Rooftop solar systems are a great fit for many commercial and industrial spaces. Most of a company’s energy is consumed during the day when grid power is at its most expensive. Commercial energy contracts can be formed with dollar-for-dollar buyback clauses. Solar systems may be installed on broad, flat roofs with ease. The cost can be both capitalized and depreciated, as well as tax incentives that may help to offset the expense.
Texas Solar Incentives 2021
Texas specifically has several benefits of adding solar panels to your commercial roof. Texas has an average sun exposure index of 6 out of 7 for most hours of the day, so it is worth looking into making alternative sources of power generation.
The federal Investment Tax Credit can be applied to your commercial rooftop solar system, which will account for a credit of 30% of the total costs. Interested companies who operate in a specific electric service area may even qualify for a direct benefit from energy supplier TXU Energy, where they will purchase electricity directly off the roofs of eligible customers at up to $0.11 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Depending on your business’s location in Texas there are several local incentives you can research as well. If you need assistance in vetting your potential Texas solar panel project, please give us a call and we will be glad to help!
Solar PV panels may be either placed on top of the current rooftop or combined with glass, membrane, or roof-mounted tiles. They absorb light that is then transformed into electricity and used to power the facility. PV panel roofs have the potential to save energy and lower running costs over time.
We offer a wide range of solar services, including planning, engineering, supply, and installation of materials and equipment, as well as long-term maintenance. When it comes to putting solar panels on your home, you’ll need the help of a professional commercial roofer since each panel will require significant drilling into your roof. That’s why we suggest that you contact us first! There’s a reason why all our customers keep coming back to us time and again.
ask yourself before investing in Solar
We will walk you through these exact questions when you call us out for an onsite inspection. This is where all solar projects begin and is key to our process in determining the best product for your roof and budget.
Is your roof large enough to accommodate solar panels?
Is your business or home’s roof exposed to the sun for most of the day?
If you lease, are you responsible for supplying your own energy or is it rolled up into the rent?
What time of day is your business consuming the most energy?
What are your monthly energy costs?
Can your business specifically benefit from any city or state environmental incentives?
Do your customers view sustainability as a selling point of your business?
Give us a call! Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have about converting your roof to solar.
Is solar energy right for your business?
You may have thought that switching to commercial solar panels for your company was a risky business decision. You’ve undoubtedly heard about major corporations in Houston installing solar, but you believed it wasn’t feasible for your company. It’s time to put those thoughts aside. Many company owners are adopting solar and reaping the benefits.
Solar isn’t just for large businesses anymore. Solar power may help any company, no matter how big or small. Solar energy has evolved into a critical business decision with several benefits for your company.
Top Benefits of Commercial Solar Panels
1. Solar power is a fantastic investment
Consider it an investment rather than a cost when considering switching your business to a solar power system. When compared to most other investments, the return on investment you receive from solar power is frequently higher. Not to mention if you are operating in Texas, it is a natural hedge against the power outages of hurricane season and winter freezes!
2. Reduces your current operational costs
After your initial investment when your commercial solar panels are paid off, they will lower your company’s operational costs, which will be reflected in your financial statements. Businesses will discover that the cost of installing their solar system may be offset by the savings on power bills over time.
3. Energy Independence
It’s difficult to predict operating expenses since you often don’t know what the future will bring. However, once you include solar panels in your operation, predicting your power expense becomes quite simple. Instead of dealing with unpredictable and highly fluctuating energy costs, a commercial solar panel system that significantly lowers your energy expenses makes budgeting a lot easier. Because energy prices are unlikely to rise, this makes budgeting a lot simpler for you.
4. Increase in property value
Several research studies have shown that solar panel-equipped commercial structures sell for more money and are bought faster than non-solar-panel-built ones. And it’s unlikely to alter. With the rise of the solar revolution, adding commercial solar panels will help your establishment stand out. Any business owner would benefit from lower utility expenses.
5. Bonus depreciation and tax credits
When you install commercial solar panels, you may take advantage of the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a 26% federal solar tax credit if your solar panels are installed by the end of 2019. With 100% bonus depreciation available, businesses can deduct their solar installations in the first year.
6. cost-effective renewable energy
Solar panel installation expenses have decreased by more than 70% over the last decade. This implies that the cost of incorporating solar panels has come down as well. The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), tax credits, and cash reductions all contribute to lowering the cost of installing solar systems.
7. It allows you to maintain a healthy cash flow
Once your commercial solar panels are in place and connected to the power grid, you’ll start saving money on your monthly energy bills. You’ll have more cash on hand when your panels are paid off since less money goes to the electricity company.
8. Building an Environmentally Friendly brand
One of the best features about business solar panels is how you can advertise your commitment to clean energy to your consumers. This sends a good message about your commitment to environmental sustainability and care. You’ll make a favorable first impression every time someone learns that you’re going green or sees the panels for themselves. Solar energy not only helps protect the environment; it may also have an impact on how others see your organization.
9. Help sustain the local economy.
When you choose a solar panel installation firm like Royal American Services, you are helping to develop the local economy. Local market employees complete the task. Increased demand for solar panel installations also adds to the availability of good-paying employment. Those individuals are more than likely to be your current and future consumers.
10. Longer service life and lower maintenance requirements
Commercial solar panels are extremely low-maintenance and noiseless. In most situations, commercial structures’ architecture makes them easy to access. Commercial solar cells are covered in tempered, protective glass enclosed by non-corrosive aluminum frames. They’re designed to face the elements and can withstand rain, hail, wind, and snow – just about anything Mother Nature throws at them.
