It's a fact that all life depends on and comes from the sun. The production of oxygen and food would be impossible without solar energy. Farmers know the value of a large field with a plentiful supply of sunlight, and now individuals all around the world are taking this boundless source of diffuse energy more seriously as the finite supply of fossil fuels dwindle.
Today less than 0.1% of our heating, transportation and power energy comes from direct sunlight although it is now possible to meet all our energy needs with this simple, renewable resource.
Actual Solar solution is a smart and affordable way to power your commercial facilities. Lower your operating costs, hedge against the rising costs of electricity generated from fossil fuels, and show your customers your commitment to the environment.
By going solar, you can:
- Reduce your monthly operating costs
- Protect against rising costs of electricity
- Increase the value of your business
- Protect the planet by generating clean energy
- Reduce dependence on foreign oil
- Add more clean energy to the grid
- Show your customers you care about the environment
In addition to all of these benefits, there are many local, state, and national rebates and incentives offered to make your solar system even more affordable. Here are a few financial benefits you can take advantage of today.
- Net metering - Net metering offsets your electric bill when you generate your own solar electricity and you even get a credit from your power company if you produce more than you use that you can apply to future electricity bills.
- State Rebates - If your state offers a rebate for commercial solar systems, you can receive a cash payment for the amount of electricity you produce while rebates last.
- Federal Tax Credit - Take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit which puts money back in your pocket. Commercial systems qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the value of the solar system.
- Property Tax Exemption - Benefit from the increased value solar adds to your business without paying more property taxes. Solar electric systems are exempt from property taxes in California and many other solar-friendly states.
- Power Purchasing Agreement - For larger solar systems, flexible energy purchase solutions are available, allowing your company to benefit from solar electricity without making the up-front investment.
Solar Means Business
Having a commercial solar power system has never been a smarter choice for a business owner. The new California Solar Initiative (CSI) offers business owners unbelievable incentives to go solar. When you generate power with solar electrical systems, the utility company pays you 4 times what you are currently paying them. For an average-sized system, that can save you up to 60% of the system’s cost. If your commercial solar power system is tied in with a new roof for your business, you can enjoy 5-year depreciation on the re-roofing costs, also.
Other benefits of a commercial solar power system include:
- 30% Investment Tax Credit
- 5-year MACRS Depreciation
- 5 to 12-year Accelerated State Depreciation
- Section 179 (up to 250K for 2009)
- 3 to 8-year Return on Investment
Electric rates are rising from 20% to 30% per year, with no end in sight. A commercial solar power system for your business gives you the ability to offset electric rate increases and even eliminate your electric bill. And because solar is a proven technology backed by a 10-year labor and a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll be enjoying fixed electric rates for the next quarter century or more!
Being the leading solar power company, we are always investing in new technologies. We’re now installing a non-penetrating flat plate product for commercial roofs. This latest advancement in solar can be installed quickly without voiding existing roofing warranties. If you’re a small business owner, ask about our sleek new PV power ports for shaded parking systems.
Why Commercial Solar?
Commercial solar electric grid ties give businesses a chance to not only cut down on their monthly utility bills but to create a unique marketing opportunity which puts their business a step above the competition, in heralding the forward-thinking nature of their company.
How much Solar is enough?
The majority of commercial solar grid ties are designed as providing supplemental power only. Because many businesses have a high demand on power, the solar system can be designed with a certain percentage of total power used being provided by the solar electric system, for example 50%. This said, some smaller businesses or low electricity usage businesses can easily gain a ‘net zero’ status with solar power. Net zero usage means that, on a yearly basis, the business uses the same amount of power as their solar electric system produces during that same year. This can sometimes be assisted by producing power from the solar system on weekends, when the business is not open and demanding power. Each business tends to be radically different on what they need for a yearly power output… from the commercial building with numerous machines in the shop to an office building with mainly computers and lights being used. Many different sizes of solar electric grid ties are available to suit these varying commercial applications.
Did You Know?
There are financial factors that can dramatically affect your commercial solar system’s return on investment.
