| When it comes to running a business, much of | | | | is using, the energy is sent into the utility grid and |
| the necessary focus is on the bottom line. Many | | | | the building power meter actually runs backwards. |
| businesses, however, fail to realize they can | | | | Since many businesses are closed two days a |
| seriously cut energy costs by going solar. | | | | week, this effectively means the utility is buying |
| Tax Incentives | | | | the power on said days. Net metering is an |
| Federal and State governments know the best | | | | incredibly effective means of slashing utility costs. |
| way to initiate change is to provide an economic | | | | Solar Loans |
| benefit. When it comes to energy, governments | | | | Businesses can gain further benefits through going |
| try to make the use of solar energy as | | | | solar by taking advantage of government solar |
| economically attractive as possible to businesses. | | | | financing programs. These loan programs offer |
| This is done through granting tax incentives in the | | | | incredible terms in an effort to promote the use |
| form of tax credits and deductions. Depending | | | | of renewable energy and make sense for both |
| upon which government agency is involved, | | | | new construction and renovations. Typically |
| federal or a particular state, corporations can get | | | | created as state programs, these "solar loans" |
| tax credits and deductions ranging from 10 to as | | | | offer financing for the purchase and installation of |
| high as 35 percent of the cost of purchasing and | | | | the equipment. The loans typically have seven to |
| installing solar energy systems. | | | | 10 year terms, and are offered as no interest or |
| Net Metering | | | | extremely low interest financing. Combined with |
| On top of the tax incentives given to businesses | | | | the economic benefits of net metering, such loans |
| for going solar, a majority of states now offer | | | | make the decision to go solar a slam dunk. |
| incredible cost savings through net metering. Net | | | | Each state tends to handle the promotion of |
| metering refers to state laws that require utilities | | | | alternative energy in different ways and with |
| to purchase power generated from solar systems | | | | different benefits. When combined with federal |
| used by businesses at the same price the utilities | | | | programs, businesses can reap a financial benefit |
| would otherwise charge the business. If the | | | | from using solar energy sources. |
| business is producing energy in excess of what it | | | | |