The benefits of installing solar arrays on the rooftops of commercial buildings continue to grow.
Reduced hard costs due to falling prices, along with a more favorable regulatory environment, have magnified potential income from rooftop solar. The most common financial arrangement has been for the property owner to own the solar system, pay for the installation, and use the energy generated by the system to offset utility costs via net metering.
Another option is a solar site lease model. The owner of the property leases roof space to an experienced solar developer that finances and owns the solar array. The owner of the property makes money from rooftop lease payments—typically for 20+ years.
A similar option to solar site leases is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), in which the property owner signs a contract to purchase electricity generated by the array at rates below the utility retail rate. The solar developer pays for the system and uses the roof space at no cost.
Beyond such direct financial benefits, rooftop solar can help properties achieve compliance with ever more stringent environmental regulations. For example, some jurisdictions have passed laws that will penalize buildings that have not taken steps to reduce their carbon emissions.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2017
ConsensusDocs updates standard short contract editions
The updates address industry changes impacting insurance, legal, technology, and terminology.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2017
ASCE updates standard for structures using tensile membrane
The new sstandard combines guidelines for conventional tensile membrane structures with frame-covered membrane structures.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2017
EPA's 2017 Construction General Permit now in effect
The regulation governs compliance with effluent limits.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2017
Concern grows for high tide flood vulnerability in Mid-Atlantic states
Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, Md., could flood every three days by 2045.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2017
Green building saves operating costs and boosts asset value
A new report shows 14% cost savings and a 7% increase in value when green standards are met.
Codes and Standards | Feb 24, 2017
Scant data hampering energy, water efficiency at sports venues
New NIBS report says baseline information needs further development.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2017
Plans for WELL Building Standard include linkage with other green building standards
The planned updated version will be customizable for any building type.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2017
Aging building code inspectors and government belt-tightening could cause crisis
Inspectors are edging toward retirement with no understudies in place.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2017
AISI publishes three new cold-formed steel framing research reports
Seismic simulation, roof trusses, steel-to-steel and sheathing-to-steel connections are examined in the reports.
Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2017
New energy design guide for metal building systems now available
The second edition incorporates more recent IECC and ASHRAE standards.