Transform Your Business with Solar Energy & Storage Loans

The commercial sector is rapidly evolving, with renewable energy solutions playing a key role in increasing efficiency and resilience. Across industries, businesses are switching to solar energy systems to reduce energy costs, stabilize power supplies, and invest in sustainable practices. With innovative solutions like renewable energy loans and tailored financing, businesses have more flexibility than ever to integrate clean energy into their operations.

The Mountain BizWorks Electrify Fund offers an accessible path to achieving these goals for commercial enterprises and nonprofits across Western North Carolina. With affordable and customized loan options for solar energy and storage projects, the Electrify Fund allows organizations to reap the benefits of solar energy while supporting a sustainable future.

Here’s how your organization can benefit and take the next steps toward clean energy transformation.

Get Funding for Your Solar & Storage Project

Practical Steps for Businesses to Adopt Solar Energy and Storage Solutions

Transitioning to solar energy and storage is easier than you might think. The process becomes even more straightforward with dedicated programs like the Electrify Fund.

Evaluating Energy Needs and Potential Savings

Start by conducting a professional energy audit. This will help identify your current energy usage, highlight savings opportunities, and estimate a solar installation’s potential return on investment (ROI). Tools like solar calculators can also quickly estimate your potential savings.

Finding the Right Solar Energy and Storage Installation Provider

Partner with a reputable solar installation provider who can customize solutions based on your energy needs. Look for providers with proper certifications, warranties, and experience working on commercial solar projects.

Planning and Implementation

From project design to installation and beyond, the process typically includes:

• Design Phase: Develop a tailored solar energy plan that aligns with your property’s energy goals.
• Installation Phase: Set up the solar panels and storage units on rooftops, ground-mounted systems, or other suitable locations.
• Maintenance: Regular upkeep ensures your solar investment remains efficient and operational for years.

Commercial Solar Loans

A commercial solar loan is an excellent choice for businesses looking to own the solar system outright. Though many solar loans available today have high interest rates and fees, the Electrify Fund offers below-market rates and closing costs, enabling affordable financing with monthly payments often offset by energy savings. A key advantage of solar loans is the ability for the borrower to claim tax benefits and other incentives, such as depreciation and federal tax incentives like the Investment Tax Credit (ITC)—a federal tax credit that covers up to 30% of installation costs through the Inflation Reduction Act. These can significantly improve the return on investment while supporting long-term financial goals.

Solar Leases

A solar lease allows businesses to benefit from solar energy without the burden of ownership. Instead, your organization can lease a solar energy system and make monthly lease payments lower than your current electric bill, generating immediate energy savings.

Commercial solar leases eliminate the need for a down payment, making solar installations possible for organizations that need limited upfront costs. Additionally, these arrangements can provide stability through predictable utility costs over the lease term.

Solar upgrades benefit both commercial property owners and municipalities through these financing solutions. Solar installations can increase property value, reduce energy costs, and showcase a commitment to sustainability. Municipalities, in particular, can leverage programs like the Electrify Fund to implement renewable energy projects that serve their communities.