More Business is Going Solar To Cut Down Energy Costs
Solar energy has been a skyrocketing trend for homeowners across the country. Now businesses are beginning to see the light of investing in solar. A commercial solar system shares many of the advantages of the more familiar residential systems, as well as some significant benefits that are unique to it. Energy costs represent one of the most significant profit-stealing factors for any business, and a solar system can lower or even eliminate this cost. There has never been a better time to consider going solar. It can enhance a business both visually and financially.
Upfront Costs
A good business owner knows that considering both short term and long term costs are essential to any decision. No matter how green a company may be or how devoted they may be to reducing their carbon footprint, a costly business decision isn’t a good choice. Not that long ago, solar represented a relatively significant upfront investment for a business.
There is no sidestepping the fact that panels and installation are expensive. Commercial systems can vary significantly in size, but the average system can cost hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars. This barrier has long prevented businesses from investing even if it could save them money in the long term. Times have changed recently as the push to install solar has reached a climax. Many solar providers now offer serious incentive programs to help businesses afford solar. This could be as low as no money down for most systems. The payment plans are then offset by the energy savings provided by the system. Most businesses end up with more significant energy savings than their monthly costs for the payment.
Unique Volume
Residential solar systems are traditionally minimal. They are often roof-mounted and run into any problems with roof space and angle. Businesses often have several key advantages in this area. First, they tend to have larger structures that can accommodate more roof-mounted panels. Many office buildings and warehouses also have large, flat roof designs that are the perfect accommodation for solar.
A wise business owner makes the best use of all their available resources. Space is a particularly valuable and sometimes overlooked resource. Solar is a crucial way to utilize existing extra space. This could include a roof-mounted system, a system on the ground to use space or a vacant lot, or a combination of the two.
Credits and Incentives
The government has been in full support of solar installation for many years. This has led to a variety of tax credits and incentive programs to help customers further offset the initial costs of installation. There are some federal incentives. State incentives tend to vary by state. Many states where solar energy is particularly profitable, such as California, have excellent state-level incentives. These incentives are often based on the size of the system, so business systems stand to benefit the most.
Determining Viability and Efficiency
The actual cost-savings of a solar system can vary widely depending on the size of the system, how it is installed, and where it is installed. Solar systems do not produce a steady or entirely predictable amount of energy. A business owner can work with a solar provider to determine the efficiency and possible total value of a system in their area. Solar systems are better when they are bigger and have excellent access to direct sunlight for as long as possible. This means that climate plays a significant factor in solar system efficiency. A system in the middle of the deserts of Nevada or Southern California will have an incredible ability for the majority of the year. By contrast, a system in Northern Washington or Maine where it is darker in the winter and considerably rainier will have much less efficiency. It is vital to collect local statistics about solar effectiveness and plan for a variable budget.
Plan Execution and Maintenance
Each solar system for each business is unique. A provider should be willing and able to do extensive investigation and work with a business owner to determine what type and size of the system are the best for them. Solar systems have the advantage of being very flexible, and there is no one-size-fits-all for a commercial system. Finding a provider willing to do this work and planning is essential.
While many solar panel systems may be out of sight, they should never be out of mind. The panels require routine maintenance, inspection, and cleaning to operate correctly and efficiently. A provider should offer this ongoing service at minimal to no additional cost.
The choice to install a solar system is an important one for any business owner. Professional systems can generate incredible long-term cost-savings for a business. They help the planet and enhance a business’s image in the minds of an increasingly environmentally-conscious customer base. A solar installation is a wise choice for most companies, and new opportunities abound.
