Commercial solar EPC for building owners
Since 2008, Entero has served the solar needs of small and medium-sized businesses. We design and build systems that provide high returns on investment while locking in power costs, increasing building value and lowering carbon footprint.
Delivering clean, low-cost energy
Historically, many of our customers have recovered more than half the cost of their solar investment in year one through the federal Investment Tax Credit and accelerated depreciation. Combined with the falling cost of solar equipment, that has produced triple-digit returns on equity.
Incentives change, so every project starts with an up-to-date financial model for your property, your financing and the programs available to you today.
High return on investment
Tax benefits and accelerated depreciation can return a large share of system cost early. Past Entero rooftop projects have modeled triple-digit returns on equity.
Locked-in power costs
Generate a meaningful share of your own electricity and protect operating budgets from utility rate increases for decades.
Higher building value
Lower operating costs raise net operating income, which raises the value of the property you own.
Lower carbon footprint
Meet sustainability goals and tenant or brand requirements with clean energy produced on site.
One team from first audit to final inspection
As a full-service commercial solar EPC, Entero carries a project through every phase under one contract, so owners have a single point of accountability from feasibility to flipping the switch.
Phase 1
Develop
Site assessment, energy audit and financial modeling. We map incentives and financing, including SBA and PACE, before a design is drawn.
Phase 2
Engineer
System design, structural and electrical engineering, permitting and utility interconnection, tuned to your roof, load profile and returns.
Phase 3
Procure
Modules, inverters, racking and storage sourced for performance and bankability, from bifacial panels to east-west high-density racking.
Phase 4
Construct
Installation, commissioning and inspection run by our project management team, coordinated with your contractors and your schedule.
Where our experience counts
Our focus in commercial solar is putting our experience to work on the parts of a project that are hardest to get right.
New construction projects
New construction is the best chance to optimize a solar design, but it adds options and stakeholders. With more than 50 new construction projects behind us, owners get a smooth, efficient solar installation that is coordinated with the rest of the build.
SBA financing
SBA borrowers can use the SBA Energy Loan, which can triple a small business owner's SBA borrowing eligibility, from $5,000,000 to $16,500,000.
PACE financing
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing ties repayment to a building's property taxes. That improves credit worthiness and helps owners cover the upfront cost of solar and other green energy investments.
Solar hybrid technology
Hybrid systems pair Solar Electric with Solar Thermal and/or battery storage for maximum power density. Owners looking to go carbon neutral, and to get the most from limited roof space, are turning to hybrids.
New and replacement roofs
We deploy bifacial panels, which rely on reflective roof surfaces that can be treated as part of the solar system for tax purposes. That can raise returns considerably when an owner is building new or nearing the end of an existing roof’s useful life.
Solar is an investment, not an expense
Take control of day-to-day operating costs and lock in predictable energy pricing. A well-structured commercial solar project can return a large share of its cost in the first year through tax benefits and depreciation, then keep paying for decades.
Every Entero proposal starts with a pro forma like this one, built around your building, your financing and the incentives available to you.
Example pro forma
Commercial rooftop system
| Project cost | −$196,100 |
|---|---|
| Loan proceeds (80/20 debt to equity) | $156,880 |
| Equity required to purchase | −$39,220 |
| Value of investment tax credit | $58,830 |
| Value of accelerated depreciation | $43,338 |
| Net benefit, year one | $62,948 |
| IRR on equity over 20 years | 190% |
| IRR cash on cash over 20 years | 20% |
| Increase in building value, year 7 | $355,194 |
| Net present value at 5% | $244,549 |
Commercial solar questions
What is a commercial solar EPC?
EPC stands for engineering, procurement and construction. A commercial solar EPC designs the system, sources the equipment and builds it under one contract, so the owner has a single accountable partner. Entero also handles the development and financing work that comes before design.
What return can a commercial solar project deliver?
It depends on your building, energy use, utility rates, financing and the incentives available when you build. Recent Entero rooftop projects have modeled estimated returns on equity of 124% to 150%. We build a pro forma for your property before you commit.
How can my business finance commercial solar?
Common options include cash purchase, conventional commercial loans, SBA loans such as the SBA 504 Green Loan, and PACE financing that is repaid through property taxes. Our team works directly with your lender on the loan program that fits.
Does my roof need to be replaced before installing solar?
Not always. We assess roof age and condition first. If a roof is new or near the end of its useful life, pairing a reflective roof surface with bifacial panels can improve both energy production and the financial return of the project.
What kinds of buildings are a good fit for commercial solar?
Hotels, multifamily, restaurants, retail, self-storage, medical facilities, schools, golf clubs, car washes and manufacturing facilities are all strong candidates. Large, unshaded roofs and steady daytime energy use usually produce the best returns.
Where does Entero Energy install commercial solar?
Entero is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with team members in Texas, New York, California, North Carolina, Colorado and Hawaii. We have delivered commercial solar projects in 12 states, including Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio.
Find out what solar would return on your building
Book a free consultation. We will look at your property, energy use and financing options, and tell you plainly whether commercial solar makes sense.