Answers to questions business owners have about solar in MA

Commercial solar power is more common than you may think! Businesses across all sizes and industries are investing in commercial solar systems for their properties, including Meta, Amazon, Target, Microsoft, and the Boston Red Sox. Small and mid-sized local businesses are also reaping the benefits of solar power, including All Creatures Veterinary Hospital, Volante Farms, and more.  

Each company’s business case for solar will depend upon the factors that are most important to the organization. The extent to which the case will need to be accepted, and by whom, depends on the decision-making framework. Typically, businesses are looking for the largest return on investment and time to savings as well as their desire to become a green business. The fact that solar reduces operating costs, putting businesses in a position to reinvest those savings, is a driving factor.

There are many benefits to solar panel installation for businesses, including reduced operating costs, protection against inflation and rising electricity costs, a lower carbon footprint, enhanced brand equity, and blackout protection (with battery storage). 

Commercial solar panel costs can vary significantly depending on the size of the system, the solar products used, and many other factors. Boston Solar installs custom commercial solar panel systems that are designed to fit your organization’s needs and goals. We begin every commercial solar installation with a customized quote. 

Boston Solar offers various commercial solar financing options including solar loans, Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), or operating leases. Learn more about all of our commercial financing options.

Massachusetts and New Hampshire have some of the best commercial solar incentives in the country. Commercial businesses and for-profit organizations can take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit or the production tax credit, net metering, sales and property tax exemptions, and Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) depreciation. 

Many commercial solar incentives are tax related. However, there are options for nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations. The new Inflation Reduction Act federal solar tax credit includes a direct pay option for eligible nonprofit organizations and governments. Nonprofit organizations can also participate in solar net metering to earn credit with their utility. 

Boston Solar offers the strongest warranty package in Massachusetts at no additional cost to the customer. We extend the warranties for panels and inverter(s) to 25 years and also include a 10-year workmanship guarantee.

You will continue to receive a statement from your utility company after you install solar panels. Solar panels can cover 100% of your building’s electricity needs, but in most cases, they do not. Solar panels don’t work at night and their output is reduced during the winter. During these times, you will need to buy electricity from the grid and you will receive a bill. You can, however, utilize net metering to offset your charges. You can also install battery storage, which allows you to store solar power and use it when your solar panels are not producing electricity. Even if your solar panels cover 100% of your electricity needs, however, you will still receive a monthly statement with your fixed customer charges. 

Commercial solar panels can offset some or all of your electricity costs, depending on the number of solar panels installed and the amount of sunlight they receive. Our commercial solar energy systems are designed to maximize your savings. 

Utility rates fluctuate with the cost of fossil fuels like natural gas, which are burned to generate electricity. Solar energy is more affordable than utility power in the long run because it is not subject to volatile market conditions and rising electricity rates.

Commercial solar panels do not require a significant amount of maintenance, but contrary to popular belief, they are not 100% maintenance-free. Your solar panel system should be inspected annually to ensure all parts are working properly. Additional maintenance and storm damage repair may also be required, depending on weather conditions. Learn more about commercial solar maintenance. 

Solar panels are exposed to the elements 24/7 and can become covered in pollen, dirt, and grime. This buildup blocks the sun and reduces output. In most cases, the rain and snow will keep your solar panels clean. But for a large commercial array, occasional solar panel cleaning is recommended to ensure maximum output. 

Solar panel installation timelines depend on a number of factors including system size, supply chains,  local permitting processes, and utility requirements. Timelines can vary significantly for commercial solar panel installation. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation with a solar consultant.

Solar panels do not provide backup power during a blackout unless they are connected to a battery. Solar batteries store the excess electricity your solar panels generate during the day. Your stored energy can be used for backup power during a grid outage

Yes! We install solar battery storage for commercial solar panels. Solar batteries allow you to store your excess solar power for immediate or later use.