Solar photovoltaic (solar PV) technology has been made available by commercial solar companies for decades – so why are businesses adopting it so rapidly now? Check out our video and other resources below to learn why commercial and industrial operations experience such noticeable benefits from choosing solar.
"As a fourth-generation family business, we look at the long term. Capital investments like solar are good for business. We are increasing efficiency and reducing costs in the supply chain, and most importantly, we are taking the initiative to protect our environment."
Kyle Nothem, President
Glacier Transit and Storage
SunPeak Customer
Solar costs less than traditional utility power.
While utility prices have steadily risen nearly 3% per year over the last decade, the cost of solar has decreased drastically. For a business interested in cutting its energy costs, the economics of solar are very appealing as solar provides immediate and long-term cost savings over traditional utility power.
Solar mitigates risk and frees capital for other investments.
With solar, energy prices are predictable over the system’s 30-year lifespan. Being insulated from price volatility for decades provides a competitive advantage and the opportunity to invest the savings in other capital expenditures.
Solar provides strong tax and financial incentives.
Currently, federal tax policy is extremely favorable for commercial businesses choosing solar. Currently, businesses investing in solar can receive a tax credit equal to 30% of its solar project costs.
Local grant opportunities are also readily available in many states, and SunPeak helps its customers maximize financial incentives. These lower project costs combined with energy savings and flexible financing options allow many businesses to be cash flow positive within one year.
Research from the Conference Board found that aggregate revenues from sustainable products and services climbed 91 percent over a three-year period, while overall sales grew just 15 percent among a sample of S&P Global 100 companies.
"This project is special because we're not telling others how we're sustainable, we're showing it."
David Young, Senior Manager
Tyson Foods
SunPeak Customer
Solar greatly enhances your environmental leadership.
Commercial businesses use a lot of energy. Aside from the expense, traditional sources of power deplete our natural resources and lead to greater pollution. As awareness and concern for climate change grow, businesses are under greater scrutiny for their environmental impact. By reducing your business’s carbon footprint, you demonstrate goodwill toward the planet, stewardship within your community, and leadership within your industry.
Solar provides opportunities for sustainability marketing.
In a crowded sales environment, a message of corporate sustainability is a valuable differentiator. Buyers feel good supporting products and services powered by the sun. Solar investment is visual, making it easy to showcase via press coverage, video, social media, in-person events, and other channels. Many SunPeak customers have reported some of their highest engagement metrics have resulted in communications about solar.
A 2018 Futerra survey of over 1,000 consumers in the United States and UK showed that 88% of respondents would like brands to help them be more environmentally friendly and ethical in their daily lives.
"American Family’s competitive position is strengthened through a solid energy and carbon emissions strategy that improves expense efficiency, mitigates risk, fosters engagement in the community and supports our brand promise. Our solar installation is an example of the steps we are taking to fulfill our commitment."
Sean Hyland, Facilities Program Administrator
American Family Insurance
SunPeak Customer
Solar creates customer loyalty.
Focusing on sustainability speaks volumes about your brand, and American consumers are eager to support businesses taking proactive steps to protect the environment. Solar investment provides a terrific opportunity to enhance marketing efforts, corporate messaging and generate customer support for products and services fueled by the sun.
Solar strengthens relationships in the supply chain.
Powering your business using renewable energy demonstrates a commitment to efficient business operations and responsible cost controls. Buyers and suppliers gain confidence based on smart fiscal strategy.
Solar promotes employee engagement.
When a business decides to invest in solar energy, it shows a commitment not only to sustainable practices, but also to the future and longevity of the company. Employees notice and appreciate green initiatives and feel a shared sense of pride being part of an organization with these priorities.
With SunPeak’s monitoring technology, businesses can easily share real-time clean energy metrics and environmental offsets with its employees and customers.
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