Commercial solar system installations in Florida
Experience across the industries
Install commercial solar system in Florida with PPM Solar
PPM Solar has been installing solar panels for commercial use in Florida since 2009. Utilizing unused space for solar panels can significantly reduce your utility expenses, which are often a substantial part of a business’s cash flow. Fluctuating and increasing utility costs can negatively impact your financial health. By controlling energy expenses with solar panels, businesses can stabilize these fluctuations, protect against energy market volatility, and reduce payments to utility companies. This approach is an effective, yet often overlooked, method for enhancing your financial performance.
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Top solar energy adopters on the market
Solar energy has rapidly emerged as the largest source of new electricity generation capacity in the U.S., surpassing both traditional and other renewable sources. In 2023, solar made up 55% of all new electric capacity added, the highest share in 80 years. This growth continued into 2024, with solar accounting for 75% of new capacity additions in the first quarter alone. The commercial sector significantly drives the shift toward solar energy, spurred by decreasing solar panel costs and substantial long-term savings and environmental benefits. This rapid adoption demonstrates solar’s effectiveness and contributes to its accelerated growth.
Lowest prices, highest incentives, ever
The cost to install solar has dropped by more than 40% over the last decade, leading the industry to expand into new markets and deploy thousands of systems nationwide. Today, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for solar is one-third the cost of traditional utility offerings. Businesses that generate solar energy are guaranteed a 70% savings on energy for the useful life of a solar energy system, approximately 30 years. In 2023 alone, 40,290 solar systems were installed, compared to just 5,943 in 2013. This dramatic increase over the past decade highlights the rapid growth and adoption of solar energy solutions in the commercial sector.
Get a quoteSolar energy is key to decarbonizing the U.S. economy
Since the 1970s, the American economy has been striving to decarbonize, with solar energy playing a vital role in this transition. Today, solar energy has become the primary tool for decarbonization, facilitating the clean electrification of transportation and supporting the shift to electric vehicles. This transition to electric transportation, while significantly increasing energy consumption, underscores the importance of expanding clean energy sources to meet demand and achieve our decarbonization goals effectively.
Utilities are increasingly investing in solar energy
Recognizing its economic benefits, utilities are leading the charge in solar installations, surpassing other energy sources like nuclear and coal. However, to maintain control and continue profiting from electricity sales, utilities often create barriers to independent solar generation. They prefer to generate solar power themselves and sell it to consumers, acting as intermediaries between solar resources and your electric meter. By installing your own commercial solar system, you can bypass these intermediaries, stabilize your energy expenses, and gain greater control over your power needs.
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Unlocking the benefits of solar energy for your business
Utility costs can significantly impact the bottom line of any business, but solar power offers a solution to reduce these expenses and achieve excellent ROI. Leading companies like Walmart, Amazon, CVS, and Macy’s are already leveraging solar energy in the U.S. and Florida.
If your business has unoccupied roof space, it’s worth considering a solar project. The average levelized payback time for a commercial solar project is 3.5 to 5.5 years, with an annual return of 15-30%. Once the system is paid off, businesses can enjoy free electricity for an additional 18-21 years under a solar panel warranty.
For commercial projects, the focus is often on achieving the lowest per-watt cost, balancing efficiency and energy yield over time to maximize ROI and minimize the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).
PPM Solar has extensive experience in Florida, delivering tailored solar solutions for various industries, utilities, nonprofits, and academic institutions. Initiating a solar project can benefit your organization financially and demonstrate environmental stewardship to your business community and customers.
Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the process, providing the best options for your business quickly and efficiently.
Cost of commercial solar system installation
The cost of a commercial solar panel installation is calculated individually, based on the specific needs and requirements of each company. However, businesses can significantly reduce the installation cost through a 30% federal tax credit available until 2033, along with the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). These incentives not only lower upfront expenses but also shorten the payback period to approximately 2-3 years, making commercial solar installations a financially viable and attractive option for enterprises.
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Our Commercial Projects in Florida
Case Studies
Scherer Construction
PPM Solar Project
Challenge
Scherer Construction was experiencing peak demand energy charges that was shrinking its profit margin.
Solution
Solar energy system installed using custom bracket system to distribute system weight over larger area of corrugated metal roof.
Result
Peak demand charges were eliminated and 60% of electricity needs are now met with solar energy.
San Felasco Tech City
PPM Solar Project
The 4-Megawatt solar system at SFTC completely covers all electricity needs of the facilities and is a massive step forward in energy sustainability.
The solar system can generate enough power to operate approximately 500 homes.
The 12,000+ solar panels installed on the roofs of the buildings, in parking lots, and on solar trees throughout the campus provide clean and renewable energy to the residents and businesses within the community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a commercial solar panel?
Commercial solar panels are typically larger than residential ones due to a different form factor. However, the warranty standard is very similar, ranging from 25 to 30 years. The useful life expectancy is approximately 35 years.
PPM founders installed its first commercial project in 2007 and still operates efficiently today.
Do I need planning permission for commercial solar panels?
Additional reviews may be required to facilitate a commercial project, including Storm Water or Environmental Surveys. They may be necessary due to local authorities, utilities, or federal agencies to assure the safety and compliance of a solar project. It is good to know that the Florida Solar Rights Act has strong protections for any entity going solar, and PPM will take care of all submittals, permits, and approvals on your project.
How efficient are commercial solar systems?
The efficiency level averages between 17-20% for commercial solar systems, which is sufficient to offset up to 100% of electricity for most 1-story or ground facilities.
Why should businesses go solar?
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Reduce or eliminate Electric Bills.
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Lock in the energy rates and protect the bottom line from rate hikes.
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Federal Investment Tax Credit of 30%!
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MACRS Accelerated Depreciation Benefit.
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Low-maintenance asset with an Attractive ROI, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years
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Environmental Stewardship and associated benefits
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Property value increases
Can solar energy be used 24 hours a day?
Yes! When paired with a solar battery storage unit, and depending on the amount of energy stored in the battery, solar energy can be used 24 hours a day. Sunlight powered energy through the daylight hours, and stored sunlight energy for the evening and nighttime hours.
What is a Tier 2 solar system in Florida?
In Florida, most utilities use a 3-tiered interconnection standard. Each tier has its own size, insurance, and other interconnection requirements and considerations.
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Tier 1 – 0 – 10 kW AC (11.6 kW DC) – Residential Tier, no requirement for AC disconnect or homeowners’ insurance in Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs)
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Tier 2 – 10-100 kW (carries insurance and interconnection requirements, including use and transformer size)
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Tier 3 – 100-2000 kW (carries insurance and interconnection requirements, including use and transformer size)
IOUs include Duke Energy, Florida Power and Light, and TECO. Contact us to learn more about your business tariffs, rates, and resulting effective solar offset rates and ROI.