After investor-owned utilities meet state requirements, local authorities can take the reins.

As investor-owned utilities reach required levels of mandated state renewable portfolio standards, their willingness to offer additional power purchase agreements (PPAs) to renewable energy projects has subsided.

Additionally, corporate off-takers have also become more discerning in who they are willing to contract with for their renewable energy off take requirements. The combined pressures of having fewer PPAs in the market and increased demands imposed by potential off-takers has made the U.S. one of the most competitive renewable energy markets in the Americas.

Originally published in Solar Industry in August 2014.