In an era of growing environmental consciousness and rising energy costs, many business owners are turning to solar panel installation as a sustainable and cost-effective solution. Solar energy (technically known as solar photovoltaic) not only helps reduce a company’s carbon footprint but also offers substantial long-term financial benefits.
Before delving into the preparation process, it’s important to understand the many incentives that solar panel installation can bring to your commercial business. This knowledge creates a clear vision of how a solar energy system can transform your commercial venture in both economic and environmental ways.
Clean Energy + Financial Incentives
Local, state, and federal tax credits are available, along with rebates, to businesses that install solar energy. This can help to offset the cost of installation. Plus, when you make the switch to solar power, it decreases your carbon footprint and your electricity bills from your local utility company (all of which resonate with business owners who are economically conscious).
All that being said, venturing into the world of solar panel installation can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to the concept. But, fear not! Learn how to prepare for this clean energy source so you can take the first steps toward a greener and more economical future.
Getting Ready for Your Solar Panel System
It’s crucial that business leaders, from the decision makers down to the employees, are prepared for solar installation in order to have a seamless transition with operations during the installation process.
Thoroughly planning the solar panel installation process allows you to coordinate timelines for the project. Being prepared will safeguard your business from downtime, ensuring a successful installation.
Review Energy Needs and Energy Bills
The first step to solar panel installation is assessing your energy needs. It’s no secret that electricity rates have been on the rise, but do you really know what amount of energy you are using? Be sure to analyze your utility bills to determine how much energy is consumed, when peak usage is, and potential areas for energy efficiency improvements.
Assess Your Commercial Roof
Is your roof the right fit for solar panel installation? Before you make a purchase, be sure that your commercial roof is structurally sound enough to support the added weight from the solar panels. A commercial roofing company like TEMA Roofing can help you assess the integrity of your roof and guide you through the process of finding solar panels that fit the needs of your business.
Conduct a Solar Power Study
Collaborate with a legitimate solar installation company to have a solar feasibility study completed. They’ll look at your roof’s orientation, shading, and solar potential.
Depending on what the results are, the company will give you recommendations that are tailored to your specific needs.
Look at Financing Options
Before installation can happen, you’ll need to determine a budget for rooftop solar panel installation costs. Solar power systems are an investment, and the upfront cost of solar panels can be significant before incentives are applied. There’s good news though; assistance is often available.
Federal Tax Credit Help
A Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can be claimed on federal corporate income taxes for 30% of the cost of a solar PV system.
Other Financing Options
As a business, you can get a lower interest rate that can last decades on a solar loan. If you live in Ohio or Pennsylvania, there are Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs, and businesses in Ohio aren’t subject to sales tax on solar equipment.
Obtain Permits and Know Solar Power System Regulations
Be sure to have a solid understanding of the necessary local permits, zoning regulations, and building codes that are associated with your solar panel installation (whether you’re investing in rooftop solar or ground solar panels). The solar company you partner with will have in-depth knowledge of the regulations and can walk you through the processes of obtaining the documents you need.
Other Commercial Solar Panel Decisions to Consider
Commercial solar energy offers multiple advantages, and weighing the pros and cons will help streamline the decision-making process.
Storing Energy for Off-Grid Power
Switching to solar power not only helps cut operational costs but it also incorporates advanced technologies (like solar battery options) to remain independent of the power grid or even generate enough power to sell back to the utility companies!
All of that boils down to being resilient against grid fluctuations.
Buy or Lease a Solar Panel System?
Leasing provides immediate cost benefits with minimal upfront investment, while owning solar panels provides long-term financial gains through energy savings, tax incentives, and increased property value, as stated above.
In the end, the choice is based on building ownership and budget. When you buy solar panels, there are long-term solar incentives. Leasing, though, has immediate cost relief without upfront expenses. Maintenance is usually included in a solar lease, too. It’s important to know the complete system cost on both options, and weigh them to make a decision.
Protect the Total Cost of Your Investment
Since you’re already paying substantial money (that you’ll make back), it’s worth getting a commercial solar panel warranty. It’s extremely important to understand what’s covered in your warranty, which can span 10 to 25 years.
Skip the DIY Solar Project
The importance of utilizing a professional roofing contractor to help with solar panel installation can’t be understated. They’ll know how to correctly install different types of solar panels, interconnection standards, regulations compliance (for example, Ohio regulations may be different than Arizona or California), and maximizing the solar system’s energy production – and longevity.
Licensed electricians are also needed in the installation process to connect the solar panels to the electric grid.
Decide Between Battery and Meter Panels?
With solar batteries, excess energy is absorbed and stored for later usage. Net metering, on the other hand, allows you to earn money for excess electricity that’s not used. The excess power then goes to other businesses or homeowners.
In Ohio, net metering is mandatory for all investor-owned utilities.
TEMA Can Level Up Your Solar Panel Installation
If you own a commercial property and are ready to start harnessing the power of renewable energy, don’t wait any longer to start your solar panel installation. Utilizing solar panels can provide numerous cost-saving advantages that boost your business’s profits while reducing operating costs.
Pre-planning for solar panel installation is just one more way to prepare your business for sustainable growth while reaping the rewards that come with it. From system size to upgrades and everything in between, we can help. Give TEMA Roofing Services a call today.
