Utility Expense Control in 2025 & Beyond

Do you know how much you’re paying per kilowatt-hour for electricity to run your facility?  Here are the averages per the US Energy Information Administration.  Berkeley Lab reports that average retail electricity prices rose 4.8% annually from 2019 through 2023.  Kiplinger suggests businesses should plan for another 2% to 4% higher rate for electricity in the new year. You may already be budgeting for that significant overhead cost to rise.

The Solar Technologies Office reports that as of 2020, the typical levelized cost of energy for commercial solar was already as low as 9 cents per kilowatt-hour.  As technology improves and as federal incentives are applied, that cost is trending even lower.

What if You Could Set Your Own Rate?

What if you could set a predictable, new, lower electric rate for your business and count on it remaining stable over the next decade?  You could, with a commercial solar system.  We’ve been working with a manufacturing leader that not only set out to produce its own, lower-cost solar energy, but added the resilience of large-scale battery storage.  

Manufacturing Leader Makes It Work

Listen here to the podcast where AESSEAL Inc. reveals its motivation and mastery of renewable energy planning.  The company’s North American Headquarters recently was recognized for its leadership by the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council.

Why Solar + Storage Investment?

Why the investment in solar and storage? “Energy investments aren’t just about sustainability,” said AESSEAL Inc. Head of Operations Chris Staackmann on the Energizing Tennessee podcast. “They’re about long-term profitability and resilience. By investing in renewable energy and efficiency projects, we’ve not only reduced our environmental impact, but also significantly lowered our operating costs. These savings add up over time, providing a clear financial return.”

Forbes echoes this concept in a January 2025 article, noting that clean energy creates competitive advantages for business.

Wondering where to start solving your energy cost problems and gain an advantage with renewables?  Learn more about energy monitoring and demand management with Solar Alliance.

USDA Grant Update

P.S. Have a small business in a rural or small-town area?  You’ll want to know that USDA Rural Development has paused new applications for its popular Rural Energy for America Program grants (have been at 50%) for now.  Its next anticipated opening time for applications is July of 2025, so watch for updates.  You can take steps now to prepare for that grant application.  Ask us how.

How to Reach Us

You can reach Solar Alliance Sales Director Tom Talmage III  at tomt@solaralliance.com or 865-888-6055. The parent company of Solar Alliance Southeast, LLC is Solar Alliance Energy Inc., an energy solutions provider focused on the commercial, utility and community solar sectors. For general questions, contact Marketing Coordinator & Sales Assistant abrock@solaralliance.com or 865-221-8349.