What is a Commercial Solar PV System?
Businesses use commercial solar energy. Solar power is a clean and renewable power source, it helps save energy effectively. Many commercial properties and organizations, including governments, large corporations, small businesses, and schools, use commercial solar energy. Commercial solar PV system is used in commercial settings to convert sunlight into electricity. This process of turning sunlight into power is known as photovoltaic.
Commercial solar panels are made from silicon cells with positive and negative layers, creating an electric field for energy production. When you connect these panels, they form a solar array, which is a group of solar panels linked together. People usually install these arrays on large grounds (ground mounted) or rooftops of buildings.
Rooftop commercial solar systems are popular because rooftops get the most sunlight, the primary source of solar energy. To learn more about these systems, keep reading.
A commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) system employs solar panels mounted on commercial structures to harness solar power and produce electricity. Depending on the size, it can meet most of a company’s energy needs and significantly reduce energy costs. Schools, hospitals, and libraries can also use solar power to reduce their carbon footprint.
Solar panels can be incorporated into the commercial power grid and can be mounted on adjacent lands, structures, and rooftops. The solar PV system converts solar energy into electricity to meet the building’s energy needs.
Solar panels can provide energy year-round, especially in summer. You can also incorporate storage systems to utilize the power produced post-sunset.
Why Opt for a Commercial Solar PV System?
Commercial solar panel systems are a good source of clean, renewable energy. They do not produce carbon dioxide and need minimal maintenance.
By using commercial solar panels, businesses can greatly reduce their electricity costs and carbon footprint. Installing solar arrays on the rooftops of buildings can generate enough solar power to meet all the energy needs of the building.
Solar arrays can supply electricity to both indoor and outdoor areas at an affordable cost. Many users have saved over 25% on their electricity bills after switching to commercial solar systems. This approach helps businesses combat global warming and protect the planet for future generations.
Is Commercial Solar System is Right for Your Business?
Using solar energy system can help reduce electricity costs for businesses that operate during the day. High electricity consumers benefit significantly from this technology.
You can expect to see a return on your investment approximately four years post the installation of commercial solar. Investing in solar energy can save money by reducing energy usage.
Financial gain is a key reason for installing solar, with significant financial benefits. A solar PV system provides electricity at about 9 cents per kWh, including operations and maintenance costs. In comparison, the current grid supply costs 13 cents per unit.
When you finance the initial cost, your commercial solar PV system can start generating a positive cash flow within 60 months. Since solar panels have no moving parts, they require very little maintenance.
Types of Solar Panel Systems
Knowing where to start can be tough with so many types of solar panels available. Here, we will discuss a few:
Solar panels can be made from various materials, depending on the manufacturer. Most solar panels are made of crystalline silicon, which comes in three main types: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film.
Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and expensive. Many new solar installations widely use them because of their high performance.
Solar companies make polycrystalline panels from multiple silicon crystals, which makes them a cost-effective option. These panels are often used in grid-tied solar systems but are less efficient than monocrystalline panels.
Thin-film solar cells are less common. Made from amorphous silicon, these flexible panels are ideal for curved surfaces.
Solar panels typically last for several decades, though some parts may need maintenance and replacement. This maintenance is the most costly and critical part of your system.
Benefits of Commercial Solar PV System
Solar energy helps businesses become more sustainable in every way. It help business owners to manage electricity costs and reduces carbon footprints. Below are the benefits of installing a commercial solar PV system:
Lowered Operating Costs
Solar energy impacts the environment positively, but businesses choose it mainly to save on long-term operational costs. PV solar energy is widely used in industries because it is accessible and affordable. Businesses can generate their own power instead of buying it from external suppliers, making them more self-reliant.
Installing a commercial solar-powered system on-site increases your property’s value, making you your own electricity supplier. Solar setups ensure consistent electricity expenses and offer a reliable income stream, as opposed to the exorbitantly charged rates from external power sources. Think of it as a long-term investment for your company.
Property managers can estimate project costs and future energy production to assess the return on investment due to the low maintenance costs of solar systems. Initial costs can deter property owners, but various benefits and incentives make solar energy solutions more accessible for large enterprises.
Enhanced Energy Control and Resilience
Companies with PV solar energy systems depend less on public utility providers because they can produce sustainable electricity on-site. Grid-tied solar systems may go off during blackouts, but solar providers now incorporate more commercial solar power systems with storage.
A solar system with a storage system operates independently as a microgrid, allowing continuous generation, storage, and use of electricity. This strengthens energy resilience, keeping operations running even during local power failures.
Achieving ESG Goals
Switching to solar energy helps companies meet their social, environmental, and governance objectives. Solar power offers cost savings and is a measurable, easily quantified green energy asset, contributing to sustainability goals. It reduces a building’s carbon footprint as soon as it starts operating, known as immediate decarbonization.
The majority of solar-powered setups are easy to use and don’t necessitate major changes to routine procedures. Adding a solar installation usually doesn’t interfere with business activities. Energy efficiency assessments, along with modernized appliances and updated building features, can further improve the environmental impact.
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has significantly reduced the cost of solar installation over the last decade. Eligible businesses can subtract a part of the system costs from their federal income tax. However, institutions like religious organizations and schools may not be eligible if they don’t submit yearly income tax returns. Companies without substantial tax liability can take advantage of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and a photovoltaic (PV) system at a reduced upfront cost through Tax Equity Financing or third-party ownership.
Land Requirements for Commercial Solar Projects
The size and number of solar arrays in a commercial solar system vary. Land requirements depend on factors such as the amount of sunlight, the infrastructure’s capacity to store electricity, and the building’s electricity needs. For example, a solar farm requires 100 square feet for 1 kW of solar panels, and a utility-scale project needs 200 square feet. The majority of solar service providers collaborate with businesses that possess rooftop area suitable for setup.
Commercial Solar Services from Solar Earth Inc
If you’ve decided to install a commercial solar system, it’s crucial to take your time and do thorough research. This can greatly impact the project’s timeline. For more information on commercial solar PV systems or to start your next commercial solar project, contact Solar Earth for solar consulting.