Blog Updated: October 2025
Going solar is about more than being green; investments in on-site solar energy translate into a compelling ROI for your business or commercial property.
Why Solar for Your Business?
Solar offers a clear value proposition that is evident in the numbers of installations nationwide. There are now more than 2 million solar installations across the U.S., and forecasts expect that number to double by 2023. The solar industry’s rapid growth shows no signs of slowing as more and more homeowners and businesses see the environmental and economic benefits of solar.
There are additional benefits of solar panels for businesses here in Colorado. Commercial property owners can take advantage of production-based incentives paid out by Xcel Energy over a 20-year period. For a 500 kW system (or roughly a 75,000 square-foot rooftop), these renewable energy credits can equal more than $27,000 in the first year of incentive payouts. In addition, a system this size could reduce utility expenses by approximately $30,000 in year one alone, increasing net operating income by $57,000.
This all means that solar is no longer only a sustainability initiative, it’s also an essential investment to consider.
Why Should Your Business Go Solar Now?
Now is the time to capture the money-saving benefits of clean solar energy for your business. The federal solar tax credit is still available for commercial projects. You can secure the 30% tax credit plus applicable adders for your commercial solar project by safe harboring your project between now and July 4th, 2026. During that time, solar projects under 1.5 MW can either begin “physical work of a significant nature” or incur 5% of the project’s cost to secure safe harbor. Project over 1.5 MW need to begin “physical work of a significant nature” to achieve safe harbor. On January 1st, 2026, new Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC) rules will impact all solar projects not yet safe harbored. The IRS is anticipated to release rules on FEOC in 2026. Based on the date your solar project is safe harbored or contracted, there are requirements for when the project must be placed in service.
In addition to the tax credit and renewable energy credits, Colorado’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program now allows businesses to gain the benefits of solar with no money out of pocket, making these solar investments cash flow positive from day one. Building owners can bundle the cost of a new roof, solar PV system, and even LED lighting or HVAC updates into one C-PACE package for a fixed-interest loan with terms up to 25 years. This non-recourse financing is tied to the property via a special tax assessment through the county, and as a result, C-PACE financing can transfer to the next owner if the property is sold.
How Can You Gain the Benefits of Solar Panels for Your Business?
While every commercial property owner goes solar for a unique reason, they share a common desire to boost NOI, raise property value, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Could you cash in on these benefits of solar for your business or commercial property? Talk to one of our non-commissioned solar experts to get a custom roof assessment, utility analysis, and solar ROI report. Your consultation is free, it’s easy, and it’s the first step toward saving with solar.
Recommended Reading
- Safe Harbor Solar for Your Commercial Property to Save 30%, or More
- Does Your Commercial Solar Installer Prioritize Safety? If Not, It’s a Problem
- Solar Operations and Maintenance for Commercial Properties
Hear from Our Customers: Ogilvie Properties on Saving with Commercial Solar
