Over the past 10-plus years, solar power has become an increasingly feasible ––and practical–– means of providing homes and businesses with energy. From heating water to powering ventilation systems, the many ways that solar power can serve businesses has led to a dramatic increase in its adoption by businesses from Connecticut to California.
Today, some of the biggest and most successful businesses in America, including Walmart, Costco, Apple, Kohl’s, FedEx, and Verizon have integrated solar power into their operations. If you’re a business owner, here are some of the biggest reasons why you should too:
Certainly one of the most attractive reasons to incorporate solar power into your business is the lowered operating costs. By using solar energy to power your lighting, heating, and other electricity needs, you can drastically reduce the amount of money your business spends on energy. Even if your business is only partially powered by solar energy, the savings on your monthly electric bill can be substantial.
The falling costs of solar equipment costs coupled with the availability of government incentives means that the payback period for going solar is shorter than ever. In Connecticut, which has some of the most expensive energy prices in the nation, outfitting a business with solar panels is an investment that can pay for itself in a matter of years.
Another nice advantage of solar power is that the equipment used to generate it requires very little in the way of maintenance. Because many solar systems have no moving parts, an occasional cleaning or dusting off of solar panels is often the only maintenance needed to keep your solar equipment operating at its full capacity. Additionally, many solar energy companies offer warranties as well as maintenance services for their equipment should it need any repairs.
To help with the upfront costs associated with installing solar equipment, the state and federal government offer businesses significant incentives. In addition to the 26% federal tax credit available to schools and businesses that install solar equipment, businesses are eligible for 15 Year Renewable Energy Credits (ZRECS) Contracts.
Last but certainly not least, along with reducing your energy bills, utilizing solar energy is a great way to reduce your business’ carbon footprint. By powering your business with clean and renewable solar energy, you can show your customers that you are doing your part to help preserve the environment.
With over 150 companies involved in the solar industry operating within its borders, Connecticut has become a leader in the solar power movement in the United States. Faced with some of the highest average costs of electricity in the county, Connecticut became the second state in the nation after Hawaii to have the capacity to generate energy from renewable sources at a cost at or below that of purchasing power from the electricity grid. PurePoint energy has been a leader in the installation of solar panels and other equipment for homes, businesses, and farms in Connecticut since 2007.