
Commercial Projects
At Shade Tree Solar, we help commercial business owners reduce their electricity bills by installing custom-designed solar systems. Whether you own a hotel, warehouse, office building, restaurant, or manufacturing facility, solar can significantly cut your monthly operating costs. With rising utility rates, investing in solar energy is a smart way to control expenses and improve your bottom line.


Why Businesses Pay More for Power
Commercial electricity rates are often higher than residential rates—and businesses are also subject to demand charges, which can greatly inflate monthly bills. That’s why going solar makes even more sense for business owners. A well-designed system can offset both energy use and peak demand, leading to major savings over time.
Economies of Scale Make Solar Cheaper
Larger commercial solar projects benefit from economies of scale, meaning that the cost per watt for installation is often lower than in residential systems. Labor, permitting, equipment, and design become more efficient as system size increases, so businesses often get more value per dollar invested.


Extra Incentives for Commercial Solar
Commercial properties also qualify for generous tax incentives. In addition to the 30% federal tax credit, businesses may be eligible for bonus credits if located in energy communities or low-income areas. Plus, equipment depreciation under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) allows companies to write off solar system costs faster—improving return on investment even further.
Ohio Electricity Rates Are Climbing
Across Ohio, utility rates have been steadily increasing—especially for commercial accounts. Many utility companies in the state have raised generation and distribution charges over the past year, with some businesses seeing double-digit percentage increases on their monthly bills. These rate hikes are driven by inflation, rising fuel costs, and infrastructure updates. As power prices continue to climb, investing in solar energy becomes an even more strategic move for Ohio business owners looking to stabilize their operating costs and protect against future utility spikes.