PACE Financing

The property assessed clean energy (PACE) model is an innovative mechanism for financing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements on private property. PACE loans help commercial property owners overcome financial barriers that could discourage investment in solar energy or other energy efficiency measures to existing properties or original construction in new buildings. 

Improvements financed using PACE can generate positive cash flow upon completion with no up-front, out-of-pocket cost to property owners and:

• Your business can receive Focus on Energy incentives.
• Your business can apply for the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit on your business tax return.
• Your business can take advantage of the five-year MACRS depreciation schedule.
• And, your business will take advantage of energy savings from the solar array each and every month.
• All told, many businesses that install a solar electric system and finance with PACE will show a positive cash flow from the first day the solar system is in operation.

Which businesses show the best financial performance?

How do you know if your business is ready to take on solar in Stevens Point, WI or Appleton, WI? After all, not every business or corporation can be outfitted with the perfect solar power system. Here are some of the most familiar qualifications that our current commercial solar clients have in common:

• Consume 100,000 kWh+ per year
• At least 8,000 square feet of flat roof space or 4,000 square feet of pitched roof space
• These businesses might include (but are certainly not limited to): light industrial, warehousing, offices, hotels, and mid-sized retail operations.

Keep in mind that the team at Northwind Solar will do everything we can to better meet your needs. As we create a custom solar package for your company, we'll walk you through the process to help you meet your bottom line.

Step 1 – Consultation

Call us. It all begins with us getting to know you, your business, and your goals for solar. There are no site visits until both of us are ready. At Northwind Solar, we believe you should have a basic understanding of solar, know what size system might work well for you, how much it may cost, and what kind of incentives are available to you. 

There are usually a lot of questions – we find a phone conversation works best at this point in our relationship. An informed customer is our best customer.

To get started, Northwind Solar needs to understand how your business uses electricity, when you use electricity, and how much electricity you use. The best way for us to get this information is directly from your utility provider. We will ask you to sign a 'Customer Authorization' form, which will grant us access to your electric use information. 

This gives us much of the information we need to begin an initial solar design that will best suit the way you use electricity, your available solar resource, and your budget. Then, based on your feedback, we can modify that design until we reach the design that is right for you.

Step 2 – The Site Visit

After you have an understanding of solar energy, its costs, energy generation, and how it will work on your business, an experienced Solar Design Consultant will schedule a visit with you. We will look over your roof, verify your solar resource, and evaluate your electrical system. 

A thorough site evaluation is critical to the successful design and installation of your solar electric system. The result is a customized, turnkey solar installation proposal for you.

Step 3 – You Are Ready to Go Solar!

Once we have that perfect system designed for you – one that meets your energy goals and your budget, we will enter into a purchase agreement with you. At this meeting, we will sign utility interconnection paperwork and apply for any incentives you may qualify for. Northwind Solar will also collect the first payment for your solar array.

Now the wheels start turning. We order your equipment, submit the interconnection paperwork to your utility, and secure all the needed permits. You'll never have to deal with the stress of getting your system approved by the right people or worry that it might give you complications later on. Every system we install adheres to strict National Electric Code (NEC) requirements.

Step 4 – Management and Installation

Our team orchestrates the entire process, keeping an eye on everything - minimizing any hang-ups or project delays, meaning that you get your solar and your savings quickly. Our talented installation crew is the best in the business, and we put the right people on the right job. We monitor every aspect of your project to ensure it's finished quickly, aesthetically, and electrically correct. You can trust Northwind Solar to provide the best solar panels in Stevens Point, WI.

Step 5 – Utility Interconnection, Inspections and Commissioning

Today is the day you are powered by the sun! We schedule and represent you at the utility inspection and your municipality's inspection. We commission your system to ensure that it performs as we designed it. We will explain how your system works and when you need to call us if it does not. 

There is really not that much for you to do as a solar system owner. That is the beauty of solar energy. You will never look at a sunny day the same way again!

Step 6 - Monitoring

Once your project is completed, our team keeps an eye on its performance via online performance monitoring software. Should you opt to include online monitoring with your solar system, you can see what your system is doing for your business - any day and any time - from your computer or smartphone. 

If there is ever an issue, we will be notified immediately and will contact you to remedy the problem, and if necessary, we can dispatch a service technician to fix the problem.

Research your options:  When it comes to solar energy, it's important to be informed. Start researching it by visiting our  Solar Benefits page. You can also contact Northwind Solar by using our online form or calling (715) 223-0418.

Review benefits and key considerations: As with any investment, it is a good idea to understand the benefits and key considerations related to commercial solar power. Such due diligence will help you throughout the decision-making process, beginning with your free consultation with Northwind Solar.

Contact Northwind Solar: Utilize our online form to request a free estimate, describe your needs and interests, and submit any questions you might have. We will contact you to discuss the solar energy solution that will work best for you. You can also contact us by calling (715) 223-0418.