Solar Toolkit

Solar Electric Systems for Your Business

PV Array

The rising cost of electricity and the generous government
incentives available have led many businesses to purchase
and install a solar electric system for their businesses.
You can begin saving significantly on your electricity
bill, benefit from government tax credits, and promote a
green image for your business by installing a solar
electric system today.

According to this data from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the cost of electricity from California utility companies to business customers increased an average of 7% year over year during the last 30 years


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Reliability

A solar electric system is a great investment for any business. The systems are extremely reliable and have very low operating costs, as the system contains no moving parts and therefore requires almost no maintenance. Solar electric systems have a 30-40 year design life and the solar panels have a 25-year warranty.

A battery bank may be added to your system creating an uninterruptible power system to handle critical loads, such as computers, cash registers, and phone systems, during a power failure.

Government Incentives for Solar Electric on Businesses

The most generous incentives for solar today are available for businesses, and especially those with a tax appetite. In addition to a Federal tax credit, many states are now developing their own rebate incentive programs to encourage solar.

Federal Tax Credit

Any business that installs a solar electric system on its property is eligible for a 30% Federal Tax Credit on the total installed cost of the system. In addition to this credit, the business may take advantage of the 5-year accelerated depreciation schedule for the solar system.

State Rebates and Incentives

California has the most generous state-level incentive for businesses going solar. The California Solar Initiative (CSI) Program offers a cash rebate of approximately 15% of the installed cost of the solar electric system. However, the rebate levels decline over time as more businesses take advantage of the offering. So, if you are considering a solar electric system, it is best to act now to lock in the highest rebate possible.

Many other states are now offering similar rebates and incentives for solar. A complete list of incentives for solar nationwide can be found here: www.dsireusa.org

Finance and Save

You can save cash for your business right from year one by financing the system over as little as 7 to 10 years. Solar Depot customers have used both secured mortgage financing and lease financing to finance their systems. We can help arrange system finance.

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