Generous federal and state incentives, technological advancements, soaring electricity costs, and ambitious sustainability goals are driving widespread adoption of solar photovoltaic technology, with solar arrays being installed on parking lots, farms, and even lakes.
However at Solect Energy, we often encourage our customers to first look up when considering going solar because solar plus rooftops is a match made in heaven for businesses, municipal entities, universities, and nonprofits.
While roofs serve many essential functions, they contain a lot of developed space that could be used more effectively. Plus, unlike solar canopies and solar ground mounts, it takes less time and money to install a rooftop solar array because no complex construction, land alteration, or environmental impact studies need to be done to prepare the area. Here are some of the unique benefits of a rooftop solar PV installation:
- Generates revenue or savings as the ideal “rooftop” tenant. By adding solar as a “tenant,” you can turn unused space into a 25 year revenue generator. Some customers describe their solar installation as the tenant that never complains.
- Provides cash-on-cash returns. If you prefer to own the solar array, federal tax incentives can offset as much as 50% of the system costs. You also receive state incentives and the ability to sell the electricity generated directly to your local utility, which can result in a cash-on-cash payback of over 25%.
- Protects against unpredictable energy price changes. Electricity prices are increasing, and it is unlikely that they will slow down anytime soon especially with the need for significant grid improvements. With solar, you can accurately forecast the cost of your energy use for more than 25 years. Predictable energy rates mean a more predictable budget.
- Does not require additional space for installation. Adding solar to a rooftop allows building owners to take advantage of unused space that otherwise would just increase operating expenses for your business.
- Reduces carbon footprint and makes progress toward carbon reduction goals. Almost every state in the Northeast has committed to a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and abundant. Unlike fossil fuels, solar power does not generate harmful carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. With solar, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint and participate in the “clean energy economy” of the future.
- Provides savings on heating and cooling. Solar panels on a rooftop provides another layer of protection between a building and the elements; it can help reduce heating and air conditioning bills by keeping the building warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Debunking Common Concerns about Rooftop Solar
The benefits that solar offers are well documented, but what about the myths that keep people from fully committing to solar? Below, we debunk many of the most common myths surrounding rooftop solar installations.
- “Solar will damage my rooftop or void my warranty.”
One of the most common concerns we come across every day is whether adding a rooftop array will damage a roof membrane. That is, does installing solar on a roof mean puncturing holes or voiding a roof warranty? The short answer is no. If you have a flat roof, it’s unlikely that any attachments or membrane penetration will even be needed. That’s not to say that attachments are a bad thing. Sometimes, on pitched or more complex rooftops, attachments are needed, but these products will not damage your roof and are specifically designed to maintain your current roof warranty. In fact, Solect will work directly with your roofing company and/or roof membrane company to ensure that your roof warranty is not voided. - “My roof needs to be repaired or replaced.”
Roof repair or replacement is certainly not inexpensive, which is why it makes sense to consider adding solar to your roof at the same time. Incorporating solar can significantly reduce or even eliminate your roof replacement cost through upfront or ongoing lease payments. - “Adding solar just makes my roof more difficult to maintain.”
Solar panels are made to be durable and low maintenance, with warranties equaling 25 years. More importantly, Solect offers Operations & Maintenance services to ensure the optimal upkeep of all mechanical, electrical, and photovoltaic components of your solar system. Therefore, there is essentially nothing that you need to do to take care of the actual solar system after it is installed. - “I can’t afford solar right now.”
Financing is perhaps the most common excuse given in the solar industry, and we understand why – a solar array is a major investment. The good news is that there are multiple financial solutions available to solar customers that fit the economic requirements of almost any company. Financing solutions, such as a solar operating lease, capital lease, or Power Purchase Agreement, require little to no upfront costs while still providing significant energy savings and environmental benefits.
Go Solar!
Generous incentives, rising electricity costs, and ambitious sustainability goals translate into this being an ideal time for businesses. schools and universities, non-profits, state and local governments, and municipalities to go solar. If you would like to discuss how your organization might leverage solar to transition to lower operating costs and protect against the volatile energy prices, schedule a free, no obligation consultation with Solect Energy. You can contact us by email info@solect.com, phone 855.800.4211 (press 1), or click on the button below to submit a form.
April 10, 2024