Many Maine businesses want to lower their operating expenses. A commercial solar energy system is a great way to cut energy bills and create greater energy independence. With the unpredictable cost of fuel, a fragile electric grid, and the state of the economy, it makes sense to create an energy strategy that provides a brighter, more secure future.
Solar PV is a proven technology that uses reliable equipment to offset some, most, or all of your business’s electricity use. Sundog Solar has installed solar systems on farms, office buildings, schools, churches, retailers, and car dealerships.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOLAR TAX CREDITS AND WRITE-OFFS
Businesses can take advantage of a 26% federal tax credit. This is
a dollar-for-dollar tax credit off of federal taxes owed which is more lucrative than a tax write-off. Solar businesses can also take advantage of accelerated depreciation for 85% of the system cost over a six-year period. These solar energy tax incentives can slash the total of the system.
MAINE HAS GOOD SOLAR ENERGY POTENTIAL
1,000 watts per square foot. That’s how much of the sun’s power strikes the earth every hour. Maine receives a yearly average of 4 hours of sun each day. When you consider that Germany averages 3.5 hours of sunlight each day and that they are a world leader in solar integration, Maine is perfect for solar energy!
QUALITY SOLAR PANELS AND COMPONENTS
The Sundog Solar team installs some of the best solar equipment on the market, including Canadian Solar, Hanwha Q-cells, LG Solar, Solaria, SolarEdge, SMA, Silfab, REC, Enphase, and SMA Sunnyboy products. Our solar panels, inverters, and components have long warranties to protect your investment.
How Does Solar Power Work?
Photovoltaic (PV) technology transforms sunlight into electricity. To use this technology for your business, you need a basic system comprised of the following:
- Solar panels, which generate DC (direct current) electricity
- An inverter, which changes DC to AC (alternating current) power. AC power is what is used in most homes and businesses.
The DC current in each of the cells is combined into one central circuit. DC power can be used in many mobile applications such as in an RV, boat, or to charge solar batteries.
Houses and businesses use alternating current (AC) electricity. Once the power is converted by the inverter, it can then be used by appliances, lights, and electrical devices.
With these basic components, you can generate electricity and feed it to your circuits. Then, the system sends any excess electricity back to the grid for credit on your energy bills.
SUNDOG SOLAR – MAINE’S COMMERCIAL SOLAR ENERGY EXPERTS
Sundog Solar has a highly-trained team including NABCEP-certified solar installers and licensed electricians. With years of commercial solar energy experience, Sundog Solar has an excellent reputation for giving each commercial solar project the time and attention it deserves.
From Rockland to Augusta, Camden, Bangor, Ellsworth, Maine, and beyond – we are helping businesses slash their energy costs while benefiting the environment. The Sundog Solar team uses innovative and reliable solar panels and equipment by SMA, Pika Energy, LG, Schneider Electric, Solaria, REC, and SolarEdge. We work as a team to truly exceed customer expectations and get every commercial solar energy installation done right!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why install solar energy for my business?
Many Maine businesses are installing solar panels to reduce their energy bills and help the environment. As utility rates continue to rise, energy savings increase over time. Also, federal tax incentives significantly reduce the system’s total cost. Solar businesses can also enjoy the positive publicity of doing something to help the environment.
What types of businesses or organizations are good candidates for solar energy?
Many businesses can benefit from installing PV panels. We’ve installed systems on car dealerships, breweries, schools, retail stores, town garages, office buildings, churches, vet clinics, and numerous farms.
It’s ideal if the business or organization has a sunny roof, but there are many options, even if they don’t. For WERU, we installed the solar panels in the parking lot in a sunny location, and the panels produce enough energy to power the offices. Maine Sport Outfitter, MDI High School, Paradis Ace Hardware, Treworgy Farms, and many more have solar panels on their roofs.
How can towns take advantage of solar energy?