In general, solar panels rarely malfunction. Even if they do, our solar panels come with a 25-year warranty, ensuring that you will generate your own clean energy for at least 25 years or more from a system that is just as functional and probably more reliable than the utility provider.
How much do commercial Solar Panels Cost?
The cost of a commercial solar panel installation varies depending on many factors. However, it is important to know what you can expect to pay before taking the time and energy to make your purchase. Installing a solar panel system for your business will take some time but will help you save money in the long run as well as provide other benefits such as increased brand recognition. The cost also varies depending on how much energy your company consumes annually. As mentioned above, the size of the solar panel system that is right for your company depends upon this crucial factor. Here are some other things that will play into determining how much those solar panels will set you back:
- System size – Commercial solar panels can range from 1 kW to 40 kW*
- Panel efficiency – Higher efficiency panels cost more but produce more energy with less sunlight.
- Location of the commercial solar panel system – Installing your commercial solar system in a sunny area will cut down on costs.
Need a cost estimate – We did the research for you check out this Commercial Solar Panel Cost Calculator!
When you choose Royal American Services for your business’ renewable energy needs, we can help you determine what size commercial solar panel system you’ll need to meet all of your financial and environmental goals. Our expert technicians can help you explore your options so that you can find the best solar investment for your corporation’s bottom line and reduce carbon emissions today. Contact us today!
Need other options? Let’s check out a solar lease!
What is a Solar Lease?
Solar leases are a special type of solar financing where a company or individual can lease your system from you for a set amount every month and have the benefit of using the energy generated without having to pay any upfront costs involved with purchasing a system. This makes going solar an option for those who may not be able to acquire all (or even most) of the money necessary to pay upfront in cash, but still want access to high-quality solar technology at a reasonable rate.
What's the Catch?
There are a few catches, of course: firstly, any electricity that is not used by you will be sold to your local utility company under their net-metering guidelines. This means that if all your appliances and devices are powered solely by your solar panels, you’ll still have to “sell” back to the grid any excess energy generated during the day for a credit on your electric bill at night or other times when solar production is low (such as during overcast days). Another catch is that some leases include a clause where you must allow an inspection of your system every few years from an authorized representative of the leasing company. In addition, any damage caused to the equipment because of extreme weather, theft or vandalism will be the responsibility of the leasing party to cover (although this has never happened yet).
Leases are structured in either 10-year or 20-year terms; you can expect to pay somewhere around $0.11 – $0.14 per kilowatt-hour month on average during that time period with a lease like this, while purchasing your system would save you about half of that amount on electricity each month for life!
It sounds like a great deal! What’s my next step?
Solar leasing is still not widely available across the US… yet. If you want to secure one of these leases before they become mainstream, contact us today and we’ll help you get everything set up.
What is the Solar System Installation Process?
1. Onsite Solar Expert Inspection
Your home will be inspected by an engineer even before you have signed your solar contract. They’ll examine your business’s electrical system, make sure your roof is structurally sound, and ensure that the solar power system works with everything.
At RAS we have all the experts we need on staff – we are your expert inspector, contractor, and will even manage the solar panel installation. We are a one-stop solar shop.
If you’re adding solar panels that produce a large amount of power but aren’t connected to your electrical panel, you’ll need to upgrade it. The engineer will let you know if this is necessary. Because some solar panels require more amps of current, your electrical box must be able to keep up.
2. Forms and Applications
The next step is completing the paperwork. Most of this paperwork is, thankfully, handled by us at RAS. We will make sure you are set up to qualify for all tax breaks and all work properly documented to keep the process easy for you.
Typical activities in this process include applying for state and federal solar incentives, government subsidies, local solar programs, solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs), any applicable federal tax credit, and clean energy financing options.
We will also apply for any permits needed at this stage.
3. Order Equipment
At this point, we will have advised you on the best solar solution for your roof.
We will then place your order for the equipment, which should be delivered on the day of your installation if it has been confirmed and authorized by you.
4. Prepping Your Roof
It’s installation day!
The roof will be prepared, all panels will be properly attached, and then we’ll run electrical wiring and connect it to your power system and electrical panel.
5. Install Racking
Using our previous inspections, we will lay out your solar PV system and ensure it fits your roof perfectly before we start drilling into your roof.
The stanchions (also known as racking) that will support your panels are a few inches from the ground. This is the only component of your roof that will be installed on it. The stanchions will be secured to roof rafters with screws, and we will double-check that the stanchion flashing fits beneath your roof shingles or commercial roof materials to prevent leaks.
6. Finishing up! Placing panels and installing inverters
We will fit the panels into the racking and start officially wiring up your solar system.
Each panel will have an inverter placed beneath it, with the wiring connected in a parallel manner. This converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
Then we’ll ground the whole system. We’ll connect wiring from one solar array to the next before putting the solar panel on the stanchions, snapping together the connections, and screwing the remaining clips to the rails to keep everything secure.
That concludes our job. We’ll then run your solar panel cables through a new electrical meter and into an electrical sub-panel. Getting a replacement electricity panel might add several hours to your installation. That’s all there is to it!
Welcome to the future of energy efficiency!
Conclusion
This guide was exhaustive, and we wanted to make sure we covered all of your potential questions. As always, each roof is unique and is best served with an onsite inspection – so call us today so we can get an expert out to your business ASAP!