How To Get Started
Affordable Solar will collect the basic information to provide you with an initial estimate for the size and cost of your system.
That basic information includes:
- Your monthly electrical usage. (This is best found on your electric bill and is in the form of kilowatt hours)
- The approximate size of your roof. (Or any other area where you plan to locate the panels)
- Your company's tax status. (For profit or non-profit)
What you will have at this point: An initial estimate for the size and cost of your system. This estimate could change dramatically based on information gathered in later stages.
What Happens After the Call
Initial System Design
Affordable will design your system and source the equipment with the goal of cost and system efficiency.
Additional Information Collected
Affordable will collect additional information including:
- Financing Goals. (Eliminate utility billing, reduce peak consumption, or other plans)
- Additional Building Engineering Information. (Usually provided by a property manager, physical plant manager etc)
- Financing Plans. (Capital Project, Bank Financing and Power Purchase Agreement)
Investment Analysis
Affordable Solar will provide a financial analysis of the system with a payback timeframe and return on investment schedule.
Site Visit
An Affordable Solar authorized contractor will visit the site. Many possible issues with installation will be discovered at this point, allowing a more precise cost estimate.
Design Update
Based on information from the site visit, some changes to the initial design may be required.
Contract
Affordable Solar and the client will enter into either a contract detailing the product, installation and sometimes; the power output of the system. What you will have at this point: A firm cost for the system, and power production guarantee, if necessary.
Installation
This stage includes local permitting and coordination with the utility. While the timeframe for permits and utility connections van vary widely, actual installations average is 4 weeks.
Inspections
While many municipalities are becoming more familiar with solar electric installations, Affordable Solar has the experience to assist the local contractor in smoothing any bumps and answering any question during the inspection process.
Inventive Filing Assistance
Affordable Solar will assist the client in filing for state and federal incentives, as well as any power purchase agreements available from the local utility.
Project Follow-Up
Affordable Solar will follow-up after installation to make sure your system is operating as designed and producing the power and cost saving you expected.
800.810.9939
» Get A Commercial Quote » Apply For Project FinancingWhy Solar?
Solar for your business, school, or government facility can mean free energy and a new revenue stream while protecting you against rising and unstable energy costs.
- » reduced utility costs
Utility costs are expected to rise over the next 5 to 10 years. Solar is a secure investment that reduces your exposure to rising energy prices.
- » protect against energy volatility
Solar energy allows you to predict your energy costs, insulating you from dramatic swings in utility rates. A solar power system gives you an absolute value in your financial planning.
- » tax incentives and rebates
- Federal and local rebates can reduce your initial costs by 50% or more.
Business Energy Tax Credit- Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Utility
- Amount: 30% for solar
- Incentive Info: Investment can be depreciated 100% in one year. Effective only in 2011.
- » point of difference
Much of the power we currently use comes from coal-fired and natural gas power plants. Solar energy not only reduces your operating costs but can be a powerful marketing tool and strong public relations statement.
- » reliability
With very few moving parts, a solar installation operates reliably for long periods of time with virtually no maintenance. Most solar panels have a guarantee of 25 years and a life expectancy of over 30 years.
