If your business seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and become more efficient, commercial solar can provide the ideal solution. However, as well-documented as the benefits of commercial solar are nowadays, it’s only natural that you might have some questions or concerns about the process.
Although local commercial solar installation companies will readily guide you, it can be helpful to at least have a basic idea of what to expect during a solar installation:
What equipment is involved?
The main components of a commercial solar system are as follows:
- Solar panels
These are also known as PV or photovoltaic modules. - Inverters
Inverters convert the DC electricity to AC electricity. Without them, the electricity from a solar system cannot be used. - Mounting structures
Mounting structures are installed securely on roofs or the ground to support and stabilize solar panel arrays. - Racking hardware
This gives the solar system electrical grounding and secures the panels to the mounting structure. - Remote monitoring kit
Most brands of solar inverters enable remote monitoring to be activated with an internet connection. This is used to monitor performance and highlight potential issues in real-time.
What about system performance?
An experienced solar installation team will carry out rigorous testing to ensure that your commercial solar system will be able to perform at its best once installed. During detailed analyses of on-site surveys, key elements like the panels’ efficiency, orientation, and shading presence will be assessed to help the team install your solar panels in the most effective position.
Do solar panels require much maintenance?
Generally speaking, solar installations on commercial properties are low-maintenance, but to keep the entire system performing at its best, you may need to carry out regular and routine inspections of all the electrical connections and of the surrounding area to check for a build-up of dirt, shading, or any equipment that may not be functioning as it should.
Solar panels themselves don’t usually need to be cleaned as rain or snow will do this for you, but if your panels are looking particularly dirty, you can ask your installer to clean them for you.
How reliable is commercial solar energy?
Commercial solar energy systems are designed to last for a minimum of 25 years and provide you with power that is consistently dependable during this time.
Here are some of the factors that make solar power a highly reliable source of energy for commercial enterprises:
- There are few moving parts.
The risk of any kind of mechanical failure is greatly reduced since there are no moving parts involved with solar panel systems. - Weather resistant
Designed and built to stand up to all manner of harsh weather conditions, commercial solar panels are hardy and efficient in the rain, wind, and snow. - Lifespan
The production warranty on your average solar panel system typically ranges from 25 to 30 years, and in many instances, the panels carry on producing electricity past their period of warranty. - Battery storage
Running a commercial business and the grid goes down? With a solar panel system and battery backup, there need be no interruptions to production and no loss of money or time.
There are many factors that make solar panel installation for a business a great idea, and with government incentives to consider, it could help provide your business with clean, green energy around the clock.
