Solar Commercial
Solar for commercial buildings makes sense. There are state rebates for small and large commercial installations, along with a 30% federal tax credit (more info below). With new regulations about remote net metering, you have the option of installing panels on-site (on your roof or next to your building) or off-site. There are also effective and affordable financing options.
Get a quote from a local solar contractor, and be on your way towards reducing your energy bills and powering your own business or non-profit.
Rebates
There are two main incentives available to commercial buildings. See NYSERDA’s overview of these incentives on their Inflation Reduction Act for Businesses webpage.
NYSERDA rebate - a) For installations up to 200 kW, $0.30-0.40/watt (as of Jan 2017; rebate decreases over time); b) For installations over 200 kW, $0.34-0.40/watt (as of Feb 2016; rebate decreases over time)
Federal solar Investment Tax Credit, recently increased by the Inflation Reduction Act - 30% tax credit (6% base rate with an additional 24% for meeting labor standards); 10% tax credit for domestic content bonus; 10% tax credit for energy community bonus; 10% tax credit for low-income community bonus (<5 MW projects); 20% tax credit bonus for low-income residential building project/low-income economic benefit project. For more information, see the relevant IRS webpage and NYSERDA webpage. Nonprofits may be able to access this tax credit using elective pay.
In addition, small businesses in rural areas and farms may qualify for an additional 25% grant for solar energy or other renewable energy systems through the USDA Rural Energy for America Program.