Benefits of commercial solar for California property owners

Commercial solar in California offers major advantages for businesses and property owners—from cutting energy costs to boosting property value. With generous California solar incentives, robust net metering policies, and decreasing installation costs, solar energy is more accessible than ever. Top solar companies in California, including experienced solar panel installers from Los Angeles to the Bay Area, make the switch to clean energy seamless. Whether you're investing in rooftop systems, solar carports, or participating in community solar programs, the return is both financial and environmental.

Earn rental income

Earn rental income in California by leasing rooftop or land space for solar energy projects.

Reduce energy expenses

Lower your operating costs with solar energy and take advantage of California solar incentives and net metering programs.

Meet sustainability requirements

Meet sustainability and regulatory requirements by installing commercial solar systems backed by California solar programs.

ESG-focused tenants

Appeal to ESG-driven tenants with visible solar investments that align with corporate sustainability goals.

Support community

Participate in community solar projects in California to expand clean energy access and strengthen your public impact.

Increase property value

Boost long-term property value with solar installations that improve NOI and make your asset more attractive to buyers and tenants.

Offtake structures

California offers a variety of solar offtake structures to suit different property types and energy strategies. Behind-the-meter (BTM) commercial solar systems are ideal for businesses aiming to reduce their utility bills by using the energy they generate onsite. Community solar programs allow property owners to host commercial solar panels and sell electricity to local subscribers, expanding access to clean energy across the state. Virtual Net Energy Metering (VNEM) enables organizations to credit solar generation from one property to others they own within the same utility territory. With additional options like Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Renewable Energy Credit (REC) sales, and with support from top rated solar companies in California, property owners have multiple flexible paths to monetize their solar investments.

Behind-The-Meter (BTM)

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Behind-the-meter solar in California allows businesses to install commercial solar panels on-site to directly offset their electricity usage. This setup lowers utility bills, increases energy independence, and enables companies to take advantage of California net metering, the California solar tax credit, and other valuable California solar incentives.

Virtual Net Metering (VNM)

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California’s Virtual Net Energy Metering (VNEM) program allows organizations to credit solar generation from one location to other properties they own within the same utility territory. Ideal for multi-site businesses, VNEM helps maximize the value of commercial solar systems and streamlines energy management across a property portfolio.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

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Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in California enable businesses to install commercial solar panels with little to no upfront cost. A commercial solar provider owns and operates the system, and the business purchases the generated electricity at a fixed rate—often lower than utility prices. This structure offers predictable energy costs, immediate savings, and access to California solar incentives without the burden of system ownership.

Rooftop solar panel system on a commercial warehouse
Solar carport system installed over a commercial parking lot
Ground-mounted solar panel array on commercial property

Rooftop Solar

Rooftop solar in California offers a powerful opportunity for businesses and industrial property owners to lower operating costs, hedge against rising utility rates, and meet sustainability targets. Turn your roof into a revenue-generating asset.

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Solar Carports

Solar carports in California help commercial and industrial property owners transform parking lots and parking garages into energy-producing assets. Whether covering surface lots or outfitting top-level decks, solar carports reduce utility costs, provide vehicle shade, and enhance sustainability profiles.

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Ground-Mounted Solar

Ground-mounted solar systems in California are an ideal solution for businesses and property owners with available land or open space. Whether on industrial parcels, campuses, or utility-scale projects, ground mounts offer maximum layout flexibility, higher production potential, and easier maintenance access.

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California solar incentives & programs

California offers a robust range of solar incentives—including tax credits, rebates, and property tax exemptions—to make solar energy more affordable and accessible for both businesses and residents.

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California Solar Tax Credit (Federal ITC)

Claim a 30% federal tax credit on the total cost of your solar installation, significantly reducing upfront expenses.

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Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)

Receive generous rebates for installing battery storage systems, especially when paired with commercial solar panels.

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Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0)

Earn credits for excess solar energy sent to the grid, with increased value when systems are paired with storage.

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Property Tax Exclusion for Solar

Avoid increases in property taxes when you add solar panels—California exempts solar from reassessment.

Golden Gate Bridge spanning the San Francisco Bay on a clear day.

