Commercial Solar - A Smart Way for Businesses to Reduce Their Energy Costs and Show That You're Environmentally Responsible

 Commercial Solar is a smart way for businesses to reduce their energy costs. It also shows that your business is environmentally responsible, which will appeal to more customers and potential employees.

Many commercial solar systems are installed on rooftops and carports. These are often less expensive than ground-mounted systems.

Installation

Commercial solar systems are much larger than residential ones and can provide greater electricity savings. They require a more in-depth planning process including shade analysis, structural evaluations, and topographical surveys. They may also be subject to more stringent zoning and building standards.

Once installed, your commercial solar power system will collect and convert sunlight into DC electrical current via photovoltaic panels. This electricity flows to your building and is used to power its facilities. Any electricity that is not needed can be sent to the grid through your electric meter. This is compensated for through net metering and results in reduced electricity bills.

Businesses that move to solar are able to claim various financial incentives for the project, such as accelerated depreciation. These rebates and tax credits can significantly reduce the initial installation costs of your solar energy system. They can also help offset the cost of maintenance and fuel.

Financing

There are several financing options available for commercial solar systems, ranging from traditional loans and PPAs to more innovative solutions like C-PACE and ESAs. The financing options vary by scale and complexity and offer a range of benefits including upfront cost reduction, reduced energy costs, and the ability to take advantage of state and federal incentive programs.

A solar loan is an option where businesses use existing capital resources to buy a system and gain full ownership. It’s important to consider the terms and conditions of these loans, which may include collateral requirements or credit score impacting interest rates.

In a power purchase agreement, Revel Energy would install and own a solar energy system at the business location and the business would pay a fixed monthly rate for the electricity the system produces. In addition to the predictable monthly payments, this financing option provides immediate savings and access to tax incentives like the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit and depreciation.

Permitting

Many local governments require building, electrical, or solar permits for rooftop systems. Depending on the jurisdiction, these might include detailed electrical engineering plans, interconnection details with the electric utility, wiring diagrams, and equipment specifications.

A good installer knows how to navigate these requirements and work with the AHJ on your behalf, which saves you time and money and ensures that your system will be code-compliant. They should also be able to quickly respond to any requests for additional information from the AHJ, which prevents delays and dissatisfaction with your project.

A great installer will also be able to explain zoning regulations, which can impact where and how your solar system is installed. They’ll help you find creative design solutions that balance preservation requirements with energy goals and allow for maximum tax incentives. They may also offer options like solar leases and loans that let you get started without investing upfront. Additionally, they can advise you on navigating local utility rates and policies.

Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining the performance capabilities and longevity of your large-scale solar energy installation, the most effective approach is a professional maintenance plan.

Whether you decide to hire a commercial O&M provider or maintain your system in-house, creating and adhering to a schedule is critical.

A thorough maintenance regimen will include regular inspections, cleaning, and reporting. These can prevent minor issues from becoming major ones, which can significantly impact production efficiency.

Although it may seem like an eyesore, a solar panel’s surface can collect dirt, debris, and even not-so-friendly gifts from our feathered friends in the sky. This blockage can lead to decreased electricity production and must be addressed. Periodic cleaning of your panels is essential, and many O&M providers will offer cleaning services. They will also conduct an annual equipment inspection to ensure everything is functioning as it should. In addition, they should also verify that the monitoring equipment is working properly and alert you to any deviations.

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