Commercial Solar in Denver and Southern Colorado
Vibrant Solar Consultants
Are Experts on Commercial Systems
There has never been a better time to take control over your utility expenditures with renewable energy. A PV system for your business is a great way to secure better profitability for your property and hedge against rising energy costs into the future. A solar investment is leveraged by incentives from the federal government, and in many locations throughout the country, by incentives from utilities and/or local government authorities.
The Stimulus and Solar
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of February 2009 made a major improvement in the solar tax credit program for commercial installations. The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) of 30% of the total cost of the installation remains unchanged for the next seven years. But now, a business owner can elect to receive a cash payment from the Department of Treasury in lieu of the ITC. This makes a lot of sense for taxpayers who may happen to be carrying losses in these tough economic times, or for other reasons would prefer to receive a cash payment rather than a reduction in taxes. This cash grant arrives from the Treasury 60 days after your system is placed in service. Information on the Treasury Department payment is available at the DOT's recovery website. We can give you the details if you prefer to not read through the information on the DOT web site. We will work with you to fill out the paperwork for the Treasury payment.
Of course, if you are able to take advantage of the ITC itself, the possibility exists that you can monetize the incentive even sooner, by withholding the full amount of your ITC from your next quarterly income tax prepayment.
Utility Rebates in Colorado
Electric utilities offer rebates in many locations around the state of Colorado. Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy have rebate programs that are among the best in the country. Each offers $3.50 per installed watt up front for small systems (10 kW or less). Larger systems get a $2/watt up-front rebate, with further monthly or annual payments over 20 years in exchange for the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) created by your system. Other utilities around the state may offer their own incentives to businesses wanting to invest in their own energy needs. Just ask us if your utility is one of them.
Rich Incentives = Leveraged Investment = Impressive Return on Investment
A typical commercial system can break even in a remarkably short time – usually well under 4 years AFTER TAXES are figured on your savings and REC payments. This profitable investment will continue providing free electricity for decades, frequently at an annualized 20% or more return on investment over the warranted 25-year life of the panels, and saving you anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year on your electrical bills.
Utility Rates
Your Return On Investment is directly effected by the rates you pay for electricity. This is because Colorado law requires the utility to buy your solar production at the same rate they charge you per kilowatt hour. Our experts will analyze your billing history as well as do a full site evaluation, to optimize your ROI.
Marketing Value
Companies are increasingly being held to higher green, earth-friendly standards. Going solar is a cost-effective way to establish or reinforce green credentials with your customer base. The value of your new solar installation in marketing terms is quite literally whatever you make of it.
Putting It All Together
So long as we have good solar access with minimal shade, Vibrant can install on nearly any roof type. Flat roofs can receive a standard penetration mounting system or one of our mounting systems which do not penetrate (or have minimal penetrations to anchor the system if our structural engineers dictate that). We may be able to work with a roofer you have under contract. Ask your solar consultant for further information on mounting systems.