Considering solar for your business? Here's what you need to know

Business Journals

02-05-2025

A growing number of businesses are turning to solar power to help offset energy costs and be good environmental stewards.
As Pennsylvania's largest electric and natural gas provider, PECO has both the financial incentives and technical expertise to help its businesses large and small begin converting sunlight into electricity. By combining the company's incentives with federal or state tax credits, businesses can recover some of the up-front cost of the solar energy system to shorten the payback period.
'The increasing cost of doing business and growing sustainability trends, like decarbonization and vehicle electrification, are major factors contributing to solar adoption in the business community,' said Brett Riley, senior energy efficiency program manager for PECO. 'Companies also have a growing interest in sustainable business practices and alternative energy commitments. Going solar could also help advance their energy-efficiency goals.'
According to Riley, trade allies bring expertise to the program and facilitate the completion of projects. These contractors are trained in the PECO Ways to Save solutions and incentives, including solar power. Working with a trade ally is the best way to ensure a project qualifies for PECO financial incentives.
'We've developed relationships with a wide variety of contractors and service providers in our territory who are trained to perform energy efficiency work on behalf of our program,' Riley said. 'When working with a trade ally, our customers can be sure they are the most qualified provider to bring these projects to life.'
Helping customers transition to cleaner energy options is a key priority in PECO's Path to Clean. By supporting customers and communities in their climate goals, PECO is powering the Greater Philadelphia Region's transition to a cleaner energy future. This can be seen in the recent work that PECO completed with a local school district serving more than 5,000 K-12 students to make significant upgrades to its buildings. Improvements included fixing and upgrading solar panel systems on the middle and high school roofs, which now generate an estimated 30 percent of the energy needed for the buildings.
'Solar is a great option to offset even a portion of your electric needs. It doesn't matter how big or small a building is,' Riley said. 'All types of businesses and organizations are using solar to boost energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.'
Businesses with land can do even more. By installing a large solar array, commercial customers could create their own solar power plant, which can be an additional source of revenue.
Getting started with solar
Solar is part of PECO's energy-efficiency program designed to help businesses save on their operating costs by also improving interior and exterior lighting, upgrading HVAC equipment and increasing the efficiency of compressed air systems.
There is a four-step process for working with PECO to uncover energy-savings opportunities.
A solar contractor submits the interconnection service agreement to PECO's Green Power Connect interconnection team and installs the solar system.
Once the system is in service and the contractor receives 'permission to operate,' the contractor submits the pre-approval application with the PECO Ways to Save program.
A PECO engineer collects proper documentation plus two-to-three months of data to verify solar production.
The customer receives the incentive, which is $0.10/kWh of net electric production over a one-year period.
As a first step, Riley recommends completing this form or connecting with a PECO representative at 844-424-9728.
By taking advantage of financial incentives for reducing energy use by going solar, businesses can not only save money but also play an important role in building a sustainable future.
Considering solar energy as part of your business's future? From tax credit resources to incentives and more, our PECO Ways to Save Program is your source for all things solar. Learn more.
Working with your contractor or a PECO Trade Ally is the best way to ensure your project qualifies for financial incentives from PECO. Call 844-4BIZ-SAVE (844-424-9728) or contact us at PECO Business Solutions.
Headquartered in Philadelphia, PECO serves more than 1.7 million electric and 553,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania. PECO is using new approaches and investments to help ensure safe and reliable service while providing customers increased control, access and convenience. The company continues to strengthen the community and build the local economy to help the region thrive, while being accountable to the environment through thoughtful investments and initiatives.