Commercial Solar
Increase Profits from Your Property
We can show you how to maximize your profits, reduce operating expenses by up to 30%
Focused on DC for smaller commercial projects
Benefits of Commercial Solar
Earn high rates of return on solar system investments
Earn passive income from commercial solar leases without any capital outlay
Pay a significantly lower rate for energy from Power Purchase Agreements without any upfront investment
Increase Energy Star Score above DC’s Median Score as required by DC DOEE’s BEPS Program
Reduces your carbon contributions
Increases Property Value
Take advantage of Federal ITC before it decreases to 10%
Earn income from Local Incentives: SRECs
Honeydew Solar Competitive Bidding Program
Step 1
Submit your address and latest electric bill. Your Honeydew energy advisor will send out an RFP to our network of prequalified energy companies.
Step 2
Compare your bids side-by-side. We use a common set of assumptions in our financial analysis which allows you to make an apples-to-apples comparison.
Step 3
Select the offer that best fits your requirements. We’ll act on your behalf to make sure the project is delivered in a timely & smooth fashion.
Commercial Solar Solutions
Rooftop Solar Canopies
These aluminum racking systems attach to the frame of your buildings to suspend solar panels above any obstructions on your roof, e.g., HVAC, window anchors, skylights, amenity space. This allows for an increase in system size potential and easier maintenance below your solar PV system without having to remove and reinstall the system for roof replacements
Commercial Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
A solar company installs a solar energy system at $0 down on your roof. They’ll cover 100% of the installation and handle all maintenance efforts. Simply pay for the energy delivered to your building at a rate significantly below your utility rate. Your electric meter will spin backwards and your Pepco bill will be reduced. At the end of the 20-year term, you have three options: (1) remove the system from your roof at no cost, (2) renew the agreement for another 5 years, or (3) take full ownership of the system and benefit from 100% of the energy generated.
Roof Leases
A solar provider rents your roof space for a system for a 20-year term, selling the energy back to the grid through the Community Solar Program (bypassing your building’s meter). You may have the option of subscribing to the system on your roof. At the end of the 20-year term, you have three options: (1) remove the system from your roof at no cost, (2) renew the agreement for another 5 years, or (3) may take full ownership of the system, collect all incentives and profit from selling the excess energy to other buildings in the District.
Commercial Solar Power System Purchases
Invest directly in a solar energy system. This structure allows the system owner to take full advantage of the energy in addition to the federal and state incentives.
Tax Credit
The Federal Investment Tax Credit covers 26% of the total cost of the array. However, if your organization lacks sufficient tax liability, this figure will be reduced. HEA can offer some creative options for third parties to help you take advantage of this tax benefit.
Internal Rate of Return >20%
In DC, it is not uncommon to see internal rates of return at above 20% for a commercial solar project. Investors in direct purchases assume all risk in the DC SREC market, which can experience some volatility.
Testimonials
What Our Commercial Solar Clients Are Saying
Alfonzye Chisholm Jr, AIA, LEED AP
Howard University, Director of Capital Planning & Sustainability
"The procurement of energy is one of the top-priority tasks we lead at the University. Our focus is always on green energy sources whenever possible. However, we still need to procure traditional long-term energy contracts for electricity, gas and water at the most affordable rate possible. We are a small office with no staff that has the time and expertise needed to help identify and negotiate energy contracts in this volatile and ever-changing environment. To fill this gap, we have worked with Julian as a consultant for over four years. He has been personally involved in the energy decision-making process that led to the current energy contracts that we have in place. He has proven to be knowledgeable, and more importantly, dedicated to making sure that we get the best contract terms available. He has also helped with other initiatives like solar thermal hot water energy and energy benchmarking. He is an important part of the energy and sustainability team here at Howard University."
Meghan Tighe
2100 19th Street Coop, Former Board President
“We had been trying to go solar for a few years, but had trouble finding a company who would finance a solar energy system on our roof. Julian, from Honeydew Energy Advisors not only helped us find the solar companies, but he also negotiated on our behalf and compared the different proposals side by side. He made it very easy for us to go solar, and now we know we received a highly competitive offer.”
HH Leonards
The Mansion on O Street, Founder & Chairman
"Andrew saved us at least 10%, which is a lot for us. We estimate it to be at least $1,000/month. As a small non-profit, this is substantial. But life is not just about money. Andrew was there, doing all the work to achieve this goal. And continues to be in touch with us. He cares. Can’t get better than this.”
Pam Konde
Mac’s Tire Service, Manager
“Honeydew Energy Advisors made it very easy for us to choose a new lower cost electric and natural gas supplier. Great rates and customer service!"