The cost of a solar electric system can vary significantly depending on the amount of power required. Industrial facilities will require systems of a different scale than a small retail business. A small office may only require a $15,000 system, while an industrial facility may require a $200-500k system. However, a significant portion of the cost (50% - 75%) is paid for through government and utility incentives.

According to the US EIA, electricity rates on average have increased 3.5% per year over the last 10 years. In California alone, the cost of electricity has increased at a rate of 8% every year for the past 5 years. With a solar energy system, a business can greatly reduce its exposure to rising electricity rates.

It only takes a few days to install your system and your electricity bill will drop significantly. You will still draw some power from the utility grid, but at a lower-priced rate tier. Solar may also help you avoid peak demand surges. The solar panels themselves have very minimal maintenance cost and a life of 30 years.

In some states, the utility company will buy your excess electricity on a long term contract. This is referred to as a Feed-In Tariff and Balanced Energy will help you set-up this system if applicable in your area. Other utilities will enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to buy your energy if you build a system with excess capacity. Balanced Energy can also set-up these agreements for you and your business.

Government tax credits plus a special depreciation provision for solar electrical systems (accelerated 5-year schedule + year 1 bonus treatment) create immediate cash flow for most businesses. Many businesses use these credits to help pay for the system.

A solar energy system on your building is a long term, low risk, and high return way to invest. Government and utility incentives can cover 50% - 75% of the cost so in many cases, you are looking at a double digit return on investment (ROI) with very minimal risk. For businesses and public agencies, an investment in solar power can generate positive cash flow from the 1st day as well as huge long-term savings.

Generating electricity from solar energy reduces your consumption of fossil fuels, which decreases pollution and greenhouse gas emission. By switching to solar power, you will combat global warming and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign energy sources. Even a small solar electric system has a significant environmental impact. For example, a 2.5kW solar system reduces CO2 emissions by an amount similar to that which would occur by planting 1 acre of trees, or the amount of CO2 emitted by a passenger car driving 7,800 miles per year.