Blog > Can I power my business with solar?

Can I power my business with solar?

April 4, 2025 by VCT Group

The future of energy is here, and businesses that seize the opportunity to switch to solar power are positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability, innovation, and long-term profitability. With energy costs rising and environmental responsibility taking center stage, now is the time to explore whether solar is the right fit for your business.

What makes a business solar-eligible?

Every business has unique energy needs. While solar power is an incredible solution for many businesses, several key factors determine whether it’s the right fit for yours. Here’s what you need to consider:

  • A structurally sound roof with minimal shading provides ideal conditions for a solar panel array. If your property doesn’t have the required roof conditions, solar carports or ground mounts.
  • Another factor is the energy consumption patterns of a business. Businesses with high daytime electricity usage benefit the most from solar, maximizing self-consumption and reducing their reliance on the grid.
  • It is important to be in-tune with the local regulations & grid connection. Municipal and provincial regulations, as well as grid interconnection policies, can impact the feasibility of a solar project.
  • It is ideal to keep your financial & sustainability goals in mind. If your organization is committed to reducing operating costs and achieving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) targets, solar is a strategic investment.

Powering your business with solar: The how, the why, and the impact

How does it work?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing your dependence on the grid. With battery storage or net metering, excess power can be stored or credited against your future consumption. Businesses can also install solar through direct purchase, financing, or third-party arrangements like Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

Why should you invest in solar?

  • Solar reduces electricity bills – cutting your energy costs and protecting your business from future energy price hikes.
  • It enhances sustainability & brand value of a business. Consumers and investors increasingly favor companies that demonstrate a commitment to green energy.
  • It brings energy independence & self-reliability – with solar and battery storage, businesses can safeguard against grid outages and power disruptions.
  • Government incentives and tax credits significantly reduce the upfront cost of solar, making it more affordable than ever.

When Solar Might Not Be the Right Fit—And What to Do

Not every business is a perfect candidate for solar, but that doesn’t mean sustainable energy solutions aren’t within reach. If your location lacks adequate sunlight, your facility’s roof isn’t suitable, or financial constraints make an upfront purchase challenging, consulting with a trusted solar expert can help identify alternative strategies, such as solar carports/canopies and community solar programs, PPAs etc.

Understanding Costs, Financing, and Incentives

When considering the cost of a solar installation, several factors come into play. Equipment costs, particularly for solar panels and inverters, have dropped significantly over the past decade, making solar energy more affordable than ever.

Financing options provide flexibility for businesses looking to invest in solar. Those with available capital can maximize long-term savings through direct purchase (CAPEX), while loan or lease financing allows for cost distribution over time. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) offer another option, enabling businesses to buy solar energy at a fixed rate with little to no upfront investment.

Various government incentives and subsidies can also significantly offset costs. Regional incentives vary by location. Canada’s Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (CT ITC) helps businesses recover a portion of their solar investment and in Ontario, the Save On Energy Program provides rebates and funding for energy efficiency projects, including solar. Financial support for installing a solar project may also be available through municipal and provincial or state-level programs, making the transition to solar energy even more accessible.

ROI

Powering your business with clean, renewable solar is an excellent choice environmentally, but it’s also an excellent choice financially. Over the past few decades, the price of power has risen steadily, and at the same the price of solar has dropped dramatically making it the cheapest form of power ever. Solar has excellent ROI, with relatively rapid payback times, and 30-year production warranties on most solar panels. By investing in solar, once the system has been paid off, it will continue to generate essentially free power for decades.

The Time to Act is Now!

Switching to solar isn’t just an option—it’s an opportunity to transform your business into a resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible enterprise. The technology is proven, the financial benefits are undeniable, and the time for action is now. As energy prices continue to rise and governments push for aggressive decarbonization, businesses that delay their transition risk falling behind.

Funding for government incentives is often time-sensitive, so early applications are strongly encouraged.

Solar power isn’t just about energy—it’s about leadership, innovation, and securing a future where your business thrives.

Contact our team for a free, no obligation site assessment today, and take the first step toward a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.