Companies are always looking for innovative ways to save money and earn more. I photovoltaic solar systems have become a popular solution. They not only help the environment, but also company finances. Heiwit offers services to help companies benefit from these systems. Saving on energy costs and earning money through incentives and energy sales are just some of the financial benefits. It is important to calculate the return on investment and to have experienced suppliers like us for a smooth implementation. Understanding the financial potential of solar PV systems helps companies make smart choices for a sustainable future. And that is why we decided to produce this article.

What is photovoltaic rental for companies and how it works

The photovoltaic rental offers an affordable way for companies to enjoy the benefits of solar energy. Instead of having to deal with the costs of purchasing, installing and maintaining solar panels, customers can opt to rent them. In this type of contract, the customer pays a regular fee for the use of the solar system, without having to worry about the amount of energy produced.

There are two main types of leasing: financial and operating. In financial leasing, the customer has the option to buy the equipment at the end of the contract, while in operating leasing the equipment is returned to the seller. At Heiwit, our customers can decide what to do at the end of the contract, whether to cancel, renew or buy the system at a reduced price. In addition, the maintenance of the photovoltaic system is paid for by us.

Although the overall rental cost may be higher than direct purchase, the easy access makes this an attractive option. Moreover, the rental fees remain constant, regardless of the amount of energy produced. Although solar rental is less common in the commercial and industrial sector, can be a advantageous choice to reduce costs e environmental impact.

The advantages of photovoltaic rental for companies

Surely, you have heard several rumours about possible disadvantages of photovoltaic leasing. For a start, rented solar panels do not increase the value of the property, as there is no ownership of the panels, users cannot benefit from tax incentives, and rental contracts can last for many years, tying users to fixed monthly payments. This is not the case with Heiwit, as we provide rental contracts of up to 5 years up to 30. After 5 years, our customers can also decide to buy their system.

However, the advantages of photovoltaic leasing outweigh the disadvantages.

Operating cost savings thanks to photovoltaic solar systems

One of the most direct financial benefits of solar photovoltaic systems is the significant reduction in energy bills for businesses. By generating clean solar energy, companies can reduce or even eliminate their dependence on grid-supplied electricity. This translates into:

• Lower energy bills
• Stability of energy prices
• Reducing carbon emissions.

Potential income generation from solar photovoltaic systems

In addition to energy savings, solar installations offer companies the opportunity to generate additional income. Earning with photovoltaics is possible through collective self-consumption, where several houses share energy from a solar system. This cuts utility bills and reduces waste. With incentives such as the MISE tariff and the ARERA contribution, savings are guaranteed for 20 years.

Lo Place Exchange, then allows excess energy to be stored in the power grid, compensating for the withdrawal of energy during the night. Surpluses can be liquidated, turning them into money. But beware: the liquidation of surpluses is subject to taxation.

Financial incentives and tax benefits

Companies can benefit from various financial and tax incentives.

For example, in Italy, from 2023, the Nuova Sabatini offers incentives for SMEs investing in eco-friendly machinery (Nuova Sabatini Green) and for those investing in the Mezzogiorno (Nuova Sabatini Sud). As of 2024, funding will be disbursed in a single tranche. Incentives for companies in photovoltaics cover the entire investment through bank financing or leasing, with a guarantee of up to 80% of the financing. They last up to 5 years, with specific contributions for ordinary investments, technological investments or investments in the Mezzogiorno.

The tax credit for Research and Development in photovoltaics helps companies that innovate in the sector. The transition to more sustainable energies is also promoted through incentives for energy communities, dedicated take-back of produced energy and the AgriVoltaic Decree. The Budget Manoeuvre 2024 could include subsidies for corporate photovoltaics, but the details are still being worked out.

In addition, for private individuals, there is the energy income, an economic support provided by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security to incentivise the installation of photovoltaic systems in homes. This incentive is mainly directed at low-income households, aiming to reduce energy bills and promote the use of clean energy. The National Energy Income Fund, endowed with EUR 200 million for 2024 and 2025, offers a non-repayable subsidy for the installation of solar panels. The systems must have a nominal output of between 2 and 6 kilowatts and must be installed in areas owned by the applicant. The objective is both social, to help families in economic difficulty, and environmental, to promote the use of renewable energy. The management of the fund is entrusted to the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE), and a significant part of the resources is earmarked for southern regions.

Long-term financial benefits

The implementation of solar systems is a strategic investment:

• Future-proof energy costsSolar systems offer stability and reduce the impact of energy price fluctuations
• Property appreciationInstallation of solar panels increases property value
• Competitive differentiationThe adoption of sustainable solutions distinguishes a company and attracts environmentally sensitive customers, increasing profitability.

Other advantages of renting solar panels

In addition, renting solar panels has specific advantages:

• No upfront costs
• No fiscal responsibility
• No liability for repairs or maintenance: the supplier takes care of any problems, offering greater peace of mind to the customer.

If you are interested in the installation of photovoltaic panels on your company's roof, in collaborating to achieve the European climate targets 2030 and make money from your installation, do not hesitate to contact us and find out more about our services.