Reflecting on the last few decades, it’s clear that economic peaks and troughs are inevitable – yet solar solutions for buildings have continued to thrive. I joined the solar industry in 2008 at the height of the global financial crisis. During the next few years of recession, the U.S. witnessed one of the largest expansions of solar. Reducing energy operating costs through off-balance-sheet solar financing became a no-brainer.
Fast-forward to 2023, we have a different world with higher interest rates and a commercial real estate sector battered by COVID. Yet with electric vehicle sales growing at a record pace and with offices, malls and hotels rapidly expanding charging options, onsite solar becomes the obvious answer to cover the higher electric bills (and the rising electric utility rates).
Moreover effective in 2023, California code has made it mandatory for new commercial buildings to have onsite solar. And the latest IRA (Aug 22) expands incentives to adopt solar and storage, plus many states and cities have additional incentives on top.