Our Mission
Commercial-Solar.org was built because too many US businesses were either unaware of the full commercial solar incentive stack available to them, or had been burned by inadequate proposals that failed to model real ROI across all available financing structures. Our mission is to fix both problems: educate businesses on the true financial opportunity, and connect them with installers capable of delivering documented results.
We are not an installer. We do not own solar equipment. Our role is to serve as the research, education, and connection layer between businesses ready to act on commercial solar and the vetted EPC partners capable of delivering on the financial projections. Every installer in our network has a documented commercial track record, proper insurance and licensing, and the ability to handle the full EPC scope from permitting through commissioning.
The ESP Model: Our Proprietary Difference
The Energy Savings Payment (ESP) model is our primary contribution to commercial solar accessibility. Traditional solar financing — purchasing a system with cash or a loan, signing a PPA, or taking out a C-PACE loan — each has trade-offs. The ESP model uses a business's existing federal tax liability (primarily the ITC) to fund the solar system, with monthly payments structured below monthly electricity savings to create positive cash flow from day one.
We developed the ESP model to solve a specific problem: businesses with meaningful federal tax liability were often unaware that those tax payments could be redirected into a solar asset they own, rather than simply remitted to the IRS. The math is straightforward, but most installers are not equipped to structure and explain it. Commercial-Solar.org builds the ESP model analysis for every qualifying business we work with, before they commit to anything.
Our Service Network
Our primary Illinois EPC partner is Solar One Illinois, based in Northbrook, IL. Solar One has completed over 40 commercial solar installations across Illinois, with documented case studies in manufacturing, automotive, multifamily, and industrial property categories. For states outside Illinois, we partner with vetted regional EPCs whose commercial track records we have verified before recommending them to clients.
Our Team
Doug
Founder & Lead Advisor
Founded Commercial-Solar.org after seeing too many businesses leave significant solar incentives on the table due to lack of awareness. Focused on making commercial solar financing accessible and transparent for business owners and CFOs.
Michael Stonesifer
Solar One Illinois – EPC Partner
Leads Solar One Illinois, our primary Illinois EPC partner. NABCEP-certified with over a decade of commercial solar installation experience. Personally involved in every Illinois project from design through commissioning.
How We Work
- You submit a proposal request and share basic facility information (utility bills, roof photos or satellite images)
- We analyze your energy profile, tax situation, and location to model ESP eligibility and alternative financing options
- We connect you with the right vetted EPC for your state and property type
- The EPC conducts a site visit, finalizes the system design, and submits permit and interconnection applications
- Installation is completed and the system is commissioned. Your electricity bill drops immediately.
- Monthly ESP payments (lower than your electricity savings) cover the system over 5-7 years until you own it free and clear