Unlock new income with California solar

Map of California showing the state outline.

Utility service areas in California

Your California property's utility provider plays a major role in the financial performance of your solar project. In California, some primary electric utilities that support commercial solar and community solar programs include: California Utilities: Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)

Case Study

CA office campus saves with solar

Aerial view of a commercial building with solar panels on its roof

Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management firm with more than $11.7B in AUM, engaged Wunder to deploy a 350 kW solar energy system at The Exchange at Larkspur Landing, a 196,000 sf, 9.4-acre office campus north of San Francisco in Larkspur, California.

The system came online in June 2024 and is expected to generate 570,320 kWh of power in its first year of operation, delivering energy cost savings while reducing the environmental impact of the property.

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Industrial Warehouse

Ideal property types for solar in California

Warehouses, Distribution Centers, Offices, Retail, Parking Lots, Land Parcels

Ideal property types for commercial solar in California include large rooftops, warehouses, distribution centers, office buildings, big box retail, industrial facilities, agricultural land, parking lots, parking garages, brownfields, capped landfills, manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities, data centers, logistics hubs, municipal and government buildings, self-storage facilities, cold storage warehouses, shopping centers, airports, and school campuses.

Solar Installation

Design, construction, and solar installation in California

Wunder delivers turnkey commercial solar installation in California—combining expert system design, professional installation, and flexible financing options to meet your business needs. We handle everything from feasibility studies and permitting to construction and utility interconnection, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. With tailored financing solutions and proven performance, going solar in Maryland has never been more accessible or cost-effective. Partner with us to design smarter, install faster, and save more.

Rooftop Solar System with a sunset

Partnering with a commercial solar provider in California

Among the leading commercial solar providers in California, we specialize in turnkey solar solutions for commercial and industrial property owners. From property evaluation and permitting with the California Energy Commission and local authorities to utility interconnection with providers like PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E, we handle every step of the process. With many projects requiring little to no upfront capital, partnering with a trusted California solar company makes it simple to reduce energy costs and generate revenue from your property.

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Commercial solar services across California

Wunder provides commercial and industrial solar solutions throughout California, serving businesses across all regions—from major urban centers to small towns—statewide.

Counties

Alameda County, Alpine County, Amador County, Butte County, Calaveras County, Colusa County, Contra Costa County, Del Norte County, El Dorado County, Fresno County, Glenn County, Humboldt County, Imperial County, Inyo County, Kern County, Kings County, Lake County, Lassen County, Los Angeles County, Madera County, Marin County, Mariposa County, Mendocino County, Merced County, Modoc County, Mono County, Monterey County, Napa County, Nevada County, Orange County, Placer County, Plumas County, Riverside County, Sacramento County, San Benito County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, San Francisco County, San Joaquin County, San Luis Obispo County, San Mateo County, Santa Barbara County, Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County, Shasta County, Sierra County, Siskiyou County, Solano County, Sonoma County, Stanislaus County, Sutter County, Tehama County, Trinity County, Tulare County, Tuolumne County, Ventura County, Yolo County, Yuba County

Cities

Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Riverside, Stockton, Chula Vista, Irvine, Fremont, San Bernardino, Modesto, Fontana, Oxnard, Moreno Valley, Glendale, Huntington Beach, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Oceanside, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Rosa, Ontario, Elk Grove, Corona, Lancaster, Palmdale, Hayward, Salinas, Pomona, Escondido, Sunnyvale, Pasadena, Torrance, Orange, Fullerton, Thousand Oaks, Visalia, Simi Valley, Concord, Roseville, Victorville, Santa Clara, Vallejo, Berkeley, El Monte, Downey, Costa Mesa, Inglewood, Carlsbad, Fairfield, West Covina, Murrieta, Richmond, Norwalk, Antioch, Temecula, Burbank, Daly City, Rialto, Santa Maria, El Cajon, San Mateo, Clovis, Compton, Jurupa Valley, Vista, South Gate, Mission Viejo, Vacaville, Carson, Hesperia, Redding, Westminster, Santa Monica, Citrus Heights, Tracy, Alameda, Westminster, Redlands

Ready to transform your energy strategy?