Healthcare Digital February 2024 | Page 79

DIGITAL HEALTH
which is similar to a green energy contract , enables customers to enrol in and then buy power directly from solar projects located somewhere else on the grid .”
“ While a factor like site suitability can sometimes be straightforward , the conversation around owning or leasing equipment is more complex . It can involve tax incentives and whether the business can benefit from them , which often makes financing solar through a Power Purchase Agreement ( PPA ) an attractive option .”
If the customers ’ location doesn ’ t have a suitable footprint for solar , it often makes sense for a customer to consider a green energy contract through a retail energy agreement bundled with renewable energy credits ( RECs ), or to see if community solar exists in their market .
“ Green energy contracts can help organisations support renewable projects through the purchase of RECs and allow the organisation to claim green power ,” said Rengstorf . “ Community solar ,
How healthcare facilities can control their energy costs and the future of renewables When it comes to establishing an energy strategy that will best support an organisation ’ s needs and goals , Rengstorf suggests first determining the appetite for risk .
“ In a volatile energy market – as we ’ ve experienced for the last couple of years – having a strategy designed to meet your business ’ s unique needs is essential for managing risk .”
Rengstorf believes that it is important that organisations work with an expert , who has enough experience and expertise to truly understand the options available .
“ From there , you can select the right product ( or products ) that align with the business ’ s risk appetite and sensitivity to price fluctuations ,” said Rengstorf . “ Businesses considering on-site generation need to invest a fair amount of time in an analysis of those opportunities to fully understand the implications and the ROI . When working with a third-party solar partner , it ’ s important to get aligned on how the on-site generation will affect the customers ’ demand curve with an eye on long-term impacts .”
For the future of renewables , Rengstorf believes that customers should continue to expect market volatility in the future , and this presents both risk and opportunity .
“ As we go forward , it ’ s going to be even more essential that organisations work with energy companies who are experts in both commodity supply as well as renewable generation .” healthcare-digital . com 79