Manufacturing // Commercial Solar
Solar for Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities.
Minnesota manufacturers face volatile energy costs that directly impact margins. Solar provides predictable, fixed-cost electricity for 25+ years, stabilizing production economics and strengthening competitive position.
Calculate Your ROIWhy Manufacturing Properties Choose Solar
Energy Cost Stability
Lock in electricity costs for 25+ years. Eliminate budget uncertainty from utility rate increases that erode manufacturing margins.
High Load Factor Match
Manufacturing facilities with consistent daytime operations see the highest solar ROI. Production schedules align with peak generation.
ESG & Supply Chain
Major OEMs increasingly require sustainable supply chains. Solar helps manufacturers maintain preferred vendor status.
Peak Demand Reduction
Solar production during peak hours reduces demand charges—often 30-50% of industrial electric bills.
Tax Shield Benefits
The 30% federal ITC offsets a large share of system cost for manufacturers with federal tax liability.
Made in USA Bonus
Domestic content bonus credits available for systems using American-made components—up to 10% additional ITC.
Ideal Manufacturing Properties
These manufacturing property characteristics maximize solar ROI in Minnesota.
- ✓Large flat or low-slope industrial roofs
- ✓Consistent daytime production schedules
- ✓High electricity consumption (500+ kW demand)
- ✓Ownership or long-term lease (10+ years)
- ✓Three-phase electrical service
- ✓Structural capacity for roof-mounted systems
Sample Manufacturing Project
Precision Machining Facility - Brooklyn Park
Manufacturing Solar ROI Calculator
Estimate solar savings for your manufacturing property
Solar ROI Forecast
Drag to your roof size.
System Estimate
System Size
400 kW
Gross Cost
$800,000
Estimated payback
about 8.5 years
$52,800 year-1 savings
Potential Value Increase
$754,286
if the owner pays the utility bill
Estimate only. Assumes a 40% federal credit (30% base plus 10% domestic content, which requires documented compliance), 3% annual rate increase, 0.5% annual panel degradation, and savings at the electric rate shown. Optional depreciation depends on your tax situation. Demand savings and utility incentives are not included and are reviewed in your audit. Actual results vary. Not tax advice.
Assumes $2.00/W installed, 1,200 kWh per kW, 11.0¢/kWh rising 3%/yr, 0.5%/yr panel degradation, 40% federal credit, depreciation off.
30% federal ITC available for commercial solar placed in service by December 31, 2027.
Manufacturing Solar FAQ
Will solar installation disrupt our manufacturing operations?
Roof-mounted installations require zero interior work. Ground-mount systems are installed in unused lot areas. Production continues uninterrupted.
How does solar work with our three-shift operations?
Solar offsets daytime consumption directly. Net metering credits nighttime usage. We model your 24/7 load profile to optimize system sizing.
Can solar handle our peak demand charges?
Yes. Solar production peaks mid-day when demand charges typically apply. Adding battery storage can further reduce demand charges.
What about process heat and gas usage?
Solar offsets electrical loads. For facilities with electric process heating, solar provides excellent ROI. Gas processes require separate solutions.
How do we handle equipment upgrades that increase load?
We design systems with expansion capacity. Additional panels can be added as your electrical needs grow.
Does solar meet ISO 14001 requirements?
Solar supports ISO 14001 environmental management certification and helps document measurable emissions reduction.