Commercial Solar Installation: How Pacific Northwest Businesses Are Cutting Energy Costs
In the Pacific Northwest, installing commercial solar panels can be an excellent move for business owners, offering several important benefits worth considering, especially a significant reduction in energy costs.
In this guide, we’ll share how solar panel systems work, the top benefits for business owners, and current commercial solar incentives, and we’ll help you decide whether solar is a smart investment for your business.
How Commercial Solar Panels Work
How do solar panel systems work to power your business? Solar panels are installed strategically on a building’s outdoor spaces or rooftop, and connected to the building’s power system. When sunlight hits the solar panels, it triggers the panel’s photovoltaic cells to produce an electrical current. After converting sunlight into an electric current, the solar panel system transforms it into usable AC electricity via an inverter.
Once energy is converted, it is distributed to the property’s circuits to power lights, equipment, and other electronics. It’s also important to note that your property will remain connected to a traditional power company and pull electricity from the utility grid if needed.
Benefits of Commercial Solar Installation
Businesses can reap a whole host of benefits from switching to solar power. Here are a handful of top benefits business owners can expect when investing in a commercial solar panel system.
- Net savings and ROI: Because commercial-scale systems benefit from economies of scale, the per-watt installation costs for commercial solar panels is roughly half that of residential systems, helping businesses recover their investment and start seeing net savings sooner.
- Environmentally friendly: Solar panel systems for businesses help reduce your carbon footprint and connect with environmentally conscious customers.
- Possible tax breaks and incentives: The U.S. government offers a variety of clean energy tax incentives for businesses. Businesses may be able to take advantage of federal solar tax credits under Section 48E of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Low-maintenance energy system: Solar panel systems are generally easy to maintain and don’t require mechanical maintenance. They are highly self-sufficient, needing only routine cleaning, snow removal, and sometimes minor repairs.
- Net metering: You may be able to participate in net metering through your local utility company. Net metering allows you to get credits from sending excess electricity from your solar panels to the grid.
As you can see, solar panels for businesses are incredibly beneficial for multiple reasons. Consider investing in solar to take advantage of these benefits.
How Solar is Impacting the Pacific Northwest
Solar power is becoming increasingly popular among communities in the Pacific Northwest. For example, public schools in Bellingham, WA are cutting expenses and getting long-term cost savings by switching to solar.
Community solar programs in Washington and Oregon are also making clean energy more inclusive and accessible for community members. When community spaces adopt solar power, the impact and further adoption spreads throughout the region.
The adoption of solar is also helping balance the grid by easing the pressure on regional dams during the hot summer months. State and local incentives continue to drive higher adoption rates among local businesses and homeowners.
Should You Invest in Solar Panels for Your Business?
For most businesses, commercial solar can provide a full return on investment in a relatively short span. With this said, solar panels are ideal for established businesses with predictable power needs. Investing in commercial solar can help reduce and possibly eliminate your monthly electricity bills over time.
When asking yourself, “Should I invest in solar for my business?” it’s important to consider:
- Your facility’s energy consumption: Solar performs optimally when your business’s operating hours fall within peak daylight.
- Available tax incentives: Research what tax incentives your business is eligible for, including federal and local credits. Tax incentives can significantly reduce the investment cost of solar.
- Net metering policies: Check with your local utility company on their net metering policies and permitting requirements.
- Ownership models: Consider which ownership model benefits your business the most to decide whether to purchase a system outright, sign a power purchase agreement (PPA), or sign a solar lease.
Work with PPNW for Commercial Solar
If you’re interested in having a commercial solar panel system installed for your business, Powering Pacific Northwest’s (PPNW) professionals can help. PPNW connects local business owners with trusted commercial electricians and electrical contractors.
Our experts specialize in designing and installing custom solar panel systems for commercial properties in Oregon and Southwest Washington. With PPNW experts, you can trust your solar panel system will be installed safely and correctly for long-term use.
