Frequently Asked Questions
Informed Customers Are Happy Customers
Some of the More Frequently Asked Questions
About My Site ➙
Yes. In an average year, there is enough sunshine to make a solar energy system pay off through offsetting the cost of energy. In fact, 3 of the Top 10 states with the most solar power installation activity are in the Northeast.
Many factors impact the final decision about whether you should go solar. As a first step, you can assess some of the following for yourself:
- If your roof is sunny throughout most of the day, or significantly shaded by trees or other obstacles.
- Whether your current power costs are high enough that you need relief. Are you looking to cut your ties with the utility as much as possible, too?
- If your roofing is aged or within 10 years of needed replacement.
- Whether you have enough adjacent land should your roof not be suitable.
We generally advise customers that a wise solar energy investment starts by offsetting as little as half of your current power demand. Some customers seek to cover all of their anticipated annual demand.
Beyond the solar energy system output capacity, we also recommend that many customers consider energy storage. The combination of solar energy generation and energy storage can be the most effective way to control costs. You change not only how much power you buy from the utility, but when you buy it. See more about Solar & Battery Storage or simply contact us for more details.
Three factors determine the suitability of your existing roof:
- The roof design. Flat and slightly tilted roofs are best.
- The amount of shading in your surroundings throughout the four seasons.
- The age of your roofing materials. If a replacement is recommending, you would need a separate budget for that.
- BlueSel Commercial Solar installs systems on most every rubber membrane surface. We prefer to design and install ballasted systems, which eliminate most surface penetrations and keep your solar panels secure through all extreme weather conditions.
Ground mounting a solar energy system is a good option where sufficient and suitable adjacent land exists.
Solar canopies over unshaded parking areas are also a great option — with the added benefit of weather protection for customers and employees.
Learn more about BlueSel Commercial Solar’s unique solar solutions here.
No it will not.
Solar panel inverters require minimal AC power from the grid to operate. The daylight electricity being produced cannot be converted for use in the building until the grid power returns.
However, If the solar system has been equipped with battery backup – power from the batteries will allow the inverters to operate during sunlight hours and power the building. (Requires that the batteries are sufficiently charged prior to the grid power outage).
Learn more about how solar energy systems work including solar & battery storage here.
At this time BlueSel Commercial Solar offers End to End Services for Massachusetts and Rhode Island businesses, organizations, and non-profits.
Learn more about Massachusetts solar energy incentives and programs here.
Learn more about Rhode Island solar energy incentives and programs here.
About Buying and Installation➙
Decisions about how to finance your solar energy system depend on your goals, your budget, and the currently available financing options. Because of the value and popularity of solar, new options appear often.
But, in general, businesses with sufficient tax liability will get the most benefit from solar incentives if they buy with cash or finance through a preferred bank or lender — especially the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Organizations that cannot take advantage of incentives or do not have budget available for a purchase often opt for a lease.
However, because of the value of modern financing, some companies may find a lease preferable even though a loan is within reach. Visit our Solar Financing page to get more details. Or, contact us and we can review your options.
We explain in more detail the 4 Ways to Pay for Commercial Solar here.
There are a lot of factors involved in calculating your Return on Investment (ROI). Visit our Solar Benefits page that explains more about your benefits and ways to determine your pay off.
In general, our designs give customers the chance to recoup their investment in 3 to 5 years.
BlueSel Commercial Solar is a full service supplier. We handle all necessary paperwork, inspections, and permitting. Through experience we are familiar with most every regulatory and documentation nuance in our region.
Most commonly, our customers stay connected to their utility and at least buy power when the sun is not shining.
We design and install solar & battery storage systems that can give owners the ability to be nearly self-sufficient. Setting the required electricity production levels is a part of the design process. See more about solar design and project management here.
Most customers who buy with cash will still receive one significantly reduced electric utility bill.
For those who finance or lease, it is typical to receive one additional bill for the financing or lease payments until they expire.
After Solar Energy System Installation➙
Yes. Most states regulate the supply of power from individual, distributed solar energy systems. Net metering is a policy that allows each distributed solar generator to receive a predetermined value for the electricity that their solar energy system produces, but does not use. This energy is transmitted to the grid through the same connection as the power supplied to the business.
Net metering is a policy that allows building owners to receive a predetermined value for the electricity that their solar energy system produces and transmits back to the utility. In the middle of a bright and sunny day, many systems are selling back to the grid this way. In the evening, what you sold you can essentially buy back from the same source.
BlueSel Commercial Solar only selects components with a proven history of reliability and durability. The heart of the system, the solar panels are designed to operate well beyond their 25 year operation and performance warranties.
The good news is there is very little routine maintenance required for solar energy systems in the Northeast. BlueSel Commercial Solar offers a full 5 year workmanship warranty. During that time, we respond to any performance questions you may have.
We also select only the most reputable component manufacturers which offer from 10 to 25 year warranties for their products.
BlueSel Commercial Solar assists all of our customers in component warranty management.
No it will not.
Solar panel inverters require minimal AC power from the grid to operate. The daylight electricity being produced cannot be converted for use in the building until the grid power returns.
However, If the solar system has been equipped with battery backup – power from the batteries will allow the inverters to operate during sunlight hours and power the building. (Requires that the batteries are sufficiently charged prior to the grid power outage).
We Support Customers in Many Industries
Where do you fit and how can we help?
Hospitality
BlueSel Commercial Solar understands the unique energy requirements for lodging and hospitality. Let us show you how solar works for your location whether a year round or a seasonal location.
Industry
Commercial solar is a bankable way for business, large or small, to get control of rising energy costs. Let us show you how to you can turn solar savings into a benefit for your core business.
Non-Profit
BlueSel addresses the distinctive financial needs of non-profit organizations. Variable budgets require precise and efficient designs, and specific financing. Let us show you how to save with solar.