Going Green | How to Transform Your Business to Renewable Energy with Commercial Solar

As the world grapples with the issue of climate change, businesses everywhere are stepping up by embracing sustainability. These businesses are making an important switch to renewable energy sources, like solar power. This article explores how using solar power can make a big difference for businesses. 

We’ll break down the benefits in a simple way – how it saves money, uses technology, and helps the environment. By looking at real examples and what experts say, this article is like a helpful guide for businesses that want to make this positive change.

It’s not just about lowering pollution and saving money on energy bills – it’s also about leading the way to a cleaner future for everyone.

Transforming Your Business to Renewable Energy with Commercial Solar

Below is a complete guideline for your business to transform with renewable energy with a commercial solar system.

1. Evaluating Land Availability for Solar Installation

If you’re thinking about using solar energy, there are multiple reliable commercial solar services for businesses you can rely on. Solar panels generally face the south and are tilted based on where you are on the map. Before you start, however, you need to check how much sunlight your spot gets and whether you have enough space.

if your business has a big, open piece of land, then you’re in luck! You can put solar panels on the ground in this open piece of land. This is convenient as you can arrange them to get as much sunlight as possible. And guess what? You can even add more panels later, as and when you need more energy! But if your space is small, don’t worry. You can still use solar power. 

You can put solar panels on your roof or at places where you park your cars. These panels can make energy efficient and even give shade to your cars.

When you’re looking for the right place, there are tools like Solmetric SunEye that can help. They show you how much sunlight a spot gets and when there’s shade. And remember, if new buildings are going up close by, it’s wise to think about that so your solar setup stays good for the future.

2. Ensuring System Compatibility with the Power Grid  

When it comes to solar energy, connecting to the power grid matters a lot. Solar panels make DC power, but it needs to be turned into AC power to work with the grid. Making sure everything matches up is essential.

Solar power’s role in the US electricity grid has been getting bigger. In the last four years, solar energy has added more new electricity than any other source. In fact, in the first quarter of 2023, more than half (54%) of all the new electricity added was from solar. This growth can keep going if solar energy systems are designed to fit well with the grid.

To make this work smoothly, solar companies do a lot of planning before installing anything. They figure out just the right size for the solar energy system based on how much energy is needed now and in the future.

They also make sure parts like inverters and transformers are installed properly. With all this done right, solar power works with the grid without hiccups. This means businesses can keep their lights on all the time.

3. Economics of Switching to Solar Energy

Moving a business to solar power requires a big investment at the beginning, but there are valid financial reasons for doing it – both in the short and long run.

As of 2022, the solar industry brought almost $35 billion of private money into the US economy. Going solar can make for a smart move when you consider the business or financial incentives.

Special tax credits from the government play a big role in making solar more affordable. Right now, the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) gives a 26% tax credit for solar systems installed by 2032. This means businesses can lower their taxes by that much.

Some states also offer things like the Zero Emissions Renewable Energy Credit (ZREC) program. This program gives you extra money for making solar energy over 15 years. All these things together can cut down costs considerably. 

The US Department of Energy even gives out money for solar projects. They help businesses, power companies, and solar firms work together. Getting these grants also adds benefits on the financial side of things.

Here’s the long-term picture: Solar power locks in electricity costs for a long time, so you know what you’re paying. Over time, the solar system pays for itself, generating free electricity. With hardly any maintenance cost, solar energy gives back in return while also being good for the environment.

Oh, and one more thing: Over time, the cost of solar has gone down a lot. So all in all, it’s getting more affordable to switch to solar energy.

4. Deciding on Solar System Ownership Options 

When going solar, businesses must choose between two primary ownership models:

(a) Third-Party Ownership 

Here, a third-party solar company takes care of everything, from design to upkeep. The business can lease the system or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the solar provider. When leasing, the business makes monthly payments to use the solar system, often with the chance to extend or buy it. With PPAs, the business pays the solar company for the power the system makes at a fixed rate.

This setup lets businesses go solar without spending a lot upfront. The solar company deals with maintenance and gets tax credits. However, when it comes to passing on the solar system, the process is simple since the provider owns the equipment. That said, there are trade-offs. Businesses don’t have full control over the system, and they can’t claim direct tax credits. Also, if contracts end early, there might be fees to deal with.

(b) Direct Ownership

Through this route, the business buys and has its own solar system. You can do this by paying all the money at once or by getting special loans for solar. This type gives you more control all the way.

When you own the system, you can get cool things like tax credits and deductions. These help you get your money back faster and pay less for operating costs over time.

But here’s the thing: You have to take care of fixing and keeping up the system. And if you want to give the plan to someone else, it can be a little tricky. Also, if rules in your state change, it might change how much money you make in the long run. Thinking about what’s good and not-so-good both ways, businesses can decide which one works best for their plans and money situation.

5. Trustworthy Commercial Solar Resources

The world of commercial solar energy is booming. This means more chances to work with skilled solar experts who can get projects done smoothly. Right now, over 263,000 people in the US work in solar energy. They’re part of more than 10,000 special companies all over the country. Teaming up with experienced local solar companies is smart if you want to go green.

Before making any big decisions, it’s wise to look into the company’s past projects that are similar to what you want. 

Also, getting quotes from different solar contractors helps you see your best options for money. Good solar companies usually start by visiting your place for free and checking how much energy you use. They can even design a solar plan just for you. This first look helps you decide if going solar is right for you.

Switching to solar isn’t easy, but the right experts can make it smoother. As we use more renewable energy, solar power is getting even more popular. Going green with solar isn’t just smart for the planet – it’s a smart business choice too. By the way, the different jobs in solar are spread out in sectors like installation, manufacturing, and sales. So, there’s a lot of opportunity in the solar field!

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)

What are the primary considerations when deciding between ground-mounted and rooftop solar panels?

The key factors are total required system size, available ground versus rooftop space, zoning laws, panel visibility, and access for maintenance. Ground-mounted systems require more open space but are easier to clean and maintain. Rooftop panels blend into built infrastructure but require sturdier rooftops and could increase fire risk.

How do federal tax credits and state incentives work together to reduce solar transition costs?

The federal ITC offers a 26% credit on solar system costs through 2032. This directly lowers tax burdens. State incentives like ZRECs provide performance-based payouts over time. Combined, these substantially offset the initial investment, reducing payback periods.

What are the typical long-term maintenance costs associated with a commercial solar system?

Annual operating costs for solar power are very low, in the range of $15 – $25 per kilowatt (kW). This covers inverter replacement every 10-15 years, system monitoring, panel cleaning, etc. Compared to fossil fuels, solar’s limited maintenance costs maximize gains over decades.

Conclusion

Transitioning to commercial solar requires thorough planning but delivers tremendous value. With supportive policies and proper grid integration, solar energy empowers businesses to cost-effectively achieve their sustainability goals while reaping economic benefits. Collaborating with solar experts streamlines the process of going green. By investing in renewable solar power, businesses can help build a clean energy future.