solar energy FAQs

Following that analysis, we would then design, engineer and install a solar PV system that efficiently utilizes the available on-site space, with the goal of maximizing your electricity offset and savings from solar energy.

If a rooftop, canopy (e.g., parking lot), or ground-mount system build isn’t possible due to your facility’s configuration, we can explore other options — such as floating solar, raised canopies, or off-site procurement options like virtual net metering or community solar.

View our process page to learn more and see how our DSD solar energy experts can help your business make the transition to renewable energy as seamless as possible!

No. In fact, solar can be installed on your building at no upfront cost! The overall cost to install solar has fallen drastically over the last decade, allowing companies like DSD to install solar energy and provide clean power to customers at a rate below what is typically charged by the utility company for conventional power. Through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), a customer simply pays a per kilowatt-hour rate for the production from the solar PV system over a fixed period of time. This payment certainty allows DSD to waive any upfront payment needed. This option without any money down can translate to immediate energy savings once the system is operational.

In addition to these initial energy savings, your business can also take advantage of the Federal Solar Tax Credit and other incentives for commercial solar energy in 2020.

Your solar rebate and potential energy savings depend entirely on the current cost of power in your utility territory and the dynamics of your solar project. In most cases, on-site solar energy provides a less expensive source of power than conventional energy purchased from the utility. Depending on your state and your facility, you might achieve between roughly five and 20 percent savings on a per kilowatt-hour basis. In addition, you are reducing your environmental footprint and encouraging a cleaner electricity grid.

View the following renewable energy case studies and see how our partners have achieved a reduction of emissions while enhancing overall energy savings.

The majority of DSD’s solar projects are financed through a Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) model. This model for solar procurement allows customers to reap the benefits of renewable energy without any upfront cost. DSD would finance the system for long-term ownership and require customers to pay for the energy consumed over the long term via a per kilowatt-hour rate.

Learn more about our financing partners and the industry-leading solar partnerships we’re proud to showcase at DSD.

Customers do have the option of purchasing their solar energy system using upfront capital. In this scenario, you are the owner of the system from day one and all the energy produced by the system directly offsets your utility energy bill at no cost. By purchasing the system outright, you become the long-term owner and operator and are responsible for all maintenance and repairs during the project’s life. In return, you also

reap all project incentives, including the federal investment tax credit (ITC) and state rebates. For customers with access to upfront cash or affordable financing, this can be a great option.

However, in most cases, customers elect to enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or Site Lease Agreement (SLA), in which DSD becomes the long-term owner and operator of the system. In this scenario a customer pays for the solar PV system production over a fixed period of time, rather than purchasing it. Customers can have access to on-site clean solar for little or no money down, and can often realize energy savings immediately. DSD is responsible for ensuring the system is fully operational and all repairs are managed at no expense to the customer for the duration of the PPA.

To learn more about your solar purchasing options, please feel free to contact one of our DSD energy experts today.

Because public entities and non-profit organizations do not have tax liability, they would not be able to reap the benefits of the federal investment tax credit (ITC) by purchasing the system. However, these entities can enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) whereby a third-party, such as DSD, would own and maintain the system over the project’s life and “monetize” the tax credits. The solar incentives result in a lower per kilowatt-hour price for electricity from the solar project.

Federal solar tax credits and local incentives are received by the solar system owners. These system owners, like DSD, pay all upfront costs to design, engineer and construct a solar project. In return, they receive all incentives and pass along the benefit to the customer in the form of a lower per kilowatt-hour rate for electricity.

Most solar and energy storage projects require building and electrical permits, at minimum, prior to installation. In addition, some projects require environmental and geotechnical reviews to ensure that the natural environment is protected. Approvals from the local utility are also required to “interconnect” with the electricity grid, a step required to utilize state net energy metering programs.

There are a series of actions required by each local utility company to begin the process of installing solar energy on your building. To ensure that projects are installed safely and in accordance with the utility’s distribution system, the utility plays an active role in overseeing the design and interconnection of your PV system.

As a leading solar development company, DSD has a dedicated interconnection team that provides all support services associated with interconnection and communication with the local utility. The team is experienced in all major markets to ensure that the development of your project progresses towards permitting and interconnection approval swiftly.

Depending upon your project’s system size and complexity, the project may take as little as a few weeks or upward of a few months to install. Other factors impacting the installation time may include weather, permitting offices, incentive processes, interconnection approvals and the daily operation of your facility. Typically, a project undergoes a three-phase implementation cycle: The first phase is project development in which permits, drawings and schedules are established. Once completed, a project enters the second phase of construction, in which the system is built in a safe and efficient manner. Finally, a project enters the third testing and commissioning phase before the system is activated and begins generating clean energy.

Speak to a DSD solar energy expert today to learn more about our process and how long your potential install may take.

Canopy systems can be installed in parking lots and/or on elevated parking garages. DSD has a team of engineers devoted entirely to canopy installations, as well as a series of patented designs that offer sleek arrays for minimal disruption to your site. In some cases, there are no parking spots impacted when installing a canopy. And when the canopy impacts parking spots, we perform a detailed analysis to minimize the impact.

Speak to a DSD solar energy expert today to learn more about our process and how long your potential install may take.