FALL 2016
SPRING 2017
“An Introduction to Tax Equity Finance for Solar and Wind Projects"
Speaker: Micah Sussman, PhD Strategic Growth Consultant, Woodlawn Associates Energy Systems Engineering Alumni
Abstract: Solar and wind energy are an increasing part of the U.S. energy generation portfolio. The IRS provides tax incentives to continue this growth. However, many system owners cannot fully use these tax incentives. Instead, developers work with so-called tax equity investors (more commonly referred to as simply Tax Equity) to invest in these systems in a way that most effectively monetizes these incentives, as well as lessens the financial burden of owning the systems. Tax Equity is a multi-billion-dollar industry, but financing these deals requires developers and investors to build complex financial structures that both follow the tax law and net high returns for both parties. This introduction will highlight the following main topics: Renewable energy financing via power purchase agreements; roles of developers, customers, and investors in common tax equity structures; and key considerations in tax equity investments.
"Going Solar"
Speaker: Sarah Conde Procurement and Estimating Manager, Safari Energy Energy Systems Engineering Alumni
Abstract: Commercial Solar is booming in the U.S. energy portfolio. The process to develop Solar is not clean and simple. Safari Energy, as a small developer with a large footprint, has a very unique approach. Safari owns the largest portion of the Real Estate Investment Trust solar market. Unfortunately, a lot of people understand generally how solar works but lack the actual knowledge of how the project is developed. “Going Solar” presents the practical process of installing solar to elaborate on the theoretical knowledge. The process highlights start at development, followed by design; into permitting and finally construction. A comprehensive look will be given to all these topics and the work that goes into each stage, as well as, future solar developments.