Commercial Sample Systems
Costs vary around the country. Many factors affect the cost of installing PV Systems. Below are three sample quotes and their incentive & payback details, based on Colorado installations in Xcel Energy territory.
The Basic Commercial System
The standard commercial system from Vibrant Solar is 10KW in size. This is due to Xcel Energy’s categorization. In other states and with power companies the size limitations are different- some are 30KW, some 50KW. Below are three examples of systems with the incentives for Xcel Energy’s program. We can assemble a quote for you wherever you are in the USA.
The basic small category commercial system is 10KW in size, about 50 panels, generating 13,700 KWh/year. Here's your cost and return breakdown, based on Xcel Energy’s program in Colorado.
10 KW System Sample
Above system sample is a low cost, non-penetrating ballasted system. 1) Includes City of Denver permits & fees. Other municipalities and counties have different fee structures. |
This may be only a small portion of your electricity usage but it makes a difference and optimizes the rebate and tax credit. Naturally larger systems are available.
- Pollution Saved = 31,700 lbs CO2 + 73 lbs NOx + 94 lbs SO2 per year
- Accelerated 5 year depreciation. Can use Section 179 capital equipment depreciation instead. For 2009 that’s 100% of the first $250,00 in equipment you purchase.
- Based on a 38% tax rate. If yours is different asked for a sample at your rate.
- Pays for itself in one year.
- Requires just one meter. Multiple 10KW systems can be installed, one on each meter. Ask about meter conversion costs. Each needs separate address.
- Rebate comes from the power company ~ 60 days after installation is completed. We can carry rebate, for a fee.
These system samples are for installation on sloped rooftops. Flat roof mounting systems cost more. We have non-penetrating flat roof mounting systems available. There may be additional costs, such as panel upgrades, trenching for ground mount systems, etc. We will inspect your building, design and quote, so such costs are nailed down before you make a decision to proceed.
Medium Category Systems
Xcel Energy allows medium category systems up to 500KW on one meter. However their rebate is capped at 100Kw's worth. They pay a $2/watt rebate up front then make Renewable Energy Credit payments to you monthly for 20 years.
Large flat roofs can easily hold a 100KW system, which requires about 13,000 square feet of unshadowed space. Usually when you need that size system you are on demand rates instead of standard commercial rates for electricity. See below.
Pricing can vary significantly, based on any unusual features in your building. Examples include old electrical system, extra insulation layers if we are using a penetrating system, etc.
This system sample isfor installation on flat rooftops, with a non-penetrating flat roof mounting system. Sloped roof mounting systems cost less. There may be additional costs, such as panel upgrades, trenching for ground mount systems, etc. We will inspect your building, design and quote, so such costs are nailed down before you make a decision to proceed.
100KW System Sample
1) Includes City of Denver permits & fees. Other municipalities and counties have different fee structures. 2) ($4.91/w) Comes in the form of two checks via mail, about 60 days after system goes online. 3) Vibrant Solar can, for a fee, carry the rebate so you only pay the Out of Pocket cost. 4) Carry this credit back one year for a refund. Ask us for information about actualizing tax benefits more quickly. 5) Comparison of tax liability on rebate versus accelerated solar depreciation. We can compare other aspects. 6) We do all the work, including processing all paperwork for your rebate. You just sign three contracts and write four checks. |
- Pollution Saved = 323,060 lbs CO2 + 747 lbs NOx + 955 lbs SO2 per year
- Accelerated 5 year depreciation.
- Based on a 38% tax rate. If yours is different asked for a sample at your rate.
Renewable Energy Credit (REC) payment is paid monthly, for 20 years, on top of Xcel purchasing the kWh produced are same rate charged. REC payment is 11.5¢/kWh produced, paid monthly. That’s $15,705 in the first year.
- Pays for itself in two years at electricity rate of 4.3¢/kWh with 5% increase per year, with maximum solar cell degradation. Actual degradation is far less. Assumes are on Secondary General demand rate. If you are on standard commercial rates, the payback is faster. We can test major equipment on your building for KVAR Energy Controllers. These can reduce both demand and usage and get you to a faster payback.
- Including property value increase payback is immediate