How do solar power plants make money?

The key revenue stream for most solar power plants is the fee (tariff) paid for each kWh of electricity generated. As discussed in Section 12, sometimes there are other sources of revenue, such as renewable energy credits, tax credits, and other financial incentives available to developers.

How can a capital grant help a solar PV project?

Capital grants awarded through a tender or application process have also helped support solar PV projects, especially in the early stages of PV power commercialization when its costs were very high, the awareness of its characteristics limited, and the perceived risks high.

Are financial incentives still required for solar PV projects?

While the cost per kWh of solar PV power has come down dramatically and continues to fall, in most cases direct or indirect financial incentives are still required in order to increase the commercial attractiveness of solar PV projects so that there is sufficient investment in new projects to meet national goals for renewable energy production.

Are solar PV power plants a good investment?

Solar PV power plants represent a large financial investment. The PV modules are not only valuable, but also portable. There have been many instances of module theft and also theft of copper cabling. Security solutions are required to reduce the risk of theft and tampering.

Can inexperienced local staff develop a solar PV power plant?

However, with appropriate training, the use of inexperienced local staff can present a low-cost and locally-beneficial method of developing a solar PV power plant. Strict quality management is required.

How do large companies fund solar plants?

Large companies may fund solar plants “on balance sheet,” providing equity themselves and obtaining debt as part of their broader operations and corporate financing. This model would be typical for self-generation (i.e., for a single user’s own power needs), rather than the larger utility-scale projects that this guide focuses on.