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We routinely get this question as we assess buildings for potential energy efficiency improvements. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy answer. There are many variables that need to be considered when contemplating whether a solar project makes sense for your buildings. In this article we discuss some of the more important questions to ask before adding solar generation on your facilities.

1. Electric Utility Rate Structure and Each Building’s Utility Load Profile

This is perhaps the most important variable to consider when determining the financial viability of a solar installation. In a recent project, we evaluated 12 buildings in a school district. Several of them had the same utility rate structure, but the maximum demand and number of run hours of each building varied greatly; which affects the cost of electric consumption and therefore how much the solar production value would be for that individual electric meter/building. We saw a huge variance in the effective solar production value for each building. In some buildings a 100 kW solar array would produce around $12,000 annually, and in other buildings that same size array would only produce $6,000 annually. Both arrays would have produced the same amount of electricity for the building, but we projected a huge difference in actual dollars saved.

2. Cost and Quality of Solar Panels

Good quality solar panels should generate electricity for over 25 years. Make sure what you’re purchasing is from a reputable source with warranties on production for 20+ years.

3. The Roof Under the Solar Panels

Often the best time to install solar is right after a roof project. Most commercial roofs should last over 20 years. Typically, we don’t see an increase in insurance premiums when our public sector clients install solar on their buildings. But speak with your insurance provider to make sure.

If your roofs are old or approaching the end of life that’s OK. We have seen clients include in a bid to remove/reinstall the roof once after the first 10 years, to account for eventual need for roofing replacements. This should just be discussed with your solar designer/installing contractor.

4. How Do I Pay for Solar?

Our public sector clients typically finance projects through their financial advisor. We have seen many ways this this type of project gets funded. Most recently, one of our clients used a lease-purchase with a 20-year term to fund the construction. Financed in this way, their return on investment was around 9-10 years.

Commercial sector clients would also be able to take advantage of renewable tax credits, which could reduce the capital cost of an array by 35%.

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About the author – Ryan Terry is a business development manager with Navitas. His background as a professional engineer and 19 years of experience in the energy industry help him bring a practical approach to developing strategies for public sector clients who want guidance in how to initiate an energy conservation program in their facilities. He can be reached at rterry@navitas.us.com.

Earlier this month, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was passed and signed into law. The Act covers many things – one of the most significant is the changes to the Investment Tax Credits (ITC) for solar energy. These changes were made to Section 48 of the federal tax code and include the addition of Section 48E, the Clean Electricity Investment Credit.

The ITC has been around more many years and provides a tax credit based on a percentage of the installed cost for a qualifying solar installation. This tax credit percentage has stepped down in recent years and was scheduled to go to 22% in 2023.

ITC Going Back to 30% for 10 Years

The Inflation Reduction Act raises the tax credit back to 30% and extends the credit at this rate for 10 years. This new 30% tax credit rate will also apply for any qualifying project that is put into service in 2022. For projects that are less than 1 Megawatt, the 30% tax credit it is straightforward.

Where it gets more complicated is for large solar projects (>1 MWac). Sixty days after the IRS provides guidelines (likely sometime in the first Quarter of 2023), there will be additional requirements to receive the full 30% tax credit. To receive the full tax credit, the installing contractor will have to pay prevailing wages and have an apprentice program in place.

Bonus Tax Credit Potential

Something new to the ITC is the potential to increase the tax credit above 30%. These bonus credits apply to any commercial project, whether smaller or larger than 1 MWac placed in service after December 31, 2022.

1. 10% credit increase if certain domestic product content requirements are met (i.e., a minimum % of the components must be mined, produced, or manufactured in the U.S.). IRS guidelines for this will take months to come out. Expect something around Q1 of 2023.
2. 10% credit increase for projects located in an “Energy Community”. These are projects located in areas that:
   • Are a brownfield site.
   • Have a significant dependence on the extraction, processing, or storage of fossil fuels.
   • Adjoin to communities with recently closed coal mines (after 1999) or recently closed coal-fired power plants (after 2009).
3. 10% credit increase for projects in a “Low Income Community” (as defined for new market tax credit purposes).

