Frequently Asked Questions

On average, most commercial solar energy systems cash flow within four to six years depending on the size of the project.  This includes tax advantages and utility green energy bonuses. After the pay off, you’ll enjoy a much lower power bill, and deepening savings as the price of power rises over the long term.  

With solar, you still get power from your utility just like today—you just buy less. Your system and meter are set up so your building uses the solar power you generate first, and any additional energy comes from the utility. This means you rely less on the power company and save money on your monthly energy bills. 

Yes, solar works in winter. While northern climates get fewer hours of sunlight and snow can temporarily reduce production, our modeling tools account for these seasonal factors from the start. The upside is that long summer days may generate extra energy, and in many cases those credits can roll over to help offset your winter usage.  

Yes. Solar is a cost-saving asset that lowers operating expenses and provides predictable energy costs. Properties with solar often appraise higher and stand out as more attractive to buyers and tenants. And remember — while solar can increase property value, the added value is not subject to property tax.

Yes. Many traditional lenders are willing to loan for a solar project. In addition, Minnesota offers two key programs designed to make solar more affordable: 

1. MinnPACE – finance your system through a voluntary property tax assessment, spread over up to 20 years. 

1. Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority – access low-rate loans created specifically for clean energy projects. 

Our team will help you determine the best path for your business. 

No. For safety reasons, solar inverters are designed to shut off automatically in the case of power outages. In order to have power without the utility, you’ll need to have a battery tied to your solar array.  

Commercial solar lowers your monthly utility bills, freeing up cash you can reinvest into your business. A system typically lasts 30 years, so as energy rates rise, your savings only increase. Plus, showcasing your commitment to sustainability can attract new customers who value environmentally responsible businesses. 

Cedar Creek Energy sizes systems to your energy needs and to your rooftop. By reviewing your bills, we’ll be able to tell you how much solar you’ll need, and how to size your system to make you eligible for any rebates or programs available. 

Commercial solar systems are low-maintenance. Most rooftops just need periodic inspections and occasional cleaning to ensure panels are free of debris. No need to remove the snow, just letting it melt naturally is your best bet. With no moving parts in the panels themselves, routine maintenance is minimal, keeping your system efficient and worry-free for years. 

Tax credits are at their peak and changing drastically in 2026! Costs are at an all time low for solar projects. Projects that are eligible now for a 30% tax credit may not be eligible in 2026. Utilities are signalling sustained rate increases for the next 10 years. The sooner you can move forward with your project, the sooner you’ll save!

No, after claiming the tax credit, it essentially works as a Federal Tax Credit coupon that you can apply in whole or partial amounts, to any federal tax liability. The credit is good for 20 yrs. You can also use it against previous year’s taxes by looking back 3 yrs. 

Solar panels are designed to withstand severe weather, including hail. Most commercial panels are tested to endure hail up to one inch in diameter at high speeds. In the rare case of damage, your system is typically covered under your property insurance.

Solar incentives help level the playing field with traditional energy sources, which have received decades of government support, including subsidies, tax breaks, and infrastructure funding. These incentives make solar more affordable, encourage adoption, and drive investment in clean, renewable energy—benefiting businesses, communities, and the environment. 

The utility credits you for every kilowatt hour you produce more power than you use. Conversely, when you need more power than your solar system is producing, such as at night or on cloudy days, you can cash in your energy credits and avoid purchasing that needed power directly.

Thanks to net metering, at the end of each month, you are credited or charged for the difference between what you produce and what you use. At the end of each year – depending on your utility company – you may receive either a check or a credit for any extra credits still remaining on your account.

Different utilities have different net metering policies, fiscal periods and payback plans. Our solar engineers are fully versed on the varying plans and can easily explain the net metering program in your area.

For many reasons, some people don’t want to depend entirely on their utility company to provide them with power. If there is a power outage or blackout, your system will go down, too, because it is grid-dependent or grid-tied. However, if you purchase an energy storage system with your solar array, your system will not go down even if the grid is down. This type of system is referred to as a solar-plus-storage system. There really is no downside to it.

Even utility companies are looking at battery storage solutions because they need to be able to provide consistent power at all times to all their customers. Overall, batteries are simply another step toward sustainable, clean energy that is good for the planet.

And added bonus with solar batteries is that they back up but they do not produce any greenhouse gas emissions. Batteries allow you to take another step toward sustainability and saving the planet for the future generations.

We will evaluate your current energy system, review your utility costs, identify all the energy saving opportunities. We will then calculate the approximate energy savings projected at approximately 90 percent accurate and submit a proposal. Our team will identify all of the opportunities available to you and submit a proposal.

Governments have access to various financial incentives for embracing solar energy. These include federal tax incentives, state grants, rebates, and renewable energy credits. These incentives significantly offset installation costs, making solar adoption an economically viable and environmentally responsible choice.

The process of installing a solar energy system for a government building involves several stages. It begins with project assessment and feasibility analysis, followed by design, permitting, equipment procurement, and installation. Collaborating with experienced providers streamlines the process, ensuring compliance with regulations and efficient project execution.

The installation timeline for a solar energy system on a government building varies based on factors like system size, complexity, and permitting. Generally, it can take a few months from project initiation to completion. Experienced solar energy providers ensure timely execution while adhering to high-quality standards.

Yes. Cedar Creek Energy offers advanced monitoring systems for solar energy systems in government buildings. These systems provide real-time insights into energy production, performance, and potential issues. Remote monitoring ensures optimal system operation, prompt issue detection, and maximum energy generation, contributing to long-term efficiency and benefits.