Are You Prepared for 2025 Solar Changes? Here’s What You Need to Know
Solar industry veterans use the term “solar coaster” to describe the ups and downs of working in this industry. While the sun’s daily rise is
Our team of experienced and licensed professionals have installed over 2,800 solar panel arrays under the same ownership for over a decade. Our turn-key engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions are complete with in-house capabilities and partners, so you never have to worry about who is handling your project. As a Certified B Corp, we prioritize people and planet and cannot wait to bring your solar dream to life! Reach out to our commercial solar installers for a free quote!
Solar energy solutions for the commercial and industrial sectors contain a wide variety of customer types, project sizes, and designs. In addition to serving companies large and small, solar energy can also be utilized by nonprofit organizations, schools, universities, farms, and government offices. Commercial solar is more than just a renewable energy source for companies rather than for homes; most of the installations are substantially larger in their size and scope.
Commercial settings utilize distributed generation, where the energy generated from the solar array is used at or near the point of creation. Those with distributed generation systems are usually connected to the local power grid and can therefore take advantage of net metering, where unused energy is sent back to the grid in exchange for a bill credit.
At StraightUp Solar, we assist corporations and small businesses alike in reaping the benefits of solar power. To see how your company can use solar to its advantage, get in touch with our experienced commercial solar installation company in Missouri and Illinois for a free personalized quote.
Established in 1988, Forge Resources Group has become a leading Midwest metal parts manufacturer. Despite forging’s reputation as a dirty, unchanging industry, they’re driving innovation with their own solar energy production. Their two solar arrays, with a combined capacity of 2.2 MW, generate enough clean energy each year to offset the emissions of 443 passenger vehicles. Their investment in solar helps improve the air quality of our region.
*All scenarios are unique, your experience may differ.
This Normal Township Activity & Recreation Center wanted a solar array to help offset the cost of their energy bills. StraightUp Solar customized a full solar solution, from design to permitting to build, that fit their needs. In addition, this is the first and largest Illinois Solar For All project in McLean County!
This hardware store was smart to install some impressive solar “hardware” on the rooftop of their business. This 115.7 kW solar system puts 362 REC320 all-black panels and 2 SMA Sunny Tripower Inverters to work offsetting the energy usage of their store! Over 25 years they are likely to save $397,388 on their electric bills and pay the system off in 3.6 years. Solar incentives used to help make this project possible include Federal Investment Tax Credit, MACRS capital tax depreciation, and Illinois state Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).
*All scenarios are unique, your experience may differ.
The cost of solar energy has dropped over 80% during the last decade. State and federal incentives can put some of the purchase price right back in your pocket. This means regular working families now go solar every day. Moreover, StraightUp Solar offers financing options that make it even easier.
Use our interactive graphic to learn more about how solar can work for your commercial or industrial business.
Your business’ solar panels use the sun’s energy to produce direct current (DC) electricity
The inverter converts the DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity and sends it to your standard AC electrical panel.
Solar electricity used by your business is electricity you do not purchase from the utility grid.
Your solar system works in coordination with the utility grid. Any demand that is not met by your solar array is supplied by the grid. Any excess solar electricity that
is not used at your facility will be sent to the grid.
Track your system’s production using an online monitoring portal which is linked directly from your inverter.
As the name suggests, ground mounted solar arrays are installed on open land unaffected by shadows. The largest benefit of a ground mounted system is the ability to design an orientation and tilt angle that maximizes the amount of sunlight captured. Since they can be manipulated to absorb the most energy possible, ground mounted arrays are the option with the highest productivity level. The standard structure is anchored to the ground in several spots, similar to a canopy. On the top rests a tilted frame, typically made of steel, that houses the panels.
Many commercial and industrial buildings have expansive flat roof spaces, which act as suitable places to install solar. Regardless of your company’s roof material, there’s a solar solution for you. Our commercial solar installers place the panels onto existing roofs via a bracketing network, which allows the system to adjust and capture the most direct light. The two attachment methods for roof mounted arrays include:
Placed over a parking area, carport arrays act as a canopy to protect vehicles underneath while also capturing energy from the sun. Solar carports provide companies with the opportunity to create sustainable energy from an unlikely source. They are built specifically for harvesting the sun’s energy and are thus distinct from roof mounted solar panels placed on existing carports. Any issue with roof orientation and angle is eliminated, because the panels serve as the “roof” of the structure.
StraightUp Solar first became Certified as a Benefit Corporation (B Corp) in 2015. Unique in the business world, B Corps commit to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Our team of experienced and licensed professionals have installed over 2,800 solar panel arrays under the same ownership for over a decade. We provide up-front and transparent cost-benefit modeling, as well as financing plans that make solar work for you. The designs we create are based on your needs, wants, goals, and constraints, giving you all the information necessary to make a sound decision.
Our turn-key engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions are complete with in-house capabilities and partners, so you never have to worry about who is handling your project. We are a fully insured and licensed solar firm with a dedicated electrician, North American Board of Certified Energy (NABCEP)-certified technicians, and commercial solar installers committed to excellent workmanship.
In addition to manufacturers’ warranties, we also provide workmanship and production warranties. When you partner with us for your company’s solar, take advantage of our customized operations and maintenance services. Our team will provide scheduled preventative maintenance, an ongoing monitoring of alerts, a review of system performance, and an annual energy production report. Plus, utilize our marketing support with a real-time public solar energy production display.
Solar industry veterans use the term “solar coaster” to describe the ups and downs of working in this industry. While the sun’s daily rise is
When it comes to improving your home’s value, many homeowners wonder, do solar panels increase home value? The answer is a resounding yes. In Illinois
https://youtu.be/wm-2wI33gcY Illinois solar net metering changes are coming in 2025 for homeowners and businesses. Additionally, a new Smart Inverter Rebate incentive will reduce the initial