SATCO Cincinnati – Beyond Solar Installation: How the Right Energy Contract Can Boost Savings

Client Background

Satco is a manufacturer with a 100,000 square foot facility located near Cincinnati. In 2022, they installed a solar system with Melink to reduce energy costs and enhance sustainability. In addition, it significantly lowered their Peak Load Contribution (PLC), making them eligible for savings on their electric capacity costs. However, to fully benefit from these savings, Satco needed the right type of electricity contract—specifically, one that allows for capacity charges to be passed-through from the supplier rather than fixed.

Solar Array Details

Loveland, Ohio

Standing Seam Roof Mount

429 kW DC

Completed 2022

Challenge

In the summer of 2024, Satco’s electricity supply contract expired, but the renewal was overlooked. Without a valid contract in place, Satco was automatically placed on a high variable rate, drastically increasing their electricity costs.

Solution

Melink reached out to Viridi as a trusted partner to assist Satco. Viridi then enrolled them in a new supply contract that met their needs in two important ways:

  • Solar Net Metering: Viridi secured a contract with a supplier that supports solar net metering. This ensures Satco receives credits for any excess solar energy produced, even if it exceeds their building’s consumption.
  • Capacity Pass-Through Contract: Viridi got Satco a lower energy rate and opted for a capacity pass-through contract, allowing Satco to fully benefit from the reduced capacity costs tied to their lower PLC.

Result: $70,000 Reduction in Annual Costs

By switching to a lower capacity pass-through rate with a supplier that accommodates net metering, Satco now sees:

  • $30,800 in annual energy savings from their solar power generated
  • $33,800 in annual savings from shopping for a lower rate on their electricity bill
  • $5,400 in annual savings from reducing their PLC and utilizing a capacity pass-through rate