Solar Energy for Small Businesses
Solar energy is a great fit for many but not all small-medium businesses. Solar energy is usually cheaper
than buying from the grid–especially if you are in the right states and buy solar the right way, including
offsite. Sustaine makes the entire solar process easy, starting with these key considerations.
Geography
In Sustaine’s work matching solar with small businesses, geography is paramount. States with the best solar
value include MA, NY, CT, RI, ME and parts of NJ and IL. These states have high energy costs and generous
solar incentives for small businesses. Note, however, that every utility limits solar and may not allow you
to get it, even if your neighbors have. If that’s a concern, contact us and
we’ll show you any limits.
Savings
In the best states for solar energy, solar costs less than continuing to buy from the electric grid. Savings
of 10-30% are common–INCLUDING the cost of financing your solar array, normally through a standard
commercial loan. If you pay cash, the returns are even better with payouts commonly 4-7 years. Either way,
you’re turning a monthly operating expense into an asset with the same (usually lower) payments. Third-party
ownership of onsite solar is now rare. However, some states let you source solar from an offsite array
(called “community solar”), providing 5-10% savings just for doing some paperwork.
Location
In Sustaine’s experience, most small businesses locate solar on the roof. Rooftop tends to be simplest and
most cost-efficient. Ground-mount solar is also popular for larger businesses, and can be even cheaper.
Parking lots can be covered by canopy solar, but it costs ~20% more. Lastly, offsite (“community”) solar is
very popular in states where it’s offered, especially with lightly capitalized businesses and renters.
Regardless, small businesses with solar are overwhelmingly still connected to the electric grid; solar alone
won’t help with power outages. If outages are a concern, consider battery storage or backup generation.
Cost
Solar cost is a function of size, in kilowatts (kW). (To approximate how many kW of solar you need, look at
the “usage” on your bill in terms of “KWH”. Annualize it, then divide by 1100.) Solar requires about 100 sq
ft per kilowatt. Where space is limited, our clients commonly offset part of their usage with solar.
Clients with multiple facilities sometimes build enough solar at one facility to cover more. Solar costs
$200
0-3000 per kilowatt installed, with larger systems costing less per kW. Most solar panels are warranteed to
produce for 25 years, and solar requires very little upkeep.
If you think solar might be a fit for your business, Sustaine will model your optimal system. If you like
the economics, we can deliver your solar via competitive bids from competent local suppliers. It’s all at no
cost to you.
Sustaine’s Easy Way to Solar
The first step is to estimate your savings, which takes less than 1 minute.
Once you’ve done that, it’s important to see if your utility will allow solar at your address. Sustaine can
check that for you. If it is, we can also estimate your cost, including the different ways you can pay for
it. The easiest way to get your free cost estimate is to upload your electric
bill. (We won’t share it without your permission.)
If you’d like to communicate with one of our experts first, that’s free, too. Let’s
connect!
Solar energy, both onsite and offsite, is the most common form of clean energy among Sustaine’s clients. If
you think solar can bring you cheaper AND cleaner energy, find out with Sustaine’s Easy Way to Solar!
"One thing they mentioned may have saved me almost $80,000… Sustaine did a thorough job. I trust
their opinion."
“Sustaine simplified everything, helping us get 100% local clean energy, while also securing a
10% discount on our electric bill.”