Who will be in charge of my business solar system’s continuous operation and maintenance (O&M)?
As previously said, solar is a long-term investment expected to last for decades. Though high-quality solar installations are generally low-maintenance and trouble-free, they necessitate periodic cleaning, continuous monitoring, and possible repairs to work ideally over time. Therefore, it is critical to understand who will maintain the system, monitor its performance, and keep running at peak efficiency. You can do it yourself or hire someone else to do it for you. Your O&M requirements will be determined by the size and complexity of your system. However, most reputable solar O&M suppliers can perform robotic or human panel cleaning. They can also provide performance monitoring, reporting, on-demand repair, and part replacement, so you don’t have to worry about your solar system.
What rules and incentives are available to my company if we choose to go solar?
The federal business renewable energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which is now available, may impact your decision to go solar sooner rather than later. It represents a considerable tax credit of 30% of the value of projects completed through the end of 2019, but the recognition continues to fall year by year after that: 26% in 2020, 22% in 2021, and only 10% after that.
In addition to the federal ITC, state and local rules and incentives may encourage firms to be solar. Begin by searching the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency® (DSIRE®) to see what’s available to you. It should be noted that commercial solar systems often take nine months or more to install after the project is commenced. Consider this when making decisions about the ITC and other time-sensitive incentives.
Which panels would you (or have you) select for your own company, and why?
The response of a solar dealer to this question can be the most illuminating of all. If their response is honest and forthright, you will get the best understanding of what someone who lives and breathes solar all day, every day, really thinks about the panels on the market, including pricing, quality, and long-term return potential.
When you’re first investigating solar as a business option, there’s a lot to learn and grasp about commercial solar power systems. However, suppose you ask the appropriate questions and insist on unbiased answers. In that case, you’ll be able to enter the process with a solid understanding of what you need and who can offer it—the cornerstone of sound business decisions.