Start Here: Solar for Your Business or Nonprofit

Businesses, nonprofits, schools and public agencies that own the solar on their buildings keep the savings and control their energy costs for decades. Here is the path to doing it right.

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  1. Decide how you will own it

    Pay cash, finance it, or set up a separate ownership entity. Your structure affects tax credits, liability and who keeps the savings.

  2. Lock in site rights

    If you lease your building or use someone else's land, get written rights to install and keep the system there.

  3. Hire the right team

    Use a written agreement with your designer, developer or installer that spells out scope, price and responsibilities.

  4. Share power with tenants

    If tenants use the power, a simple power purchase agreement lets you bill them fairly.

  5. Keep it performing

    Line up maintenance, monitoring and warranty coverage so the system pays off for its full life.

Still have questions?

Ask people who have done it, or find an independent attorney for advice about your situation.

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These resources are general information and templates, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and project, so have a licensed attorney review your finished documents.