Updated 10/25/23
Imagine a world where you can reduce your building’s operational costs, increase its market value, enjoy federal tax credits, and achieve net zero emission (or decarbonization) targets, all while boosting your bottom line. This is not a dream—it's the reality of including solar solutions into your corporation’s business model.
Investing in the clean energy transition today is practical, and comes with a slew of economic and social benefits. Whether you're a small retailer looking to kick off your decarbonization journey or a nationwide chain looking to reach lofty sustainability goals, clean energy can help you cut your business’ operational costs, increase energy resiliency, and reach new environmentally-conscious customers.
To dive deeper on this topic and identify the ideal solution for your property, download our comprehensive step-by-step guide on implementing renewable energy solutions.
How Solar Increases Market Value and Overall Revenue
Solidifying your company as an industry leader in mitigating its climate impact is great for business. Beyond the direct monetary impacts, committing to corporate sustainability often results in more loyal environmentally-conscious customers, employees, and shareholders — as it demonstrates that your organization cares about reducing its carbon footprint and achieving its environmental goals.
The ESG-centric investment trend is not going away anytime soon. More regions are rapidly embracing stringent green building standards. With local policies adopting laws that enforce lower emissions standards, it’s time to start incorporating onsite solar, energy storage, and offsite solar solutions into your commercial business model. Savvy business owners that take action sooner rather than later will outshine their competitors and attract more enthusiastic employees, customers, and other stakeholders, all while increasing their bottom lines.
Finding the Ideal Solar Solution (Onsite vs. Offsite Solar)
After deciding to build out your renewable energy portfolio, you’ll come to realize that there are many incredible onsite and offsite solutions with unique advantages. Depending on the location (and any possible restrictions) of your properties, your desired financing method, and your ultimate goals, one solar solution might be more appealing than another.
For instance, if you're physically unable to accommodate solar energy on your property, you’ll be better suited for taking advantage of one of the terrific offsite options, such as community solar, virtual net energy metering, virtual power purchase agreements, or wholesale power purchase agreements.
Check out our comprehensive step-by-step guide on implementing renewable energy solutions to determine which onsite or offsite solution is best for you.
Understanding Onsite Solar Financing
Even after deciding which onsite solution is best for your property, there are several different financing options. Cash loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and solar leases are all effective methods for acquiring an onsite solar array with zero upfront cost. It is worth noting that there are pros and cons to each of these financing methods, for instance, you will need to purchase the solar system with a cash loan (or your cash savings) in order to reap the benefits of the generous federal and local tax incentives.
Organizations that opt to take advantage of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) will receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction on their corporate taxes. Even if you don’t have any tax-liability — perhaps you’re a non-profit organization or another public entity — your business can still benefit from solar by procuring their system through a PPA or solar lease framework.
Check out our comprehensive step-by-step guide on implementing renewable energy solutions to determine which financing option is best for you.
Getting Started
There’s no point in waiting any longer, download our step-by-step solar procurement guide to discover which onsite (or offsite) solar solutions are right for your business. If you already know what you’re looking for, reach out to our expert team today and brighten your business’ future!
