Independent Renewable Energy Consultancy: Why Commercial Property Owners Need Objective Advice – There is growing pressure on commercial property owners to cut down costs associated with energy consumption, optimise asset performance, and make clear headway toward achieving sustainability objectives. But given that there are several solar installers, technology providers, PPA providers and energy companies that offer different solutions, making a decision about what really works for a property becomes quite challenging.
This is when an independent renewable energy consultancy plays a pivotal role.
As opposed to suppliers who might have their revenues dependent on the equipment or financing solution being offered, an independent consultant makes evidence-based decisions in the best interest of the commercial property owner.
An independent renewable energy consultancy offers specialised consultancy services related to renewable energy projects but does not have any financial ties with any specific solar installer, technology provider or financing firm.
For commercial property owners, it may include renewable energy feasibility studies, commercial solar consultancy, energy strategy, grid connection consultancy, PPA consultancy, procurement consultancy, technical due diligence and net zero planning.
The critical advantage is that of independence. The consultant does not start from a product or technology and work backwards but rather from the aims of the property, its energy use, constraints and investments.
Solar PV might work great for one commercial building but not for another because of the roof, orientation, energy usage, tenant issues, grid capacity, planning and funding.
Independent advice from a renewable energy consultant will analyse these factors and decide whether to suggest solar, battery storage, a power purchase agreement, energy efficiency or some other method of generating savings.
This way, commercial property owners will avoid getting involved in an inappropriate solution just because it is being pushed by the technology’s supplier.
Renewable energy is both a sustainability choice and an investment choice.
Owners of commercial properties need to know about capital expenditure, savings on energy, time to payback, projected production, costs of operations, risks, and long-term asset value.
Independent renewable energy feasibility studies can model various scenarios and provide the necessary information to the owners to make their decisions regarding investment.
For property funds, REITs and other institutional investors, such analysis can help investment committees, asset managers, and lenders make the right decisions as well.
One of the most crucial factors for a commercial renewable energy project is grid connection. A technologically attractive solar or battery system project may have limitations that will impact its cost, schedule or even feasibility as a whole.
Independent assessment can help the property owners to evaluate the technical requirements, possible risks and implications associated with the connection.
Evaluation of grid connection needs is especially useful when renewable energy is just part of a broader commercial property strategy.
Multiple quotations do not necessarily imply that the property owner has received independent advice.
Each contractor can come up with their own system specifications, technology, warranty, financial assumptions, and delivery methodology. Comparing them without expert knowledge might prove complicated.
A renewable energy consultant will be able to prepare an appropriate specification, assess technical and business propositions and help with the procurement process, which is based on the client’s needs rather than the sales approach of a provider.
Renewable energy should not be considered just an installation project.
For commercial property owners, decisions made will have impacts on tenants, leasing, building operation and maintenance, refurbishment plans, and sustainability of the asset or the portfolio.
This means that a commercial renewable energy strategy will need to cover the whole life cycle of the asset from feasibility and procurement all the way through delivery and performance.
Consider a consultant who possesses the necessary technical knowledge in addition to a business perspective.
Some of the criteria to look out for are experience with commercial solar projects, grid connections, power purchase agreements, renewable energy procurement, technical due diligence and net zero strategies.
Another criterion is independence, which can be assessed by inquiring whether the consultant receives any form of commission or financial incentives from installers, technology providers or financiers.
In such a case, the more transparent the relationship is, the more obvious it will be whether the consultancy is truly independent.
Renewable energy for commercial buildings involves much more than just installing the solar panels. Renewable energy involves making prudent investment decisions with regard to energy performance, economic viability, tenants’ needs, regulatory environment and asset management.
ARC Renewables offers independent consultancy for the renewable energy needs of commercial property owners, REITs, investors and operators, including feasibility, grid connection, procurement, power purchase agreements, net zero strategies, and technical due diligence.
For an objective assessment of your renewable energy potential, contact ARC Renewables and learn about the consultancy services.
What is the job of an independent renewable energy consultant?
An independent renewable energy consultant evaluates the energy potential of a site and gives unbiased recommendations on the feasibility, technologies, financial aspects, procurement, grid connection, PPAs, and project risks.
Is independent renewable energy consultancy a good choice for commercial real estate portfolios?
Yes. Independent consultancy is especially helpful to property funds, REITs, landlords, and companies managing multiple sites, requiring similar analysis across different sites and investments.
Why is independence important for solar consultant selection?
Independence can eliminate conflicts of interest. The supplier stands to gain from the purchase of the system or installation in question, while an independent consultant will be able to determine if the project is commercially viable before suggesting any solutions.
Will a renewable energy consultant be of any assistance regarding procurement of solar energy?
Yes. Assistance offered by consultants includes preparing the specifications, evaluating proposals from suppliers, analysing commercial aspects, and enabling the property owner to select the right delivery route.
When should a property owner seek renewable energy consultancy services?
Ideally, independent consulting services should be sought prior to making any commitments as regards technology, supplier or financing mechanism. Early feasibility studies can reveal any technical, commercial, planning, or grid-related problems.