Path-Q Solar
What should I check to determine whether an export-compensation agreement transfers ownership of renewable energy certificates or similar environmental attributes?
Answer
Read the agreement's definitions, ownership, transfer, reporting, and termination clauses to see whether exported or generated electricity attributes are assigned to the utility, buyer, provider, or customer. Do not infer ownership from the export rate alone; obtain clarification where the language is ambiguous.
Key points
- Look for terms such as renewable energy certificates, environmental attributes, benefits, claims, and bundled or unbundled energy.
- Check whether the transfer covers all generation or only exported generation.
- Review who may make renewable-energy claims and whether double counting is prohibited.
- The agreement may address attributes separately from electricity bill credits.
What it depends on
- Contract definitions and assignment clauses
- Applicable renewable-energy tracking and claim rules
- System ownership and export-compensation structure
- Any separate utility, financing, or incentive agreements
Risks and trade-offs
- Transferring attributes can reduce the customer's ability to make environmental claims.
- Ambiguous terms can affect contract value, marketing claims, and later disputes.
- The agreement may transfer future attributes for a long period or after ownership changes.
Information you may need
- Complete export-compensation agreement and amendments
- Definitions of environmental attributes and renewable certificates
- Applicable registry, utility, and program rules
Your next step
What to do next
Ask the provider or utility to identify the exact clause governing attribute ownership and have an adviser review it if the transfer has material value.
Path-Q
Find the right next step
Answer a few questions and we’ll narrow your options.
Loading…
Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.
SQ01944