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An initial investment in renewable energy can save your business money for years to come. PG&E is here to help you make informed decisions about bringing solar and renewable energy to your property.
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Overview
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Purchasing a renewable energy system means paying for it up front or financing your purchase through a bank loan. You can purchase the system from an approved contractor. You own the entire system, which most manufacturers guarantee for up to 25 years. |
Leasing allows you to “rent" the renewable energy system for a set period of time. Generally, you pay a fixed monthly rate no matter how much energy the system produces each month. |
Similar to leasing, a third party owns and maintains the renewable energy system on your behalf. Typically, you pay for the electricity generated at a rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) specified in your agreement. |
Benefits
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Additional costs
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Risks
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Advice
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You may be able to finance your purchase of a solar or renewable energy system by taking a business equity loan or secure line of credit, which is often eligible for tax deductions. Speak with your tax advisor about the implications before your purchase. |
Agreements are long term, and specific fees may rise over time. Be sure to understand any changes in your monthly rate over the lifetime of the lease agreement, and ask about purchase options. Prepaid leases may also help reduce your monthly payments. |
Agreements are long-term, and specific fees may rise over time. Be sure to understand any fluctuations in the price per kWh rate over the lifetime of the PPA contract, and ask about purchase options. |
If you have purchased a renewable energy system, its value is incorporated into the purchase price of your property. Generally, a solar system will increase a property’s value and is viewed positively by potential buyers. If you have a lease agreement or PPA, you will need to work with the service provider to transfer the lease or PPA obligation to the new owner. In some cases, you may be able to buy out the remainder of the contract at fair market value.
State and federal governments, along with PG&E, offer incentives to help reduce the cost of installing a solar or renewable energy system. Consult your personal tax advisor to find out if you qualify, or review the information on the following websites:
PG&E has several incentive and other programs for customers who install a clean energy system. Visit Clean Energy Incentives and Programs.
The size of your renewable energy system affects your upfront costs as well as your electricity costs over time. PG&E gives you the tools to help select the size of the renewable energy generation system right for your business based on your usage history, the size of your roof and whether you want to offset all or only a portion of your usage.
We encourage you to first evaluate if you can reduce the size and cost of the renewable system needed for your property by completing energy-efficiency upgrades.
Get a quick estimate of the cost and size of the system needed to power your business
Solar calculator tips:
Get a quick estimate of the size and cost of system you need to power your business.
Solar customers receive detailed bills on their energy use.