and SRECTrade application processes to consider as the program’s close approaches.

To attend the webinar click HERE to register. A recording will be made available on SRECTrade’s blog for those unable to attend.

Sungage Financial and SRECTrade – Webinar Slides and Recording Available

Posted March 28th, 2016 by SRECTrade.

On March 28th, 2016, SRECTrade hosted a webinar with Sungage Financial covering the following:

  • Introduction to Sungage Financial
  • SREC products available through Sungage and SRECTrade
  • Online tools for system owners and installers
  • NJ market update
  • Q&A

For access to the slides please click here: Sungage Financial and SRECTrade Webinar. For a video recording of the webinar, click the image below.

The Future of SRECs in Illinois – What Happens after the IL SPV Program?

Posted March 9th, 2016 by SRECTrade.

With the third and final round of the Illinois Supplemental Photovoltaic (SPV) Procurement Program under way, stakeholders are pondering what lies ahead for Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) in the State of Illinois. The bid for the Spring 2016 SPV Procurement Program (Round 3) will take place on March 31, 2016. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) will issue its final decision on the results of the Procurement on or before April 6, 2016, when we will learn whether the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) spent the entire $15 million allocated for the final round. SRECTrade will publish another blog post with the results of the third round shortly after the ICC releases its decision.

For the Illinois SPV Procurement Program, the State appropriated $30 million of the Renewable Energy Resources Fund (RERF) to procure SRECs from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems energized on or after January 21, 2015. The $30 million budget was divided between the three procurement program rounds, with $5 million allocated for the first round, $10 million allocated for the second round, and $15 million allocated for the third round. The funds appropriated for each of the first two rounds were fully expended by the IPA.

What will happen next for Illinois remains indefinite. If the IPA awards $15 million worth of contracts in the final round, it is uncertain whether there will be a need for a fourth contingency event to take place in Spring 2017. Once the SPV Procurement Program comes to a close, the future of Illinois SRECs will once again destabilize. Although there is potential that solar PV facility owners could participate in other statewide Procurements, there is no long-term certainty for in-state SREC sales, as was made available by the SPV Program. Even more uncertain is whether the Illinois General Assembly will take up any energy bills this year to institute long-term solutions, either before or after the budget for FY2016 is adopted.

SRECTrade encourages PV facility owners in the ComEd utility service territory to apply for the Pennsylvania SREC market. Solar PV facility owners and installers may submit an online application to sell their SRECs in Pennsylvania by creating an SRECTrade account on our home page, and submitting an application for a new facility.

Please feel free to visit our Illinois and Pennsylvania Markets pages for more information on the SREC markets in these states.

If you have any questions about the SPV Program, you can view our introduction webinar and slides online here. You can also email us at clientservices@srectrade.com, or call us at (415) 763-7732 ext 1. SRECTrade is also happy to address inquiries pertaining to our online application and the Pennsylvania SREC Market for Illinois facility owners and installers.

MA SREC-II Update Webinar

Posted March 1st, 2016 by SRECTrade.

SRECTrade will be hosting a webinar this Thursday, March 3rd, at 1:00PM EST. The webinar will cover the current state of the Massachusetts SREC-II program, guidelines for qualifying systems under SREC-II, and general market information.

To attend the webinar click HERE to register. A recording will be made available on our blog for those unable to attend.

Please note, we are currently accepting SREC-II online applications on SRECTrade.com and will continue submitting them to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) in the order they are received. SRECTrade encourages you to submit complete applications for your system as soon as possible, for the best chance of getting enrolled in the remaining SREC-II capacity. Applications submitted to SRECTrade are not guaranteed to be qualified under the SREC-II program due to the rapidly diminishing capacity remaining in the program.

Illinois Supplemental PV Procurement Program – Application for March Solicitation

Posted January 29th, 2016 by SRECTrade.

SRECTrade’s application is currently open for Illinois solar facilities wishing to participate in the March 2016 round of the Illinois Supplemental PV Procurement Program. SRECTrade’s application for this program will close on Friday, February 19, 2016. This post is meant to serve as a friendly reminder that all systems interested in participating in this program must submit their application and “bid assurance”/collateral through our website by Friday, February 19. In order for an application to be considered “submitted” by the application deadline, the application must be complete and correct, with valid “bid assurance”/collateral, and must include all required documentation signed by the facility owner and applicant, as applicable.

To register a system with SRECTrade, please log in or create your SRECTrade account via the links on the SRECTrade home page. Once logged in to your SRECTrade account, you or your installer can “Register a New Facility” to begin the SRECTrade application. Once you provide the Proof of Energized Date and Certificate of Completion for your system, SRECTrade will obtain the Illinois and PJM-GATS registry certifications for your system. After your system is fully certified, SRECTrade will facilitate the reporting of your solar production and the brokerage of your SRECs upon their issuance. If you are successful in winning a contract under the Illinois Supplemental PV Procurement Program, SRECTrade will facilitate the management of your contract for the duration of that contract.

For additional information about the market in the State of Illinois, please visit our Illinois Markets page. If you have any questions about the application process or about the Illinois Supplemental PV Procurement Program, please contact our Client Services Team via email at clientservices@srectrade.com or via phone at (877) 466-4606 ext 1.