What does it take to build a renewable energy strategy that’s financially viable, emissions-reducing, and scalable across global operations? That was the focus of our recent webinar, Renewable energy: Practical advice for maximizing impact.
Panelists:
- Andrew Savage, VP of Sustainability, Lime
- Sam Stark, CEO and Co-Founder, Green Project Technologies
- Dan Roberts, SVP, Sales and Co-Founder, VECKTA
- Ty Colman, CRO & Co-Founder, Optera (moderator)
During the webinar, the panelists discussed the mix of renewable energy options available today—from EACs and green tariffs to on-site solar and PPAs—and shared how real companies can balance cost, feasibility, and impact to choose the strategies that deliver the most value.
Your renewable energy toolkit: EACs, on-site systems, green tariffs, and more
The panel discussion started with a summary of the different types of renewable energy mechanisms available to organizations today, and what kinds of organizations they’re best suited for.
- EACs (Energy Attribute Certificates): Market-based certificates—also called RECs (U.S.), GoOs (EU), or I-RECs (international)—that prove one megawatt-hour of renewable electricity was generated and that allow companies to report that energy as part of their sustainability and compliance claims.
- On-site solar and battery storage: Systems installed at company facilities that generate renewable electricity on-site and improve energy resilience.
- Green tariffs: Utility programs that let companies buy renewable electricity directly through their power provider, usually bundled with RECs.
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Long-term contracts where companies buy electricity from renewable projects at predictable prices.
How to choose the right renewable strategy for your business
While the options are well established, the right path forward depends on your context. Throughout the webinar, the panelists shared key decision criteria to guide your approach.
How facility characteristics shape renewables options
When weighing renewable energy options, the characteristics of your facilities often matter just as much as your overall corporate goals. The feasibility of on-site systems depends heavily on:
- Facility size and layout
- Building ownership or lease structure
- Regional electricity prices and grid stability
- Local incentives or permitting barriers
“Some facilities might be a perfect fit for on-site energy. Others are better suited for EACs or green tariffs. It’s often a facility-level decision, not a company-wide one.”
— Ty Colman, CRO and Co-Founder, Optera
Dan Roberts, Co-Founder of VECKTA, shared that sites over 15,000 square feet in high-cost regions are often strong candidates for solar plus battery storage. In contrast, leased or smaller sites may be better served by EACs or green tariffs.
Capital, credit, and cost considerations
Financial flexibility is one of the biggest factors when deciding how to pursue renewable energy. Projects like PPAs and on-site solar can deliver long-term savings, but they often require upfront investment, legal engagement, and a solid credit profile. For companies that aren’t in a position to make those commitments, EACs and green tariffs offer fast, credible alternatives that don’t demand capital or infrastructure.
“Not all companies have the capital, the credit, or the capabilities for on-site projects.”
— Andrew Savage, VP of Sustainability and Founding Team Member, Lime
“EACs allow companies to start making progress right away without the upfront costs or credit requirements of on-site projects or PPAs. They’re often the most accessible and scalable option, especially for smaller companies or those operating in constrained markets.”
— Sam Stark, CEO & Co-Founder, Green Project Technologies
Still, on-site systems may be more financially viable than many assume. In today’s market, rising electricity prices and falling technology costs are strengthening the business case for on-site investment. Roberts shared several examples:
- A cold storage facility in California is locking in 8.5¢/kWh and saving $25 million over 25 years
- A carport solar system in Texas is achieving a sub-5-year payback
- A Florida site is reducing its payback period from 9.5 years to 5.5 years through competitive procurement
Recent policy shifts have introduced both challenges and new opportunities for renewable investment. While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act accelerates the sunset of the solar tax credit, it also reinstates 100% bonus depreciation for eligible projects. For businesses that act quickly and meet project timelines, these provisions can significantly improve project economics in the near term. Battery storage incentives also remain fully intact, adding to the value case for integrated systems. Rather than closing the door on on-site energy, the new policy landscape rewards companies that move decisively and strategically.
“Even as solar tax credits phase out, the bonus depreciation, falling technology costs, and rising utility rates are combining to make business cases stronger than they’ve been in years.”
— Dan Roberts,SVP, Sales & Co-Founder, VECKTA
Cost modeling and ROI expectations should be revisited frequently, since electricity rates, technology prices, and incentive structures are shifting faster than many organizations realize. Companies that revisit their models more frequently are better positioned to capture savings and avoid outdated assumptions.
Aligning renewables strategies with emissions targets
The structure and speed of your renewable energy strategy should align with your decarbonization targets. For companies with near-term goals, especially science-based targets aligned with 2030 milestones, there’s little time to wait. Action needs to start now. Reaching that level of reduction within five years requires a combination of immediate impact and long-term investment. EACs and green tariffs can deliver quick wins and near-term progress, while on-site systems and PPAs help lock in durable emissions reductions.
“We set a science-based target, where the company’s committed to a 90% absolute reduction of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. And, you know, that target is quite ambitious. But what we have been able to do is leverage a hybrid strategy of using local tariffs with the EACs to actually be four years ahead of schedule on that 2030 target.”
— Andrew Savage, VP of Sustainability and Founding Team Member, Lime
Many companies are finding that a hybrid approach is the most realistic path. It allows them to show momentum, meet interim targets, and build a foundation for lasting decarbonization.
Want to dive deeper?
There are many factors to weigh when outlining or refining your renewable energy strategy, from financial constraints and facility types to emissions targets. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the right mix of tools and timing can help you move faster and more effectively toward your goals.
This blog captures just a portion of the insights shared during the conversation. The full webinar includes:
- A side-by-side comparison of EACs, green tariffs, on-site systems, and PPAs
- Guidance on cross-functional alignment with finance, procurement, and operations teams
- Tips for building a renewable strategy that delivers both impact and resilience
Click here to watch the full recording, or reach out to the Optera team to explore what a customized renewable energy strategy could look like for your business.
