Pub. 11 2021 Issue 3

17 same values, and eco-conscious customers will appreciate that an auto dealer is committed to helping power the local community using clean, renewable energy. In addition, the growth of electric and alternative fuel vehicle sales indicates automotive buyers’ increasing support for eco-friendliness. For instance, a Nissan dealer in Boulder, Colorado, experienced this brand boost after adding solar panels to the roof of its facility. Ted Christiano, the general manager, noted, “Customers are choosing us over the competitors because we are demonstrating our concern for the community and environment by going solar.” Investing in a solar power system sends a statement to any potential customer that your business cares about the environment. Besides the increase in customer traffic, Boulder Nissan dropped its energy use by 20% and now charges their substantial Nissan Leaf inventory with solar power. According to industry experts, the transition is coming. According to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance report, EVs stock will increase to 548 million worldwide – or 32% of all passenger vehicles – by 2040. While this is good news for reducing carbon emissions that contribute to global warming, this presents a fundamental question for auto dealers and consumers: How will an entirely electric vehicle fleet be powered? There’s no question that those EVs will increase the demand on the grid and, ultimately, the need for clean, affordable solar energy. It just makes sense: Homeowners and business owners who go solar will not have to worry about finding a charging station and can lock in the price they pay to power their EVs in the face of rising energy costs. According to the International Energy Agency, electricity demand from the global EV f leet could increase tenfold by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Savvy auto dealers are choosing to go solar now to get the best incentives. However, they know that the inevitable shift toward EVs will mean more on-site chargers are needed. The increased power demand will eventually only cost them more in utility costs. And that makes it clear: Solar energy is a good choice for saving money and helping the environment. It positions auto dealers well for a transportation future that will be increasingly electric. Auto Industry Embracing Solar In 2012, Luther Auto Group, the largest privately owned automotive group in the Midwest, decided to make a dent in its electric bill by partnering with SunPower to install high- efficiency SunPower® solar systems on 10 of its 33 dealerships, adding about 454 kilowatts of solar. Using the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and other tax depreciation benefits, the company saved approximately 55% on installation costs. Rebates from the local power company saved them another $292,000 in project costs. Best of all, the solar systems are expected to save Luther Auto more than $45,000 each year. “It’s clean power on ‘unthought of’ spots,” says Linda McGinty, Luther Auto’s vice president of real estate. “On top of a car dealership surprises people.” Is Solar Right for You? All you need to do is ask your office manager or accounts payable clerk to scan and send your last 12-months of utility bills. Then, we team with the nation’s top dealership solar experts who will effectively identify where you are losing money, where you will make money, and how to best leverage solar technology to reduce operating costs immediately and for years to come. Here is what to expect: • Our team will provide a no-cost feasibility analysis based on 12-months of your dealership’s trailing utility bills. • Your analysis will include all tax incentives and subsidies and detail the options unique to your store so you’ll be able to make an informed decision. • We will explain all the variables in your solar proposal that impact ROI. OK, But Again, Why Now? A common question and we hear it all the time. If you wait, you’re giving all your money to the utility company versus creating ‘My Power Company LLC’ (similar to an F&I reinsurance concept) and reaping the financial benefits for years and years to come. Your CPA can identify the LLC entity/shareholders that will benefit from incentives and tax appetite. You’ll lease the equipment and sell the energy back to the store, saving on monthly energy costs while the LLC creates an off-balance sheet revenue for 25+ years. Win-win.  Contact APPI Energy today at 800.520.6685, info@appienergy.com or www.appienergy.com .