Do you have any ideas to sell & install solar panels to large commercial buildings?

Question

Great way to help with creating alternative sources of reusable energy.

Answer 1

Generally speaking there three barriers at least here in the Northeast:

1. Unions / Certifications - Currently there are few or no laws on the books on how to deal with alternative energy installs when it comes to being firecode/union certified. This makes for quite the headache for building owners and the conversation dies right there.

2. Cost / ROI - For the northeast it hard to make a case for ROI on a large scale alt energy installation. Despite the high energy cost $.17/KW even the most ambitious estimates put ROI at 15-20 years. Couple that with a lack of true reverse metering and if you can get past reason #1, #2 is another killer.

3. Incentives - Most Federal or State incentives are still immature to spur real acceptance and adoption of alt energy for the commercial sector.

How to spin it:

PR / Going Green - This seems like the best avenue so target buildings that are in the public eye and/or are subject to public opinion.

Layered Benefits - Extra power for commuters to have Plug In or Electric vehicles which attracts better tenants, tax credits, increased property value, shade can lower A/C costs, roof needs replacing anyway, ect, ect. Research your target then lay it on thick.

An uphill battle but worth the effort.

Good luck!