October, 2008
A Rahus Institute Publication
October, 2008
A Rahus Institute Publication
DISCLAIMER:
This Guide is a Rahus Institute publication and was sponsored by commercial and non-profit organizations interested in
solar education and a healthy marketplace. Neither the Rahus Institute nor any of the project sponsors, editors, or advi-
sors makes warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness,
or usefulness of any information, product, or process described herein. We have attempted to provide full attribution
for all external sources of data and graphics. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service
does not imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Guide advisors, editors, sponsors, or the Rahus
Institute. This report may be downloaded from CaliforniaSolarCenter.org.
First Edition: October, 2008
Customer’s Guide
to
Solar Power Purchase Agreements
Chapter 1
Is solar power right for our organization? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Chapter 2
What is a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA)
and how will it benefit us? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Chapter 3
Utility support & financial considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Chapter 4
Steps to a successful project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Chapter 5
Other ways to buy solar electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 6
Real world examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Chapter 7
Summary lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .