Your Insider’s Guide to Energizing Commercial Solar
August 2024
Signature Project – Volkswagen of Alamo Heights
This gorgeous rooftop solar array is on a white TPO membrane roof that enhances power production…in the middle of Texas, the state that now ranks #1 in the U.S. for growth in solar capacity. Why? Texas has a lot of ‘irradiance’, the ability to efficiently convert sunlight to electricity, and modern panels, while not entirely hail-proof, have tolerance thresholds that keep panels healthier, stronger, resilient-er. Most now have an unprecedented 30 year power production warranty. This store is owned by Group 1, who gets to tout their environmental impact as well as their savings. The Greenhouse Gas Equivalent of the electricity used by 43 homes, or 24,000 gallons of gasoline NOT consumed – that’s every single year. Well done, Group 1!
Thanks, MOM: Math of the Month
A stack of incentives motivates commercial property owners in Pennsylvania to act. A Toyota store in Allentown, PA is literally hitting on all cylinders with very rapid payback. 61% of their project is covered by Federal incentives stemming from the Inflation Reduction Act. Another 21% is covered by State of PA Cash Payments through their Renewable Energy Credit payment program. And the sweet nectar? They’re saving $2M+ in aggregate utility bill costs with their onsite power production. Are these incentives going to stay this high?
August 16-26th
San Diego to Sacramento
California has the highest utility costs in the nation, meaning the highest value for commercial solar. I have already completed the analyses for about half of all 1,600 California franchised dealerships. Call or email me – I’m probably driving by you this month. I can bring your numbers with shovel-ready proposals, scrubbed for each store’s eligible incentives.
I will be in the following cities/areas on these dates:
Aug 16 – LA & San Luis Obispo
Aug 18 – Santa Cruz
Aug 19 – Turlock
Aug 20 – San Diego
Aug 21-26 – LA
FAQ – Do I Need a Battery Too?
A: You may or may not need one today, but you will eventually. Depends on where your facility is located. Batteries help in several ways. If the utility power shuts down, you’ll have about ½ a day to a full day of power backup to keep the business going and avoid disruption. With more efficient EV infrastructure, you may not have to increase your transformer capacity at the street and that saves a fortune. And, if you have high time of use or peak demand charges, which are spreading like crazy amongst the 3,300 utility companies, batteries help. They charge up for free from solar, or at night when electricity is cheap, and then discharge during those expensive afternoon hours of 1-7pm. Energy arbitrage at your service.
Benefits of going solar
CONTROL ENERGY COSTS
Electricity is now a variable cost with 20% or less on average paid to the utility company. Energy generation for decades akin to reinsurance in F&I.
GAIN TAX CREDITS
Solar gets you tax credits, eligible grants, and bonus depreciation savings and income. Our team will help you qualify and apply for all applicable government subsidies.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENTS
In addition to rooftop solar, we offer solar carports, which reduce open lot insurance costs, protect against hail, and can integrate EV charging.
