Insights from King Energy
View some of our favorite projects, read Frequently Asked Questions, enjoy interviews with industry leaders, and explore our blog for industry topics of interest.
Our Featured Projects
Case Studies
King Energy manages energy programs at commercial properties across North America, serving almost 4 Million square feet of tenant space.
Pismo Coast Plaza – Pismo Beach, CA
117,000
Property size (Sq. ft)
350
kW of Solar Capacity
32
# of Tenants
567,000
kWh of energy generated annually
Oak Park Plaza – Arroyo Grande, CA
82,000
Property size (Sq. ft)
250
kW of Solar Capacity
7
# of Tenants
411,000
kWh of energy generated annually
Acorn Plaza – Santa Maria, CA
65,000
Property size (Sq. ft)
243
kW of Solar Capacity
18
# of Tenants
410,000
kWh of energy generated annually
Jefferson Plaza – West Sacramento, CA
37,000
Property size (Sq. ft)
112
kW of Solar Capacity
10
# of Tenants
165,000
kWh of energy generated annually
Los Osos Shopping Center – Los Osos, CA
102,000
Property size (Sq. ft)
250
kW of Solar Capacity
20
# of Tenants
415,000
kWh of energy generated annually
King Energy in Conversation
Interviews with Industry Experts
Solar Entrepreneur Invents First Operations & Maintenance Robot
As a young man in his twenties, Derek Chase didn’t think he was on a particularly compelling career path. He landed a summer job in California working for a guy running a solar installation company out of his garage. The industry was new, interesting, and constantly...
In the Money: Finding a Future-Proof Strategy for CRE Solar Investment with Dave Riess
Dave Riess, CEO and Co-Founder of Wunder, a leading provider of solar solutions for Commercial and Industrial properties, walked us through the strategies available to commercial real estate (CRE) owners to build a financially viable energy platform within their...
Topics of Interest
Our Blog
What’s a PTO for Solar?
It’s no secret that there are a number of hoops to jump through before your commercial solar system goes online. Between the applications, inspections, and approvals, it’s a lot to manage, although they are all for good reason. Keeping the solar process organized and...
Ballasted Solar Racking: What You Need to Know
If you’re considering solar for your commercial building, it’s safe to assume that you probably have some reservations about your roof. It’s a pretty serious investment that keeps your tenants safe and dry and protects your structure from the elements. The last thing...
Attracting New Tenants with Commercial Solar
Managing vacancy is an unavoidable part of being a property owner or manager. Tenants can move locations or unfortunately close up shop, and it’s always tough to see them go. You develop a relationship with them, and they become a part of your community. Plus, a...
Our Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of King Energy?
Our objective is to provide a solar solution for commercial properties that is financially beneficial to both the property owner and to the tenants.
How does the King Energy model work?
King Energy delivers a no-cost turnkey solar solution, handling all investment, installation and ongoing maintenance. We pay rent to the property owner and offer discounted energy to tenants, so everyone benefits financially without capital investment.
As a property owner, why should I care?
Activating your roof to add to your rent roll improves your cap rate, increases the value of your building and puts more money in your pocket – all without capital investment.
Adopting renewable energy is a high priority to a growing portion of tenants and consumers. Providing renewable energy to your tenants makes your building more attractive.
What is the impact on my roof?
On flat roofs, current solar racking technology allows solar panels to be installed with minimal penetrations and a low impact on the roof. Existing roof warranties will not be affected. In many cases solar panels can significantly increase the lifespan of a roof and reduce building temperature by providing coverage from the elements and lessening direct sunlight.
What happens if the roof leaks?
Our solar panels can be easily moved to make repairs.
What happens if I sell the building?
Our lease is transferred to the new owner just like any other tenant.
What happens if I need to replace the roof entirely?
We will temporarily remove the solar program while the roof is being replaced, as part of our standard lease.
What if I have a new tenant that needs to add venting or an HVAC unit?
Our standard lease allows for our solar panels to be adjusted to accommodate these kinds of structural changes to the roof.
What will my tenants think?
They’ll like it! Solar energy is a benefit you are offering them at no cost to you (or to them). They get clean energy and a lower electric bill.
What if I need to tear down the building?
We provide buyout options as a standard term in the event of a tear down.
How is a tenant’s energy usage tracked?
King Energy’s software tracks energy consumption by tenants. We provide web-based and paper statements that clearly show energy used from the solar program and from the power grid, as well as the savings generated from using solar energy.
Why has no one else done this?
Arranging financing for these types of projects is hard. Historically, lenders require a guarantee from the building owner or from a large, creditworthy tenant. King Energy does not require a guarantee from anyone.
Is this program something that my lenders will approve?
Yes, our lease documents are similar to other roof leases – such as what you might see from a cell tower provider.
What types of properties are a fit for King Energy?
Commercial and industrial properties with five or more tenants and at least 10,000 square feet of available roof space are a good fit for our program.