When Solar Actually Makes Sense — and When It Doesn’t
Yoely Schwartz of Solarize Plus
Solar is often presented as a straightforward upgrade — lower bills, long-term savings, cleaner energy. For the right properties, that’s exactly what it can be. The challenge is knowing which ones.
That’s the work Solarize Plus was built around.
The company works with both residential and commercial clients on solar panel installations and battery backup systems, but much of the process happens before anything is installed.
“I call myself a solar educator,” said Yoely Schwartz. “I’m here to educate you. And if it makes sense, then we’ll do it.”
That means some projects move forward and some don’t — and Schwartz sees both outcomes as part of doing the job right.
“As soon as I see it’s not worth it, I’m going to tell them right away,” he said.
For residential properties, the calculation is usually more straightforward, a consistent energy bill, a roof that can support the system, and a clearer path to long-term savings all help. Commercial properties are less predictable. Limited roof space, rate structures, and how a building uses energy all factor into whether a system delivers a meaningful return.
One of the less visible factors; is demand charges, costs based not just on how much electricity is used, but on how it spikes. Utility companies measure usage in short intervals and bill based on the highest peak during the cycle. When multiple systems power on at once, that spike can be significantly higher than a building’s typical usage. Battery backup and load management can help reduce those peaks — and for properties where this matters, the savings can be substantial.
Most of the work happens in that upfront analysis. When a project does move forward, Solarize Plus handles everything in-house — from property surveys and custom design to permits, installation, inspections, and final sign-off. Systems are structured as purchases rather than leases, a decision Schwartz made early on to avoid the long-term complications that lease agreements can bring.
Solarize Plus has been a regular presence at OJBA for several years, initially working more with residential clients and now focusing increasingly on commercial projects — a shift that reflects the same approach: identifying where solar fits, and where it doesn’t.
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