Facility managers are increasingly turning to solar power to meet the energy needs of commercial operations. With the benefits of reduced installation costs, long-term energy savings, attractive state and federal incentives, and the growing demand for renewable solutions, solar power is an appealing choice. In this article, we’ll provide the essential resources and contacts to help you harness solar energy and lower your monthly energy costs.
Solar Tax Incentives and Rebates for Business
It’s common for the first questions we receive about solar to focus on budget, available incentives, grants and rebates. Now is an especially advantageous time to consider solar, as most states and the federal government offer programs that can significantly reduce your upfront costs through incentives, rebates, and grants. Lets explore a few:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a substantial financial benefit for businesses looking to invest in solar energy systems. With this incentive, you can claim 30% of your total system cost as a federal tax credit. For instance, if your system costs $100,000, you’ll receive a $30,000 credit, helping to lower energy costs and support sustainable practices.
Accelerated Depreciation
Businesses that install solar power systems can benefit from accelerated depreciation through the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). In 2024, companies can depreciate 60% of the total out-of-pocket system costs in the first year of operation.
This benefit decreases in the following years:
- In 2025, the depreciation rate drops to 40%.
- In 2026, it drops further to 20%.
- By 2027, the program will be phased out.
Federal Direct Pay for Solar-Powered Systems
Government agencies and non-profits can now get a direct payment of 30% of the total cost of their solar system. State rebates, utility incentives, and renewable energy credits can reduce costs even more. Plus, bonus adders may increase the payment beyond 30%.
Linked Resources for Solar Tax Incentives and Rebates:
National Solar Technology – Solar Resources and Grants
NY State Commercial Solar Incentive Resources (NYSERDA)
Federal Commercial Solar Incentive Resources
Cost Savings and Energy Independence through Commercial Solar
Solar energy enables facilities managers to reduce costs, gain energy independence, and immediately lower electricity expenses while providing a hedge against annual rate increases.
- On-Site Energy Generation: Solar panels produce electricity on-site, reducing the need to buy power from the grid. Some facilities can offset 70-90% of their electricity needs.
- Net Metering or VDER: Many utilities allow facilities to sell excess electricity back to the grid, further lowering bills or earning credits. in NY net metering has been replaced by VDER (Value of Distributed Energy Resources) allowing commercial businesses to earn credits for excess solar energy sent to the grid.
- Time-of-Use (TOU) Optimization: Solar production often aligns with peak demand, helping facilities avoid higher electricity rates during these periods.
Linked Energy Independence Resources:
Energy Independence and Security Act
Grid-Connected Commercial Solar Energy Solutions
Commercial facilities should explore grid-connected solar energy due to its potential for substantial cost savings, energy independence, and long-term financial benefits. With over 70% of installations being rooftop-mounted NST’s ground-mounted systems provide an effective solution for properties with limited roof space or unused land.
Grid-Connected Rooftop Mounted Solar Energy Systems
Grid-Connected Rooftop Mounted Solar Energy Systems can be connected to your existing electrical service or a new one, effectively reducing or even eliminating your electric bill. Watch the short video below to find out how National Solar Technologies helped The Raymond Corporation save over $35,000 in energy costs annually with their rooftop system.
Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems
Ground-mounted solar energy systems provide unmatched scalability, making them ideal for any project size. Whether your business requires a small commercial setup or a large-scale installation, our systems can be tailored to fit your specific energy needs. Watch the short video below to learn more about how Darien Lake State Park leveraged small parcels of unused land to help defer their annual energy costs and provide more sustainable energy to the park!
Solar-Powered LED Lighting for Walkways, Paths & Parking Lots
Whether it’s a wooded path in a park, a walkway for students or a parking lot for your customers it’s extremely important to have these areas well lit. Benefits of solar LED lighting include:
- Cost-effective Installation: Easy installation without the need for electrical wiring, reducing upfront costs and installation time.
- Improved Security: Enhanced visibility deters crime and increases user safety.
- Enhanced Safety: Illuminating pathways to improve safety and minimize trips and falls.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Modern designs that complement landscaping without compromising aesthetics.
- Energy Efficiency: Utilizing solar-powered LED lights will reduce yearly cost of electricity and increase sustainability.
- Reliability and Reduced Maintenence: Long-lasting battery life and well as LED technologies reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
National Solar Technologies also offers mobile Solar Electric Light Towers to help provide light in areas that are being constructed or that only need temporary lighting.
Solar LED Lighting Resources and Products
NST offers a range of solar-powered lighting solutions to fit the needs of any facility manager.
Pole Mounted Solar Powered LED Lighting
Utility Pole Mounted Solar Powered LED Lighting
Portable Solar-Powered Floodlight Carts
Bus Stop Solar Powered Lighting Solutions
Mobile Solar Electric Light Tower (SELT)
Advantages Working with National Solar Technologies (NST)
NST has been in the business for 25+ years now. We’ve deployed more than 10,000 systems across more than a dozen countries. Our aim is to support you and your project from concept and design to installation and beyond. Here are a few additional highlights that make us different:
- NY State OGS Purchasing Contract Holder Number PC68453
- Government entities in New York State can benefit from a more efficient, cost-effective, and compliant procurement process, simplifying the steps needed to launch your project smoothly and quickly
- 34,000 square foot manufacturing facility located in suburban Buffalo, NY.
- Experienced Group of Solar Professionals
- Our teams here at NST are here to provide you with the highest quality solution for your facilities, not to sell you prefabbed cookie cutter products.
- NST retains NABCEP Certification for Solar PV Installation
- Wide range of grid-connected as well as off-grid solutions.
- NST is here to design and develop your grid-connected rooftop or ground-mounted solar energy systems
- Additionally, we manufacture and assemble off grid solar power systems that include our:
- Solar Systems Reliability – NST systems are built to last and engineered for durability in all types of climates and locations around the world.
We hope you will contact us as you are planning your next project. Let National Solar Technologies help you reach your cost-savings and sustainability goals!