Commercial solar is transforming how property owners meet their energy needs, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution to rising energy costs. A commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) system allows properties to generate their electricity on-site, reduce operating costs and achieve long-term financial savings. Additionally, solar can positively achieve sustainability goals and reduce your property’s carbon footprint.
What is a Commercial Solar PV System?
A Commercial Solar System Typically Includes:
- Solar Panels: Mounted on rooftops, parking canopies or as ground installations, capturing sunlight to produce low-cost electricity.
- Inverters: Convert the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) for your facility.
- Energy Storage Solutions (Recommended): Battery systems store excess solar energy — or power from the grid — providing power during peak demand times or outages.
- EV Charging Stations (Optional): Solar systems can integrate with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, supporting workplace EV initiatives or customer convenience.
How Commercial Solar Benefits Property Owners
Investing in commercial solar is a strategic decision that can provide your property with significant financial, operational and reputational advantages. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits:
- Cost Savings: Commercial solar systems enable businesses to generate their own electricity, drastically reducing dependency on utility companies and lowering energy bills. Over time, these savings can add up to substantial financial benefits, often allowing solar installations to pay for themselves within a few years. Many businesses also take advantage of local, state and federal incentives, further enhancing their return on investment.
- Increased Property Value and Higher NOI: Solar installations can increase the market value of commercial properties. As operating expenses decrease, the property’s net operating income can directly improve. Lower energy costs means higher profitability, which makes properties become more appealing to potential buyers or tenants seeking cost-efficient and sustainable spaces. Additionally, having solar on-site can differentiate your property in competitive real estate markets.
- Energy Independence: By adopting solar energy, your property can shield itself from the volatility of traditional energy markets. Fluctuating electricity prices and potential utility outages are less of a concern when your energy comes from an independent, reliable source. In combination with battery storage, solar systems can provide backup power, ensuring business continuity during grid outages.
- Sustainability: Going solar is an impactful way to reduce your property’s carbon footprint. This can align with your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals and increase your property’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) score. Commercial solar not only helps combat climate change but also positions your brand as an eco-conscious leader, appealing to environmentally aware customers, investors and partners.
- LEED Certification: Commercial solar can contribute toward a LEED certification for your property. The LEED Scorecard is a globally recognized rating system for buildings based on sustainability metrics. A LEED certification demonstrates that your property is healthy, efficient and cost-saving. The benefits of this certification include increased property value and a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Incentives and Tax Benefits: Government policies often favor businesses investing in renewable energy. Federal and state-level tax credits, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), can significantly offset installation costs. Accelerated depreciation options, like the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), allow businesses to recover the investment quickly. These financial benefits make the transition to solar even more affordable and lucrative.
By embracing commercial solar, your business not only secures immediate and long-term financial savings but also gains a competitive edge in today’s sustainability-driven marketplace. Whether you’re looking to reduce costs, enhance resilience or strengthen your brand — solar energy offers a smart, forward-thinking solution.
Types of Commercial Solar PV Systems
1. Rooftop Solar Systems
These systems are ideal for properties in urban or suburban areas with large, flat rooftops. Rooftop installations make efficient use of otherwise unused space, turning it into an energy-producing asset. They are particularly advantageous for warehouses, manufacturing facilities and office buildings with expansive roofs. The panels can be installed at optimal angles to maximize energy generation, taking advantage of existing structures without requiring additional land. Additionally, rooftop systems often qualify for incentives, enhancing their financial appeal.
2. Ground-Mounted Solar Systems
Perfect for properties with open land, ground-mounted solar systems offer a versatile solution for high energy demands. These systems are especially beneficial in rural settings where space is abundant and can be customized for scalability. They can accommodate large-scale installations, making them suitable for agricultural operations, industrial sites, or any enterprise with significant energy requirements. Ground-mounted systems can also incorporate tracking technology to follow the sun’s movement, further boosting energy output.
3. Solar Parking Canopies
These dual-purpose systems combine solar energy generation with the added convenience of shaded parking. Solar canopies are an excellent choice for properties looking to enhance their facilities for employees and customers while producing clean energy. From shopping centers to corporate campuses, solar parking canopies not only provide energy but also protect vehicles from the elements, offering an environmentally friendly and practical solution. Moreover, these systems can include electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, adding another layer of functionality and appeal for businesses with a forward-thinking approach.
What Types of Properties Benefit From Commercial Solar?
Businesses in any industry can benefit from adopting a custom solar system. All property owners can benefit from lower operating costs and increased property values. Here are a few examples of businesses in different industries that can benefit from solar.
- Office Buildings: Reduce operating costs by offsetting energy consumption from lighting, HVAC and office equipment. Solar energy enhances sustainability efforts and demonstrates commitment to green practices to employees and clients.
- Retail & Grocery: Keep energy costs in check while maintaining consistent refrigeration and lighting systems. Solar parking canopies can also provide shaded parking and improve customer satisfaction.
- Manufacturing: Offset the energy-intensive needs of production lines, machinery and other industrial equipment. Solar systems help reduce energy costs and support long-term financial stability.
- Storage & Warehouses: Maintain climate control systems and lighting while lowering utility expenses. Solar energy helps warehouse facilities achieve energy independence and reduce operating costs.
- Restaurants & Hospitality: Power kitchens, refrigeration, guest accommodations and amenities efficiently. Solar systems align with the growing demand for sustainable practices in the hospitality sector, attracting eco-conscious customers.
- Hospitals & Healthcare Clinics: Provide reliable power for critical medical equipment, lighting and climate control systems. Solar and energy storage systems can ensure operational continuity during outages while cutting energy expenses.
- Nonprofits: Reduce energy bills and allocate savings to mission-critical activities for nonprofit organizations. Solar installations demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and appeal to environmentally conscious donors.
- Schools and Childcare: Offset the costs of heating, cooling and lighting classrooms. Solar energy can also serve as an educational tool for students, teaching the importance of renewable energy.
- Agriculture: Power irrigation systems, barns and processing equipment while cutting costs. Solar energy helps farmers and agricultural businesses maintain operations with reduced environmental impact.
Ready to Unlock the Full Potential of Your Property?
Discover how commercial solar can transform your property into a powerful asset that generates savings, boosts net operating income and adds long-term value. At Enact Solar, we make the process simple, cost-effective and risk-free.
Here’s How We Help You:
- Free Site Evaluation: Our experts will assess your property’s solar potential at no cost, providing you with professional insight into how renewable energy can benefit your investment.
- Comprehensive Investment Review: We deliver clear, data-driven pricing models and financial analyses, helping you understand costs, potential savings, tax incentives and ESG impacts.
- Competitive Installer Bidding: For qualified projects, we manage a competitive bidding process through our platform to secure the best pricing and most qualified installers, saving you time and money.
- New Construction Solar & Storage Planning: Need help optimizing your design plans for solar integration? We offer expert guidance during the early design phase to maximize your property’s solar potential.
Schedule A Free Site Evaluation
Partnering with Enact Solar means gaining access to expert evaluations, customized solar designs and a network of trusted installers — all at no cost to you. Let us help you make informed decisions and simplify the path to sustainable energy solutions.
Contact our team of experts to start your free site evaluation and uncover how solar can start saving you money and enhancing your property value.