For Building Owners
Geothermal That Pencils Out for Commercial Buildings
If you own or manage a building with rising energy costs, aging rooftop units, or sustainability goals, a geothermal system can cut your operating costs and run quietly for decades.
Built for Chicago's small commercial buildings
We work with building types where a right-sized geothermal system makes financial sense, including:
- Professional offices and medical or dental suites
- Retail storefronts and restaurants
- Small multi-tenant and mixed-use buildings
- Places of worship and community buildings
- Light industrial spaces and small warehouses
Why Building Owners Choose Geothermal
Moves heat instead of burning fuel, running more efficiently than rooftop or gas equipment.
No condensers or dry coolers, freeing the roof for solar, amenities, or expansion.
No loud rooftop condensers, which matters for offices, retail, and tenants.
Buried loop field lasts for generations; heat pumps outlast rooftop units.
A clear, documentable step toward electrification and lower emissions.
In many cases first cost of Geothermal is LESS than legacy systems.
Up to 50% Federal Tax Credit for Commercial Geothermal.
Commercial geothermal earns a 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, plus 10% for building in a designated energy community — which covers most of Chicagoland — plus 10% for American-made equipment. The credit applies to the full installed cost, including the ground loop.
Systems under 1 MW — nearly every small commercial building — skip the prevailing-wage requirements that slow larger energy projects. Tax-exempt owners can take the credit as a direct cash payment; businesses can sell unused credits. Schedule: 30% for projects beginning through 2032, 26% in 2033, 22% in 2034, none after. We confirm both bonuses before you commit. Earth Power installs systems and is not a tax advisor — confirm eligibility with a qualified tax professional.
Additional incentives can further lower your installed cost
Beyond the federal tax credit, most commercial projects in Northern Illinois can also qualify for:
- ComEd Equipment Rebate — amount based on system capacity.
- Geothermal Renewable Energy Credits (GRECs) — ongoing revenue/credit stream for qualifying systems.
- All-electric Space Heating Rate — favorable ComEd electricity rate for all-electric buildings.
- Additional State & Utility Incentives — we confirm every program your building qualifies for before you commit.
What we install
Earth Power installs American-made WaterFurnace and Enertech equipment and is IGSHPA certified. We specialize in drilling on tight lots, including inside building basements. Call us and we'll tell you whether your site works.
Thinking about geothermal for your building?
Request a free commercial assessment and we'll give you a realistic scope, incentive estimate, and projected operating cost.
Request a free quote