Commercial Solar Installation for Illinois Businesses
Engineering-led execution for warehouses, manufacturing, and facilities (50kW to 2MW). We specialize in 480V 3-phase interconnection, flat roof ballasted systems, and maximizing ROI through ITC and MACRS depreciation.
Master Electrician
NABCEP Certified Professionals
IL Licensed Electrical Contractor
Dwelling Contractor Qualifier
300+ 5-Star Verified Reviews
BBB A+ Rated
Why Illinois Businesses Choose Lehmann Electrical: Engineering-Led Execution
We don’t just sell solar; we build it. Licensed Master Electricians specializing in complex 3-phase interconnections and minimally invasive logistics.
ICC Distributed Generation Certified
Illinois Commerce Commission certification required for Illinois Shines projects. Ensures code compliance and program eligibility.
Illinois Shines Approved Vendor
Official Illinois Power Agency approval (ID: 2205) enables access to state REC incentives. We handle all program applications. The renewable attributes (“RECs”) of solar electricity will be sold by us to keep installation costs affordable.
Master Electrician Licensed
5+ years experience ensuring strict electrical code compliance and safety for your solar installation.
Engineering-Led Execution
We handle 480V/277V 3-phase interconnections, transformer upgrades, and switchgear integration. Designed by engineers, installed by Master Electricians.
Compliance Expertise
Full adherence to Illinois CEJA Prevailing Wage requirements, Certified Payroll reporting, and OSHA safety standards for commercial worksites.
Business Continuity
Our logistics plans include weekend crane lifts and safety perimeters to ensure your operations continue uninterrupted during construction.
Commercial Energy Capabilities: PV, Storage & Fleet Infrastructure
Scalable systems for Warehouses, Manufacturing, Office Parks, and Retail Centers.
Commercial Solar PV (50kW - 2MW)
Turnkey design and build for flat roof (ballasted), metal roof, and ground mount systems. We specialize in non-penetrating solutions that preserve roof warranties.
- Ballasted racking (IronRidge/PanelClaw)
- 480V/277V Interconnection
- Grid Capacity Analysis
- ComEd/Ameren Application Management
- System design pre-contract (IPA Required)
- Prevailing Wage Compliance
Peak Shaving & Commercial Battery Storage
Commercial electricity bills are often driven by Demand Charges. We install Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to shave peak loads and provide backup for critical operations.
- Peak Demand Shaving strategies
- Emergency backup for critical loads (IT/Servers)
- Smart Inverter integration (Rebate eligible)
- Load shifting analysis
Operations & Maintenance
Protect your asset and warranty compliance with annual preventative maintenance. We service systems we installed as well as third-party orphan systems.
- Annual IV Curve Tracing
- Thermal Imaging of electrical gear
- Inverter torque checks and filter cleaning
- Rapid response troubleshooting
Fleet EV Charging Infrastructure
Prepare your facility for electric delivery vans and employee charging. We design Level 2 and DC Fast Charge infrastructure integrated with your solar production.
- Load management to prevent panel overloads
- Trenching and conduit runs for parking lots
- Make-ready infrastructure incentives
Industries & Facility Types We Serve
Homeowners, business owners, and income-qualified households can benefit from solar installations.
Warehousing & Logistics
Ideal for flat-roof ballasted systems. Offset massive lighting/HVAC loads and utilize roof space for revenue generation.
Manufacturing
High energy density users. 480V 3-phase connections allow for large systems to offset heavy machinery loads.
Office & Retail
Visible sustainability. Carport solar options available for parking lots to provide shade and power.
Public Sector
Schools and Municipalities. We navigate RFPs, Prevailing Wage, and tax-exempt financing structures.
Industrial-Grade Technology & 480V Interconnection Specs
We deploy industrial-grade hardware designed for 25+ year lifespans and Illinois weather loads.
480V Interconnection
We perform Line-Side Taps or breaker landings into main switchgear. We assess transformer capacity and coordinate upgrades with ComEd/Ameren if your system exceeds current hosting capacity.
Ballasted Racking
For flat roofs (TPO/EPDM), we use aerodynamic ballasted systems (IronRidge/Unirac) that do not penetrate the roof membrane, preserving your existing roof warranty.
Commercial Inverters
We install Solis, SMA, and SolarEdge commercial inverters (25kW-100kW units). String inverters are preferred for ease of maintenance and reliability in commercial settings.
