Economics of Solar Cogeneration

Cogenra Solar’s renewable energy solution delivers the highest internal rate of return (for system purchases) and lowest HPPA rates over all other distributed solar technology systems. The attractive financial benefits are a result of the system’s efficient collection and utilization of the sun’s resources. Cogenra delivers 5 times the energy and 2 times the economic value of photovoltaic (PV) systems of the same electrical output by producing 4 units of additional heat energy for every single unit of electricity.

Average HPPA energy rates are lower than other solar technologies, determined by such factors as:

• Regional solar incentives and subsidies
• Net metering availability and other utility-sponsored programs
• Local solar irradiation
• Customized installation add-ons
• Customer credit rating

Learn more about Cogenra’s HPPA model.

A closer look at a purchased California commercial solar installation:

• For a standard installation in Fresno, California, with an average number of 194 sunny days per year, the typical payback period is 5 years.
• During 2011 alone, solar cogeneration systems are eligible for a special federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) grant covering 30 percent of total installed cost and a 100% depreciation write-off of the equipment.
• An additional rebate up to $500,000 is available under the California Solar Initiative’s solar thermal program being.
• Further incentives are available for renewable electricity generation under the California Solar Initiative’s performance-based incentives (PBI) for solar PV.
• When the benefits of time-of-use (TOU) tariffs are factored into the ROI calculation, payback times will be accelerated.
• Solar cogeneration hedges against increasing electric and gas rates. Commercial electric utility rates in California have risen 650 percent and natural gas prices have risen 1360 percent since 1970.