Renewable Energy - Confirmation of Renewable Attribute Ownership

Levi Jimenez

Founder & Senior Consultant

Viable LLC

LEEDuser Premium Member

12 thumbs up

Project location :

United States

May 1, 2021

We have a site with a substantial solar array that is owned by the building owner. The LEED Credit form requires uploaded supporting documentation as follows: "upload confirmation of renewable attribute ownership if the on-site renewable energy system is owned by the building owner"

Will a simple letter from the owner suffice? Proving a PPA or contractual arrangement seems easier to confirm, but it is unclear exactly what is being asked for here. Yes, the REC's are owned, but how do we need to prove it? Is there a way to establish ownership of the REC's without any additional cost? The system hasn't been commissioned yet and isn't generating any energy, but this is a construction credit so I cant imagine having to prove generation quite yet. Designed output is already available. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

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Marcus Sheffer

LEED Fellow

7group / Energy Opportunities

LEEDuser Expert

4454 thumbs up

Mon, 05/03/2021 - 14:08

Ideally you have some documentation that the RECs have been retained. Even if the system is purchased outright the RECs don't always come along. There should be some sort of document that states the terms of the purchase. If not then ask the vendor to provide one.

Simon Joubert

Terao

LEEDuser Basic Member

2 thumbs up

Wed, 06/16/2021 - 06:48

Dear Marcus, Dear Levi, I am in the same situation i think. We are building a logistic platform composed by two buildings in China and we will provide a solar power on a roof. this energy will be generated directly to the main transformer of both projects and energy will be directly consumed by the building for the energy produced is lower than the energy consummed by buildings. The overproduction will be sold to the grid. I provide during design submittals the contract between the owner and the general constractor showing GC will install the power plan : it is not enough. GBCI is asking for Confirmation of Renewable Attribute Ownership. Have you some updates on this ? Does the owner need to provide a kind of contract with the tenant explaining they will send the electricity to the tenant ? Maybe also the owner will just increase the cost of the rent because of the PV installation and thusly will not sell electricity to the tenant (the tenant will have automatically a reduction of operation cost). Best regards, Simon

Marcus Sheffer

LEED Fellow

7group / Energy Opportunities

LEEDuser Expert

4454 thumbs up

Wed, 06/16/2021 - 14:50

This remains the same. There should be a contract between the installer and the owner of the system which indicates who will retain ownership of the RECs. If there is no REC market where you are then you will need to explain that to the reviewer. So this has nothing to do with the relationship between the owner and the tenant.