New Ways to Monetize the Tax Credits

The Act also provides additional options for project owners to monetize the tax credits for projects placed into service after December 31, 2022. These changes are especially significant for tax exempt entities like school districts, local government, higher education, and non-profits. Prior to the Act, tax exempt entities often needed a 3rd party PPA or lease to capture some of the value of the tax credit.

1. Direct Pay – this option allows entities, including those that are tax-exempt, to take direct payment equal to the amount of the tax credit. The bonus tax credit addons discussed above also apply.
2. Credit Transfer – this option allows taxpayers to transfer all or a portion of the tax credit to another taxpayer. There are additional requirements and timing around this.

Energy Storage Included

The Act also provides the 30% tax credit to stand-alone energy storage on its own. Prior to this act, energy storage had to be installed as part of a solar project. This would allow an existing solar project to be retrofitted with battery storage.

How Can This Help You?

This overview is intended to highlight the significant changes to the tax code that can have a substantial impact on solar projects. Navitas is happy to help you better understand the costs and benefits of solar. As always, consult your tax professional to understand your specific tax implications.

If you would like more detailed information on the changes, click here.

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About the author – Nick Rosenberry is a business development manager with Navitas. His background as a professional engineer and 18 years of experience in the energy industry help him bring a practical approach to developing strategies for public and private sector clients who want guidance in how to initiate an energy conservation program in their facilities. He can be reached at nroseberry@navitas.us.com.

Before retiring and joining the Navitas team, I spent 28 years in some form of education. I taught and coached in college before moving into public education.

I spent seven years as a teacher before moving into administration. I then spent 13 years as a building level administrator before taking on the role of superintendent at Orrick School District for four years.

As I look back, I often wished that someone had told me more about what to expect once I became a school superintendent. Many new superintendents have reached out to me asking for advice, so I thought I would share some insights.

Here are 11 things that I wish I would have known (or knew more about) before taking on the role of superintendent.

1. Always expect the unexpected. Understand that you can never fully prepare for the position, because something new will always come up.
2. Known more about construction, facility maintenance, and the financing that goes along with an improvement project. Ask lot of questions of your partner firms. They are more than happy to educate you about these topics.
3. Known more about school finance, especially federal funding like Special Education, Title and REAP. These are complicated funding mechanisms, but you’ve got to know them.
4. Make sure to understand what the goals of the board and community are for the district and understand that some people will have hidden agendas! Also know what the sacred cows are!
5. Unless you grew up in that district, you are NOT from that district. No matter how long you live and work in the community, you will never be one of their own!
6. Know who the main stakeholders are and befriend them quickly! Learn who the power players are in the school and in the community!
7. Understand the political climate of the district. It is unfortunate, but nowadays school curriculum has become a hot political topic, especially since the start of the pandemic.
8. Make sure to take care of yourself and your family! Remember that you are only human. Make sure to leave the work at work and do not bring it home! I know this is easier said than done but make you and your family a priority!
9. Give yourself time to make the right decisions. Unlike in building administration, you have a month or two (sometimes even a little longer) to make the right decision. Give yourself time to think things over.
10. Talk to other superintendents and ask questions. They were once in your shoes and will know a lot more than you and can give great advice!
11. Don’t be afraid to make the right decision! No matter what you do, you will make people mad. So always try to do what is best for students and staff of the district. You will sleep better at night!

Being a school superintendent in today’s environment is challenging, so remember to build a good support system and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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About the author – Scott Archibald is an Education Consultant with Navitas. His background as a school administrator and 28 years of experience in the education sector help him bring a practical approach to developing strategies for school districts wanting guidance on how to initiate an energy conservation program in their facilities. He can be reached at sarchibald@navitas.us.com.