Why are so many businesses going solar?
Why are so many businesses going solar?
If you don’t already know, SunCommon is Vermont’s leading commercial solar installer and we take immense pride seeing our business colleagues flourishing with solar savings. You might be wondering: why would so many types of businesses make the investment into solar power? Despite what you might be hearing in the news around tariff hikes, solar just makes financial sense once you account for financing and tax incentives. Our team works diligently with business owners to finance deals that ensure a speedy return on investment. Once a business has gone solar, they benefit from stable costs for their electrical needs.
Companies also appreciate the environmental benefits that come with solar, and are enthusiastic to respond to demands from customers and investors for greener practices. What could be a more visible signal to the world about your values than a solar array right on your roof or over your parking area?
We caught up with a few SunCommon commercial customers to find out their ‘why’ on going solar.
Finney Crossing
Finney Crossing is a mixed use development in Williston that has taken more than two decades to bring to life. Currently in its final phase of construction, it comprises more that 500 units of much needed housing plus hotels, banking, retail, restaurant and grocery space. The electricity generated by solar supports the electrical needs for the shared services for housing, such as hallway lights, outdoor lighting, and circulating hot water. After its initial solar installation, the developers starting building roofs that were solar-ready, increasing efficiency for their crews and also for SunCommon.
Autumn Harp
Autumn Harp is a cosmetics manufacturer for top national brands. As an energy-intensive business, the company had considered going solar for many years. SunCommon was able to put together a financing model including tax incentives that set their solar dreams on a course to becoming a reality. Autumn Harp’s customers want to work with partners that meet their ethical and sustainability needs- as a certified B-Corp, we know what it means to align with your customers’ values and are so proud to support companies like Autumn Harp in doing the same. With approximately half of their electricity needs covered by solar, in addition to their other sustainable practices around efficiency and reducing waste, the company is raising the bar in the cosmetics industry.
Machia Dairy
The Machia family at Machia & Sons Dairy in Sheldon, VT worked with SunCommon to design and install their enormous 693kW solar array and we’re so proud to share the finished product. This system will produce a whopping 700,000kWh annually – that’s enough to offset the usage of 100 homes AND power the Machias’ dairy operation. This project is a great example of our successful collaboration with Ben & Jerry’s, who are supporting the Machia & Sons Dairy solar project along with a USDA REAP grant. The REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) grant program can cover up to 50% of the cost of an eligible business’s solar project.
How to decide if going solar makes sense for your business
If you’re thinking about solar for your business, there are some basic questions that will help you know if it’s the right choice for you. First you should consider:
- Do you have the physical space needed for solar? This could be a rooftop, a parking lot, or an open green space. The SunCommon team can also help you identify a place to site solar and help you see your space more creatively! You’ll also want to think about your energy needs.
- How much electricity does your business consume? Is your usage rising over time, or winding down on some horizon? Your expected usage could be a driver to ensure that adding solar is a sound investment for your business.
- Finally, do you have the ability to finance a project? There are tax benefits and financing options to consider, but you’ll want to be sure that your company is ready to take on a large project from a financial perspective.
SunCommon has seen an enormous range of business solar projects, and we’re uniquely qualified to walk you through each of these questions. Get in touch and we’ll help you understand the landscape.
Many of the environmental and financial benefits of adding solar to your home are the same as for commercial solar projects. Click below to get connected with one of our Solar Advisors to green up your home and save a few bucks.