Creative Energy Solutions Through Commercial Solar in California
Revel Energy Creates Capital Through Sustainability
Revel Energy is a commercial solar EPC that has helped many businesses in California sustainably create capital with creative energy solutions like commercial solar paired with energy storage systems that drastically reduce rising electricity bills. When paired with creative financing options like a power purchase agreement (PPA), we ensure the savings always create positive cash flow for our customers.
No energy solutions are the same, every system is designed around energy demand and then to fill space appropriately. Fixed-tilt roof-mounted racking systems are most common for large buildings, while solar canopies are a great alternative for smaller buildings with open parking areas.
The price per solar panel has down by at least 80% over the last 10 years, as commercial solar in California becomes more affordable the catalyzing incentives that sparked solar adoption in the US are soon decreasing.
If you’re interested in how we utilize creative energy solutions to help your business create capital, here’s an introductory presentation and frequently asked questions about commercial solar solutions in California.
Solutions Topics
Commercial Solar
Commercial grade solar solutions & energy saving technology.
Agricultural Solar
Helping the agricultural sector cut costs and save energy.
EV Charging Stations
As more electric vehicles join the road, this has become a parking lot fixture.
Commercial, industrial and agricultural electricity rates for businesses have risen astronomically in California and across the United States over the last 20 years. California’s electricity rates have been increasing faster than other states, with demand always growing, these rates will continue to inflate to keep up.
Major rate increases have been approved by the California Public Utilities Commission. An example from early in 2021, PG&E was able to increase rates by 8% to pay for their neglected infrastructure. A study of a few investor-owned utility customers from Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) revealed just how significant their savings were after they installed solar.
“We believe in taking care of the community, and for us to have this business relationship with Revel locally in Irvine. It was important for us to go with someone local who not only stood by their work, but take pride in the work they’ve done and look after the quality of the workmanship that we were looking to as well.”
– Tibor Kelemen, CEO and Founder at Kelemen Company
How Revel Energy Can Help Install EV Charging Stations
Revel Energy specializes in providing turnkey solutions for solar energy, energy storage, and EV charging station installations. Our expertise ensures that your project is tailored to your specific needs, whether you require a few Level-2 chargers for employee vehicles or DC Fast Chargers for fleet operations.
We guide you through every step of the process, from planning, permitting, installation, maintenance and accessing the many available rebates and incentive programs that help businesses install EV Charging infrastructure.
Commercial Solar PPAs for California Businesses
A Commercial Solar PPA is a unique agreement that allows businesses to access clean energy without any upfront cost. By utilizing already existing operational budgets that would be otherwise used on typical electricity costs, these funds can instead pay for solar energy generated on-site. Manufacturing and many other industries are facing growing pressure to adopt sustainable strategies, and as more continue to pay higher and higher electricity costs a commercial solar PPA stands out as a trusted solution.
as Commercial REITs invest in income-producing properties such as office buildings, retail centers, and industrial parks, they are aware of the long-term capital appreciation potential of creative financing solutions for sustainable technologies like a commercial solar power purchase agreement (PPA).
In recent years, many commercial REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) have recognized the benefits of incorporating sustainable technologies into their properties, including commercial solar panels and energy storage systems. This is driven by both environmental concerns and financial considerations like rising electricity bills, as locally generated solar energy can help reduce operating costs and increase property value.
Corporate environmental, social and governance propositions have grown alongside the looming threat of climate change as California businesses are reducing operating costs by implementing ESG values.
Sustainability is growing to influence entire supply chains, as industry giants like Boeing, Costco and Frito-Lay now require carbon reduction all the way down to their providers.
Through the efficient combination of solar PV modules paired with energy storage systems to support on-site EV charging stations, these solutions work together and can provide true sustainability.
Businesses are quickly recognizing the opportunity that true sustainability brings. New roles and departments focused on how a business manages ESG or – environmental, social and governance standards. These new corporate standards are aimed to create value through a more sustainable product. Solar, energy storage, and EV charging combined provide financial and operational flexibility.
In 2021, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) introduced the new Warehouse Indirect Source Rule (ISR) – Rule 2305 has Southern California warehouse owners and operators adapting to costly new regulations aimed at offsetting indirect emissions. To avoid significant fees, warehouse facilities over 100,000 square feet must adopt renewable technology like commercial solar, energy storage and/or EV charging stations. Implementing sustainable solutions reward point values that go towards reducing fees.
EV Charging Stations (EVCS) for fleet vehicles earn the highest points in most cases. However, EVCS solutions create a spike in energy usage, increasing energy costs and adding significantly more cost than the technology alone. Combining EVCS with commercial solar and/or energy storage will earn more points towards reducing fees, as well as providing free electricity for the EVCS. Within reason, this combination is the only economically viable option for reducing AQMD annual fees.
