Have a question for us? Here are answers to questions we get a lot. If you have others, reach out!
Solar panels absorb the sun's energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity is passed through inverters to convert it to the AC electricity business’s use. At that point, you either use the electricity at your business or send it back to the electric grid. The amount of power your solar energy system generates is dependent on the sunlight it captures each day. As a result, your solar panels will produce less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no solar energy at night.
Net-metering is a billing mechanism that credits system owners for making excess electricity they add to the grid. The excess energy credits can be used to offset future bills. With net metering, the business is billed only for the net energy used each month. Net energy is the difference between the energy produced by the solar power system and the energy consumed by the business over the monthly billing period. Net metering policies ensure that your business receives the most value for the electricity that your solar system produces.
In every commercial solar installation process, the evaluation of the roof condition is of utmost importance to the success of a project. If the roof is in disrepair, we can help you explore how the cost savings of solar energy can offset the costs of a new roof or roof repairs. We will help you co-ordinate a professional assessment by a professional roofing contractor to determine the feasibility of a solar project.
One of the best times to consider solar energy is after a new roof has been installed. Solar panels absorb direct sunlight shading the roof’s surface from harmful UV radiation. The shading extends the life cycle of the roof’s membrane and insulation. Moreover, most commercial solar installations are ballasted and do not penetrate the roof. Solar Landscape will not install a solar system on a rooftop that is not "solar ready". We work closely with your roof manufacturer to ensure that your roof warranty is not affected by the solar project.
Purchasing a solar PV system for your business offers the quickest ROI when you can take immediate advantage of the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) available for a commercial solar project. To use the full ITC immediately, you must have a tax liability equal to or greater than 30% of the system cost in the year it is “mechanically complete”. Your accountant will help determine how best to utilize the tax credit. For more information about the ITC and other solar tax incentives, request our Solar Tax Guide.
An SREC is a solar renewable energy credit. One SREC is created for every megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity produced. SRECs may be traded on an open market and may sometimes be monetized by local utilities. The value of SREC certificates is affected by the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in the state in which they're issued. SREC values may fluctuate.
Every project is unique and priced accordingly. However, many business owners benefit financially by taking a portfolio approach to solar on their facilities and committing to a solar energy initiative on several facilities. A commitment to larger projects can create cost savings for the customer based on economies of scale. Ask your solar specialist for details and an estimate of cost reductions available for multiple solar projects.
Solar Landscape specializes in commercial solar projects. We do not sell or build residential solar PV systems; visit gosolarlandscape.com for information about Solar Landscape community solar projects available to residential customers.
A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a developer arranges for the design, permitting, financing and installation of a solar energy system on a customer's property at little to no cost. The developer sells the power generated to the host customer at a fixed rate that is typically lower than the local utility’s retail rate. The host customer receives monthly cost savings and locks in future energy costs. This lower electricity price reduces the customer’s electricity and the developer receives income from these sale of electricity as well as the benefit of tax credits and other incentives generated from the system.
Building permits, utility inspections, interconnection applications and system commissioning can take months to complete. Although solar installation professionals may only be on your rooftop for a couple weeks, you should begin planning your solar installation several months in advance. Our in-house experienced professionals provide a non-invasive install that will not disrupt the daily business operations within the facility.
Solar works like your utility and does not act as a generator during a power outage. When the electricity grid goes down, your solar system will automatically shut off to protect utility workers. Solar battery storage systems are gaining popularity as a way of protecting business owners. When paired with commercial solar, batteries can provide power to critical loads during a power outage.
© 2022 Solar Landscape.
All rights reserved.
