Superior solar solutions for your business.

Commercial solar systems currently qualify for a 30% federal tax credit. Business owners can also take advantage of Accelerated Depreciation to recoup their investment faster than a homeowner would. In 2024, owners can depreciate 60% of the project cost and the remaining 40% over the MACRS 5 year schedule. Some utility companies also implement rebates for installing renewable energy, which are paid after construction and are based on production and energy savings. Combined with state-level depreciation and federal tax credits, an investment in solar energy makes sense from a business perspective.

Many factors play a role in the total cost of a specific solar system. Building characteristics, utility requirements, and existing electrical services determine the equipment needed and the labor to install it. Most commercial solar systems above 100kW will land between $1.50 and $2.50 per watt for the initial investment. The best way to see how much you will pay is reaching out to Clark EcoEnergy and requesting a free proposal.

The most ideal solar installation will cover 100% of your annual energy usage. However, since most commercial electric accounts are split between generation and demand, you will likely still have to pay the demand charges each month along with required fees. If your utility allows for over-production of solar energy, they will compensate you once per year with a check in the amount of electricity you sent back to the grid. This can help cover some or all of charges for energy demand throughout the year and provide additional income to help pay back your investment quicker.

Solar panels indicates to potential and existing customers that a business is willing to take part in a larger effort of sustainability and reliance on renewable energy over traditional power generation. Studies have shown that people are more willing to pay more or choose to do business with companies that utilize renewable energy in their facilities. This is why you see many large companies marketing the percentage of their organization that is powered by solar. In addition, companies looking to hire new employees can market their sustainability to potential candidates and sway their decision to join a team that makes an effort to protect our environment.

Solar systems require very little maintenance. We recommend once per year to walk through the facility and inspect the condition of equipment and wiring. Solar production should also be regularly monitored online to ensure the optimal output of the system. Clark EcoEnergy offers an extensive maintenance and operations package which covers system maintenance, production monitoring, and renewable energy credit management.

Most solar panels include a 25 year production guarantee from the manufacturer. Combined with well-made aluminum racking and insulated copper wiring, our solar systems are built to last many years, and will provide dependable renewable energy to your facility for at least 25 years.

Many of the utility companies in the Mid-Atlantic region offer a favorable Net-Metering program which allows excess energy to be banked throughout the year and either used during months of lesser production or paid out via a check in the spring. Some utility companies, including PPL, currently have no limit to how much excess energy you can generate. Others have a limit of 200%, 110%, and some have capped their Net-Metering at 100%, meaning they do not compensate for excess production. Our industry experts at Clark EcoEnergy can help you understand your utility’s policies and what it would look like to install a solar system at your facility.

The construction period of a commercial solar system can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on the size of the project. Before construction can begin, we have to complete the design and gather the necessary permits and approvals. This process can also take more than a month if things are moving slower with the utility company or the local authority.

Batteries can be installed at virtually any facility where solar can be installed. Having onsite energy storage creates independency from the power grid and help protect your business from unexpected outages, as well as reduce your demand and lower energy costs even more. Battery systems are designed specific to your business in order to meet your needs and your budget.