Many California agricultural, commercial & industrial businesses have reaped the financial benefits of installing commercial solar modules – Revel Energy helps clients determine how to calculate the value of their investment potential of every solution by evaluating return on investment (ROI), payback period, internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
Along with the proven financial benefits of a commercial solar solution in California, there are growing intangible benefits that bolster project economics, such as employee recruiting and retention, customer satisfaction, company image and reputation in their community along with other factors that help businesses stand above their competitors.
Previously scheduled to step-down in 2021, the Solar ITC (Investment Tax Credit) was extended as part of the COVID-19 relief spending. The ITC was extended again in August 2022, increased to its original value of 30% by the Inflation Reduction Act, and now features opportunities for bonus credits, such as the 10% energy community bonus tax credit.
Businesses with high electricity costs investing in solar can claim the dollar-for-dollar tax credit, all while reducing electricity bills and reliance on aging infrastructure.
This results in more money used for hiring much needed talent, upgrading machinery, or any other cash needs the company may have. Many businesses in California can save with commercial solar, contact us now to find out how much yours could save.
Depreciation on solar investments is one of the simplest methods to lower investment costs, increase ROI and shorten Payback periods.
There are two ways to take advantage of this, Federal Bonus Depreciation and State Depreciation.
After the Tax Cut and Jobs act rewrote how solar technology is depreciated, Federal Bonus Depreciation is 87% of the total or gross cost of the system.
Unlike its Federal counterpart, State Depreciation spreads the cost basis over five years. With many more variables at the State level, the value is also less, but savings over 5 years can quickly add up.
The Self-generation Incentive Program (SGIP) is a rebate program set aside for businesses that choose to add energy storage to their system.
Energy storage is ideal for businesses that incur high demand charges caused by short spikes in energy usage. The value depends on the size of the storage system and its usage.
Every year, there is a rush for businesses to qualify for SGIP due to its finite available funds. The future of SGIP is unclear, but there is still time to lock in the value of this incentive.
Commercial solar systems can offset more electricity demand than needed, ranging from 50 to 100% depending on consumption, but most are designed to overproduce just a bit during the brightest days to benefit from Net Energy Metering (NEM 2) programs. This is how utility providers can take advantage of commercial solar overproduction in California and ease some of the burden on the grid when energy is in demand.
Revising this program, The California Public Utilities Commission, on behalf of Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric, has passed in a 5-0 vote under a new tariff named “Net Billing” in December 2022. Instead of being actively metered, excess solar energy is sold to the grid at a reduced wholesale price for all new solar investments after April 2023.
UtilityAPI is a popular service that has simplified the process of securely sharing utility customer bill and interval data. This information contains crucial elements Revel Energy must consider when designing commercial solar systems.
This integrated system allows our team to send facilities managers a unique link to hosted and provided by UtilityAPI. This allows our customers to securely share their utility credentials, simply by filling out three fields!
To allow UtilityAPI to automatically access your documents, they request your online credentials that you use to access your utility providers online portal.
Commercial solar solutions investment in California requires capital that many businesses are not ready to use. Up front costs can be substantial and intimidating. California manufacturers with high energy demand are businesses that could benefit from commercial solar almost instantly.
Lowing your electricity costs frees up money to reinvest in your company. Revel Energy’s commercial solar typically saves customers 50-80% on the electricity bills.
Californians pay some of the highest electricity rates in the country, and prices are consistently rising to pay for ageing infrastructure. Claim energy independence for your business by using solar to pay your bills.
Learn more in this video, or here.
Take a step towards controlling energy costs by understanding how your electricity provider charges you for the energy your business needs.
- A kilowatt (kW) is a measurement that defines the intensity of the electricity being used.
- Kilowatt hours (kWh) are the result of Intensity multiplied by time, just think of this as a unit of energy.
For example, if you use ten 100-watt-intensity light bulbs for an hour, you would be charged for one kilowatt hour unit.
Learn more about time-of-use rates and demand charges in this video, or here.
Financing your commercial solar system can help keep cash in your business while lowering electricity bill.
Harnessing the sun’s free energy to power your building seems like a clear solution, so why do some businesses find it difficult to make the jump?
Traditional Bank Financing, Power Purchase Agreements, Leasing, and Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) are some of the most effective financing options.
Which option is best for your business? Each business is unique and a free energy consultation by one of Revel Energy’s developers will present your business with several options for increasing your cash flow in a time where it is needed more than ever.
Learn more in this video, or here.
The high-ticket price of California commercial solar can be a shock for some business owners and operators. This is understandable, but there are ways to benefit from commercial solar without forking over the cash.
You already have the money budgeted for a commercial solar system without realizing it. Lease-to-own options use budgeted capital from operating expenses (i.e. your electricity bills) for the lease payment.
You are going to spend that money on electricity bills each month. Why not use those funds to invest in a technology that is proven to save significantly for upwards of 30 years?
