Auffenberg Dealerships- O’Fallon, IL
Solar Systems That Optimize Your Car Dealership
“Probably 80 to 90% of our power consumption has been offset… EFS had a good knowledge of how the Illinois program worked… Some of the bigger national companies, you know, you kind of felt like a number to them. (We) just felt more comfortable with somebody who had intimate knowledge with our state.”
-Mike Auffenberg, Auffenberg Dealerships, O’Fallon, IL
Car dealerships across Illinois and Missouri can reduce and control their energy costs through the power of solar energy. As energy bills increase and business expenses soar, now is the ideal time to make the switch to solar energy for your local car dealership.
When you invest in a solar energy system, it is a strategic decision that can significantly lower your monthly electric bills for the next 25+ years. Plus, with current tax incentives, your initial investment in commercial solar energy can pay for itself in under five years, continuing to provide reduced overhead costs for two to three decades.
EFS Energy provides the expertise needed to take the guesswork out of securing state and federal tax credits, making sure you get paid your full incentives. For Mike Auffenberg with the Auffenberg Dealerships that means “the checks are still flowing in” even after years of use.
Take the time to consider all the ways your company can grow and meet the changing needs of customers and coworkers with the substantial savings on utility expenses. Solar energy is not only a sustainable choice but also a financially prudent investment for the long-term success of your car company.
Benefits of Solar Energy for Your Car Dealership
Local car dealership owners continue to realize and enjoy the game-changing benefits of converting their business to solar.
Significant Energy Cost Savings
Reduce or eliminate your monthly electricity bills, allowing more capital for business growth. You’ll have more money to focus on your company and your customers’ car buying journey.
Energy Independence
Protect your car dealership against energy price fluctuations and supply disruptions for a more stable operating environment. You’ll appreciate not being tied to the ups and downs of the electric company.
Eco Friendly
Do your part to protect the Earth. Solar energy plays a crucial role in lowering national carbon emissions and combating global climate change. Its generation produces no greenhouse gases and has no negative environmental impact, unlike fossil fuels, which account for over a third of U.S. carbon emissions.
Showcases Your Commitment to Sustainability
Enhance your brand reputation and support local environmental goals when you commit to sustainability. Many auto manufacturers are pushing dealers to hit sustainability benchmarks. Solar helps you lead on sustainability and reduce one of your highest operating expenses. Also, choosing to utilize solar power for your dealership shows your eco-conscious customers your commitment to sustainability. This is especially important when selling or servicing EVs (electric vehicles).
“I’ve always been interested in technology. For a business that has the Toyota name on it that is known for its electrification of things, it (solar energy) was a natural fit.”
-Bill Straatmann, Owner, Straatmann Toyota, Washington, MO
Helps Power EV Infrastructure
As EV sales rise, solar can help offset the cost of powering EV charging stations, making your dealership more EV-friendly without a massive utility bill spike.
Utilize Unused Space Without Extra Effort
Take advantage of the free space on your rooftops when you install a solar system. It’s the best way to turn your roof into extra profit without extra labor.
National Incentives
Federal
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Provides a credit of 30% of the cost for commercial solar energy systems.
Low-Income and Energy Communities
Projects in eligible areas
May receive an additional 10%-20% tax credit.
Domestic Content
Projects using specified percentages of American-made materials
May receive an additional 10% tax credit.
Direct Pay
Tax-exempt entities
Governments
Rural electric co-ops
Can receive the ITC as a direct payment instead of as a tax credit.
Transfers
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
May be sold to other taxpayers.
REAP Grants
Small businesses
Can apply for USDA REAP Grants that cover up to 50% of solar project costs.
State Incentives for Illinois Commercial Businesses
Illinois Shines Program
- Provides incentives based on system production.
- In our experience, these incentives return roughly 30% of system cost back to the customer.
Smart Inverter Rebate Program
Ameren Illinois customers
Receive up to $300 per kilowatt for installed solar or energy storage systems.
Solar Tax Incentives and Rebates that Maximize Your Savings
Available solar panel installation incentives are better than ever and seem to keep on giving and giving. Readily recover most of your installation costs by taking advantage of the available national and local level incentives for your dealership. When you pair the current solar incentives with your substantial energy bill savings, your solar energy system can pay for itself in under five years and continue providing reduced overhead for two or three more decades. It’s a big win for the future of your dealership and your local community.
Just ask Bill Straatmann of Straatmann Toyota: “With those kinds of incentives, if you’re a business and you’re using any type of kilowatt hours, this is a slam dunk, easy one.”
Your Local Solar Experts, Powering Our Community
Our expert team at EFS Energy goes the extra mile to design a tailored solar strategy to meet your specific business needs and financial objectives. We take the guesswork out of going solar and help navigate things every step of the way. Your personal solar consultant helps secure tax incentives and rebates and ensures seamless system implementation of your solar system. Once you’re connected to the grid you can watch your energy savings soar with our online, real-time Dashboard.
We help steer your car dealership into the 21st century with the innovation and power of solar energy. Show customers that switching to solar is the sustainable future of energy in every industry and you are leading the way. Contact us today to learn more about making the switch to solar energy for your Illinois or Missouri car dealership.
Samples of our Work
Recent Projects
3407 S. Jefferson Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63118