How Solar Power Brings Benefits to Commercial Roofs with Mike Healy

Solar power, particularly on the roofs of commercial buildings, is obviously a way to promote sustainability – but what other benefits and incentives exist for companies looking to make the switch?

On this episode of Rook Talks, a Fortis podcast, New Columbia Solar CEO Mike Healy joined Voice of B2B Daniel Litwin to break down exactly what commercial operations can expect from going solar.

New Columbia Solar is the largest solar developer in Washington D.C., bringing solar energy to buildings across the spectrum, from commercial and industrial spaces to multi-family, non-profit and faith-based properties.

In D.C., incentives for solar installation are aimed at helping the district achieve 100%-clean power by 2032 and include sellable solar renewable energy credits that allow companies like New Columbia to receive capital in return to be used to finance solar systems, among other incentives.

Opportunities also exist for building owners to leverage solar roofing in renovations, Healy said.

“Any time that you’re looking at a roof replacement, you should be looking at solar at the same time,” he said. “The two should be conceived of together. It makes everything a lot easier and less costly. … If you have a building where you’re using the electricity within that building, meaning you’re operating that building and consuming power from within that building, you should absolutely be looking at using solar. It’s likely going to reduce your electricity costs.”