Daytime aerial view of solar canopies in a parking lot

Solutions > Distributed Generation, Microgrids & Storage > Solar Power

Solar Energy Solutions

Solar energy, a great option for both public and private organizations seeking to control energy costs and meet sustainability goals, is one of the most efficient and popular forms of renewable energy in the world today. At a time when organizations like yours aim to build more robust, resilient, and secure energy infrastructure; solar power paired with batteries and energy storage can set you apart. Ameresco continues to find creative and innovative ways of using solar and storage for on-site resiliency as well as for grid benefits when sold to grid operators. 

As a leading clean technology integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, we have a deep bench of experience in developing and maintaining solar energy projects for schools and governments as well as private enterprises. When you partner with Ameresco, you get access to a team of solar power specialists who will help you navigate the best path to success.

You have a variety of options to either build, own, and operate solar PV systems or to simply buy the power. We work with each customer to determine the best-fit financing and ownership solutions. Complete the form to access our info sheet on solar solutions & financing options today ➙

Download our Solar Info Sheet now ➙

Solar Solutions for Any Site

We offer a full spectrum of services from system conceptualization to a live digital dashboard of production and support once the system is running. Ameresco can develop, engineer, build, own, operate, finance, and maintain solar power systems, providing a complete solution. We could operate and maintain your existing solar power system or assist with financing for a new construction. Our solar PV team has an advanced understanding of regulations and is involved with ongoing rulemaking at the local, utility, state, and federal levels. We have acted on behalf of our customers to secure all permits and incentives to keep projects on schedule and at the agreed upon price.

Daytime view of solar panels mounted in an array at a solar farm

Solar Farms

Whether you have open land, a brownfield, or landfill your property might be well suited for solar development. Our engineers have developed proprietary ballast systems that allow brownfield solar farm development in areas where soil cannot be disturbed.

Daytime view of solar panels on the roof of a building on the Arizona State University campus

Roof-Mount Solar Power Systems

Roof-mount solar systems can be installed on a wide range of buildings. Depending on the available roof area and your usage profile, you may be able to generate 100% of the energy you need through solar power. In some locations, excess power can be sold back to the electrical grid, potentially turning rooftops into revenue.

Daytime aerial view of large solar car port canopies on the campus of Arizona State University

Solar Canopies

Parking lots can provide ample space for power generation with solar canopy systems from Ameresco that preserve existing parking spaces. Gain a source of clean, low-cost energy and high awareness of your commitment to solar power. Solar canopies can create covered walkways as well as carports.

Daytime view of solar panels mounted in arrays on a hillside with mountains in the background

Off-Grid Solar Power Systems

Bring power where it’s needed. Off-grid solar systems offer a world of new energy opportunities in places where traditional power lines are too impractical or too expensive. Highly efficient off-grid solar systems allow energy generation in any location with sufficient sunlight.

Daytime close up view of solar thermal heating tubes

Solar Thermal

Solar thermal energy, which involves the heating of water through solar collectors, can be used to supplement the energy efficiency of a building’s existing HVAC system, or as part of a new hybrid geothermal/solar system. Our solar thermal projects make better use of the heat that the sun freely supplies to buildings.

Daytime aerial view of a solar farm in a wooded area

Community Solar

Community or shared solar, is a solar farm that provides electricity and renewable energy benefits to multiple end-users. Through a power purchase agreement (PPA), net metering credits from community solar projects enable residents and businesses to lower their electricity costs and reduce carbon emissions.

Daytime view of a worker inspecting solar panels in an array

Operations & Maintenance

Ameresco has in-house technology, staff, and systems to continuously monitor solar PV operations, report alarms and problems, and dispatch maintenance staff using our work order management system. We also test and re-commission each site once a year.

Close up of hands and a tablet computer with a chart on its screen

Digitalized Solar Results

A smart public dashboard enables you to externally display facts and stats about your solar generation and infrastructure. Ameresco provides energy analytic tools for optimization and maintenance of your solar assets, designed to drive your organization’s sustainability goals and focus attention on the value that assets deliver to stakeholders.

The cover of Ameresco and Microgrid Knowledge's free white paper on microgrids superimposed on a daytime view of solar panels under a blue sky

Free Report: The Rise of Clean Energy Microgrids & Why They Make Sense

Interest is rising in clean energy microgrids, as they offer greater electric reliability and reduce carbon emissions to helps you reach sustainability goals.

Download White Paper

The Bottom Line

There are many solar power financing options to consider. Depending on your situation, each option has advantages. Ameresco will guide you through the process, and help you identify and choose the right fit for the project.

Power Purchase Agreement: Through a solar power purchase agreement (PPA), owners of land and buildings can gain the advantages of clean, renewable energy with no up-front capital investment. In a typical PPA, a company installs solar power systems at no cost. The property owner then buys energy at a negotiated rate from Ameresco, just like a monthly utility bill.

Frost & Sullivan recognizes Ameresco with the 2020 Global Distributed Energy Resources Company of the Year Award.  “Ameresco’s distinctive ability to accurately recognize emerging energy trends and take rapid action has endowed it with a first-mover advantage in the energy services sector. Green hydrogen is Ameresco’s newest area of focus as it expects the energy market to embrace it to enable a faster transition to carbon neutrality.”

“San Joaquin County, and it’s local communities, have long prioritized the development of renewable energy resources, both for reducing emissions and supplementing existing electricity generation. In addition to its environmental impact, the solar energy system will provide further utility cost savings to our region, which will directly benefit residents and local governments’ ability to better serve its constituents.”

“Wells Fargo aims to meet its energy goals in a way that curbs climate change. We believe you can protect the planet and grow the economy at the same time. By significantly expanding our onsite solar generation, we are delivering impact at the local level and helping to accelerating a just transition to a low-carbon future.”

Solar Power in Action

Ground-mount, rooftop & carport solar installations at University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Campus generates 481,000 KWh per year.

Through a power purchase agreement (PPA), San Joaquin County built a 5 MW solar farm at a former landfill site that generates 10+ MWh annually.

Solar energy farms are cutting Massachusetts cities’ and towns’ costs by harvesting energy and paying it forward to local communities.

Ready to learn more?

Contact us now to learn more about solar energy solutions from Ameresco. Learn about our capabilities in solar farms, off-grid solar, solar thermal and community solar, as well as financial options available to fund solar power development.

Explore more solutions in our advanced technology portfolio that pairs well with solar  ➙

Energy Storage  |  Microgrids  |  Energy Efficiency