What Is the RESCO (OPEX) Solar Model? A Simple Guide for Businesses

Electricity can be a major monthly expense for a business. Factories, warehouses, hospitals, schools, hotels, and other commercial facilities often use a lot of power during the day. That makes solar a practical option.

But there is one common problem.

Who pays for the solar system?

Buying and installing a solar system can require a large upfront investment. Many businesses would rather use that money for their day-to-day operations or growth.

This is where Solar OpEx comes in.

What Is Solar OpEx?

Solar OpEx, short for Operational Expenditure, is a way for a business to use solar power without buying the solar system itself.

Under this model, a solar developer invests in the system, installs it at your property, and takes care of its operation and maintenance.

Your business then pays for the solar electricity it uses, usually at an agreed rate under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

In simple terms, you use solar power without having to make the large upfront investment needed to own the system.

How Does Solar OpEx Work?

The process is fairly simple:

1. Your available space is assessed. This could be a rooftop, open land, parking area, or another suitable space on your property.
2. The solar potential is checked. The space needs to be large enough and receive sufficient sunlight. Heavy shading can reduce solar generation.
3. The solar system is designed and installed. The solar developer handles the investment and installation.
4. Your business uses the solar power. The electricity generated is supplied to your facility according to the agreed arrangement.
5. You pay for the solar electricity you generate. The developer remains responsible for operating and maintaining the system.

You Don't Need a Huge Rooftop

Solar is not limited to rooftops.

If your roof is unsuitable, there may be other options. Depending on the property and local regulations, solar can potentially be installed on:

• Open land
• Parking areas
• Industrial premises
• Large sheds
• Other unused spaces with sufficient sunlight

The important factors are available area, sunlight, shading, electricity consumption, and site conditions.

Why Are Businesses Choosing Solar OpEx?

The biggest advantage is simple: no large upfront investment.

Businesses can start using solar power without purchasing the entire system. They can also avoid taking on the responsibility of maintaining and operating the plant themselves.

For businesses with high electricity consumption, this can help reduce their dependence on grid electricity and lower their monthly power costs.

Is Solar OpEx Right for Your Business?

Solar OpEx can be worth considering if your business:

• Has high electricity consumption
• Has suitable unused space
• Uses a significant amount of electricity during the day
• Wants to reduce power costs
• Does not want to invest heavily in a solar system

At Vividh Ventures, we provide OpEx solar solutions for commercial and industrial businesses. We assess your available space and electricity usage to determine whether solar can work for your facility.

You may not need to buy a solar system to benefit from solar power.

Sometimes, the smarter first step is simply to see what your property can generate.

Contact us today for a free rooftop feasibility assessment and find out how much your business could save!