Commercial solar economics are different from residential
Commercial buildings on Long Island pay PSEG demand charges in addition to per-kWh energy charges. A properly-sized commercial solar system shaves both — the energy meter slows, and the demand peak (the single highest 15-minute window in the billing cycle) often gets clipped by midday solar production. Combined, the bill impact can be 50–80% on typical retail / warehouse / light-industrial loads.
Federal incentives stack heavier than residential: the 30% Investment Tax Credit, plus accelerated depreciation (MACRS — typically 5-year), plus optional bonus depreciation. The blended after-tax cost on a $200K commercial install often nets to $80K–$110K. NY State incentives layer on top via NYSERDA's commercial NY-Sun program.
Financing structures we work with
Direct purchase remains the highest-return option for businesses that can use the depreciation. Our typical commercial customer pays back the net-of-incentives cost in 3–5 years and owns the system outright.
For businesses that cannot use depreciation (non-profits, churches, low-tax-burden LLCs), Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) work better. A third-party finances + owns the system; you sign a 15-to-25-year contract to buy the solar electricity at a fixed rate below your current PSEG rate. Zero upfront, immediate bill reduction.
Operating leases sit in between — flat monthly payment, system reverts to your ownership after the term.
Common commercial installs across LI
Warehouse rooftops (200kW–1MW class) — flat-roof ballasted mounts, no roof penetration needed, fast permit cycle. Retail strip centers (50kW–200kW) — split production among tenants via virtual net-metering. Multi-family buildings (50kW–250kW) — feeds common-area loads (lobby, hallway lighting, elevators) directly; residual flows to the building's house meter or virtual-net-meters to a single owner unit.
Pole-mounted or carport-canopy systems are an option for sites with limited roof space or solar-suitable parking lots — typically 100kW+ and tax-credit-eligible same as roof-mounted.