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Everything You Need To Know About Commercial Net-Metering

Unlocking the Power of Commercial Solar Net-Metering: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for ways to reduce your business’s energy costs and carbon footprint, while also offsetting future energy bills? Well, commercial solar net-metering has become an increasingly popular solution. Net-metering is a policy that allows solar panel owners to offset their energy bills by sending excess solar power back to the grid, and commercial net-metering works similarly to residential net-metering, but on a larger scale. In this post, we’ll explore how commercial solar net-metering works, as well as the benefits and challenges of this approach.

What is commercial solar net-metering?

Net-metering is a policy that allows solar panel owners to offset their energy bills by sending excess solar power back to the grid. When a solar panel system generates more power than a business consumes, the excess power is sent back to the grid, and the business earns credits on their energy bill for the excess energy they produced. These credits can be used to offset future energy bills when the solar panel system is not generating enough power.

Commercial net-metering works similarly to residential net-metering, but on a larger scale. Commercial solar systems can range from small systems that power a single business to large systems that power entire communities. The benefits of commercial net-metering for businesses include reduced energy costs, increased energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint.

How does commercial solar net-metering work?

The process of generating solar power is similar for residential and commercial systems. Commercial solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity by an inverter. This AC electricity can then be used to power the business’s operations, and any excess power is sent back to the grid.

When excess solar power is sent back to the grid, the utility company tracks the amount of power that was sent back and credits the business’s account accordingly. These credits can be used to offset future energy bills when the solar panel system is not generating enough power, which can help businesses reduce their overall energy costs.

Key considerations for businesses considering net-metering

While net-metering can offer significant benefits to businesses, there are several key considerations to keep in mind before installing a commercial solar system. Some of these considerations include:

  • Potential savings over the long-term: While the upfront costs can be high, businesses can save money on their energy bills over the long-term by generating their own solar power.
  • Availability of incentives and tax credits: There may be federal or state incentives or tax credits available to businesses that install solar panel systems, which can help offset the upfront costs.
  • Choosing the right system size and location: Businesses should consider factors such as energy usage, available space for the commercial solar panel system, and the the available sunlight and potential production of the buildings location.

Challenges and limitations of commercial solar net-metering

While commercial solar net-metering can offer significant benefits, there are also several challenges and limitations to keep in mind. Some of these challenges include:

  • State regulatory and policies: The availability of net-metering policies can vary by state, and some states have caps on the amount of solar power that can be generated and sold back to the grid.
  • Technical constraints: The amount of solar power that can be generated by a commercial solar panel system is limited by the size of the system. In order to over produce and gain utility credits, you’ll need to have a system that is large enough to offset over 100% of your existing energy usage.
  • Interconnection fees and other charges: Some utilities may charge businesses fees for interconnecting their solar panel system with the grid, and other charges may apply depending on the state and utility.

States that allow commercial solar net-metering

If you’re considering commercial solar net-metering, it’s important to note that the availability of net-metering policies can vary by state. Currently, there are 38 states that have some form of net-metering policy in place for commercial solar panel systems. States that allow commercial solar net-metering include Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. View a full list of states here.

It’s worth noting that the specifics of net-metering policies can vary by state, so businesses should consult with a solar panel installation professional and their local utility company to understand the details of net-metering policies in their area.

Learn more about Commercial Solar Net-Metering today

Commercial solar net-metering can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to reduce their energy costs, increase their energy independence, and reduce their carbon footprint. By generating their own solar power and sending excess power back to the grid, businesses can offset their energy bills and save money over the long-term. However, there are also several key considerations to keep in mind, including the upfront costs of installing solar panels, the availability of incentives and tax credits, and the specifics of net-metering policies in your state. By understanding these factors and working with experienced solar panel professionals, businesses can make an informed decision about whether commercial solar net-metering is the right solution for their energy needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about net-metering for your business, reach out to Genie Solar Energy today! Our team will see if it makes sense for your business.

