New business model for solar energy

Posted on 22. Sep, 2006 by ashleys in Solar Power

A US company in the states has come up with a new business model for deploying solar PV arrays. The company Maryland based SunEdison will actually own, finance and operate any help fund the installation of a facility. SunEdison own the installation for a number of years, and is reimbursed for the solar energy at rates they are currently paying.

“This makes adding solar a no-brainer for eco-minded corporations, since they pay nothing up front” says Claire Broido Johnson, a SunEdison vice president.

This is an interesting concept and this article (osl) provides an example of such an installation at a food warehouse in Connecticut. As far as I see the host company sees no benefit except the public relations of generating solar energy and reducing their carbon footprint. I would like to see SunEdison’s business plan, presumably they see a return on investment within 10 years. Any comments?