Commercial Solar FAQ

In general conversation, photovoltaic is often used to refer to solar energy technology. Specifically, photovoltaic technology uses silicon crystals and wire conductors to generate solar power. These crystals and wires are strung together into solar panels, which are then strung together to generate the desired amount of wattage.

Most companies' biggest motivation to go solar is the money they’ll save by reducing monthly power bills and freeing up capital that can be diverted elsewhere or added to their bottom line. Current commercial solar incentives [links to FAQ about incentives], like the 26% federal investment tax credit, make the savings even better.

Some companies want to improve employee and customer amenities by adding covered parking. Solar shade structures are a great way to turn a shaded parking addition into a savings generator for your business.

Finally, going solar also has a positive community impact as well. Solar will reduce your operation’s carbon footprint at a time when many employees and customers list environmental stewardship as a critical motivator for where they choose to work or do business.

Prioritizing these goals at the beginning of your solar research will help streamline the proposal and ROI analysis when it comes time to engage a solar design team.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all option for commercial solar. Every system is unique. Arriving at a price begins with your goals and incorporates key structure details such as roof space and necessary infrastructure additions. Would you like to add solar parking shades to your plan, or are you looking for a more basic rooftop array? Do you use more energy at night or during the day? Do you have a tax liability that solar incentives can impact? These factors and many more will dictate upfront cost and energy production potential. A reputable commercial solar consultant will be able to guide you through the process and ultimately refine a savings and cost estimate that aligns precisely with your goals and facility.

This question depends on several factors, like the size of your building, how much energy your company is currently using, and what percentage of your current electricity usage you want to offset. A commercial solar system offsetting 70% of a building’s energy needs will be larger than a system that offsets only 30%. A qualified commercial solar company will help you determine the right size system for your company and its specific goals.

Many factors contribute to your operation’s savings potential with solar. The biggest isw much energy your business uses throughout the day and whawhenat consumption is at its peak. These two factors alone show us the potential for energy offset and the price you are currently paying for utility power purchased. From there, we look at roof space and general facility infrastructure. The more panels your building can accommodate, the greater the savings potential. In short, arriving at a savings estimate is simply a matter of adding up your total energy use and subtracting the production potential offered by your rooftop space. Secondary considerations include panel efficiency, roof orientation, and energy prices in your area.

While this might have held some truth in the earlier days of solar energy adoption, prices have remained relatively stable in recent years. Solar panel performance is now so efficient that future improvements will likely be more incremental.

It’s important to remember that pricing and efficiency are only one part of the solar investment equation. Right now, there are lucrative federal solar incentives that will decrease dramatically in the next two years. Combine these with increasing utility prices, and the real question becomes: how much money does your company stand to lose while waiting for small improvements in pricing and efficiency?

Nearly all buildings are compatible with solar, so long as the roof is structurally sound and has enough space to accommodate panels and racking. Ground mounts or solar carports are a good alternative for smaller facilities with limited roof space. You must own the building. If you are leasing the facility, the installation would need to be approved by the building owner.

The three most popular ways to pay for a commercial solar system fall into one or a combination of the following options: cash, loans, or a PPA/SSA. We recommend choosing a cash purchase whenever possible, as it offers the most favorable returns, simplifies ownership, and maximizes solar tax incentives.

Second to cash, low-interest loans or lines of credit offer the next best ROI on your solar investment. We recommend financing only the necessary portion of the net cost after incentives to achieve the best payback.

Power purchase agreements (PPAs), or solar service agreements, are a common way to finance solar installations at commercial and institutional facilities in certain states. Sun Valley Solar Solutions offers PPA programs exclusively for qualified 501 (c)(3) non-profits, municipalities, and schools.

The three most common commercial solar incentives are the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), MACRS investment depreciation, and USDA REAP grants.

The ITC will offset up to 30% of a commercial solar purchase in the form of a federal tax credit. To qualify for the ITC, a business must have a tax liability upon filing. In August of 2022, Congress reinstated the 30% solar tax credit for ten years through 2032.

MACRS investment depreciation is available for every commercial solar system. This is a method of depreciation in which a business’ investments are recovered for tax purposes over a specified period via annual deductions.

Available to agricultural producers, USDA REAP grants are available in select rural towns across the country with a population below a certain threshold and covers 25% of a solar investment up to $500,000 for qualifying businesses.

In addition to these, a few local utilities and municipalities offer incentive programs of their own that can be added for even more savings. A knowledgeable commercial solar installer will be able to communicate the options available in your area.

There are many different panels your company can choose. Size, price, wattage, warranty, durability, and manufacturer stability are all critical considerations when evaluating the best fit. Lower-wattage panels usually come at a lower price point, so if roof space isn’t an issue, you may find that a larger number of lower-wattage panels strikes the perfect balance between price and return. Conversely, a higher-wattage panel will produce more energy from a smaller footprint if your building has limited roof space. A knowledgeable commercial solar consultant will be able to explore the various price options and savings scenarios.

Sun Valley Solar Solutions operates a full in-house Operations and Maintenance division that facilitates OEM hardware warranties per each manufacturer's terms. Most panels are covered for 25 - 30 years, with inverter warranties typically covering ten years. In addition, all SVSS Commercial systems come with a 2-year artistry warranty that includes roof penetrations, where applicable. Our O&M department also offers customizable service options for non-SVSS solar energy systems.

The most critical step in any solar journey is selecting a reputable partner. This FAQ demonstrates that many variables can impact a commercial solar project's success. A reputable solar installer will know exactly what to look for while guiding you through the variables to a fully custom system that meets your project objectives.

Once you decide to go solar, the process is generally broken into four phases. Timelines will vary depending on the complexity of the project and seasonal workload.

1. Due Diligence – This pre-planning phase ensures a smooth construction process from beginning to end. During due diligence, your solar partner will physically evaluate the proposed site, including all utility interconnects. This phase also generally includes a legal review of title reports and other records.
2. Engineering and Design – Initial concepts and plans are refined into formalized design drawings submitted for necessary permits and approvals. Once approved, these drawings are considered final, and construction begins.
3. Construction & Commissioning – Construction generally lasts 5-12 weeks, but more complex projects can take longer. Careful planning ensures minimal disruptions to company operations. Once the utility confirms that the system was constructed according to plan and operates within acceptable parameters, permission to operate (PTO) is granted.
4. Operations & Maintenance – Any O&M parameters established during the planning phase are implemented during this final phase. A solid O&M plan will ensure longevity and optimal performance.

No, solar panels are integrated with the utility grid and will not operate if the grid is down. The reasons for this are both technical and regulatory.

From a technical perspective, as long as the sun is shining overhead, solar panels will generate power regardless of how much electricity your operation consumes. In a grid-connected system, excess solar power is sent back into the grid for a credit, and any additional power you need beyond what your panels are producing is pulled from the grid. It’s a constant push/pull. Commercial solar aims to significantly reduce the amount of energy you need to purchase during the day and, in doing so, reduce operating expenses through a levelized cost of energy.

Safety regulations are the second reason. During outages, repair crews could be jeopardized if a local power generator (like a solar array) leaks power back into the grid lines. For this reason, utility rules mandate that solar arrays must automatically shut down during outages.