Frequently Asked Questions

We model your past 12–24 months of energy data to size the array and optional battery system for maximum savings. System design depends on load profile, demand peaks, rate tariffs, and physical site limits.

Commercial solar arrays are built to last 25–35 years. Most panels carry a 25- to 30-year performance warranty, while inverters and racking systems typically last 10–20 years. Regular maintenance helps maintain performance over the full life of your system.

While single-axis trackers can increase annual production by 10–20% compared to fixed-tilt systems (depending on latitude and design), they also introduce significantly more moving parts, motors, and controls that increase long-term maintenance costs and potential downtime.

For most commercial and agricultural projects under 5 MW, EFS typically recommends fixed-tilt racking because it:

• Offers lower lifetime operations and maintenance (O&M) costs (up to 50% less maintenance than tracker systems according to National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) studies).
• Maintains simpler installation and fewer failure points, especially in regions with heavy wind, snow, or uneven terrain.
• Provides superior reliability and predictable production profiles for financial modeling and warranties.

Tracker technology can make sense for large utility-scale projects with dedicated O&M staff, but for distributed commercial applications, the added complexity rarely offsets the marginal energy gains. In our experience, the fewer moving parts you have, the better.

Properly designed and installed solar systems are extremely safe. The rare fire incidents reported in the industry have almost always been traced to improper installation or faulty electrical connections, not the solar technology itself.

According to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), when solar PV systems are installed by qualified contractors following National Electrical Code (NEC) and UL standards, the risk of fire is comparable to any other commercial electrical system. Documented failures—such as the 2018 Walmart rooftop fires linked to improper connector installation—underscore the importance of hiring an experienced, code-compliant EPC.

EFS engineers are NABCEP-certified and stay current with the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) and UL 3741 rapid-shutdown safety standards, ensuring all systems are installed to the highest safety standards.

Commercial solar systems primarily use string or central inverters because they are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective at scale.

Beware of solar companies that promote module-level power electronics (MLPEs)—such as optimizers, microinverters, and certain rapid-shutdown devices—as universal upgrades. While these may offer benefits for small or shaded systems, they introduce hundreds of additional electronic components that raise failure rates and long-term maintenance costs.

Under UL 3741, commercial systems can meet rapid-shutdown safety requirements without module-level electronics by using properly rated inverters, wiring, and racking methods.

With the new Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) rules taking effect, every electronic component’s origin matters. Because MLPEs add many additional circuit boards and semiconductors—often sourced from overseas—they can complicate FEOC compliance and increase documentation burdens for developers seeking tax credit eligibility.

EFS designs all systems to meet or exceed safety and compliance standards while minimizing unnecessary complexity—ensuring long-term reliability, safety, and lower total cost of ownership.

Solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity, which inverters transform into AC power for your facility. Excess energy flows back to the grid or to batteries for storage. The system runs automatically with continuous online monitoring.

EFS engineers and field staff maintain North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) accreditation and stay up to date with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other evolving standards, ensuring that every design meets or exceeds current safety and performance requirements.

There are several changes coming in 2026 regarding solar incentives in both Illinois and Missouri. Check out our “Navigating Solar Tax Incentives” page for more details.

Typical commercial solar paybacks range from 3–7 years, depending on electricity rates, available incentives, and tax benefits. After the payback period, your business continues to benefit from free, renewable energy for decades.

EFS works with multiple financing partners to provide:

• Cash purchase / capital expenditure
• Operating or capital lease structures
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
• Tax-credit safe-harbor financing for year-end projects

Check out our “Financing” page for more information on the best ways to finance your solar energy system. We’ll help identify the structure that best aligns with your cash flow and tax strategy.

For most commercial and agricultural projects under 5 MW, EFS typically recommends fixed-tilt racking because it:

• Offers lower lifetime operations and maintenance (O&M) costs (up to 50% less maintenance than tracker systems according to National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) studies).
• Maintains simpler installation and fewer failure points, especially in regions with heavy wind, snow, or uneven terrain.
• Provides superior reliability and predictable production profiles for financial modeling and warranties.

Tracker technology can make sense for large utility-scale projects with dedicated O&M staff, but for distributed commercial applications, the added complexity rarely offsets the marginal energy gains. In our experience, the fewer moving parts you have, the better.

Solar reduces energy costs, lowers demand charges, provides a hedge against utility rate increases, and creates tax advantages through credits and depreciation. The result is long-term operational savings and improved net operating income.

EFS’s policy team stays informed through MOSEIA and ISSEIA to help our clients navigate evolving incentive and interconnection frameworks across both states.

Standard grid-tied solar shuts down during an outage for safety reasons. However, battery storage systems can provide backup power or seamless transition to backup loads. EFS designs systems that prioritize critical circuits and protect your operations from downtime.

Net metering allows you to receive credit for excess solar energy sent to the grid. Credits offset future electricity usage, lowering your overall bill. Some utilities offer demand-based billing structures; we tailor designs to each tariff.

EFS’s involvement with ISSEIA and MOSEIA, combined with ongoing NABCEP training, keeps our storage team aligned with evolving code requirements and emerging grid-service programs in both states.

The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) expands and modernizes incentives for both Behind-the-Meter (BTM) and Front-of-the-Meter (FTM) battery storage. Contact an EFS Energy consultant for up-to-date details on all current energy incentives. Also check out our “Navigating Solar Tax Incentives” page for more details.

Yes. Stand-alone battery systems up to 5,000 kW (5 MW) can now participate in net-metering under Section 16-107.5:

• Applies to BTM or distribution-connected FTM storage.
• Must use hourly supply or TOU rates to capture energy arbitrage value.

Utilities must update NEM tariffs within 30 days of the law’s effective date.

Project timelines vary by utility and permitting authority, but most commercial systems take 4–9 months from contract to commissioning. EFS manages all steps—engineering, interconnection, procurement, and construction—to keep schedules predictable.

Each system reduces carbon emissions and demonstrates corporate sustainability leadership. Businesses often use their solar data for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, marketing, and client engagement.