The Benefits of Installing Commercial Solar Power Systems

How can your business benefit from solar power?

Skyrocketing energy costs have businesses scrambling to lower expenses, but today's tax incentives and grant initiatives for solar energy make it much easier for companies like yours to "go green."

Photovoltaic (PV) systems have become much more affordable, allowing businesses to reduce and perhaps even eliminate their energy costs, whether or not you currently depend on grid-supplied electricity. Here are a few of the benefits your company can enjoy from installing a solar system:

Hedge against rising utility costs and avoid being affected by price increases from power companies
Obtain tax credits and rebates: State and Federal incentives cover a large percentage of the cost of a commercial solar electric system
Benefit from net-metering laws that allow you to be credited for power you return to the grid
Generate clean power that produces no pollution or emissions
Gain power independence: Rely completely on your own generating capacity, and not on a utility company
Enjoy the benefits of Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) income
Demonstrate your responsibility: Show your customers and the media that you are focused on socially responsible business practices
Take advantage of accelerated depreciation of equipment
Enjoy improved resale value of your business
Help reduce our country's dependence on foreign oil

How much will a commercial solar system cost?

There are many variables that go into figuring the cost of a solar system, but $5 to $7 per watt is a rough estimate range. Some of the variables to consider when figuring cost are:

Size of unit(s), geographic location and orientation
Type of mount (ground or rooftop-stationary or tracking)
Use of battery backup system
Condition of existing structures

These are just a few of the variables, and every business is different. Eclipse Solar can evaluate your site and give you an in-depth cost analysis to see if solar is a good fit for your business. Get started today with our online information request.

When can we expect to recoup our investment?

Depending on physical conditions, utility prices, rebates and incentives at your location, your company could fully recoup the cost of your solar system in as little as four years. See our Payback Examples page for examples of how soon you can expect to see a return on your solar system investment.

What size system will we need?

There are many things about your company that need to be considered to determine the size unit that best fits your needs, and these can vary from state to state. Our professionals will do a complete evaluation of your site to determine the optimum size for your power needs and energy goals.

However, you can use the National Renewable Energy Laboratory solar power calculator to get a rough estimate of the amount of power needed based on an average of your current power usage.

See Commercial Solar FAQ for more information.