Commercial & Nonprofit Solar
Commercial Solar for Bay Area Businesses & Nonprofits
Cut operating costs, protect yourself from rising utility rates and keep critical loads running in an outage. Our licensed local team handles engineering, permits, utility interconnection and incentives from start to finish.
Why businesses go solar
For most commercial buildings, electricity is one of the biggest operating costs a business can actually control, and utility rates keep going up. A well-sized solar and storage system turns that unpredictable bill into a steady one and frees up cash for the rest of the business. For nonprofits and houses of worship, every dollar saved goes back into the mission.
Lower, predictable bills
Offset daytime use and shift loads with storage to trim peak and demand charges.
Backup power
Battery storage keeps essential systems running through grid outages and PSPS shutoffs.
Property value
An owned system can improve net operating income and the value of the building.
Sustainability goals
Measurable progress on emissions targets, with monitoring data you can report on.
What we design and install
- Rooftop solar on flat and low-slope commercial roofs, ballasted or attached.
- Carport and canopy solar that turns parking into power and shaded spaces.
- Ground mount systems for sites with open land.
- Commercial battery storage for demand charge management and backup of critical loads.
- EV charging for employees, fleets and customers, integrated with your solar.
- Monitoring and maintenance so you can track production and keep the system running well.
We've built systems from small commercial rooftops up to the 70 kW range, including nonprofit and community facilities.
Incentives and tax treatment for businesses (2026)
Federal rules changed in 2025, so the rules for businesses are now different from the rules for homeowners. Here is where things stand. Always confirm the details with your own tax advisor.
Federal commercial credit (§48E)
The commercial Investment Tax Credit is still available for eligible projects, but timing now matters a lot. Under the 2025 federal law, solar projects that start construction after July 4, 2026 generally must be placed in service by December 31, 2027 to qualify. Battery storage follows separate, longer rules. We plan the schedule early so you don't miss the window.
Depreciation (MACRS)
Businesses can usually recover a large share of the system cost through accelerated depreciation. It's often a bigger benefit than owners expect. Your CPA will calculate the exact amount for your business.
California SGIP (storage)
The Self-Generation Incentive Program still offers rebates for qualifying battery storage in PG&E territory. We prepare the SGIP paperwork in-house.
Bill savings and net billing
How your system is billed under the utility's rules shapes the payback. We model your actual usage and rate schedule, not a generic estimate.
Financing your commercial project
You don't need all the cash up front. We work with several options so the numbers fit your budget. See our Solar Financing page for details.
- GoGreen Business Energy Financing: California's statewide program for small businesses and nonprofits. Ally is a participating GoGreen contractor. A state credit enhancement lets lenders offer better rates and approve more businesses. It covers solar, battery storage, EV charging and efficiency upgrades.
- C-PACE (Commercial PACE): long-term, fixed-rate financing repaid through your property tax bill, often with nothing down and terms of 20 to 30 years. The obligation stays with the property and can transfer if you sell. Available in participating California cities and counties.
- Prepaid PPA or cash purchase: for owners who prefer third-party ownership or want to buy outright.
Our commercial process
- Site assessment and energy analysis. We review your usage, rate schedule, roof or site, and goals.
- Proposal. System design, production estimate, incentive and financing options, and clear pricing.
- Engineering and permits. Stamped plans where required, and permit submittal.
- Utility interconnection. We file with your utility, whether PG&E or a municipal utility.
- Installation. Our own licensed crew builds your system. No subcontractors.
- Inspection and permission to operate. We coordinate the final inspection and utility approval.
- Monitoring and support. You see your production, and we're here for maintenance.
Who we work with
Offices · Retail & restaurants · Warehouses & light industrial · Multifamily · Nonprofits · Houses of worship · Agriculture & wineries
Bay Area commercial solar
Based in Richmond, we serve Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin counties and the wider Bay Area, including Richmond, Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Fremont and San Rafael. Don't see your city? Give us a call. We likely serve your area too.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a commercial project take?
It depends on system size, roof type and utility timelines. Your proposal includes a realistic schedule, and we keep you updated at each step.
Do you handle the utility interconnection paperwork?
Yes. We file the interconnection application with your utility and follow it through to permission to operate.
Can you add battery storage to an existing system?
Often, yes, and the battery may qualify for California's SGIP rebate. We check your existing equipment first.
What about prevailing wage?
Prevailing wage rules depend on the project, the funding and the utility. We check this at the start so there are no surprises.
Ready to price a commercial system?
Talk to a licensed local team that has been doing this since 2010.
Ally Electric & Solar Inc. · 855 Marina Bay Parkway, Suite 280, Richmond, CA 94804 · CSLB C-10 & C-46 #806465
Incentives, tax credits, depreciation rules and financing program terms are set by government agencies and program administrators and can change. Ally Electric & Solar is not a tax, legal or financial advisor and does not guarantee eligibility or savings. Please consult a qualified professional about your situation. Being a participating contractor in a financing program is not an endorsement or guarantee by that program.