No, solar panels are integrated with the utility grid and will not operate if the grid is down. The reasons for this are both technical and regulatory.

From a technical perspective, as long as the sun is shining overhead, solar panels will generate power regardless of how much electricity your operation is actually consuming. In a grid-connected system, excess solar power is sent back into the grid for a credit, and any additional power you need beyond what your panels are producing is pulled from the grid. It’s a constant push/pull. Commercial solar aims to significantly reduce the amount of energy you need to purchase during the day, and in doing so, reduce operating expenses through a levelized cost of energy.

Safety regulations are the second reason. During outages, repair crews could be jeopardized if there is a local power generator (like a solar array) leaking power back into the grid lines. For this reason, utility rules mandate that solar arrays must automatically shut down during outages.

The most critical step in any solar journey is first selecting a reputable partner. As this FAQ demonstrates, many variables can impact a commercial solar project’s success. A reputable solar installer will know exactly what to look out for while guiding you through the variables to a fully custom system that meets your project objectives.

Once you’ve decided to go solar, the process is generally broken into four phases. Timelines will vary depending on the complexity of the project and seasonal workload.

1. Due Diligence – This is the pre-planning phase designed to ensure a smooth construction process from beginning to end. During due diligence, your solar partner will perform a physical evaluation (site audit) of the proposed site, including all utility interconnects. 
2. Engineering and Design – Initial concepts and plans are refined into formalized design drawings that are submitted for necessary permits and approvals. Once approved, these drawings are considered final, and construction begins.
3. Construction & Commissioning – Construction generally lasts 5-12 weeks, but more complex projects can take longer. Careful planning ensures minimal disruptions to company operations. Once the utility confirms that the system was constructed according to plan and is operating within acceptable parameters, a permission to operate (PTO) is granted.
4. Operations & Maintenance – During this final phase, any O&M parameters established during the planning phase are put into action. A solid O&M plan will ensure longevity and optimal performance.

Eclipse Solar & Construction operates a full in-house Operations and Maintenance division that facilitates OEM hardware warranties per each manufacturer’s terms. Most panels are covered for 25 years, with inverter warranties typically covering 10 years.  In addition, all Eclipse Solar & Construction Commercial systems come with a 1-year workmanship warranty that includes roof penetrations, where applicable. Our O&M department also offers customizable service options for non-Eclipse solar energy systems.

There are many different panels your company can choose. Size, price, wattage, warranty, durability, and manufacturer stability are all critical considerations when evaluating the best fit. Lower wattage panels usually come at a lower price point, so if roof space isn’t an issue, you may find that a larger number of lower-wattage panels strikes the perfect balance between price and return. Conversely, if your building has limited roof space, a higher wattage panel will produce more energy from a smaller footprint. A knowledgeable commercial solar consultant will be able to explore the various price options and savings scenarios.

The three most common commercial solar incentives are the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), MACRS investment depreciation, and State incentives like NEM.

The ITC will offset up to 30% of a commercial solar purchase in the form of a federal tax credit. To qualify for the ITC, a business must have a tax liability upon filing. The 30% tax credit is available through 2032. It will decrease again to 26% in 2033, and 22% in 2034.

MACRS accelerated depreciation is available for every commercial solar system. This is a method of depreciation in which a business’ investments are recovered for tax purposes over a specified period via annual deductions.  Currently, the solar asset can be fully depreciated in year1 due to the 100% Bonus Depreciation from the federal government.

In addition to these, a few local utilities and municipalities offer incentive programs of their own that can be added for even more savings. A knowledgeable commercial solar installer will be able to communicate the options available in your area.

The four most popular ways to pay for a commercial solar system fall into one, or a combination of, the following options: cash, loans, or a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). We recommend choosing a cash purchase whenever possible as it offers the most favorable returns, simplifies ownership, and maximizes solar tax incentives.

Second to cash, low-interest loans, or lines of credit offer the next best ROI on your solar investment. We recommend financing only the necessary portion of the net cost after incentives to achieve the best payback.

Power purchase agreements (PPAs), also known as solar service agreements, are a common way to finance solar installations at commercial and institutional facilities in certain states. Eclipse Solar & Construction energy offers PPA programs through our funding partners.

Nearly all buildings are compatible with solar, so long as the roof is structurally sound and has enough space to accommodate panels and racking. For smaller facilities with limited roof space, ground mounts or solar carports are a good alternative. You must own the building. If you are leasing the facility, the installation would need to be approved by the building owner.

Many factors contribute to your operation’s savings potential with solar. The biggest being how much energy your business uses throughout the day and what time that consumption is at its peak. These two factors alone show us the potential for energy offset, as well as the price you are currently paying for utility power purchased. From there we look at roof space and general facility infrastructure. The more panels your building can accommodate, the greater the savings potential. In short, arriving at a savings estimate is simply a matter of adding up your total energy use, and then subtracting the production potential offered by your rooftop space. Secondary considerations include panel efficiency, roof orientation, and energy prices in your area.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all option for commercial solar. Every system is unique. Arriving at a price begins with your goals and incorporates key structure details such as roof space and any necessary infrastructure additions. Would you like to add solar parking shades as part of your plan, or are you looking for a more basic rooftop array? Do you use more energy at night or during the day? Do you have a tax liability that can be impacted by solar incentives? All of these factors and many more will dictate upfront cost and energy production potential. A reputable commercial solar consultant will be able to guide you through the process and ultimately refine a savings and cost estimate that aligns precisely with your goals and facility. 

For most companies, the biggest motivation to go solar is the money they’ll save by reducing monthly power bills and freeing up capital that can be diverted elsewhere or added to their bottom line. Current commercial solar incentives, like the 30% federal investment tax credit, make the savings even better.

Some companies are also looking to improve employee and customer amenities by adding covered parking. Solar shade structures are a great way to turn a shaded parking addition into a savings generator for your business.

Finally, going solar also has a positive community impact as well. Solar will reduce your operation’s carbon footprint in a time when many employees and customers list environmental stewardship as a critical motivator for where they chose to work or do business.

Taking the time to prioritize these goals at the beginning of your solar research will help streamline the proposal and ROI analysis when it comes time to engage a solar design team.