Discover how to calculate the return on investment for commercial solar panel installations in Columbus, Ohio. Learn what drives ROI and how BC Solar helps businesses maximize value.

Calculating ROI for Commercial Solar Installations

August 07, 20253 min read

Commercial Solar ROI: What Columbus Businesses Need to Know

If you're running a business in Columbus or anywhere across Central Ohio, you've probably looked at rising energy costs and wondered: Is solar worth it?

The answer is yes, especially when you understand how to measure the return on investment (ROI) for commercial solar panel systems.

What Drives ROI for Commercial Solar?

ROI measures how long it takes your solar investment to pay for itself—and how much money it saves you over time.

Here’s what shapes that ROI:

  • Upfront cost (equipment, installation, grid connection)

  • Federal and state incentives

  • Your current electricity rate and usage

  • System size and production

  • Battery storage benefits

  • Long-term maintenance and warranty

For most businesses in Columbus, solar ROI falls between 5 to 9 years, with systems delivering 20+ years of energy savings after that.

Why Columbus Is Prime for Commercial Solar

Ohio businesses benefit from:

  • The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

  • Accelerated depreciation (MACRS), which lets you write off most of the system’s value in Year 1

  • High grid energy costs, making savings more valuable

  • A strong local solar market and reliable installers like BC Solar

Bonus: Battery Storage Reduces Peak Demand Charges

One unique advantage in commercial solar is demand charge reduction.

Ohio utilities charge commercial customers not just for energy used (kWh), but for peak usage (kW). That means a quick power spike can cost you hundreds—or thousands—each month.

Our battery systems detect those peaks and cover them instantly with stored solar energy. That lowers your grid draw, flattens demand, and saves you big—even if you don’t use solar panels.

How to Calculate ROI on Your Commercial Solar System

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

  1. Add up total installed cost (minus tax credit and rebates)

  2. Estimate annual energy savings (in $)

  3. Factor in demand charge reduction if using batteries

  4. Divide net cost by annual savings

Example:

  • System cost: $250,000

  • After 30% ITC: $175,000

  • Annual savings: $25,000

  • ROI = $175,000 / $25,000 = 7 years

After 7 years, every dollar saved is profit.

And with warranties stretching 25+ years, that’s a lot of profit.

Why Work with BC Solar?

We’re not just a solar installer. We’re energy problem-solvers.

  • Battery-first designs to optimize savings

  • Peak shaving strategies for demand charge reduction

  • Transparent projections—you’ll know your numbers before signing

  • Real results—we’ve helped local banks save hundreds of thousands

You’ll never get a one-size-fits-all system from us. Every project is tailored to your building, your usage, and your goals.

FAQ

How long does it take to install a commercial solar system in Columbus?
Most installations are completed in 2–4 months from approval, depending on project size and utility coordination.

Can I install solar without batteries?
Yes—but without batteries, you miss out on demand charge savings and backup power. We always price both options for you.

What incentives are available for commercial solar in Ohio?
The 30% federal tax credit, accelerated depreciation, and potential local grants or utility programs.


Want to see if solar makes sense for your facility?

Call BC Solar at (614) 442-9700 or visit bc.solar to schedule a free consultation.


Custom HTML/CSS/JAVASCRIPT

Back to Blog