‍A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a solar financing option for solar projects where a third-party investor (Onyx) owns and operates the solar system and sells the electricity to the host customer (you) at a fixed rate for a specified period, usually 15-25 years. Commercial solar PPAs can help businesses and individuals access solar energy without having to make any of the large upfront investments otherwise required by self-financing and self-installation. This is how Onyx provides you solar at no upfront cost to you. You are only responsible for your lower utility bills and ongoing PPA payments.

A Solar Services Agreement (SSA) is a service-based structure Onyx uses in cases where a traditional Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is not permitted or practical. Under an SSA, a third-party owner (Onyx) installs, owns, and operates the solar system, and the customer (you) pays a fixed service fee tied to system availability or performance rather than the electricity produced.

This approach allows customers to access solar with predictable costs and no upfront investment while Onyx manages all operations and maintenance. SSAs are often used to accommodate regulatory, contractual, or site-specific constraints that prevent a standard PPA, while still delivering the same long-term reliability and financial benefits.

An operating lease is a solar financing option where the host customer (you) leases the energy system from a third-party owner (Onyx) for a fixed monthly payment over a defined term. Onyx owns the system, manages operations and maintenance, and retains responsibility for performance, while the customer benefits from predictable energy costs and no upfront capital expense.

Operating leases are often used when a PPA or SSA is not a good fit due to regulatory restrictions, accounting preferences, or site-specific requirements. This structure can provide contractual flexibility while still allowing customers to access high-quality energy without taking on ownership or operational risk.

Yes, many states and local governments offer incentives for solar energy, such as rebates, tax credits, and property tax exemptions. These incentives vary by location, so it's essential to research what incentives are available in your area. Onyx will conduct the market research and applications/permitting work to obtain the applicable incentives to your project as part of our commercial solar services, passing along the value of these incentives in the form of utility cost savings to you.

Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are certificates that represent the environmental and social benefits of renewable energy. When a solar system generates electricity, it also generates RECs, which can be sold separately from the electricity to individuals or as part of a business’s energy procurement process (for those that want to support renewable energy but cannot generate it themselves). Onyx typically monetizes these RECs on behalf of customers to provide you with a lower energy price.

Commercial battery storage for solar can help customers save money by allowing them to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night or during times of peak demand when electricity prices are higher. The amount of money customers can save with a commercial energy storage system depends on several factors, including the cost of electricity in their area, the size of their solar system, and the size of the battery storage system. Onyx can help you analyze your historical energy usage to determine your full savings potential with solar + storage.

Working with Onyx mitigates the investment risks of adopting solar + storage, as we fully finance projects on your behalf through lease structures like commercial solar PPAs, allowing you to observe savings immediately with zero capital expenditure.

Yes, it is possible to install a solar system on a rented property, but it requires the landlord's permission. In some cases, the landlord may be willing to install the solar system and include the cost in the rent or lease agreement. In other cases, the tenant may be responsible for installing and maintaining the solar system and negotiating a favorable agreement with the landlord.

In all cases, Onyx is your partner in determining the best leasing and contract setup to convert you to renewable energy procurement solutions.

If you move or sell your facility, Onyx’s solar power financing options, like PPAs, can be transferred to the new facility owner or lessee so long as they have equal to or better credit ratings and financials. At the end of the solar term agreement (i.e., 15, 20, or 25 years), you have the option to have the system removed at Onyx's expense, purchase the system at the (then) fair market value (determined through a third-party appraiser), or enter into a new PPA with Onyx.

Yes. While Onyx delivers a significant amount of solar for our clients, we also work across a range of complementary technologies. Our team understands the financing structures, technical specifications, and local and state incentives for solutions such as battery and thermal energy storage systems, linear generators, Organic Rankine Cycles (ORCs), and more. Reach out to discuss which options make the most sense for your needs.