Legal agreements with Big Solar Co-op

The Big Solar Co-op enters into legal agreements with all our host sites. These agreements are designed to be simple, transparent, and fair. The core legal document is a lease that includes a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

What does the agreement cover?

• Lease & access: We lease the space above your roof and are granted access to install, maintain, and connect our solar equipment.
• Power supply: We sell the electricity generated by our panels to you at a fixed rate, which is lower than your current electricity rate.
• Backup supply: You keep your existing energy supplier for any electricity needs that our panels can’t meet. 

Agreement flexibility

Term:
Minimum commitment is 5 years. After 5 years, you may choose to buy out the system for its depreciated value, with no penalties for our lost future earnings. If not bought out, the lease and PPA run for 30 years.

Roof work:
If you need to repair the roof or carry out other works, we will remove and reinstall the panels at no cost to you. We only charge a penalty if panels are removed more than twice during the lease, or if repairs take longer than one month.

Change of use or demolition:
If the building’s use changes or it is demolished, we will try to reinstall the panels on another of your buildings. If no alternative site is available, you pay the standard buyout cost.

Property sale:
If the property is sold, the lease and PPA transfer to the new owner.

Who manages the solar panels?

The Big Solar Co-op owns and operates the solar panel system. We:

• Handle installation and ongoing maintenance.
• Monitor performance and fix any faults.
• Insure the system against damage to your property or to the public.
• Help you make the most of the solar power generated.
• Meter and bill your solar usage at the agreed fixed rate.
• Export any unused energy to the grid and receive the wholesale price.
• Aim to improve system performance over time.

How the process works

1. Commercial proposal
   We provide a tailored proposal for your site, including solar design, power purchase pricing and an installation timeline.
2. Letter of Authority (LoA)
   A simple, non-binding 6-month exclusivity agreement, indicating that you’re happy to proceed based on the commercial proposal.
3. Draft legal agreement
   Typically a lease, kept as simple and cost-effective as possible:

• Clear and fair terms with no hidden penalties.
• Efficient communication via joint video calls, avoiding long email threads.
• We cover lease registration fees. Each party covers their own legal costs.