Timing for Commercial Solar Has Never Been Better
Much of the talk that people hear around the water cooler around solar is concentrated on the residential side of the solar industry. However, solar for commercial buildings and business owners is a powerful investment that can save thousands on utility bills. Money that can be reinvested into business growth, paying off debt or storing away for a rainy day. Many hotels, gas stations and schools have already taken the jump toward energy independence through solar. Commercial solar installation is an ideal way to save money, take control of fluid energy costs and also promote clean energy. Some companies have also benefited from increased marketability once they have installed their solar installation system. This article will briefly outline some common questions business owners ask about solar.
Can I Afford to Install Solar?
As general rule of thumb, if a business owner is paying their electricity bill, they can afford to install a solar system. Much research shows that commercial solar is even more affordable than the cost of installing a residential solar system. Between a variety of flexible finance options, incentives and tax credits, businesses are finding solar is more affordable than it has been historically. In fact, businesses can deduct 85% of the value of the solar asset from their taxes to the upfront costs of the system. Another tax benefit is The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), which dictates current tax depreciation in the U.S. of tangible property and allows for 100% bonus depreciation for commercial solar installations in the first year of purchase.
Will Solar Panels Reduce my Electric Bill to Zero?
In residential solar, systems are built to reduce the bill to zero quite easily. In commercial solar, that is generally the goal, as well. However, in commercial solar, due to high electricity usage and often minimal installation space, bills may not be reduced to zero.
Taking that into consideration, working closely with a solar professional will allow you to see the impact solar panels can save on a utility bill. Even if a system can only offset 70% of the energy being used, that is a 70% reduction on the amount the utility will charge your for your energy use. That can equate to thousands of dollars a year that is saved. Additionally, becoming more dependent on a clean, renewable energy will feed into a cleaner environment for your community.
Will the Solar Install Process Disrupt Business?
Typically, solar installations are quick, non-intrusive processes. For major commercial installs, there are times when total power does need to be cut for a very short period of time. However, we work closely with the utility to schedule these types of events after hours to allow businesses to follow a typically scheduled day. Most of the work happens on the roof of a building, or in other cases, on carports in the parking lots. This may create a short period of disruption during construction, however, the install process is comparatively short and non-intrusive to day-to-day business functioning.
Is A Commercial Solar System Hard to Maintain?
Just like residential solar, commercial solar systems are very simple to maintain. Solar systems have no moving parts, radically decreasing the chance of failure or malfunction. Plus, warranties on both the install and the products of up to 25 years ensure low-cost, or no-cost repairs in the rare chance one is needed. Additionally, most install companies will work with you for a regular maintenance schedule to ensure high functioning and efficiency throughout the life of the system. This means that once the system is installed, there is little a business owner needs to do to enjoy decades of reliable, renewable and clean energy.
How Do I Know Solar Is Right for My Business?
The first step in learning if solar energy is the right choice for your business is sitting down with an experienced Commercial Energy Adviser. The process is similar to that of a residential system as steps to gather information, costs and design will be taken to create a quote and an action plan. During this period of research, your Energy Adviser will be able to recommend options to bring solar to your business. It is also important you work with people who are familiar with commercial construction. Many ‘behind the scene’ steps of the solar process are unique to commercial business and working with a professional that is competent in commercial permitting and finance will allow you to be confident in the quote and services you are receiving. When you are ready to sit down and talk commercial solar, stop by the showroom or give us a call and we can get you connected with the right Commercial Energy Adviser.
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