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Across New England, small businesses are struggling with increased utility costs. With electricity rates climbing, 2026 is the perfect time for local organizations to take control of their energy future by switching to clean solar energy. We spoke with Commercial Sales Consultant Guy Marshall to explore how small businesses can leverage solar to control operating costs, lock in predictable electric rates, and make a meaningful climate impact.
Before joining the team at ReVision Energy, Guy ran his own small business, so he understands the various demands. In budgeting, when you generate a dollar of additional revenue it usually generates twenty cents of profit – but a dollar of cost cutting is a dollar of profit. When budgeting for the next year, many business owners will add an extra 5-10% for electricity rate increases; this means to make the same profit this year they’ll need to cut elsewhere, or increase prices.
"It was pretty nice to see the $1,000 electric bill go to $17 or $18,” says Alvin Chase, owner of Eastern Tire & Auto Service, in Rockland, ME. “I think it's a critical time for us all to see what small steps each one of us can make, and one of the easiest things you can do is make a solar investment."
"As a small business,” Guy says, “one of the ways to control costs is to get control of your electric bills. By fixing the cost of electricity, business owners can control a large part of their budget during a time of economic uncertainty and tariffs.”
Take Skillins Greenhouse, a family-owned business, for example. In 2025 they partnered with ReVision to install a 140-panel array on their Cumberland location. They have a 5 year ROI. Two Midcoast boat builders – RE Blood Boatworks in Newcastle and Artisan Boatworks in Rockport – have ROIs of 5 years as well. With this type of payback period, these local businesses will be harvesting 20+ years of free electricity. As Guy points out, there are very few other investments a business can make with such a strong ROI.
"For us the ROI was incredible,” says Alvin of Eastern Tire, “we covered the expense in just under three years. Today we pay only the monthly delivery fee for electricity. As you can imagine, I have made many financial decisions in my 37 years here. Without hesitation, constructing our own power supply was among the wisest and most profitable.”
Throwback Brewery, a craft brewery in North Hampton, New Hampshire, installed a 49 kW rooftop system in 2016 and have been reaping the benefits for almost a decade.
“Benefits such as the federal tax credit, renewable energy credits, and bonus depreciation made this project well worth the investment,” said founders Nicole Carrier and Annette Lee. “So even if you might not be like us (a small business striving to be as environment conscious as possible), you might just crunch the numbers and decide solar could be for you, too!”
Contrary to popular belief, the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit for businesses and nonprofits isn’t disappearing – it's just more complicated.
“The rumor is that everything’s gone,” Guy explains, “but that’s just not true.” Starting in 2026, companies that are foreign-owned, foreign-influenced, or under foreign control will face new compliance requirements. These rules are also expected to extend to the source of project funding. With over two decades of experience in the solar industry, ReVision has the expertise, manufacturer relationships, and knowledge base that will help business owners take advantage of the tax credits under these new rules.
The budget bill passed in July also reinstated 100% bonus depreciation for commercial solar projects, which has been extremely beneficial for local businesses.
“This improves your cash flow,” explains Guy. “In the year the array is completed, you can take both the tax credit (if entitled) and 100% bonus depreciation. It means the money you paid for the array comes back to you faster. If, for example, you paid $100,000 for the array with the 30% tax credit and depreciation expense, you get approximately 50-55% back in year one.”
On a micro-level, going solar is a concrete climate action. In a time when environmental policy is largely being revoked at a federal level, it can feel difficult to actually make a difference.
"Instead of getting mad at political parties, seize your own change,” says Guy. “By going solar you can contribute in a very real way to saving the environment and taking control of your energy independence.” And customers care about this. A solar array sends a message to customers and shows that the business values sustainability, they value quality, and they value a better future.
“While all the projects we've done have had good economic value, you have to look beyond that a little and say 'What do our customers want?' and 'What is right for the planet?' and find that balance,” explains Michael Halle, President of Paradise Park in Old Orchard Beach. “You can come spend a week at Paradise Park, enjoy heated pools and hot tubs, air conditioned rental accommodations, and have essentially no carbon footprint! It's a great example showing that humanity and nature can coexist and have paradise together."
There are many ways small businesses can go solar. In Maine, there are low-interest loan options available through Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) and Efficiency Maine Green Bank, as well as the Dirigo Business Incentives program for Maine businesses.
Massachusetts’ recently launched SMART 3.0 program gives projects a nice boost by providing an incentive for every kilowatt hour the system generates for 20 years. The exact incentive amount depends on a few project characteristics, but that’s still monthly revenue for your business alongside energy savings. Compared to traditional net metering, this long-term incentive makes solar in Massachusetts one of the most financially attractive options in New England.
ReVision Energy experts work with our customers to help them navigate the various credits and incentives available, and choose the structure that works best.
"At the end of the day,” Guy says, “you get to do something good for our planet AND save money. And if enough people do it? That’s a significant impact on the environment.”