Your single point of contact for renewable energy projects.

 

As a Renewable Energy developer, we know that every customer has different needs and interests when it comes to their individual project. Our engineers are always performing product research and engaging in industry updates in order to provide the best possible offerings to our clients and keep us on the cutting edge. As an example, we were the first solar developer in Rhode Island to install a grid connected solar system with a battery backup. This design is the only utility approved method for generating solar power during a grid outage.

One of the most common challenges in rooftop solar development is the health and longevity of the roof. By partnering with Veteran Roofing, a Veteran owned Rhode Island based commercial roofing company, we can offer a comprehensive project approach including highly reflective roof coatings which match the expected lifespan of the solar equipment and can even improve the productivity of the solar power system through lowering roof temperatures and reflecting usable light back to the solar panels. Best of all, any maintenance work or warranty claims for both the solar equipment and the roof can be directed to Hillview as a single point of contact, simplifying the process of resolving any issues that arise over the life of the system.

Take a look at our project offerings below. Whatever type of system you choose, you can feel good knowing that you are helping the environment while also saving money, and from the initial design proposal to the final inspection, Hillview Environmental will walk you through every step of the way.

We also offer engineering consulting services for a range of technical disciplines. If you are stuck on a particular technical challenge, managing tight project timelines, or simply short staffed and need additional engineering capacity, our team would be more than happy to assist.

 
 

Net Metered Solar

One of the most straight-forward ways to implement a solar system in today's market, net metered solar systems connect to both the home or business and the power grid. Earn credits when you make more power than you are using, and spend those credits when you need power from the grid (such as at night).

Our designs incorporate modules on each solar panel called optimizers, which allow you to monitor the production of your system down to each individual panel.

With a net metered system, the value of the power you produce is directly related to the price you pay for electricity. This means that as energy costs go up, the value of the power your solar system generates goes up as well.

 
Verde Vineyard

Net Metered Solar with Battery Backup

Enjoy all of the benefits of a net metered system, but with the ability to continue powering your business while the utility grid is down.

Normal net metered solar systems are required to shut down when the utility grid is offline in order to protect utility workers. However, with a battery backup system, electricity is automatically supplied to your business by an aesthetically pleasing wall mounted battery pack or larger capacity floor mounted battery bank.

The best part: your solar panels will continue to make power and recharge the battery pack during the day!

Battery systems can also qualify for the Connected Solutions program, in which the utility company will pay you directly for allowing them to use your battery capacity on high grid demand days, primarily in the summer. This incentive can pay for a large percentage of the cost of the battery, making energy storage much more financially compelling.

 

Export Solar (REGrowth)

Export solar is a different take on solar power production, using a fixed value for the power generated. Exporting power is frequently the most financially positive choice for larger solar systems. This incentive in Rhode Island is called the REGrowth program, as known as a Feed-In-Tariff incentive.

Instead of connecting the solar generation system to your business, it is tied directly into the utility grid through a separate metering device. 

The meter tracks how much power you generate each month, and the utility company sends you a payment based on the amount of power multiplied by the fixed value for each kWh.

Your solar system essentially becomes a miniature power plant, supplying the utility grid with clean, renewable energy.

Another key difference between net metering and export solar is that export systems are not limited in size to the power consumed on site. This allows for larger systems to be built, maximizing the value of the available space.

 

Engineering Consulting

Our focus on technical expertise allows us to provide engineering consulting services on a wide range of topics. Solar power engineering is our primary business, but we also offer:

  • Design/Build development support

  • Utility review coordination

  • Electrical design review and PE stamping

  • Structural certification and PE stamping

  • Environmental assessments

    • Soil studies

    • Wetlands delineation and permitting

    • Water drainage and erosion control planning

  • AutoCAD drawing revisions

  • Technical site supervision and training

  • Performance verification of completed solar power systems

  • Third party Independent Engineer verification of work processes and quality control

  • Drone photography and thermal imaging

 

Maintenance and Modernization

We offer comprehensive maintenance plans for all of the projects that we develop, but we can also offer maintenance and modernization options for existing solar power systems.

As your solar system ages, components such as inverters can begin to fail. Most inverters are only designed for a 10-12 year lifespan, and it can be difficult to find solar installers who are willing to work on older equipment.

Our engineers and electricians can efficiently diagnose your equipment and develop a repair plan to get your system back up to full capacity. We can also add modern power control and safety electronics to your older equipment to bring it up to current safety standards.

In the frustrating case of roof work needing to be performed under an existing system, we can even remove the equipment in coordination with the roofing company, then rebuild and test the system once the roof work is completed.

 
Wilco Roof Coating

Roof Repair and Replacement

As part of any of our projects, we are proud to offer high quality, expertly installed roofing through our partner business, Veteran Roofing (www.VeteranRoofing.biz).

With over 30 years of experience in commercial roof work, as well as a wide range of roofing material options, our close relationship with Veteran Roofing allows us to provide unmatched installation value and quality on every project.

Veteran Roofing specializes in the use of silicone coatings to improve existing roof surfaces and give them a new 20 to 30 year warranty, with an installed cost as much as 50% lower than traditional rip-and-replace roofing methods.

As an added benefit, silicone coatings keep your roof temperature much cooler in the summer, enhancing the productivity and lifespan of your solar array.

We don't just work around your existing roof, we can improve it as part of the solar installation process, and make sure that it will last as long as the solar system does.