As a long-term investment for your operation, solar will pay for itself. But if you continue with traditional utilities, your rates will likely continue to escalate. One of the main factors in the energy savings over the lifetime of the system is these rate increases from the local utility companies, which on average range anywhere from 2 to 10 percent annually. But with solar, any amount you pay upfront comes back to you with savings that accumulate over the years as a hedge investment against rising rates.

In addition to being a smart decision economically, solar energy is quite environmentally friendly as well. Solar is a truly renewable, clean source of energy that only has emissions as a result of manufacturing. You’ll be glad to know that solar panels now, typically pay for their own carbon footprint within the first three to four years of operation.