Lisa Balschunat
By Lisa Balschunat
National Commercial Solar Advisors Inc., with its office in Queensbury, is harnessing energy for businesses and residential properties in New York state, New Jersey and Vermont, and has its sights on Florida next, according to president and founder Brent McDevitt.
Established in 2019, the company has simplified the process of “going solar” for businesses, communities and public organizations by providing customers with a comprehensive proposal and package that makes the process seamless. With nine years of experience in the solar industry and previously aligned with Apex Solar, McDevitt said that he “knew the industry would pop” and wanted to be a part of it.
“When businesses invest in commercial solar energy they can significantly reduce their operating costs and potentially save tens of thousands of dollars over time,” McDevitt said. “This allows businesses to free up cash flow to use in other areas, and of course, utilize a green energy source that is good for the environment.”
Solar panels do not require any additional maintenance to a building or property and McDevitt stated that most systems are guaranteed for up to 25 years.
“Businesses who invest in solar energy receive a 26 percent federal income tax credit and 100 percent bonus depreciation” he said. The company offers customers looking to go solar with a total package of upfront services including a comprehensive proposal, site visit, design plans, state and federal application assistance through to a final contract.
In 2020, National Commercial Solar Advisors sold and installed close to 10 megawatts of energy to its customers, and added the installation of Electronic Vehicle (EV) charging stations to its service options, according to McDevitt.
“We’ve installed EV charging stations at The Sagamore Resort, The Inn at Erlowest, the Town of Queensbury, and at other hotels, resorts and bed and breakfasts in the Lake George region,” he said. “Right now, we are super proud to be working with our first five-star hotel, Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid, to establish commercial solar and EV Charging Stations there.
“Our install at Surfside Resort on Canada Street was the first hotel in the village to incorporate solar power onto their roofs. “We’re reducing their energy bill for lighting, pool operations, day to day electricity with over 800 kilowatt hours. Surfside is conserving 30 percent annually with its rooftop panels to offset electric bills.”
While McDevitt coordinates all critical documentation from proposal to final contact and works closely with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for his customers, he subcontracts a site team for the installations with PlugPV, of Albany, who are trained and experienced photovoltaics specialists in the industry.
“PlugPV are top notch installers,” he said. “When we’re working on a new install, they provide a project manager, do a site visit with us, walk the roof to determine the number of solar panels needed, then design the project proposal in (Computer-Aided Design) then, we provide a formal proposal in preparation for a final contract,” he added, “We’re a rock solid team.”
McDevitt encourages businesses thinking about going solar to contact him soon. The federal incentive for equipment purchases was 30 percent through Jan. 1. It has dropped to 26 percent incentive through Jan.1, 2022 and will be a 22 percent incentive through Jan. 1, 2023.
National Commercial Solar Advisors presently employs two full-time and one part-time and is positioned for growth over the next two years. McDevitt anticipates hiring six to seven more people.
For more details about National Commercial Solar Advisors, visit www.nationalsolaradvisors.com, or email McDevitt directly at brent@nationalsolaradvisors.com.