Commercial Solar Panel Installation – Complete Guide

Solar power has experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade, with commercial solar panel installations leading the surge.

This comprehensive guide is designed to navigate you through the intricacies of commercial solar panel installation. From understanding the basics of solar energy to unravelling the complexities of large-scale installations, this guide covers every aspect a business needs to consider.

Whether you’re a small enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint or a large corporation aiming to make a substantial shift in your energy sourcing, this guide has you covered. Get valuable insights into the process, costs, benefits, and considerations of installing commercial solar panels.

What are commercial solar panels?

Commercial solar panel systems are powerful solar setups made for businesses. They are built to provide a lot of energy, more than what homes need. These systems use strong parts and are tailored to power big places like warehouses, factories, and office buildings.

They offer businesses the ability to source a significant share of their electricity requirements from clean, renewable solar energy.  Commercial solar panel systems vary significantly in size from small 100 kilowatts to large 10+ megawatt commercial solar installations.

Which solar panel type is most suitable for commercial use?

The optimal solar panel variety for a commercial installation depends on the company’s specific energy needs, space availability and budget. Monocrystalline panels provide the highest efficiency while poly panels balance performance with affordability.

How do you size a commercial solar power system?

Solar developers assess the enterprise’s electricity consumption patterns, load shapes, available installation terrain and local climate data. These factors help to size the photovoltaic system appropriately to meet the facility’s energy generation requirement adequately.

How many commercial solar panels are needed for a business operation?

It depends on various factors, such as the energy consumption of your business, the size of the solar panels, and the amount of sunlight available in your location. To determine the exact number, it is recommended to consult a solar energy professional who can assess your specific requirements and provide an accurate estimate.

Benefits of commercial solar panel installation

Adopting commercial-scale solar energy offers companies transformative perks:

Major cost savings

Sourcing solar electricity allows businesses to substantially cut energy costs by 75% or more. The savings continue accruing over the system’s 25+ year lifespan.

Energy independence

Solar energy allows businesses to cut electricity costs by reducing reliance on conventional utilities. This can help reduce reliance on the grid for round-the-clock renewable power supply.

Sustainability commitment

Transitioning to solar energy allows companies to align with decarbonization and ESG goals, reflecting positively on their brand image.

Government incentives

Lucrative tax credits, rebates and performance-based incentives offered by various countries help to offset the costs of commercial solar projects, thereby, enhancing ROI.

Lower operating costs

With no recurring grid electricity costs, fuel expenses for generators, and minimal maintenance requirements, commercial solar panels have a low operating cost.

Types of solar panels for commercial installations

Monocrystalline solar panels

Considered the most efficient PV technology, monocrystalline solar panels are ideal for commercial buildings with space limitations. Their sleek uniform black color also allows aesthetic placement options.

Polycrystalline solar panels

Offering a practical balance between efficiency and cost, polycrystalline solar panels are also a popular choice for commercial installations. Their signature blue color and flexibility make them suitable for enterprises focused on optimizing value. 

Read: Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline solar panels

Thin-film flexible solar panels

For commercial structures with unusual roof shapes or specialized placement needs, thin-film solar panels with adhesive backing provide unique installation flexibility. Their resilience to hot temperatures also maintains output across challenging weather environments. 

Read: Thin film solar panels

Key components of a commercial solar energy system

Advanced, heavy-duty hardware is required for converting and delivering solar energy to commercial facilities, with the system consisting of several essential components:

Solar panels

The solar panels form the heart of the system, consisting of an interconnected network of commercial-grade solar panels mounted on racks. This array captures solar irradiation and transforms it into electric direct current.

Inverters

These electrical devices convert the DC power generated by the solar array into usable AC power that can interface with the facility’s electrical grid to meet business consumption needs.

Monitoring systems

Advanced monitoring software can track solar power system performance, pinpoint faults, and identify loss events. They can also inform about preventative and corrective maintenance needs for smooth functioning.

Planning and preparation for commercial solar panel installation

Meticulous planning is key to the flawless execution of commercial solar projects:

1. Evaluating solar potential

Conduct solar site assessments to calculate rooftop or ground area viability for installing panels. Get an estimate of realistic system size and expected power generation based on location-specific parameters like average sun exposure, shadow effects and local weather patterns.

2. Site assessment

Engage seasoned commercial solar developers right from the planning phase. This helps to leverage their end-to-end expertise in feasibility assessments, permitting, engineering design and construction.

3. Energy needs analysis

Analyze the building’s past years’ energy usage trends to appropriately size the solar system for adequately fulfilling the facility’s load consumption.

4. Financial considerations and incentives

Create detailed cost-benefit analysis taking into account applicable solar incentives and tax credits to map realistic payback periods and return on investment scenarios. This determines the optimal system specifications for maximum value.

