Solar Tax Credits For Businesses In Florida 2024: Full Explanation

Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) 2020 Step Down

A Solar Investment Tax Credit (SITC) is a form of tax credit the Government offers nationwide to owners of commercial and residential buildings who invest in solar panels to harness renewable energy to reduce electricity consumption. What are the main benefits? Owners get tax deductions for the total cost of installing the solar panel system and even considerable savings on monthly energy bills.

The good news is that the Government announced a Solar Energy Tax Credit Extension for 2024. Stay with us as we tell you everything you need about these deductions, the percentages, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and much more.

Let’s dive in!

Understanding Solar Tax Credits

Definition of solar tax credits

The solar tax credit is a federal incentive the Government offers to commercial building owners who install solar panels on their property through December 2034. This type of credit allows property owners to recover a fixed percentage of the solar panel system’s cost and a lower cost per kW of consumption, making it attractive to taxpayers.

Importance and advantages for businesses in Florida

The Solar Tax Credit offers excellent advantages to businesses in Florida since it allows them to save money by improving their property, and the Government reimburses them a percentage of the installation. But there is much more to it:

Savings on electric bills.
Reliable and stable energy source.
Not affected by power outages or blackouts.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Overview of federal and state-level tax credits Tax credits are incentives created by the Government to ease the burden on taxpayers, in this case, allowing businesses in the Florida area to modernize their energy consumption sources for the planet’s sustainability and commitment to future generations. Its goal is to make it easier for businesses to make the transition. This type of incentive is not new in our state; since 1997, state legislators have promoted programs to transition to renewable energy and be more environmentally conscious.

2. Solar Investment Tax Credit (SITC)

Eligibility criteria

This benefit can only be claimed once, in the tax year, your solar panel system is installed.
You can claim the Solar Investment Tax Credit if you installed them from 2006-2034.
You can only claim it for the original installation of the system, not for reuse or upgrade.
If you use your system for a community project and it does not exceed the electricity consumption standard.
It only applies to taxpayers who own the system, not those who lease the property.

Pro tip: certified companies will calculate the value of the credit to be received in addition to the contract, so you know the value before you buy.

Details on the credit percentage and maximum credit amount

According to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the maximum ITC percentage taxpayers could claim up to 30% of the total installation cost of their solar equipment. If the installation cost is $16,000, you could deduct a value of $4,800; if your tax is less than the credit amount, the difference will be applied to the following tax year.

Steps to claim the Solar Investment Tax Credit

To claim the tax credit, you must only fill out income tax form 5695 and fill it with your annual income tax return.
You must then include the installation of the solar equipment as part of the cost of ownership and the total cost of installation shown on the contract with your supplier.
Enter the corresponding calculations on lines 6 (A and B).
Complete the form’s final lines (15 and 16) with the exact amount to be deducted.

3. Solar Energy Tax Credit Extension Overview

In 2022 the Federal Government created the Inflation Reduction Act, which made it even more attractive for homeowners to transition to clean energy by incorporating a 30% income tax deductible ITC. The purpose was to reduce electric energy consumption and dependence on fossil fuels.

Importance and impact on businesses in Florida

The acquisition of the equipment could be an obstacle to using solar energy since it is a considerable investment. However, the Commercial Solar Tax Credit has excellent advantages, from using more stable energies with less environmental impact, efficient energy consumption, etc.

Details on the extension timeline and eligibility requirements

The Government offered a 30% ITC for 2022, whose value would decrease in the following years. However, they have decided to extend the value for 2024. Next year, homeowners will only be able to claim 26% of the total costs, and by 2035 the credit will cease to exist. To claim it, you must be the exclusive owner (not a lessee) of the solar panel system, and the equipment must be new or not previously used.

4. Commercial Solar Tax Credit

Eligibility criteria for businesses in Florida

Commercial building owners must only purchase a solar panel system by 2024 to qualify for the 30% ITC extension. They may not lease equipment or purchase solar energy from third parties.

Credit percentage and limitations

We have insisted that the value of the Commercial Solar Tax Credit for this year only remains at 30%, which you can deduct from this year’s tax return. That percentage is deducted from expenses such as:

The solar panel system.
The energy storage components.
The installation cost: Those independent devices whose hourly consumption does not exceed 3Kw.

Pro tip: Remember that if you purchase other equipment that consumes this type of energy, its cost cannot be included in the credit.

5. How to Maximize Solar Tax Credits in Florida

Tips and strategies for businesses to maximize their solar tax credits

The ideal time to purchase a solar panel system is in 2024 to take advantage of the maximum 30% ITC amount and be able to deduct it from your tax return.
We suggest you purchase all the necessary storage components based on your property’s energy demands to add to your total cost deduction.
Before purchasing your solar panel system, trust a certified company. Otherwise, you will not be able to apply for the benefit.

Considerations for solar system installation and documentation

It is crucial to consider your property’s current and future energy needs when selecting the ideal system.
Think about the geographic location of your property, the amount of sunlight it receives during the day.
You should check the condition of the roof, its angle, and its orientation to see if it can support the system.
Remember the permits you must apply for from the county to do this work.

Working with certified solar installers and tax professionals

The company you trust must be certified to handle this type of equipment. A professional will provide a contract indicating the price, time, and work schedule. They will also provide the manufacturer’s warranty document and an installation guarantee. Remember that a professional company will even calculate the ITC for installing your equipment so that you have an idea even before you sign.

Conclusion

The advantages of the Commercial Solar Tax Credit for businesses in the Florida area are many; not only does it allow you to switch to more stable, sustainable, and efficient energy sources. It protects your equipment from events such as power failures or outages and allows your business to run smoothly without leaving a footprint on the environment. It also allows them to obtain a decrease in their income tax return and is a more economical option in the long term since installing solar panels reduces the consumption of Kw per month.

What are you waiting for to make the switch? Ready to install your solar panel system?

Trust Advanced Green Technology!

Solar Tax Credit Extended Through 2023: Benefits, Requirements, and Opportunities

Installing solar panels is a decision where owners consider the pros and cons in great detail. However, the installation cost was undoubtedly the main deterrent to taking the plunge. Fortunately, in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act included a Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is an incentive the government offers businesses to switch to alternative energy forms through considerable taxes reductions. However, its maximum credit percentage (30%) could only be enjoyed until December 2022. But don’t worry! If you have yet to make the installation. We have good news; the government announced the extension of SITC for 2023; stay with us and discover all the opportunities you could take advantage of. Let’s get started!

1. What is the Solar Tax Credit?

The Solar Investment Tax Credit is a government incentive, which implies a percentage reduction in the amount to be paid by the taxpayer in his income tax return. To do so, property owners must purchase and install photovoltaic systems. According to EPA, by 2017, the United States generated 15% of the greenhouse gases emitted globally. So, its purpose is that more and more people join clean and sustainable energy programs.

Here are the Solar Investment Tax Credit benefits!

You get a 30% credit calculated according to the total cost of the solar panel installation. • The credit can be claimed in the tax year of the equipment installation.
The amount is calculated considering the system equipment costs, wiring, hardware, energy storage, installation, and labor costs.

Why adopt electric energy in your business?

Electric bill savings: businesses generate power and reduce dependence on electric power.
Increased energy resilience: businesses get a reliable and stable power source unaffected by power outages or blackouts. This is useful during hurricanes, storms, or emergencies.
Environmental sustainability: reduces greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Improving company image demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

2. Solar Energy Tax Credit Extension

The reason behind the extension of the solar tax credit in 2023 is due to the excellent response of property owners in the last half of 2022 to switch to renewable energy sources, in which the number of people installing PV systems increased. Therefore, the legislators decided to extend the duration of the 30% credit, which will start to decrease from next 2024. The idea is to reduce dependence on electric power by 2035, with a definitive integration to clean energy programs. The extension shows the government’s support by reimbursing taxpayers dollar for dollar and alleviating the impact on their pocketbooks to optimize their operations sustainably.

The key benefits of the Solar Energy Tax Credit Extension are:

Return of at least 30% of the investment.
Use of alternative energy sources.
Reduced carbon footprint
Efficient and less dependent energy consumption.

3. Benefits of the Solar Tax Credit Extension

Beyond the great benefit to the planet in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the use and production of electric power, fossil heat sources, and those industrial processes, there are also significant financial benefits that commercial and residential building owners can enjoy:

If your PV system costs $16,000, the government reimburses you through a tax credit of $4,800.
You pay a lower amount on your income tax return this year.
If the amount of the credit exceeds your return, you can enjoy the difference in the following year.

4. Requirements for Claiming the Solar Tax Credit

Eligibility criteria for individuals and businesses to claim.

You must acquire a solar panel system for your commercial or residential property by December 31, 2023.
You must be the sole owner of the solar panel equipment.
The property and the system must be located within the United States.

Other requirements to consider.

The solar panel system you purchase must be capable of providing power to the entire property.
The installation of solar water heaters can be included to claim the tax benefit; these have a solar collector and a tank to use thermal energy to heat the water.
Certified companies must install photovoltaic systems.

Documentation for the application

With your income tax return file, include form 5695.
Calculate the value of the credit.
Include the total installation amount as qualified solar electric property costs.
Enter the cost as reflected on your contract.
Complete the appropriate calculations on lines 6 (a and b) and 15 and 16.

5. Commercial Solar Tax Credit opportunities: Solar Panel ROI

This is the best time to make the switch to solar energy since building owners get a quick return on investment and considerable savings in their way of working, such as:

Energy savings: they can start generating their electricity and take advantage of the sunshine that characterizes our state, where energy bills are also high.
Other tax incentives: in addition to the Commercial Solar Tax Credit, the Florida government offers other incentives such as the sales tax exemption, which implies a savings of 6% on the installation.
Increased property value: this improvement makes the property more attractive to future buyers, translating into a higher value in the real estate market.
Reduction of operating costs: it favors the business’s financial stability since it reduces electricity costs.

6. Maximizing the Solar Tax Credit

Here are some final tips to help you get the most out of the Solar Investment Tax Credit: Understand all the requirements: from purchasing brand new solar panel equipment, remember that you must be the owner and entrust the purchase and installation to a certified company.

Take advantage of the maximum amount: become the owner of the photovoltaic system before the end of 2023. Remember that by next year the percentage will drop to 26%.

Work with a qualified solar panel company: one that offers the necessary equipment, has the technical expertise to handle the system and get it up and running quickly, provides you with the necessary guarantees, and even addresses your questions and concerns about the Solar Investment Tax Credit.

Consult with tax experts: they will provide all the documentation you need to apply for the ITC correctly. They can also advise you on regulatory compliance and the different local, state, and federal incentives.

Final Thoughts

The year 2023 is the ideal time to make the installation of solar panels on your commercial property, as you can take care of your pocket, with significant savings in the installation, a reduction of your taxes, and a lower consumption of electricity to lower the emission of greenhouse gases in our state. In addition, it demonstrates the awareness and commitment of the owners to a sustainable future where the way of working and production is not at the expense of the quality of life of the citizens and the misuse of resources.

Finally, the Solar Investment Tax Credit marks the beginning of a progressive transformation in the way of living and doing towards energy stability and efficiency.

Ready to enjoy the extension of ITC 2023? Need a solar panel installation company?

Trust Advanced Green Technology!

Treasury Department Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Guidance

The US Treasury Department Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Guidance to Impact Labor Costs for Large-Scale Solar Projects in 2023

The US Treasury Department recently announced guidance regarding the Inflation Reduction Act’s labor protections that businesses must meet to qualify for the complete 30% Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). For solar projects beginning on or after January 29, 2023, solar contractors must use Prevailing Wage Labor and documented apprentices on renewable energy projects 1MW and larger for clients to receive the maximum tax benefit. (Learn more.)

As a result of the new guidance, the labor cost of solar projects could increase substantially after January 29 for companies not following the new rules. Following the Treasury Department’s announcement, Advanced Green Technologies immediately began developing a plan to ensure its clients are eligible to receive the complete 30% ITC. As part of this plan, AGT is currently working with the Federal Department of Labor and the Florida Department of Education to create a world-class apprenticeship program which will be in place by the January 29 deadline. The program aims to fast-track the next generation of qualified Florida solar installers.

We are committed to making solar more accessible for commercial properties and non-profits in Florida, and the Solar Investment Tax Credit is a vital component in making this possible. If your organization is interested in renewable energy, contact us to discuss the new requirements on labor that can impact your solar project investment.

AGT is prepared to support these new requirements, and we stand ready to assist with a Safe Harbor strategy that will allow customers to lock in the full 30% Investment Tax Credit over the next 60 days before the new rules go into effect on January 29, 2022.

Florida Solar Net Metering Bill Vetoed

Florida Solar Net Metering Bill Vetoed is a Big Win for Commercial Property Owners and Businesses

Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, Vetoed House Bill 741, Eliminating the Cost Increase of Solar Energy for Commercial Property Owners

In a big win for solar energy, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently vetoed House Bill 741, which sought to phase down the value of solar net metering and allow utility companies to add fixed charges to solar customer bills. This victory, and the current Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), make this the best time to install solar on your commercial building.

House Bill 741 was originally passed on March 8 with a vote of 83-31. Now that the governor has vetoed it, the bill will be sent back to the House, which will be available for consideration through the end of the current session. It will take two-thirds of the members voting in each House to override the veto.

The veto prevents a decrease in the amount paid to solar customers, which would amount to a small fraction of the retail rate. The phase-down would have reduced payouts to solar customers by 50% in four years and continue to drop to the avoided cost rate by 2029. The bill also would have allowed fixed charges to grid-connected solar customers beginning in 2026. The limit of these charges was not stated in the bill, opening the door to additional costs for solar customers when inflation is already high.

Read the letter from Govonor Ron DeSantis

26% Solar Tax Credit Available Until the End of 2022

If you are a commercial property owner considering installing rooftop solar, now is the best time to make the switch. The veto of HB 741 keeps solar at its current rate, and the ITC is the highest it will be. The tax credit will remain at 26% until the end of the year, when it will then drop by four percent and continue its decline. This means that all solar energy projects that begin construction this year will be eligible for the 26% tax credit. The credit will drop to 22% in 2023 for all market segments, including commercial and residential, then down to 10% permanently for the commercial and utility markets in 2024. The tax credit for residential properties will come to a close in 2024. Commercial and utility-scale projects that have started construction before December 31, 2023, may still qualify for the 26% or 22% ITC if placed in service before January 1, 2026.

Safe Harbor Can Help Protect Your Solar Tax Credit for Five-Years

Additionally, the current 26% ITC can be protected for commercial solar projects completed up to five years into the future through a simple and prescriptive process called Safe Harbor. Our experts can help you understand how to protect this valuable tax advantage for your business.

Commercial Solar Project Return on Investment

The typical solar investment can see a return on investment (ROI) in five to ten years using the ITC and accelerated depreciation. Advanced Green Technologies value ROI based on energy consumption combined with intangibles such as preserving the rooftop and other additional benefits.

Get Your Free Solar Project Estimate Today

So, if you’re considering solar, give us a call as soon as possible to take advantage of the most savings this year. For a free solar site analysis, call (800) 638-6869 or click here.

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems America in Orlando solar roof

Commercial Solar Energy Trends 2022

April 26, 2022
By agt
In Uncategorized, Company Announcement, News
0 comments

Solar Energy Trends for 2022

Learn About the Solar Energy Trends for Commercial Buildings and Businesses Located in Florida

As we wrap up the first quarter of 2022, we remain busy with solar installations throughout the state of Florida, with one of the most extensive backlogs we’ve ever experienced. The worldwide materials shortage continues to be a big problem, especially regarding pricing. We’re all seeing and feeling these cost fluctuations in our daily lives. As a company, we are having difficulty getting prices from manufacturers, so our contracts will note that materials pricing will be confirmed at the time of the order.

This worldwide shortage of raw materials has created many challenges for construction and solar, with everything considerably behind production schedules. We are working with all our customers to navigate these waters by using our purchasing power, longstanding relationships, and inventory to secure and stockpile items which put us in a better position than most. We can purchase and store materials to get them to you quickly with seven buildings throughout Florida.

We’re excited to welcome Julia Barton to our Business Development team at Advanced Green Technologies. Julia and the team are busy with a robust backlog of solar projects throughout Florida, and the demand for solar carports and roof systems is forecast to increase into 2023.

Demand for Solar Heating Up in 2022

Overall demand for commercial solar will remain strong for the next three years as the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) phases down from 26% to 10% after 2023. The credit drops to 22% next year, so if you’re considering solar, give us a call as soon as possible to get the most savings.

There are a few new projects in the pipeline that we’re excited about, including a large-scale commercial battery energy storage system (BESS). We are also working on a few notable projects, including installing a solar roof at Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems America in Orlando. The 1.715 mW roof features Astronergy CHSM72M – HC 415W panels with a PanelClawFR ten racking and Canadian Solar 100KW inverters. The system has a potential energy offset of 13% of Mitsubishi’s total energy usage and will be completed in October of this year, so stay tuned.

We’re also breaking ground at four sites within the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Big Cypress Reservation. The total 448.49kW system features a combination of a solar roof, carport, and ground-mounted arrays, using Chint inverters and a Flexgen Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at each location. These systems are a first of their kind in Florida, with the ability to provide control over the utility grid, diesel generators, solar inverters, and the BESS at the same time.

The Tribe will have the ability to power its critical infrastructure in an outage, smooth-rolling brownouts (an intentional or unintentional drop in voltage in an electrical power supply system, used for load reduction in an emergency), and reduce utility demand without ever touching a button with the state-of-the-art Flexgen control system, batteries, and the AGT solar arrays. The solar arrays will replenish the batteries daily in a long-term outage, providing long-term resiliency with the existing diesel backup generators.

Hurricane Season is Coming

Even though we just entered spring, our team is hard at work preparing for the upcoming hurricane season. This is the perfect time to have us inventory your roof to check for debris, drainage, etc. We will have materials on hand throughout the season, though I’m unsure how much. We may need to provide temporary patches before installing a permanent solution. Customers can rest assured that we will be on top of our game, as we’ve always been, getting your buildings safe as soon as possible.

Join us for our online webinar “Hurricane Season Preparedness: Are Your Commercial Rooftop, HVAC, and Solar Equipment Ready?” on May 5 from 11 am to 12 pm. We’ll go over tips to prepare your commercial roofing system, HVAC, solar energy equipment for a hurricane or significant storm, and more. Register here.

Looking Forward

As we know, it’s getting increasingly difficult to predict the future, but Florida’s economy continues to look bright, with lots of growth and money flowing into the state. Historically, as real estate prices increase, people spend more on their roofs. But the shortage of materials and labor will continue to be a challenge for our industry, one of the biggest I’ve experienced in the 40 years. The labor shortage continues with no end in sight, even as our company provides raises and expands its recruiting efforts beyond state lines.

These challenges will continue throughout 2022, with the first quarter of 2023 hopefully seeing some sort of normalcy with materials and pricing, so hang in there. As always, we will continue to provide exceptional customer service that hopefully makes navigating the challenges of these past few years a bit easier. Let’s make it a great rest of the year, hoping for a brighter and peaceful 2023!

advanced green technologies top solar contractors Florida

2021 Top Commercial Solar Contractor Florida

Top Commercial Solar Contractor Florida

Advanced Green Technologies Ranks as a Top Commercial Solar Contractor in Florida for the tenth consecutive year; #45 in the nation

Advanced Green Technologies was named the Top Commercial Solar Contractor ranking in the State of Florida for the tenth consecutive year, and 114^th solar contractor in the nation by Solar Power World for 2021, the solar industry’s leading media resource.

See 2021 Top Solar Contractor Ranking

The top solar contractors’ list was created by Solar Power World to offer the industry an inside look at how solar companies stack up against one another. Starting with only 100 contractors in 2011 the list has grown to 500 in 2021and is compiled based on the total kilowatts installed for each of the company’s customers.

With more than 14 Megawatts installed in 2020, AGT leads the industry as the highest-volume commercial solar EPC in the State of Florida and 45th in the nation. To achieve this ranking, AGT completed many prominent projects last year, including a 2-Megawatt solar roof for Verizon in Lake Mary and the second-largest solar roof at the time of completion, 1.6 MW, in Doral, Florida for Costex Corporation.

Watch the Costex Solar Video

“We believe the Top Contractors list brings AGT a sense of pride to our team and visibility to our potential customers.,” said AGT Vice President Clint Sockman, “Today we are building for Fortune 100’s alongside small business owners and the pipeline is as full as ever.”

Utility and Fuel Price Increasing for Businesses in Florida

The demand for solar installations in Florida is strong, especially following recent rate increase announcements from utility providers starting in 2022. According to recent announcements, small and medium-sized business customers would see annual rate increases of 3.9% to 4.4% between 2021 and 2025, which equate to over 18% during this time period. Large commercial and industrial customers with more complex rate structures should contact their account managers for information about their rate adjustments. With the 4% fuel increase we have already seen in May, combined, these increases could well exceed over 30% in total. One of the best ways businesses can offset some or all of their electricity use is by investing in solar, and there’s no better time than the present.

The Solar Investment Tax Credit Can Help Provide a Great Return on Investment

The solar investment tax credit (ITC), which was scheduled to drop from 26% to 22% this year, will remain at 26% for two more years. This means that all solar projects that begin construction this year and next will be eligible to receive the 26% tax credit. The credit will drop to 22% in 2023 for all market segments, including commercial and residential, then down to 10% permanently for the commercial and utility markets in 2024.

Contact AGT today for a complimentary solar project quote at 800-735-2641 or click here.

Everything You Need to Know About Solar Carport Structures

Solar Carport Structures

Learn everything you need to know about solar carport structures for commercial properties in Florida

Established in 2007, Advanced Green Technologies (AGT) is the top-ranked commercial solar contractor in Florida and specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems for commercial and industrial customers in Florida. Below find answers to frequently asked questions about solar carport installations.

How long have solar carport solutions been around or are they a new invention?

Solar carports have been in the U.S. market for about 10 years, and we’ve been installing them in Florida for 7 years. We use traditional steel and concrete construction techniques, integrated with our solar design knowledge.

The solar carport market is growing fast in Florida because there’s a convergence of factors that make for solid ROI. It’s a timing issue – as the cost of utility power continues rising, the cost of solar installations continues coming down, solar installation costs continue to drop, and a federal tax credit of 26%. Solar carports also bring good visibility for companies that have a brand committed to being environmentally responsible

Would a typical solar carport use multiple types of solar panels, or just one?

Our carport is designed to showcase to our potential customers what can be done, so we have both an open deck solution and a full water management system designed on two halves of the carport. Typically, the property owner chooses one type of design. The first option is open to sun and rain from above and rain simply drains thru the canopy while sunlight is captured as energy. The other type receives sunlight from above the panel but has a water management system consisting of a decking or gasket system creating a water management system below the panel. That keeps the carport dry, for more complete weather protection. We show both setups to give a sense of the esthetics of each.

Other options for carports include lighting systems, monitoring systems, linkage with a property owner’s security system, and car charging stations.

How much does a solar carport cost?

Every parking lot is different in scale and conditions, and every carport is completely customized, so it’s not really possible to generalize pricing.

Owners generally want to know about return on investment, and our carports have 5 to 10-year ROI. With energy costs and all factors considered, break-even will be between 7 and 10 years, and panels are warrantied to 25 years at 80 percent of original capacity. So that provides 15 to 18 years of energy benefits after break-even.

What maintenance do solar carports require?

Maintenance is minimal. Our carports provide owners with 24/7 online monitoring access to diagnostics of how the system is performing if it’s meeting energy metrics and any fault notices. Owners choose whether to monitor the system themselves or to have us do so. For preventive maintenance, we recommend they have an annual inspection, during which we check all mechanical settings and check thermal images of electrical connections.

Can a solar carport generate enough power for an office building in Florida?

It’s all about scale, and you can’t really generalize. In Advanced Roofing’s circumstance, our 84-kilowatt solar carport provides shelter from sun and rain for 16 cars, fully powers an office where 30-40 people work, and powers the carport’s 2 electric car chargers. (To clarify — the carport doesn’t charge all 16 cars.)

We were net exporters to the grid last month. In addition to the solar carport, we’ve moved toward energy efficiency in other ways too, including high-efficiency HVAC, LED lights.

Do solar carport’s produce energy on cloudy days?

In Florida, the way net metering works is to look at how much energy is produced and how much is consumed daily, during a month or year. On cloudy days we still produce some energy, and the daily variation is built into our energy modeling. Electric bills provide a net overproduction or underproduction total at the end of a month

Can you sell excess electricity back to the grid?

Yes, FPL has a net metering product. We’re interconnected to the grid and get credit on our bill from FPL when we send excess energy to the grid. For our carport customers, and ourselves we look to produce 80 to 90% of monthly needs since when you sell back to the grid, you only get 30 cents on the dollar.

Get Your Free Solar Carport Estimate Today

To receive a complimentary energy audit and site evaluation, contact us at 888-735-2641 or click here.

Florida Utility and Gas Rate Increases 2021 - Solar Energy

Florida Utility Rates and Fuel Surcharges Rising in 2022

Florida businesses could see a 30% price increase for energy in the next three year’s due to a combination of Utility base rate and fuel surcharge increases beginning in 2022

Businesses in Florida could see a 30% price increase for energy in the next three years due to a combination of utility base rate and fuel surcharge increases starting in 2022.

Utility customers in Florida have already begun to feel the pinch as an increase in the cost of natural gas has resulted in higher monthly electric bills since May. The state Public Service Commission recently approved a request by Utility providers to collect $302.5 million from customers to cover additional fuel costs for power plants. The additional charges will continue through the end of the year.

However, there are bigger, more long-term base rate increases on the horizon from Utility providers. To offset the rise in expenses and accommodate the state’s population growth, Utilities filed a four-year rate plan to raise customers’ monthly electric bills by 18% by 2025. Small- and medium-sized businesses will see bills increase at an average annual rate of 3.9% to 4.4% between 2021 and 2025. Large commercial and industrial customers with more complex rate structures should contact their account managers for information about their rate adjustments. With the 4% fuel increase we have already seen in May, combined, these increases could well exceed over 30% in total.

How Solar Can Offset Utility and Gas Rate Increases

One of the best ways businesses can offset some or all of their electricity use is by making a localized solar investment with a solar roof or carport system, and there’s no better time than the present. The solar investment tax credit (ITC), which was scheduled to drop from 26% to 22% this year, will remain at 26% for two more years. This means that all solar projects that begin construction this year and next will be eligible to receive the 26% tax credit. The credit will drop to 22% in 2023 for all market segments, including commercial and residential, then down to 10% permanently for the commercial and utility markets in 2024.

For commercial property owners, solar benefits the bottom line with the ITC equal to 26% of the basis invested in eligible solar property that has begun construction. The typical solar investment can see a return on investment (ROI) in five to 10 years using the ITC and accelerated depreciation. Advanced Roofing and Advanced Green Technologies value ROI based on energy consumption combined with intangibles such as preserving the rooftop and other additional benefits. But beyond the economic benefits, solar is the smart choice for our environment.

With energy costs on the rise, now’s the time to grow your bottom line and increase your building’s value with solar. Call (800) 638-6869 for a free solar evaluation or click here.

Solar Tax Credit Extended Through 2022

Here’s why 2021 is the best time to invest in solar for your commercial property and business

If you’ve been thinking of going green, here’s some good news. The solar investment tax credit (ITC), which was scheduled to drop from 26% to 22% this year, will remain at 26% for two more years. This means that all solar energy projects that begin construction this year and next will be eligible to receive the 26% tax credit. The credit will drop to 22% in 2023 for all market segments, including commercial and residential, then down to 10% permanently for the commercial and utility markets in 2024. The tax credit for residential properties will come to a close in 2024.

Why Business Owners Should Invest in Solar

Since the ITC was enacted in 2006, the U.S. solar industry has grown by more than 10,000% – creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and investing billions of dollars in the U.S. economy. For commercial property owners, solar benefits the bottom line with the ITC equal to 26% of the basis that is invested in an eligible solar property that has begun construction. But beyond the economic benefits, solar is the smart choice for our environment.

Benefits of Direct Ownership Over Shared Solar

Most businesses are looking to offset some or all of their electricity use with solar power, making solar an ideal economic and environmental solution. Simply put – solar is good business. Consumers and employees alike value sustainability now more than ever.

Property owners have a choice when it comes to investing in solar. The two most common choices are direct ownership through installing a solar panel system on your building, or a shared solar program which allows business owners to lease solar power generated by community grids without installing a system.

Direct Ownership Solar

Direct ownership, or installing a solar panel system at your commercial property, gives the owner complete control over their solar investment. Solar systems can be customized to your needs – you can power a percentage of your building’s electricity use, offset usage in common spaces, or provide car canopies and electric vehicle charging stations. One of the biggest benefits of direct ownership is the tax credit and rebates. In addition, a solar array investment often increases property values and generates an average return-on-investment in less than ten years.

Shared Solar Programs

A shared solar program allows home and property owners to subscribe to a solar energy project in their community. Participants receive a credit on their utility bill for their portion of the clean energy produced. While this is an easy way for businesses to go green without footing the upfront cost of installing solar panel systems, the availability of shared solar is limited, and businesses do NOT receive the benefits from ownership like tax credits or reduced energy costs.

Solar is an investment in the future of our state. Florida is leading the way in solar energy, ranking #4 nationally for solar. The typical solar investment can see a return on investment (ROI) in five to 10 years when using the ITC and accelerated depreciation. Advanced Green Technologies value ROI based on energy consumption combined with intangibles such as preserving the rooftop and other additional benefits.

Ready to grow your bottom line and increase your building’s value with solar? For a free solar evaluation, call (800) 638-6869 or click here.

barrette outdoor living largest solar roof in florida

Florida’s Largest Solar Roof Installation

Advanced Green Technologies Installs the Largest Privately Owned Rooftop Solar Array in Florida for Barrette Outdoor Living 2.35 Megawatts

Advanced Green Technologies (AGT) recently completed the installation of a massive rooftop solar array on Barrette Outdoor Living’s 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Brooksville, Florida. This is currently the largest privately-owned solar project in the State of Florida, as of October 9th, 2020.

AGT designed and installed the 2.35-MWDC system. The array is comprised of 27 inverters, 6,354 solar panels, and is capable of producing more than 2,352,489 Watts (DC) of power output, offsetting approximately 81% of the facility’s electricity consumption.

Barrette Outdoor Living, which creates high-quality fencing, railing, and exterior products, initiated the project as part of its interconnection agreement for solar production with Duke Energy Florida to meet its sustainability goals. This is the company’s second plant to undergo a transition to solar power. In April 2019, Barrette Outdoor Living completed the installation of a 2.14-MWDC rooftop system at its 400,000-square-foot facility in New Jersey. The company plans to further decrease its carbon footprint by continuing to add solar panels to its other facilities in the coming years.

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