Commercial businesses can take advantage of federal tax credits to reduce the cost of solar energy investment. The solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was introduced in 2006 to incentivize residences and businesses to invest in solar energy and has been fundamental in the growth of the solar industry. The tax credit started at 30% and is now at 26%. Not only do the solar carports protect their inventory, but Rush also doesn’t have to use resources to move inventory to and from their auto repair center building during extreme weather events, saving them time and money. Take Advantage of the Latest Tax Credits Commercial businesses can take advantage of federal tax credits to reduce the cost of solar energy investment. The solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was introduced in 2006 to incentivize residences and businesses to invest in solar energy and has been fundamental in the growth of the solar industry. The tax credit started at 30% and is now at 26%. To take advantage of the 26% tax credit, a solar project’s construction would need to begin in 2022. The Ancira Auto Group recently commissioned a solar carport installation at their KIA dealership in San Antonio and will take advantage of the 26% tax credit. “We at Ancira are excited to bring solar carports to our dealership because not only will it bring long-term savings for our business, but we’re able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide shade to our customers, and it makes us feel like we’re being good stewards of our community,” said April Ancira, Vice President of Ancira Auto Group. Improve Customer Experience with Shade We all know it gets hot in Texas. A parked car can get up to 50 degrees hotter inside the car than the outside temperature. Trying to test drive vehicles in July and August in South Texas can be unbearable. Auto dealerships have recently invested in shade for their inventory. Still, it has usually been with cloth canopies that typically need to be replaced every few years because of wear and tear from the sun. Solar carports provide shade and use the sun’s energy to generate solar savings. When Bobby Cavender, President of the Cavender Auto Group, decided to invest in solar carports with Big Sun Solar, the primary drivers were the financial benefits. Now with solar carports at five San Antonio-area Cavender dealerships, the other realized benefits have been hail protection and the improved customer experience, something most important to Cavender. SOLAR ENERGY— CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 9 FALL 2022
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