The Vista Energy Group (Vista) is pleased to announce the formation of its solar and renewable energy practice. The Vista Energy Group has long worked with clients on engagements focused on renewable energy and has extended its network to include Mr. Ron Celentano, a nationally-recognized expert in the solar energy field to its consulting team. Mr. Celentano has been at the forefront of advancing solar generation and system deployment in the commercial market in the Mid-Atlantic region and has actively contributed to the rules for solar as a renewable energy source in Pennsylvania. The announcement of it formal practice highlights Vista Energy Group’s commitment to provide timely insight and value to our clients as the energy markets continues to evolve.
The solar and renewable energy practice will target Vista Energy Group’s client base including electric utilities, technology companies, financial parties and large commercial, industrial and institutional customers, looking to better understand their options and opportunities. This includes areas of the country which are mandating solar deployment over the next decade as part of statewide energy portfolio standards.
Vista Energy has established expertise on the deployment of renewable energy projects and solar energy technologies including both photovoltaic and thermal technologies and is well positioned as an objective source of information. In addition, Vista has a wide network of industry experts and can ensure that clients are able to gain insight and expertise from the experts throughout Pennsylvania and the country. Our legacy is built on getting our clients to the right resource to obtain timely and useful insight and information.
Vista Energy is experienced in understanding the many aspects of how and why renewable and solar energy deployment is critical to the energy landscape. The newly developed renewable and solar practice is designed to provide client assistance in the following areas.
Feasibility Studies - Vista Energy can assess the feasibility of a solar deployment in any type of location. This includes systems that are dedicated to a specific end user, grid based deployment and other scenarios. Vista can assess the initial feasibility of a potential project. Vista’s role addresses financial, market and engineering feasibility. Once the initial feasibility study is completed Vista works with our Client to determine a path forward.
Carbon Footprint Calculation - Vista Energy can calculate a “carbon footprint” for our clients. This will enable a client to establish a baseline so that any subsequent reductions in carbon emissions will be credited and may be worth the sale of Emission Reduction Units when carbon regulation is put in place in the US and elsewhere. As such there will be a clear record of a client’s environmental contributions by deploying solar and other renewable technologies.
Regulatory Factors - The impact of regulation remains a concern that apply to deployment in both the state, federal and nongovernmental organizations modes. On a state level, issues such as net metering, renewable energy certificates, distribution interconnection requirements, economic subsidies, and commodity pricing are very important. On a grid based system, issues including transmission interconnection factors with the grid, wholesale electric markets, and federal jurisdictional issues arising from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission remain very important. Further, as the US moves toward a carbon constrained regulatory environment, those economic factors will become more important. Vista has a comprehensive understanding of potential carbon regulation and its effects on a potential project.
Project Finance - Vista Energy can analyze all of the financing factors that are important in a project including the use of investment tax credits and accelerated depreciation. Vista is continually following the progress of legislation involving the extension of existing credits and new credits that are being considered. In addition, in some states the sale of solar renewable energy certificates (SREC) can contribute significantly to the ability to finance a potential projects.
Contract Transactions and Negotiations - Vista assists clients in understanding key contractual issues and the need to formally negotiate power purchase agreement activities. Vista has served as an advisory role in helping clients better understand their relative risks and rewards associated with renewable energy and solar investments. This includes working with all the relevant stakeholders: attorneys, technology companies, counter-parties, insurance and hedging organizations.
