SOUTH SIDE SOLAR
COMMERCIAL SOLAR
Take Advantage of Solar for Your Business
Enjoy Tax Incentives
Tax Credits are disappearing quickly, but businesses and even non-profits can still earn them through 2027.
Avoid Energy Volatility
Hedge yourself against rising rates by making your own power instead of buying it all from the utility.
Show Your Commitments
Your members and customers will take notice when you join the movement to clean up our energy sources.
Solar Boosts Your Business
Ohio commercial electricity marginal rates have nearly doubled in the last 5 years, at the same time solar and battery costs have fallen. There’s actually never been a better time to invest in solar on your building.
Owning solar panels helps you save money by reducing what you have to pay to the utility, because panels make power anytime the sun is up, and sunlight is free. Whereas buying utility power has you subject to market prices, your solar array is a fixed, known cost that will last for decades.
Keypoints About Commercial Solar:
• Investment Tax Credits (ITC) at the federal level are on a 2027 completion deadline, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA). South Side Solar can help navigate compliance.
• Non-profits earn an ITC equivalent called Direct Pay.
• Your system will produce Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs), which can be sold for additional revenue.
• Simple Payback Periods are typically 5-9 years for commercial property.
• Financing may be available to help you access the benefits, locking in costs for years to come.
• Commercial installations can take a longer time to plan and execute, totaling 6-12 months, depending on complexity.
A solar array is the best way to take control over how you buy your energy.
Let South Side Solar be your trusted resource for all things solar with a free consultation.
WHAT TO EXPECT WORKING WITH US
Building Solar Solutions to Fit Your Needs
Here is an outline of the commercial solar development process:
1. Free Consultation
The first step is determining whether a solar project can work for you and your organization with an open conversation, preliminary design and budget, along with a review of available financing tools.
2. Feasibility Study
We conduct a Technical Site Visit and pre-engineering report to you with the findings and an in-depth economic analysis.
3. Interconnection
It’s important for us to get utility approval of larger projects at an early stage, in case there are capacity constraints, as this can affect final design and costs.
4. Engineering/Permitting
We perform structural analysis and electrical design that works best with your existing equipment to provide the most appropriate size and solution.
5. Installation
Our professional crews will work to minimize disruptions to your operations, and leave no trace of our presence but a beautiful, completed solar asset.
6. Operations & Maintenance
You always have access to monitoring tools to keep an eye on long-term performance. Although minimal, many solar arrays will need attention periodically, and we help repower or replace items as needed.
“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best is now.”
Powering Ohio,
one array
at a time.
Very professional and easy to work with
“Kurt of South Side Solar designed and installed a rooftop solar system for me. It works great! The whole project went smoothly. Kurt was very professional and easy to work with. I am completely satisfied! Feel free to call me with questions. “
- Mark S. | OH
The savings have been exceptional
I give my highest recommendation to Kurt Dieringer, owner of South Side Solar. Kurt installed solar panels on my house and the savings have been exceptional. His great work ethic and follow up on the project was a very positive result of our business association.
– Bob K. | OH
Commercial Solar FAQ
What amount of maintenance should I expect?
Your solar energy system requires very little maintenance, because it has no moving parts.
Generally, you should expect to “repower,” or replace any string inverters, once during the life of the panels. And although some systems have been operational for over 10 years without a single glitch, others from time to time need to have inverter or optimizer issues looked into, which is identified through the system’s monitoring portal.
Often, WiFi and/or cellular communications need to be reset, although the owner may be able to update their connection through their app.
Cleaning is not typically an important concern, as Ohio rainfall keeps dusting losses to a minimum.
How long until my panels get installed?
Tom Petty said it best: “the waiting is the hardest part.”
The commercial design and permitting process, plus procurement and construction, can take 6-12 months, and installation is always dependent upon fair weather. So hang tight - we’re in this together! Remember, we only have through 2027 to get it completed if you want to qualify for the ITC.
What are key site criteria to consider before investing in solar?
First, rooftop projects must be installed on a worthy roof, one less than 10 years old or has many years of life remaining. Keep in mind that the solar array is designed to last for around 30 years, and it’s best to avoid needing to remove/replace the panels if possible.
Second is future facility plans. The likelihood of big changes in the load, available space, building expansion etc. should be considered prior to undertaking a solar project. This is for a few reasons; 1) lots of the value in solar is in its longevity, so you want to ensure it gets left alone once it’s installed, and 2) the best economy of scale is typically on the largest practical system, so we don’t often recommend planning to install in phases.
The last key consideration is physical infrastructure. Most buildings are OK, but your South Side Solar representative will be able to determine if the incoming voltage and electric gear is workable, and structural engineers will evaluate the roof’s capacity for weight-bearing, ballasting and/or attachments.