Solar: A Powerful Financial Tool
Does solar energy equal financial brilliance? Solar is a smart, long-term investment that offers substantial returns to those looking for further real estate profits.
With return on investments as low as 2 years, going solar as a business can truly offer outsized returns. Optimus possesses in-house expertise on a wide variety of commercial programs that can assist business owners in funding their solar energy investments.
Renewable energy, especially solar, is sparking immense investment enthusiasm nationwide and in particular sunny states like Florida and Georgia. In addition to federal financing initiatives, solar’s growth aligns with many of our customers' environmentally conscious and financially astute approach to running their business.
Build Now, Maximize Return
When the solar industry was new, unscrupulous vendors, lack of education around the practical realities of solar, and unproven technologies created a barrier for many potential adopters.
Today, there are very few reasons for commercial buildings to avoid going solar.
The technology has improved and become more affordable, and the public is more aware of the benefits of solar and able to identify bad actors. One key aspect that is helping more businesses build solar now is the availability of financial tools and incentives. Among these are the SBA 504 Green Loan Program and USDA REAP Grants, both of which can significantly reduce the initial costs of installing solar panels, and help you leverage current assets to power the future. .
These incentives are powerful tools that can help maximize your return on investment when adopting solar power for your business.
Supercharge Your Business with Solar
At Optimus, we see these financial tools as a “boost” for companies looking to create new, long term value for their business. Businesses with an eye toward supporting local economies, whether through hiring local crews or partnering with local solar experts like Optimus Energy Solutions, will find substantial value in leveraging these boosts to add value to their portfolio.
For environmentally-conscious and bottom-line focused business leaders, leveraging every available tool to bring more solar online—and faster—is a win-win.
Soup to Nuts
Optimus Energy Solutions takes the complexity out of navigating these programs. Our dedicated accounting team (with in-house CPA for REAP and SBA applications) guides you through the entire SBA and USDA solar incentive application, ensuring a smooth process from “soup to nuts.”
Energy audits are an essential first step. It offers insights into SBA and USDA financing eligibility, helping you plan your investment more effectively. Optimus provides energy audit reports to ensure your business meets the criteria. The energy audit takes about a week, while the SBA overall process is bank-dependent & USDA REAP Grant process averages 6-8 months.
We take upfront representation of your eligibility for these programs seriously. If these financing vehicles don't align with your goals or needs, Optimus will recommend a different approach.
Optimus aims to deeply understand your energy profile and objectives to identify the right program for your business. If no program fits your business, we are transparent about that as well!
Choosing the Right Solar Systems
The solar market offers a variety of products, each with different capabilities, price points, and varying levels of quality.
Optimus Energy Solutions President Ben Pauluhn emphasizes, “In the diverse solar market, choosing the right system means striking a balance between cost, efficiency, maintenance, and longevity. Our expertise ensures tailored solutions, whether it’s building exciting projects like the Climate First Bank solar wall or commercial solar systems in historic downtown Mt. Dora.”
Demand Charge: Battery Storage Can Help
A demand charge is the increased electric rate businesses pay for the power you use during a peak demand period. Demand charges might only be fractions of a dollar per kilowatt hour, but can add up over time. If you’ve installed solar panels, proper timing and an onsite energy storage collusion can help lower this potentially significant portion of your electricity bill.
Solar and battery backup systems are rapidly maturing and can be a value-add for businesses and homeowners, further reducing energy costs over time.
The Bottom Line:
Solar energy is a smart financial tool for business. Our philosophy revolves around making solar a cost-effective, hassle-free energy solution, and the SBA and USDA programs align with this vision. A virtuous cycle, where solar systems provide an accelerated return on investment while benefiting the community and environment, can be achieved.
Schedule a call with our President, Ben Pauluhn, today and start your solar journey: