Our Services
SolarConnect Offers A Wide Range Of Services To Help Get Your Next Solar Project Started
System Needs Evaluation
Making the choice to begin a solar project may seem overwhelming at first, but it has never been easier and more affordable than it is today. No matter the scope of your project, the best place to start is with a solar evaluation to determine if solar is right for your project. What is a Solar Evaluation? A complete solar evaluation will:
- Evaluate the electricity consumption of the property to determine the required output (in kilowatts) of a solar system that will be financially beneficial.
- Determine the proposed site’s solar energy potential, based on the available electrical system, its location, the site’s orientation to the sun, and anticipated shading.
- Answer any questions you may have, such as the approximate cost of the project, and how much you can expect to save based on your energy usage both annually and over the system’s lifetime.
Roof Evaluation
Roof Evaluation
Solar systems are typically designed to last more than 20 years, whereas most roofs have a typical life of 12 -15 years, depending on how well and how often regular maintenance and repairs have been performed. Your roof must be in good condition, otherwise, the cost to repair your roof after the solar system has been installed will be much more expensive and time-consuming than the original installation.
It is vital to know where you are placing your panels on the roof and the roof structure must be able to support the weight of your system. A roof evaluation will assess the structural and surface integrity of your roof. The size, location, and spacing between beams and rafters will be considered to determine the viability of your facility’s roof. This assessment will also aid in locating a storage location for a battery, wiring, and inverter.
System Design & Layout
Now that we have determined how many Kilowatts of solar will be needed to offset your power consumption, the roof has been inspected, and all necessary repairs have been made, it is time to design the system.
Our team of experienced technicians will prepare a personalized solar design that will allow you to choose the best solar power system to suit your needs. Included in your personalized solar system design:
- Review of local permit or utility requirements
- PV system sizing options
- Estimated energy production scenarios
- Layout and product options for your system
- Solar panel and inverter configuration
- Quote for full-service installation
- Tax credits, rebates, and incentives summary
- Expected savings and ROI estimate on the life of the system
Product Procurement
Product Procurement
Once a project design has been approved, we will procure all assets and services needed to complete the construction and delivery of your solar project. SolarConnect utilizes a strategic procurement process to maximize the efficiency of your project in regard to factors like timeline, quality, and budget.
SolarConnect will oversee:
- Evaluating Bids and RFPS
- Managing Resources and Deadlines
- Project Monitoring
- Project Delivery
Construction & Installation
Many solar contractors operate independently. Every project is different, and the scope of a project can vary greatly. Large-scale commercial or government projects require the consultation of a qualified roofing contractor. SolarConnect is the solar division of RoofConnect, the largest commercial roofing services provider in North America. By working with RoofConnect, we can ensure that your roof is structurally sound and ready for solar installation. SolarConnect will manage all aspects of the project, ensuring that your system is installed properly and that your roof is protected throughout the installation process.
System Maintenance & Monitoring
System Maintenance & Monitoring
Solar panels are a great investment that can provide your business with cheap, renewable solar energy for the next 20+ years. The key to getting the most out of your system is proper maintenance. Solar panels are much like your car, in order to keep it running, you have to perform routine maintenance. Solar panels do not require a lot of maintenance, especially if they are mounted on an incline, as rain can wash away most debris that may collect on them.
We recommend cleaning your solar panels at least twice a year. Dirty panels will lose efficiency and over time could affect the performance of your system. It is also important to note that if you live in a region that receives heavy snowfall, additional maintenance may be required to clear snow that can hinder the performance of your solar panels.
To determine how well your system is performing, a solar monitoring system can track how much energy your panels are producing on any given day, and how much they produce over time. This allows you to monitor how external factors affect your system’s performance. Monitoring your system’s performance can also alert you if there is damage to your system so that repairs can be made.
Corporate Solar Financing
It wasn’t all that long ago that the only way to complete a solar project was to purchase the system outright. This was expensive and prohibited many companies from considering installing solar. Today, that is no longer the case. Due to increased interest in renewable energy, new products have emerged and the options for financing have expanded greatly.
SolarConnect upholds a commitment to integrity and responsibility. Through this commitment, we have engaged with our customers and their financial institutions to provide seamless transactions. Paying with cash is always an option; however, customers can also choose to secure a loan, sign a lease, or to use power purchase agreements. Our team is committed to helping you determine the best financial option available.
What Is Solar Leasing?
Commercial Solar Leases are an agreement in which a third-party leases solar panels to a developer, and the third party makes payments on the energy produced. The payments for the solar installation will be less than what you previously paid for energy. The arrangement helps companies avoid the upfront costs, based on the system’s energy production.
What Is A Power Purchase Agreement?
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is an agreement in which aspects of the project, such as environmental permitting and solar installation, are facilitated by a developer on a customer’s property. These agreements require that for a predetermined amount of time, solar customers use the energy the system creates and exclusively use the solar services for the duration of the contract.
PPAs are the most common financing option for a commercial solar system. These agreements typically last up to 25 years and are renewable. This is a favorable option for entities such as non-profits and municipalities that cannot support the upfront cost or utilize tax incentives, such as the Solar ITC.
Which Financing Option Is Right For You?
Available cash flow will ultimately determine which financing options are right for your business. Due to changes to the Solar ITC in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), larger companies with access to capital may find solar loans as the best financing option. Smaller companies and developers may favor a solar lease or PPA. Ultimately, your ideal financing option will vary based on your company’s available capital, the efficiency of the solar system, and their perception of risk.