Commercial property owners looking to reduce overhead and save on utility bills are turning to solar energy in a big way. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, every year more businesses are choosing to install solar at their facilities. And those that already use solar are adding ev Contact online >>
Commercial property owners looking to reduce overhead and save on utility bills are turning to solar energy in a big way. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, every year more businesses are choosing to install solar at their facilities. And those that already use solar are adding even more. This guide will help everyone investigating solar installations for their businesses. Explore the pros and cons of commercial solar, the different types of systems, a step-by-step guide to going solar, and financing methods.
Only building or property owners can approve the installation of a solar array. Working directly with the owner, solar installers can work to develop efficient and affordable arrays that work best for the facility and the company''s bottom line. Solar expert Judith Shadzi notes that lessors can work with their landlords to install solar on the building. Shadzi has seen this trend increase with the lessor often paying the landlord to cover some of the costs of the array. Many times, it makes more sense to cut high electricity costs and help pay for the project.
Large, open roof or ground space can make the design and installation process move more quickly. However, Shadzi says, each roof is unique. Solar installers are used to working with a variety of spaces to maximize energy production.
Solar installation, design, and permitting, cost time and money. Having a newer roof built to UBC code with drawings or blueprints for solar support placements can help cut down on those expenses, as can land free of debris. It can also help the process of installation move faster and decrease turnaround time for the completed solar system.
Most businesses operate during the day when there is light. This is beneficial as more light on a solar panel equals more electricity, which can meet the needs of higher loads.
Farmers rely on the sun for their work. Using solar for their electricity seems like a logical move. According to the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture survey of on-farm energy production, in 2009, solar for on-farm energy production was reported in all 50 states. On average, solar panels on farms were generating about 4,450 watts.
Facilities managers or business owners who know the ins and outs of their buildings can help make the transition to solar a smooth and easy one. Being personally responsible for the hiring of an electrician provides the owner with a greater sense of control and comfort with the project.
Tax credits, rebates, and other incentives can greatly enhance the return on investment for commercial solar systems. Find out more about your state''s solar stance on our state-specific pages.
When given the choice between a company that employs sustainable energy and one that doesn''t, many customers will choose to go with the eco-friendly business. If your solar panels are prominently displayed or can otherwise be leveraged to exhibit your eco-ethics, the panels can be a solid marketing investment.
Judith Shadzi from Cosmic Solar notes that installing solar panels for commercial projects can help reduce monthly energy bills. Shadzi''s team, like with other solar companies, works to design systems that can create as much electricity as the business uses to "zero" out electricity consumption.
Shadzi notes that the price of natural gas fluctuates and what might make financial sense right now, will not necessarily translate into long-term savings. Solar offers the benefit of a fixed price. It also improves a company''s ability to predict cash flows.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, more than a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from burning fossil fuels for residential and commercial electricity usage. Solar energy can make a positive impact as it produces clean, emission-free electricity.
Companies that can boast strong corporate responsibility demonstrate their commitment to the people and communities they serve. There are few better ways to demonstrate this responsibility than investing in solar energy. Clean, renewable energy helps businesses show their dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Helping the environment supports positive PR and marketing efforts.
With no moving parts, a solar energy system boasts low maintenance needs. Often, the only maintenance required is keeping the solar panels clean and free of debris. The incidences of any of the parts breaking are also rare. Many solar installers and manufacturers offer 15 to 25-year warranties on parts and installation, which can protect the business owner from any repair costs.
The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) is a method of depreciation in which a business'' investments in certain tangible property are recovered, for tax purposes, over a specified time period through annual deductions. Certain solar energy equipment can qualify for a cost recovery period of five years.
Depending on the method of finance, the business owner may be looking at high upfront costs to install the solar energy system. Purchasing a system outright can be very expensive. However, there are other options that require low or no upfront expenses.
More sun translates into more electricity generation. Business owners that live in places with unpredictable or cloudy weather will find that they can still benefit from solar. They may simply need to use more panels to generate the same amount of energy compared to someone in a sunny state.
In a number of states across the nation, legislative restrictions on net metering are halting the increase of solar energy installations. Net metering makes solar economically viable, allowing the solar system to connect to the public utility power grid. Surplus power is transferred onto the grid and allows the customer to offset the cost of power drawn from the utility. Caps on net metering for commercial projects, changing credit rates and stricter eligibility guidelines established by the PUC can make solar less feasible for business owners.
Solar technology has advanced rapidly over the past 60 years and today, solar installation and design companies are able to work with most any kind of property to start generating cost savings through solar electricity.
Solar carport systems allow business owners to put large parking areas to good use. These systems can produce electricity while also providing shading and covered parking. For business owners who cannot install roof-mounted systems, carports are a simple and economical way to generate solar power. They are also an elegant solution for people who want to increase the energy production of their existing rooftop solar systems. Panels on carport structures also offer easy access for cleaning and maintenance.
Solar systems have advanced to accommodate all types of roofs including slanted ones. Commercial solar suppliers and installers can work with business owners to take advantage of solar power and its many benefits even if the roof is sloped and composed of metal, composition shingle, wood shingle, or even Spanish tile. Slanted rooftops are not eligible for ballasted mounting systems and require penetrations to remain attached to the roof.
Ground-mounted systems are a cost-effective option for businesses with rooftops that are not suitable for solar or that are too small to meet electricity needs. If the business owner has the land available, ground-mounted systems can be sized to match electricity consumption and designed to be as effective and productive as possible. There are two main types of ground mounts. Standard ground mounts have metal framing driven into the ground to keep solar panels at a fixed angle. Pole mounts elevate panels higher off the ground and sometimes use tracking systems to tilt toward the sun.
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