Let’s dive into the buzzing world of commercial solar panels in the USA. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) statistics clarify that the solar market has been skyrocketing with 24% average annual growth for the last 10 years. We’re talking a significant chunk of the solar game here, and it’s changing the game for good. Why do you have to know this? Cause if you are reading this, that means that you are a business person and you are thinking about investing in the future cuts of the solar installation costs and – putting a hand on the heart – letting everyone around you know that you are a climate-friendly business and you are going green to look as much sustainable as possible. Yes, we talk about commercial solar image-making, too 😊
Source The Guardian
Numbers don’t lie – commercial solar panels are on fire. Commercial solar capacity in the US rose from 1051 Mw in 2014 to 18 200 Mw in 2023. That’s almost 18 times growth for the last 13 years. Why is that important to you? Because smart people have made a smart choice towards saving money – just copy what they do.
So, what are the reasons that pushed other businesses to install commercial solar panels? Here are several reasons:
We bet you were thinking about these reasons long before you clicked the link to this blog. That’s what pushed many businesses in the US to go green – and that’s how we see the statistics mentioned above about the rise of commercial solar.
Guess what? Everyone! From the family shops to the big boys, industries like manufacturing, tech, and retail are flipping the switch to commercial solar power. It’s not just about going green but saving some serious green in the long run.
TOP-5 commercial solar installers by industries (source SEIA)
Tech | F&B | Entertainment | Health Care | Financial Services |
---|---|---|---|---|
Meta Amazon Apple Microsoft Switch | Cargill Anheuser-Busch Starbucks Mondelez The Hershey Company | Wynn Las Vegas Six Flags Great Adventure MGM Resorts PR Convention Center Walt Disney World | Kaiser Permanente Davita Elevance Health Eli Lilly and Company Pfizer | Allianz Fifth Third Bank Bank of America Swiss Re Dow Jones |
America’s corporate solar power users installed 2031 Mw in 2019 and 5162 Mw in 2021, which is almost 155% growth in just three years!
Source SEIA
Commercial solar installation cuts costs, provides energy independence, and lets you earn social and reputation capital. From the PR and marketing points of view, going solar can be a positive strategy for businesses. Sending everyone a message about your environmental responsibility can add big points to the business’s reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers.
How would your business look like with a green sticker?
Businesses must integrate their solar initiatives into a broader marketing and PR strategy. Use your green commitments in your everyday communications with the target audiences. Clear communication about solar installation’s environmental and financial benefits enhances its impact on marketing efforts and strengthens the business’s brand image.
The first thing you have to do is calculate. Here is a rough calculation of the solar installation cost for different types of businesses.
Type of Business | Electricity сonsumption (kWh/Year) | Recommended solar system capacity (kW) | Solar installation cost |
Coffee Shop | 30,000 – 50,000 | 20 – 30 | $30,000 to $45,000 before incentives |
Grocery Store | 50,000 – 100,000 | 40 – 80 | $60000 to $120000 |
Bakery | 40,000 – 70,000 | 30 – 50 | $45000 to $75000 before incentives |
Source Solar Power World
And if we talk about average or big business (this time consider industrial solar panels), the calculation will be as follows:
Approx. consumption | Approximate cost | Solar installation cost (before incentives) | |
Average business | 50-200 kW | $1.20 – $2.00 per watt | $120,000 to $200,000 for the 100 kW system |
Large business | 200+ kW | $1.00 – $1.80 per watt | $500,000 to $900,000 for 500 kW system |
*These estimates include the cost of commercial solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, labor, permits, and other installation-related expenses.
**Larger commercial solar panels often benefit from economies of scale, resulting in a lower cost per watt.
Going green needs a big buck. But there are helpful solutions: loans and leases with Power Purchase Agreements to cut the upfront costs, federal commercial incentive programs, or solar collaborations. Yes, teaming up with your neighbor might be the best commercial solar solution ever created.
Source AllEnergySolar
Two heads are better than one. Businesses teaming up to invest in solar power is a smart move. It’s not only splitting commercial solar installation costs; it’s about a community commitment to a greener future.
Yes, there are several practical reasons for small businesses to cooperate in installing commercial solar panels. Collaborative efforts bring various benefits that may not be as easily achieved individually. Here are some key reasons for small businesses to consider cooperation in commercial solar power systems:
Source The New York Times
Before you install industrial solar panels on the roof, you must review check boxes related to location, energy usage, and red tape – it’s all part of the pre-solar evaluation.
Solar-powered coffee by Silver Bullet Coffee
In the grand finale, commercial solar panels in the USA are more than a trend – they’re a game-changer. Sure, the upfront cost of solar panel installation might raise an eyebrow, but big or small businesses stand to gain big time by going solar. Government incentives make it even sweeter, making it a green and financially savvy move. Those jumping on the commercial solar train now aren’t just reducing their carbon footprint; they’re securing a bright, cost-effective commercial solar power. So, to all the businesses out there, why wait? The sun’s shining – grab those solar vibes and let the savings roll in!
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