PV independent power producer Etrion has noted meaningful cost savings in shifting and renegotiating operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts.
Etrion noted in its third quarter 2015 operations update that its O&M contracts with Phoenix Solar for two plants (Lazio and Sagittario) in Italy were renegotiated after Phoenix Solar’s O&M business was acquired by SMA Solar, resulting in a 35% annual reduction in the contract as well as an increase in what the company described as the ‘level of service'.
The company also renegotiated O&M contracts with ABB and SunPower on a total capacity of 52.2 MW, also in Italy.
Combined, Etrion noted that the renegotiated contracts on a total of around 60MW of PV power plants in Italy that would reduce expected O&M expenses per annum by approximately US$1.6 million.
SMA Solar had said in its first-half year financial report that its O&M business unit generated an EBIT of €4 million, compared to a negative EBIT in the prior year period of €1.3 million.
