The technology that we use to improve our lives is increasing our energy needs. Did you know the cost of electricity has risen by 33% over the past 15 years? Increasing our use of fossil fuels is not sustainable.
Renewable energy is available from the sun. In the United States, solar energy has grown by almost 300% over the past 14 years. In the U.S., up to 60% of its new electric generating capability comes from solar energy.
Millions of homeowners and business owners are installing solar panels to realize the benefits of solar energy systems. This guide will explain how you can save energy and make a difference for everyone.
Why should your business install a solar power system?
Cost is the main reason why people don’t install solar power systems. The initial cost estimate puts off many business owners. The average cost of solar panels is down by nearly 70%.
Solar power systems have many other benefits.
P.A.C.E.
California is one of only three U.S. States that offer Property Assessed Cleaning Energy Programs (PACE). This innovative financing mechanism allows for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to be made on private property. It includes both homes and businesses.
Property owners can finance energy upgrades on their property through PACE programs. The cost can be paid back over some time by adding to their tax bill. The repayment period can last up to twenty years. However, the price is not associated with the owner but rather the property!
Tax incentives and Rebates
Do you know there are multiple federal energy rebate programs? The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit is one of them. There’s also the Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit and the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit. The Federal incentive programs are not limited to these.
The DSIRE site has 46 different financial incentives that you can explore in California. You can also find the financial incentives in any state of the United States on this site!
Save money
You can save money on electricity by installing a solar energy system and using a certain number of panels. Net metering is a term used in some states. California is one of these.
Net metering allows excess solar energy produced by private homes or businesses to be fed into the electric grid. The excess solar energy is the energy that you haven’t consumed. The owner of the solar system is actually selling power to the government for other grid users.
You can actually earn money by using the sun if your solar system produces more energy than what you require.
Energy Security
The initial investment for solar power is substantial (unless you’re part of the PACE program). After initial costs, the homeowner will not be charged for electricity produced.
Solar panels can help reduce energy costs. You will see that a kilowatt-hour costs more during peak months of energy consumption than the rest. Solar power owners will not have to deal with these fluctuations.
Power outages are another problem that occurs periodically. They can be caused by natural disasters and weather systems that take out the grid or by technical or maintenance issues. You can be more resilient against power outages with a solar system that includes a backup battery.
Increased Property Valuation
The resale values of properties with good commercial solar systems increase significantly. Zillow recently conducted a study that showed homes with solar panels sold for 4.1% higher. This means a $10,000 increase in the value of a house with a median price!
Being Green
You can save the planet as a homeowner by not relying on fossil fuels. Businesses also save the earth and gain financial benefits. Customers will feel better when they spend their money at companies that use green energy.
What are the advantages of commercial solar power systems?
Solar power isn’t just for business. Many homeowners opt for a solar system at home. However, a C&I system can offer several benefits.
Panel Size
Commercial solar panels are larger than domestic ones. A commercial panel measures 78″x39″ on average and contains approximately 96 photovoltaic cells. A trained meeting is typically 65″X39″, with 72 compartments.
The power produced per panel increases as more cells are added. A commercial solar panel can have up to 20% more energy.
Installation Method
The panels of a residential solar system must be flush with the roof shingles. Installing each panel more carefully means that the time required to install the panels is longer, and it is dependent on the number of solar panels.
Installing a commercial solar system requires a ballasted mounting solution that can be used on both flat and slanted roofing. Installing solar panels on a house takes just a few days. It will take a minimum of a month to install solar panels in a business because there is a permit process involved, and you’ll have many more meetings.
C&I Solar Installation Options
Solar panels are installed on the roofs of commercial and industrial properties. Other options include installing panels in carports, parking lots, or large ground-mounted installations. The systems can be equipped with tracking features that allow the panels to be tilted in order to get the most sun possible throughout the day.
Get Ready to Go Green.
California is one of the greenest states, with 48.2% of energy derived from renewable sources. Commercial solar power systems, as we have already discussed, are a great way to get involved in this growing trend. Solar companies near me, or call Simply Solar California because we are nearby!
Simply Solar has 20 years of experience in serving Californian homes and businesses. Call us now!