How to implement solar energy in multinational corporations?

Large multinationals can adopt solar power by first running site feasibility analyses at all locations. Next, they may adopt on-site generation and sign solar power purchase agreements by collaborating with leading commercial project developers in respective geographies.

Commercial solar panel installation process

The systematic installation process involves:

1. Anchor mounting structures on the roof or ground

This initial step involves securely anchoring mounting structures, which can be either on the roof or a ground-based setup, depending on the location and design of the installation. These structures are crucial as they form the foundation upon which the solar panels are mounted.

2. Secure solar panels onto mounts in string arrangements at optimal angles

Once the mounts are in place, solar panels are attached in a series of strings. Careful attention is paid to the angle and orientation of the panels to ensure maximum exposure to sunlight, which is vital for optimal energy production.

3. Connect DC wiring between panels through combiner boxes leading to the inverters

This step involves the electrical aspect, where direct current (DC) wiring is used to connect the solar panels. The wiring runs through combiner boxes, which consolidate the output and feed it into inverters. This setup is essential for converting the DC electricity generated by the panels into alternating current (AC) usable by the electrical grid.

4. Interface the inverters with the monitoring software

The inverters are then integrated with monitoring software. This software plays a critical role in tracking the performance of the solar panels, providing real-time data on energy production, efficiency, and identifying any issues that need maintenance.

5. Establish grid connectivity via net metering

The next crucial step is connecting the system to the power grid through net metering. This connection allows excess energy produced by the solar panels to be fed back into the grid, potentially earning credits from the utility company.

6. Test complete assembly

The final phase involves a thorough testing of the entire assembly to ensure everything is functioning correctly. This includes checking all electrical connections, the efficiency of the panels, and the performance of the inverters.

Once testing is satisfactorily completed, the system is officially commissioned and starts its operation.

Maintenance of solar panel system

Proactive maintenance is vital for optimized functioning and enhanced lifespan of commercial solar assets.

Some of these include:

• Periodic panel cleaning.
• Checking for scratches, corrosions, browning, breakages, and moisture penetration.
• Inspection of wiring, connectors and transformers.
• Checking for voltage fluctuations.
• Checking the condition of mounting hardware.
• Checking the junction box and fuse box for water damage.
• Continuity of the earth connection.
• Checking for circuit breakers.
• Replacing broken panels.
• Trimming overhead trees, if any.

Read more at: Solar panel maintenance

What is the cost of solar panels for large businesses?

Commercial solar panel costs vary based on system size, location and specifications.

That said, the average commercial solar panel pricing ranges from $2.40 – $2.80 per watt without accounting for applicable incentives and tax credits which can significantly offset system costs.

Choosing the right solar installer for commercial buildings

Partnering with reputable, experienced solar firms who demonstrate domain expertise and stellar track record ensures seamless execution.

Consider the following criteria:

• Credentials and experience: Evaluate extensive prior experience in delivering commercial solar projects of similar specifications and complexity.
• Warranties and service agreements: Warranties and service agreements are essential aspects of renewable energy systems, and ensuring technical competencies through industry-standard accreditations is crucial for installers and other professionals.
• Customer reviews and testimonials: Check client feedback and reviews to validate the quality of service, responsiveness and adherence to timelines.

The role of solar in building sustainable companies

Beyond financial aspects, embracing solar power furthers a business’s sustainability vision through:

• Significant decarbonization: Every megawatt of solar energy offsets over 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
• Corporate responsibility: High-visibility renewable energy infrastructure communicates climate commitments, reinforcing corporate brand image.
• Green business certifications: Features like LEED  (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) status validate solar’s role in qualifying for prestigious green building accreditations. The LEED certification is a widely used green building rating system that provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, offering environmental, social, and governance benefits.

How to maximize solar investment returns for commercial buildings?

Strategic moves to further improve commercial solar ROI include:

• Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs): Generating additional revenues by selling solar renewable certificates to utilities. SRECs are performance-based solar incentives that allow homeowners and businesses with solar energy systems to earn additional income by selling these certificates to utilities.
• Grid services participation: Partake in utility demand response and ancillary programs for extra income.
• Storage integration: You can add battery storage options to utilize solar energy during dark hours, thereby reducing the energy intake from the grid.

Conclusion

With improved solar technologies, growing climate change concerns, and better policy support, using solar energy for commercial purposes offers many advantages for businesses. These include reducing electricity costs by switching to renewable energy sources and meeting sustainability goals.

By planning, customizing designs, and working with solar experts, the idea of using solar power in commercial spaces becomes even more compelling.

For more insights on the growing role of solar solutions for enterprises, visit JustSolar.