Retail // Commercial Solar
Solar for Retail & Shopping Centers.
Retail properties consume maximum electricity during peak daylight hours—exactly when solar produces most. Reduce overhead costs, attract sustainability-focused tenants, and increase property NOI.
Calculate Your ROIWhy Retail Properties Choose Solar
Peak Hour Production
Retail peaks 10am-6pm when solar output is highest. This direct alignment maximizes self-consumption and savings.
CAM Cost Reduction
For multi-tenant properties, solar reduces Common Area Maintenance costs, improving lease competitiveness.
Visible Sustainability
Roof and parking canopy solar demonstrates environmental commitment to increasingly eco-conscious consumers.
EV Charging Integration
Solar pairs with EV charging stations to attract customers and create additional revenue streams.
Parking Canopy Option
Solar carports provide customer shade while generating power—premium experience plus energy production.
NNN Lease Benefits
In triple-net leases, landlords installing solar can recover costs through CAM while tenants benefit from lower bills.
Ideal Retail Properties
These retail property characteristics maximize solar ROI in Minnesota.
- ✓Big-box retail with 50,000+ sq ft flat roofs
- ✓Strip centers with multiple tenants
- ✓Shopping centers with large parking areas
- ✓Grocery stores with high refrigeration loads
- ✓Auto dealerships with service centers
- ✓Properties with 10+ years remaining useful life
Sample Retail Project
Suburban Strip Retail Center - Edina
Retail Solar ROI Calculator
Estimate solar savings for your retail 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.
Retail Solar FAQ
How does solar work with multiple retail tenants?
Solar typically offsets common area and shared loads. Individual tenant submetering or virtual net metering can allocate savings to tenants.
Can solar work on older retail roofs?
Yes, if the roof has 10+ years of remaining life. We coordinate with roofing contractors when re-roofing before solar makes sense.
What about rooftop HVAC units blocking solar?
We design around HVAC equipment, skylights, and other obstructions. Modern design software optimizes production with existing equipment.
Do solar panels work on flat retail roofs?
Yes. Ballasted racking tilts panels for optimal production on flat roofs without roof penetrations.
How do parking lot solar canopies work?
Solar carports mount on steel structures over parking spaces. They provide shade, weather protection, and generate significant power.
Can I add solar to a leased retail property?
With landlord approval, yes. PPAs work well for retail tenants—no upfront cost with immediate savings.