Throughout Maine, numerous municipalities use solar energy to reduce their operating expenses and save taxpayer dollars. In Stockton Springs, we installed a solar system on the town garage. For the towns of Waldoboro, Damariscotta, Oakland, and Tremont, we installed solar panels on capped landfills. Old landfills are some of the best locations around because space is plentiful, and there are few other development options available for these properties due to EPA regulations.
For municipalities, we typically recommend a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This arrangement allows towns to get solar panels for no money down but still enjoy the cost savings. Municipalities can enter agreements to have the system installed on their property, and they pay just for the power from the solar panels and not for the installation itself. They then purchase the electricity at a discounted rate, resulting in significant cost savings. Depending on their power use, we’ve helped some towns save hundreds of thousands of dollars in electricity costs.
Are there tax credits and write-offs available for solar systems?
Yes, businesses can take advantage of a couple of solar tax incentives. These incentives are available for companies that purchase the solar energy system and are not available for solar PPAs.
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce the total system cost by 26%. Companies can also depreciate the solar system cost on their federal taxes. With the bonus depreciation, businesses can write-off 100% of the system cost in year one!
Businesses use IRS Form 3468 to claim the commercial solar tax credit. Homeowners can claim the residential solar tax credit using IRS Form 5695. Speak with your tax expert to learn how to apply solar tax incentives to your business.
How does using solar energy benefit the environment?
There is now indisputable evidence that human activities are a major factor in changing our climate. The electric power industry is one of the top producers of greenhouse gases globally due to its reliance on coal, natural gas, and petroleum. In Maine, a lot of power is generated by burning fossil fuels. The State of Maine is actively encouraging residents and business owners to utilize solar energy.
Home and business owners have a choice in where their power comes from and using solar energy combined with energy efficiency improvements is a great way to dramatically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Unless we collectively take action to switch to clean energy sources, climate change will continue unmitigated and may surpass a tipping point. Sundog Solar was founded to help make solar energy available and affordable throughout Maine.
What are the disadvantages of solar energy?
Not all businesses are well suited for purchasing a solar system. If a company has a shaded property, it might be a better fit to install the panels off-site or join a community solar project. When the roof is shaded, a ground-mount system in a sunny area can be a good option. A Sundog Solar design team member can help determine the best location for solar panels. If a business does not own the property, it might not be possible to install solar panels.
Like any mechanical system, solar equipment can fail. For this reason, we offer a five-year warranty on labor, and we install solar equipment with excellent manufacturer warranties.
Should I install batteries for my solar energy system?
Unfortunately, Maine ranks 49 out of 50 states in grid reliability. Winter storms can cause power outages in Maine, reducing business productivity. The Sundog Solar team installs solar systems with battery backup to help keep business operations running during outages. These systems feature high-performance solar batteries with excellent durability to power your most critical loads.
Can I run heat pumps off my solar system?
Yes, solar energy and heat pumps are an excellent combination. Heat pumps are one of the most efficient and economical ways to heat your business. They also have the added benefit of providing summer cooling.
Efficiency Maine offers rebates for Heat Pump Retrofits for Small Business. If you are a “Small General Service” (SGS) or “Small Service” (SS) electric customer and looking to replace your primary heating system, then you’re eligible for enhanced heat pump incentives on higher efficiency systems. Businesses can receive $1,600 per single-zone system (HSPF 12.5), with a maximum of three systems or $4,800. Sundog Solar is an approved contractor for the Efficiency Maine program, and we install heat pumps that qualify for rebates.
What is the Sundog Solar service area?
Sundog Solar is located in Searsport, Maine. We primarily serve Midcoast and Central Maine, including Bangor, Orono, Hampden, Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Augusta, Lewiston, Waterville, Pittsfield, Camden, and Rockland. We serve the entire state for larger commercial projects, including Portland, Scarborough, Biddeford, Sanford, Brunswick, Millinocket, Bethel, Islesboro, and surrounding areas.