The lease-to-own financing option is a great way to capitalize on the energy saving technology without high out of pocket cost.
Learn more in this video, or here.
Commercial real estate (CRE) property owners with either Triple Net (NNN) Leases or Full Service Gross leases have an exciting opportunity to raise income with commercial solar.
Property owners and managers are constantly looking for ways to increase income. Generating independent power with commercial solar and selling that back to tenants will grow income and add to the property’s value and marketability.
As electricity costs continue to climb, property owners can take advantage of sustainable technology to reduce monthly electricity bills while adding significant property value and protecting against future changes in energy guidelines.
Learn more in this video, or here.
Electricity costs are rising at a record pace. Businesses that are unable to pass that cost onto their customers are becoming less profitable. This just adds to the already unprecedented challenges caused by the worldwide covid-19 pandemic.
Saving on energy costs translates to increased cash flow for businesses, it really is as simple as that.
By generating free electricity with commercial solar, that money saved can be used for new equipment, hiring critical employees or saved for a rainy day.
Available incentives help boost this cash flow, as there are many benefits to take advantage of when going solar.
Learn more in this video, or here.
Businesses throughout California are accessing the potential of their commercial building rooftops to install commercial solar panel racking systems, making them more sustainable by significantly reducing their future electricity costs and creating cash flow over the life of the system.
In 2023, the California Energy Commission (CEC) now requires the inclusion of commercial solar solutions and battery energy storage on the rooftops of many new commercial buildings.
As EV adoption grows, join the increasing number of office buildings, retail spaces, hotels, fleet and public parking that are benefiting from commercial charging stations in their parking lots. EV charging stations are more than just convenient, they improve property value while boosting employee, customer and visitor satisfaction.
Attractive features for prospective tenants, commercial solar, energy storage systems and EV chargers can all synergize together to drastically reduce electricity bills and significantly increase cash flow.
When used in tandem with commercial solar, which generates the free electricity used in the chargers, EV charging stations add another layer of “smart” features to buildings looking to modernize and show their commitment to sustainability.
Are commercial solar panels worth it? The answer is a clear and resounding yes! Solar is a proven technology and California is the nation’s largest market for rooftop commercial solar solutions. As electricity costs increase, solar adoption rates in both commercial and residential sectors continue to rise.
Since 2010, the price of solar panels have fallen drastically as global solar deployment has increased by over 400%.
Commercial solar panels have proven their worth as a sustainable technology. If your business can take advantage of the lucrative incentives, the high return on investment and short payback periods quickly generates positive cash flow.
For some perspective and insight, we lay out the process of how our excellent team of engineers, project developers and project managers design custom commercial solar systems. Our turnkey approach takes care of all the details needed to properly design, permit, install and commission custom energy solutions.
Our team coordinates with our customers to develop their system and conduct clear procedures to execute their design. A well-documented and organized process is imperative to earning quick approval and cost-efficient interconnection.
Businesses are built on making proactive decisions that directly influence their future operations. Businesses with a proactive approach consistently work on opportunities instead of reactive which focus on fixing issues. Hesitation to work proactively can result in lost opportunity cost.
Competition within industries creates urgency to make processes more effective and improve operations. The more time spent in the non-optimal status quo, the more time and money your business has lost to innovation.
Commercial solar has helped countless California businesses take a step-up on their opposition by drastically reducing electricity bills while significantly increasing cash flow.
How do you make a fluid-applied roof (aka Cool Roof) more energy efficient than it already is? Pair it with other sustainable technologies like solar panels. Cool Roofs and Solar Panels complement each other, increasing a new commercial roofs’ energy efficiency.
With help from Title 24, over the past decade, Cool Roofs have grown into the standard for California commercial roofs. Reflecting the harsh desert sun drastically lowers ambient rooftop heating common in more traditional roofs. Lower cooling and heating costs result, but is it enough for California businesses?
Sustainable Energy Contractors believe a multi-layered approach is the “new normal” for California commercial buildings. A Cool Roof is an effective sustainable technology, but it shouldn’t stop there as reflected sunlight is a missed opportunity.
California growers and packagers with multiple meters on one property or spread out over adjacent properties use the Net Energy Metering Aggregation (NEMA) program to increase their energy savings. The program eliminates the need for building a solar array at each meter and instead one meter ties into each applicable meter.
That’s one energy saving solar installation for several meters and/or properties! Available for PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E customers.
Reliable, commercial grade solar for farms is more affordable than ever. California farmers are offsetting rising electricity charges with on-farm renewable energies like agricultural solar.
Revel Energy specializes in working with California Farmers, helping navigate financing, planning, installation and maintenance.
Farm operators work diligently around the clock optimizing their irrigation system. An efficient irrigation system can save both electricity and water, thus lowering operating costs. Revel Energy works with California farmers, helping them achieve significantly lower energy bills.