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Landowners considering leasing their land to Genie Solar Energy can have full confidence in our meticulous adherence to legal and regulatory standards at all levels. Our team not only rigorously follows local township laws, ordinances, and building codes but also ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. The extensive experience and deep expertise of our team enable us to expertly navigate the complex legal landscape that governs solar energy projects.

This capability is crucial, as non-compliance can lead to severe fines or even project shutdowns. By choosing Genie Solar Energy, landowners partner with a company that prioritizes lawful operation and risk mitigation, ensuring that every project progresses smoothly and securely from conception through completion and operation.

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Proven Track Record

Landowners looking to lease their land for solar projects should consider Genie Solar Energy, a subsidiary of the established Genie Energy conglomerate, which boasts a proven track record of success in the solar industry. With over 1.8 million solar panels installed, Genie Solar Energy is one of the nation’s leading solar development firms. Our dedicated team includes over 250 professional solar installers, ensuring high-quality and efficient project execution.

This extensive experience and scale reflect our capability to handle projects of any size, offering landowners reliability and expertise that translates into maximized energy production and optimized financial returns from their leased land. Partnering with Genie Solar Energy means choosing a leader with a proven commitment to advancing solar energy and delivering tangible benefits to our partners and the communities we serve.

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Local Solar Development Experience

Landowners considering leasing their land to Genie Solar Energy can take advantage of our unparalleled experience and expertise with local ordinances, laws, and building codes across various municipalities and townships nationwide. Our extensive footprint and history of working within diverse regulatory environments equip us with a deep understanding of local requirements. This knowledge ensures that every solar project we undertake complies seamlessly with area-specific regulations, thus minimizing delays and avoiding potential legal and regulatory hurdles.

For landowners, this means a smoother, faster project approval process and a more efficient path to generating returns from your leased land. By partnering with Genie Solar Energy, you benefit from our adept navigation through the complexities of local regulations, ensuring that your land’s transformation into a productive solar farm is both compliant and expedient.

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Extensive Energy Experience

Landowners considering leasing their land for solar projects will find a robust and comprehensive partner in Genie Solar Energy. As a subsidiary of the internationally recognized Genie Energy conglomerate, Genie Solar Energy is not just a leader in solar engineering and development; our team also brings extensive experience across the broader energy markets, including wholesale and retail electricity markets. This depth of expertise allows us to tailor solar solutions that are not only technically efficient but also economically optimized for each landowner’s specific circumstances.

By choosing Genie Solar Energy, you are partnering with a team that understands the intricacies of energy production and distribution, ensuring a profitable and seamless integration of your land into the solar energy landscape. This comprehensive approach guarantees that our solar projects deliver maximum value, making the most of our shared energy future.

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End-To-End Project Management

Working with Genie Solar Energy offers landowners a seamless and secure experience throughout the lifespan of a solar project. As part of the financially robust Genie Energy conglomerate, Genie Solar Energy manages all aspects of solar development projects from the initial planning and permitting stages through to construction, operation, and eventually decommissioning. This end-to-end involvement ensures that the same experienced team handles the project for decades, providing continuity and stability that many competitors cannot match.

Competitors often lack the resources to manage a project throughout its entire lifecycle and may sell the project to different companies at various stages, leading to potential inconsistencies in management and execution. By leasing their land to Genie Solar Energy, landowners benefit from a single, reliable partner who provides consistent oversight and maintains the highest standards throughout the duration of the project.

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Financial Prowess

Being backed by a publicly-traded company like Genie Energy, Genie Solar Energy brings significant financial stability and reliability, which is a considerable advantage for landowners considering leasing their property for a solar project. This financial strength ensures that Genie Solar Energy can see projects through from inception to operation without the risk of bankruptcy that might plague less financially secure competitors.

Moreover, whereas competitors might lack the funds to complete a project and be forced to sell it, Genie Solar Energy’s robust financial backing allows it to maintain ownership and direct control throughout the project’s lifecycle. For landowners, this means greater security in the lease agreement, timely and reliable lease payments, and the assurance that the project will be managed by a seasoned team with a solid track record in the energy market.