If you are seriously considering going solar with your business, you will need to think about the types of questions you will need to ask the commercial solar contractor. These questions are even more pertinent if you overwhelmed by solar energy, solar panels and all things related to solar power.
What are some questions that you, as a business owner, should ask a commercial solar contractor? How will you know the answers are correct? By having thorough knowledge of how solar technology works, you will be able to a make an informed decision.
So, if you are in the discovery phase and have just started thinking about solar energy for your business, these 6 simple questions can help get you on the right track.
1. Is Your Business (Location And Structure) Suitable For A Solar Energy System?
Before you can even consider choosing a solar power system from a commercial solar contractor, you will need to be sure that your business meets the qualifications necessary to have this type of system installed. This means that your business will need to be evaluated.
The evaluation will determine if the size and location of your property will affect your company’s ability to host a solar farm. The evaluation will take a close look at factors such as:
- The roof
- The garage or parking lot
- Nearby land
- Structure integrity
- Sun angle
2. How Much Will You Need To Invest Upfront?
When you are ready to inquire about cost, it is simply not enough to ask the contractor, “How much is it going to cost to install solar panels?” The amount of your initial investment will depend on several factors.
The cost of solar panels is varied, and the types of panels also vary based on the amount of solar energy they are able to produce. This is why you will need the commercial solar contractor to discuss the investment for the entire project, and not just solar panel installation.
3. Which Solar Energy System Is The Best For Your Business?
The commercial solar contractor will need to evaluate the past and current electricity needs of the business. This will need to be done during the initial evaluation.
There are many businesses that prefer to install high-efficiency solar panels, and there are others that choose to use an solution that is offsite. This means that if your business or property is not capable of hosting the amount of solar panels that it needs, there are other ways your business can still benefit from solar energy.
4. How Much Will Potentially Save On Your Company’s Electricity Bill?
Keep in mind that these solar power systems are designed to last for several decades. So, when you are asking the commercial solar power provider about potential savings, be sure to specify long-term savings. However, you also want to inquire about immediate savings as well.
One of the primary benefits to get commercial solar power is to save money on utility costs and have an alternative to the volatile fossil fuel based energy sector.
5. Are There Tax Incentives?
You may be aware of the ITC, or federal Investment Tax Credit. It is the 30 percent tax credit that some businesses receive once they transition to solar power.
However, not everyone qualifies for this tax credit. If you install solar through PPA or through a lease program, you will not qualify.
6. Is Any Maintenance Required?
As mentioned above, these types of systems are designed to last for up to 30 years. They are also typically trouble-free and low to no maintenance.
With that said, commercial solar energy systems do need to be cleaned. They also require annual inspections and even occasional repairs if they are performing at very high levels.
These are some of the questions that you can ask to determine the best commercial solar provider/contractor for your installation project. There is a lot of information about solar energy out there, but starting with basic discovery questions will help you make a financially sound business decision.