Commercial / Industrial
Your Commercial / Industrial Solar Contractor
At Pieper Electric, we offer a variety of energy solutions, including solar photovoltaic (PV) design and installation. By investing in sustainable technologies, our customers lower their electricity costs, satisfy corporate sustainability goals, and contribute to national energy independence.
We employ designers, master electricians, engineers, and project managers to develop projects—from design, engineering, permitting, and utility approval—and see them through installation and energization. Our team is well-versed in national, state, and local code requirements and utility regulations, including net metering policies.
We design PV systems that maximize production and optimize return on investment by evaluating electricity consumption, net metering policies, and site conditions. When selecting equipment, we rely solely on Tier 1 modules and other components that have proven reliable. Our reliable local distribution partners also support us by providing the latest technologies and maintaining cost competitive rates.
We remain up to date on policies and incentives that affect how our customers’ systems are designed and constructed, so they can receive all possible tax credits and rebates. Our financial forecasts showcase how the system will perform over its 25+ year life in terms of energy produced and dollars saved. Furthermore, our service team offers operation and maintenance (O&M) support, including preventative and corrective maintenance.
With more than 70 years of experience in the electrical industry, we have established ourselves as an industry leader through our setting of realistic expectations, professionalism, and quality workmanship. We take pride in how our systems function, as well as how they look.
Solar Applications
Utility Scale – 1MW+
Typically owned and operated by utilities on large tracts of land. Energy produced goes back to the grid and flows to the nearest customer load, whether that be homes or businesses. The economies of scale achieved from utility projects are on par with or even better than traditional methods of electricity production. Projects of this scale also allow utilities to more quickly achieve sustainability targets that they may have in place. Furthermore, by replacing traditional fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy, community members and the environment benefit from mitigated emissions, resulting in improved air, water, and soil quality.
Commercial and Industrial – 20kW-1MW
Customer-owned and operated on roof space or land that they own to offset their electricity consumption. Typically, energy flows directly into the building, and customers will see production offsetting consumption on their utility bills. Additionally, customer-owed systems are eligible for a Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Year-1 Depreciation, Focus on Energy rebates, as well as other potential incentives. For those customers that are non-taxable, such as schools, municipalities, and other non-profit organizations, they are now eligible for a direct payment equal to the value of the ITC, thanks to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. They are also eligible for Focus on Energy rebates, as well as other potential incentives.
Project Types
Project size and site conditions dictate the type of solar project. Typically a smaller commercial project is most economically advantageous when sited on a roof.
If the roof is flat, a ballasted, non-penetrating array is proposed. The tilt angle is typically set at 10° to maximize module density and minimize row to row shading. This design results in optimal systemwide production and return on investment.
If the roof is pitched, a flush-mount array is proposed. The tilt angle will be identical to the roof pitch. Whether it is an asphalt shingle, corrugated metal, or standing seam, there is a racking option to fit the bill.
Large commercial and utility projects are typically sited on the ground.
Large utility projects may opt for a single axis tracking system. The higher upfront material cost is offset by long-term gains in production resulting from a system that tracks the sun.
