Commercial Solar Questions
Why should my business consider commercial solar?
Setting aside the recognized environmental benefits, there are many financial benefits that make commercial solar a lucrative investment for many businesses. Programs and incentives that help pay for the system, offsetting current operating costs and reducing future electricity costs; commercial solar is a proven solution for many commercial, industrial and agricultural businesses in California and throughout the world.
What are the financial benefits of commercial solar?
Commercial solar systems reduce electricity bills by offsetting a building’s electricity use with solar energy generated from the sun; this offset results in significant savings throughout the life of the system, making the business more competitive. California’s electricity rates have consistently risen, but recently are growing faster than historical averages. A commercial solar system protects against a certain future of rising costs by offsetting electricity use throughout the system’s life.
What are the environmental benefits of commercial Solar?
Commercial solar, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental benefits. Businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using solar energy to offset their electricity use, which in turn, reduces air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter produced through typical electricity generation, which have shown to cause health problems. Solar is more important now than ever, many businesses are looking forward and committing to a more sustainable future.
Are commercial solar panels worth it?
Yes, commercial solar is worth the price, worth the time investment, and worth the effort that it takes to get panels onto the roof of your business to reduce reliance on the utility. If your business can take advantage of the lucrative incentives, like the solar investment tax credit, the high return on investment and short payback periods quickly generates positive cash flow.
Do commercial solar panels produce power while the sun isn't shining?
​No, solar energy generation is currently dependent on sunlight and can only generate electricity during the day. Other external factors like clouds and shading can affect the generation potential of a system. When paired with an energy storage system, any extra generated energy can be kept and used when needed rather than being used immediately as it was generated.
How much does it cost to maintain a commercial solar system?
Solar panels are designed with no moving parts and durable tempered glass that requires little-to-no maintenance for the expected 25 to 35-year lifetime of the panels. Often, tier-1 commercial solar panels only lose about 15% of their efficiency over that lifetime.
How much electricity use is optimal for a commercial solar system?
California businesses paying more than $3,000 on monthly electricity bills should consider commercial solar to help reduce their operating costs. Utilities intend to keep those costs on a rising trajectory of 8% per year minimum through 2035, so the sooner a business considers commercial solar, they will create more savings into the future.
How do I find out how much my business pays for electricity?
The easiest way to learn how much your business is paying for electricity is simply by referring to your utility electricity bill.
Will I still receive a bill if my building has commercial solar panels?
Electricity bills can be reduced drastically with a commercial solar system designed to offset the energy a facility would typically consume with solar power, instead of relying on the utility for. Unless a commercial solar solution is specifically designed with an energy storage system to be fully independent, you will likely still receive a small bill from your utility. Although with solar offsetting use, businesses are more protected against a certain future of rising electricity costs from your utility.
Can my business go off-grid with commercial solar?
We can design a system that is separated from the grid with energy storage systems. A typical system is designed to tie-in to the grid, accessing utility power for when solar can’t generate electricity – like at night. When the grid is not available or the client decides to be "off grid" we can use extra battery storage and back up generators to enable a business to operate with or without the grid per the clients instructions.
How can energy storage help a commercial solar system create more savings?
While commercial solar does an excellent job offsetting typical use, businesses that accrue demand charges would still have to pay their utility the high-costs of having enough energy available to meet spikes in demand. Energy storage systems can solve this problem through a process called Peak Shaving. By using reserve batteries to meet high-demand, instead of relying on your utility for quick bursts in demand for electricity, a commercial solar system paired with energy storage can shave its own peaks without incurring those pesky demand charges.
What is Net Energy Metering? (NEM)
Net Energy Metering, NEM 2, is the system utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels, but cannot be used when that solar energy was generated. This program has seen a few iterations now and the newest on the horizon, NEM 3 or Net Billing, has drastically reduced the value of exported solar to the grid.
What financing options are available for commercial solar and energy storage?
While a cash purchase can monetize all incentives and benefits, our creative financing ream has helped businesses find ways to pay for the initial cost of the system through creative financing solutions like bank financing, power purchase agreements, commercial property assessed clean energy (CPACE) financing, and lease-to-own financing.
What solar energy rebates and incentives are available?
​The most effective incentive available for commercial solar is the 26% federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows businesses to deduct 26% of the overall system cost from their taxes. California State and Federal Bonus Depreciation is accessible and can help shorten payback periods. An incentive specifically for energy storage systems called the Self-generation incentive program (SGIP) has limited funds, but can still help add value to a commercial solar system by adding an energy storage system for better performance.
How does commercial solar impact my property values?
More commercial buildings are embracing sustainable technologies like commercial solar, significantly increasing their property value – in addition to generating a positive cash flow with electricity bill savings. Even landlords with tenants on triple net and full service gross leases can add to their property value while simultaneously creating savings for their tenants.
How do I know if my building is a good fit for commercial solar?
If you own the building (not leasing), pay the utility bill, have a sunny rooftop of 100,000+ SF, are taxed on your business’ income, and the business can either self-finance or qualify for financing, then the building is a great candidate for solar.
Once Installed how would I repair/replace the roof in 10-15 years?
Repairs can typically take place without removing any solar modules. Your roofer can just work around the equipment since there is space and walkways to do so. However, if they need to repair an area covered by modules or if you need to re-roof, a coating is recommended. A coating, like silicone, can extend your roof life for 20+ years.
What makes you different from all the other solar companies out there?
Most other Solar companies only offer one product or service. We work with all the top Solar companies in the United States. This allows us to offer better pricing, faster installation and the best products in the industry to the consumer. When our customers are happy and save we all win.