Why Your Small Business Should Convert to Solar Sooner than Later
Of course you’ve heard of solar energy but you haven’t yet seriously considered it as a solution for your business. Perhaps it seems like a hassle to figure out? Maybe you think it is too expensive? That’s it’s easier to just keep paying the electric bill? Whatever the obstacle, now is a good time to reconsider. There are several advantages to converting to solar power, and it may be more accessible than you may think.
Across America, renewable energy activity is expanding as utility costs rise and greener technologies become affordable. Eco-friendly practices and products are becoming widespread. The agenda for clean energy has been a global hot topic for awhile and responsible corporate entities are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint in pursuit of a sustainable future. However, many farms and small businesses face barriers when pursing their clean energy goals – most prominently the cost of installation.
Thankfully, there is an option exclusively for rural farms and small business: The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which provides up to 25% of project costs and grants up to $250,000 for energy efficiency projects and up to $500,000 for renewable energy projects! In particular, tremendous growth in the solar sector has driven down costs significantly in the past decade. Local solar expert, South Sound Solar has a 12-year history of supporting thousands of commercial customers from the initial application process through installation. Examples of REAP grantees and projects in Shelton/Mason include: Amphibious Marine, Skydive Kapowsin, Mason County PUD 1, and many residential installs.
Energy cost savings from solar can be substantial and it promotes sustainability within the community. Market data suggests that the average commercial property owner in the U.S. can reduce overall energy costs up to 75% by going solar. Typically, that investment can be recouped in under seven years for an electric supply will last a lifetime. Grants combined with a current Income Tax Credit (ITC) at 26%, REAP can help reduce solar installation costs by over 50%. These savings are time limited. The ITC drops to 22% in 2021, then 10% in 2022 where it will remain. Guaranteed loans can cover the remainder of a project’s eligible costs.
REAP can help fund renewable energy systems such as: solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower systems, geothermal systems, and more. Heating and cooling typically account for a majority of electricity that solar power can produce for free. The systems themselves require little to no maintenance and nearly eliminate the need for grid power making fluctuating electricity bills obsolete. The more power the panels produce, the better. The return on investment through energy savings, tax credits, increased property value, accelerated depreciation, and community goodwill is enough to explore going green.
South Sound Solar simplifies the entire process for companies from start to finish. Certified electrical contractors initially provide a no-hassle site survey to determine feasibility and potential design solutions. There is no commitment for the assessment, but the next round of grant applications is due by October 31, 2020 so now is the ideal time to weigh the benefits. Contact Ari Simmons to start a conversation or to schedule a free assessment at (973) 897-3855 or via email.