Structural Engineering
Every project includes a structural analysis stamped by a Professional Engineer (PE) to ensure the roof can support the dead load (panels) and live load (snow/wind).
Commercial Solar Incentives, Tax Credits & ROI Analysis
Between Tax Credits, Depreciation, and SRECs, businesses can often offset 60-70% of the project cost in year one.
The Investment Tax Credit provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal income tax liability. "Safe Harbor" provisions apply.
Commercial solar qualifies for 5–year accelerated depreciation. Bonus Depreciation may also apply depending on tax year.
The Adjustable Block Program pays for 15 years of RECs upfront (for systems <25kW) or over time (Large DG). We are an Approved Vendor (ID: 2205).
Disclaimer: The renewable attributes ("RECs") of this electricity will be sold by us/you to the utility/IPA to keep the cost of installation affordable. You should not claim to be using renewable electricity if the RECs are sold. Actual ROI depends on your specific tax situation; consult a tax professional.
Financing Options
Highest ROI. Business owns system, takes ITC & Depreciation. Best for cash-rich entities with tax appetite.
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy. Long-term (20yr), low-rate financing attached to the property tax bill. Off-balance sheet.
$0 Down. Third party owns system and monetizes tax benefits. You pay for power generated. Good for non-profits or those without tax liability.
Project Execution Roadmap: From Engineering to Interconnection
Commercial projects typically take 4-9 months, largely driven by utility engineering reviews.
Engineering Audit
We analyze 12 months of interval data, roof structural capacity, and electrical service size. System design is completed prior to any contract signature.
Interconnection
We submit the Interconnection Application to ComEd/Ameren. For systems >10kW, this triggers a technical review (Level 2–4) to ensure grid safety.
Permitting & Incentives
We secure building/electrical permits and submit the Illinois Shines Part 1 application. We provide the Standard Disclosure Form at this stage.
Construction
Crane lifts, racking assembly, and electrical tie-in. We coordinate a brief scheduled outage (weekend/night) for the final connection.
Commercial Qualifications & Safety Standards
Safety & Bonding
We maintain a low EMR safety rating suitable for industrial sites. We carry significant liability insurance and bonding capacity for large-scale projects.
DG Certified
We hold the mandatory ICC Distributed Generation Certification required for all installers participating in the Illinois Shines program.
Commercial Solar Installation FAQs
No. We use ballasted racking that sits on slip sheets, protecting the membrane. We coordinate with your original roofing manufacturer to maintain warranty compliance.
For commercial systems, ComEd/Ameren review takes 3-6 months depending on system size and local grid congestion. We handle all engineering dialogue.
95% of work is done while you operate. We coordinate a specific 4-hour window (usually on a weekend or off-shift) for the final electrical tie-in.
Most commercial projects in the Illinois Shines program require installers to pay Prevailing Wage. We are fully compliant and handle all Certified Payroll reporting.
Get Started with Our Solar Services
Ready to explore solar options for your Illinois’s area business? Contact Lehmann Electrical & Design for a free consultation with local solar experts.
Curious about the potential savings with solar power in Illinois’s? Calculate your solar savings and payback period with our free interactive tool!
Call: (414) 207-0109
Important Consumer Disclosures — Illinois Solar Customers
Lehmann Electrical & Design is an independent solar installer and seller of photovoltaic systems. We are NOT employed by, representing, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any utility, utility program, consumer group, or governmental body. We are an Approved Vendor under the Illinois Power Agency's Adjustable Block Program (Illinois Shines).
Your Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) & Environmental Attributes
If your system participates in Illinois Shines, the renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by your system will be sold by Lehmann Electrical to Illinois utilities. This means:
- You will NOT receive the environmental benefits of your system's generation.
- You cannot claim your system uses "clean" or "renewable" electricity.
- Environmental attributes belong to the utilities that purchase the RECs.
- Your primary benefit is the upfront SREC payment from Illinois Shines and reduced electricity costs.
Important Documents You Will Receive
- Illinois Shines Informational Brochure: Describes the program, your rights, and incentive details.
- Standard Disclosure Form: Details YOUR specific system design, costs, incentives, and estimated financial return. This will be provided BEFORE you sign any contract.
Questions? Contact the Illinois Power Agency Program Administrator at www.illinoisshines.com.