Commercial Solar Electric

Completed in December of 2010, the 101kW solar electric array at the City of Fruita (CO) Community Center features a dual mounting strategy on multiple roofs. Download the Fruita SunPower Case Study Here.

Downloadable Commercial Project Profiles:

Project Profile - City of Grand Junction Water Treatment Plant.pdf

Project Profile - Mid Valley Community Solar Array.pdf

Project Profile - Town of New Castle Public Works Facility.pdf

Project Profile - Two Rivers Convention Center.pdf

Project Profile - Wine Country Inn.pdf

SunPower Commercial Dealer
With extensive experience in the design and installation of commercial solar electric systems, Sunsense has been designated as the only SunPower Commercial Dealer in Western Colorado.  As a leader in the commercial solar electric market, SunPower selects only the highest quality organizations to market their product.

A Smart Investment
“Going Green” is the new mantra of the business environment.  With this in mind, installing a solar electric system for your business or commercial venture is now more affordable than ever!  The federal government offers an Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar electric systems (as well as other “green” technologies).  When coupled with local utility rebates, Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), accelerated depreciation and actual energy savings, commercial solar electric systems have become an excellent investment that elevates your business profile and increases the value of your building.

Functional Applications
As with most solar electric systems, there are multiple options for integration including standard pitched roof-mounted arrays or a ballasted/curbed design.  Solar electric modules can be multi-functional.  Awnings, carports and shade structures can provide protection from the hot sun and foul weather, pole mounts provide flexibility and security while ground mounts allow large scale applications on less than desirable land.  Sunsense is also involved in custom design and installation applications that are functional and sculptural at the same time!

Tax Advantages
Businesses can take advantage of the federal ITC as well as depreciating their asset over a 2-5 year accelerated timeframe.  Taxpayers that qualify for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) can also take advantage of this solar tax credit.  Sunsense strongly recommends consulting your tax accountant to analyze and estimate your eligibility for these benefits.

Rebates and Incentives
In many states across the US (including Colorado), local utility companies and other non-profit organizations offer various rebates and incentives.  These rebates can take the form of a fixed cost per installed watt and/or a rebate for power production (RECs).  Rebates can be considered taxable income.  Additionally, utilities have differing policies for metering your renewably generated power.  “Net metering” allows a solar electric power producer to be credited at the same rate as the utility charges for consumed power. 

How Much Will it Cost?
Numerous variables contribute to the investment of installing a solar electric system at your place of business.  Local utility metering policy/rebates, design considerations, load requirements and marketing opportunities are just some of the issues at hand when considering a commercial solar electric system.  Sunsense will conduct a client interview and site evaluation followed by a system proposal outlining the associated costs, incentives and financing options.

Financing
Sunsense will work with you and your business or organization to secure financing.  Financing takes many forms.  Low interest or no interest loans are offered from banks and manufacturers.   Another popular strategy is to contract with a 3rd party developer.  This financing mechanism is known as a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). PPAs are long-term agreements to buy power from a separate company that finances and owns the solar system and then sells the end-user the electricity generated by the system, often at below market rates. Sunsense has partnered with numerous 3rd party investor/developers in crafting PPA’s from 50kW to 2MW.  In this scenario, your business has all the advantages of going solar while conserving capital for other opportunities.

Be a Green Leader
A solar electric system for your business or commercial venture provides a high profile statement of your intent to become part of the renewable energy revolution and demonstrates your commitment to clean power.  By raising the “energy bar”, your business helps reduce the carbon footprint of your enterprise and increases your positive image in the community through environmental leadership.