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Commercial Solar Energy | apply
Similar to Residential, Commercial is also making the step into the energy revolution and "Going Green". Only in this light we can look at this from a business standpoint as this is money you will already be spending on energy; going solar just means you are redistributing how you spend it by making an intelligent investment with a lucrative ROI. Stop renting your electricity and start generating positive cash flow with your new solar system today. Commercial installations also have a larger incentive base available than Residential which can cover up to 50% or more of your system purchase price. Now you can have control over your operating costs and be impervious to energy inflation.
The Cost
Commercial Solar System costs vary significantly due to the fact that commercial property and roof space can range in various size. Furthermore, the size/type of installation or even multiple types of installations, structural integrity, distance between solar panels and the main breaker panel, accessibility, etc can drive costs much higher than a typical residential installation. With these conditions considered the cost can range between $30,000 to $500,000 ($7.00 - $8.00/watt) or more. The limit of how large a system is allowed is solely based on the total annual electric usage. Although it is a high initial cost, with the incentives you can easily have a 45% or more return within the first year alone. Coupled with all the benefits you can easily have your system pay for itself in as little as 5 years. After it pays for itself and with the 15 year SREC incentive, you then can receive a positive revenue stream from your system.
M2M Energy understands the cost behind a solar system. We are dedicated to helping you obtain your energy and financial freedom as we are affiliated with several financial institutions enabling us to help you in seeking financial aid to cover these costs.
The example below is based on a standard commercial flat roof installation where the roof mounted solar system did not have any structural or outstanding issues with the design or construction of the project.
| Example Commercial Building | |
| Annual kWh Usage: | 50,000 kWh/yr |
| Avg Electric Bill: ($0.20/kWh) | $9,996/yr ($833/mo) |
| Solar Electric Size Installed: | 25 kW |
| Solar Electric Generation: | 31,000 kWh/yr (covers 62%) |
| Initial Cost: | $175,000 |
Year 1 Outlook |
|
| State Rebate: | N/A |
| Federal Credit (30%): | $52,500 |
| SREC: | $20,212/yr |
| Avg Electric Savings: | $6,197/yr ($516/mo) |
| Total Benefits | $78,909 (45% savings) |
| New Avg Electric Bill: | $3,792/yr ($316/month) |
| Final Cost: (within 1st year) | $99,883 |
Year 2 until Payback |
|
| Initial Revenue: (SREC + Electric Savings) | $26,409/yr (approx) |
| New Avg Electric Bill: | $3,792/yr ($316/month) |
| Adjusted Revenue: | $22,617/yr |
| System Payback: | 4.4 years |
Payback until Year 15 (SREC Program Ends) |
|
| SREC + Electric Savings | $26,409/yr (approx) |
| New Avg Electric Bill: | $3,792/yr ($316/month) |
| Adjusted Revenue: (positive cash flow) | $22,617/yr |
| Accumulative Cash Flow: | $239,740 |
*Rebates and Incentives are based on July 2010 rates and are subject to change without notice. Please visit www.dsireusa.org for current rates.
