A successful solar electric project often calls for more than just a quality solar product and a competent installer. Expertise in commercial real estate, finance, economics and the utility market, can also help smooth over rough edges and make a project more efficient and cost effective in the long run. For this reason, solar module manufacturer RWE Schott Solar (RSS) partnered up with the Southern California-based Permacity Corporation to help develop the photovoltaic (PV) market in the Los Angeles area, using Permacity’s expertise in those four areas.
Rocklin, California – May 24, 2004 [SolarAccess.com] “With the company’s expertise in commercial real estate, it has an insider’s understanding of this market segment and can work to help building owners with tax incentives and capital expenditures relevant to their individual needs,” said Marc Roper, director of sales for RSS. “In addition, the company’s leadership has had a great deal of experience in the direct access power market, giving it a strong insight into utility billing practices and rate structures. Armed with this knowledge, Permacity has made purchasing a PV system affordable and an effective energy supply for its clientele.” In addition to Permacity’s experience with commercial real estate, finance, economics and the utility market, the company can also provide engineering services when needed. With its PV product source in place (through RSS), Permacity has quickly found success. In less than a year of selling PV energy solutions, the company has established its capabilities, from primary contractor to deal broker on PV installations ranging from smaller residential systems to larger 110 kW to 270 kW commercial systems. In what can sometimes be a confusing or difficult process to secure financing, or to create structurally or aesthetically pleasing designs, Permacity is quickly building its reputation in the business. For example, when its customer, Earth Island Natural Foods, was told its building’s roof would not support solar panels, Permacity researched the situation and engineered a 113 kW system, using the SunRoof FS Free-Standing system. The system not only meets the roof’s weight restrictions, it requires no roof penetrations.