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