Electricity prices have gone up in recent years, which means businesses have to spend more money on their electricity bills.
But here’s some good news: the cost of solar panels has actually gone down. That means solar power is now more affordable for small to medium businesses. By installing solar panels, you can reduce how much electricity you need to buy from the grid and protect yourself from future price increases.
While solar panels require a capital investment up front, they can save you money overall.
It usually takes about 3 to 5 years for a solar system to pay for themselves. Installing solar panels is a smart move that can help you save money while reducing your carbon footprint.
Top Five Tips For Installing Solar Power
To see if solar panels are a good fit for your business, you need to find a reliable solar installer, choose the right system, and ensure connection to the electricity grid.
The top five tips for switching to solar include:
Understand How Much Electricity Your Business Uses
First, you need to know how much electricity your business uses. This will help you figure out if solar panels are a good option for you and what size system you need. Deep Blue provides after install support to calculate your solar power output to ensure it is saving you money.
Know Your Electricity Prices
The cost of electricity you pay can affect whether solar panels make financial sense for your business. Find out what rates you are currently paying and if they might change once you have solar panels.
Find a Reputable Solar Company
Make sure you choose a Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved installer such as Deep Blue Solar. CEC accredited solar installers meet Australian standards and have experience installing panels for businesses.
Research the Best Solar Products
There are many different solar panel options available, and they can vary in quality and price. Do some research to find the best products that fit your needs and make sure they come with warranties and guarantees. Deep Blue can also walk you through the options that best suit your business needs.
Talk to Your Electricity Distributor
Before installing solar panels, it’s important to talk to your electricity distributor. They can give you important information about connecting your system to the grid and any technical requirements you need to meet. Deep Blue can advise on the solar friendly electricity companies in your area.
Standalone Solar Panel System
Depending on where your home or business is located, an off grid or stand-alone solar system may be best for your needs. These systems are not connected to the electricity grid and are usually found in remote places where it’s hard to get electricity from the grid or where there’s not much demand for electricity.
Unlike systems that are connected to the grid, stand-alone systems need to have batteries or other backup generators. This is because they need to store energy to use at night when the sun isn’t shining. In some cases, they might also have a generator that runs on diesel or petrol to help provide extra energy when needed.
Grid Solar Power
The electricity produced by solar panels is called direct current (DC), but it needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) so it can be used by businesses and the grid.
When a home or business has a solar PV system, it uses the solar power first before getting electricity from the grid. If the panels don’t produce enough power at night or on a cloudy day, the business will draw electricity from the grid to meet its needs.
If there is a blackout and the grid is down, the inverter in the solar system will automatically turn off. This means the solar panels won’t produce any energy during that time.
However, if the system has a battery backup, the inverter helps control the charge of the batteries. The electricity stored in the batteries can be used at night or during blackouts to power the business.
Benefits of Solar Panels for Commercial Buildings
Installing solar panels on commercial buildings can offer numerous benefits, including cost savings, environmental sustainability, and a positive brand image. Here are some key points to consider when exploring solar panel installation for commercial buildings:
Solar Energy Cost Savings
Solar panels generate clean energy from sunlight, reducing your reliance on grid electricity and potentially leading to significant cost savings on energy bills. This is particularly advantageous for commercial buildings with high energy consumption.
Solar Energy Return on Investment
Solar panel systems for commercial buildings can provide a favourable return on investment over time. The savings on electricity bills, along with potential government incentives and tax benefits, can help offset the initial installation costs.
Reduce Carbon Footprint
Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power, producing no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. By installing solar panels, commercial buildings can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Energy Independence and Resilience
Generating your own electricity through solar panels gives your commercial building a degree of energy independence, reducing reliance on the grid and protecting against rising energy costs.
Solar panels can also provide backup power during grid outages if coupled with energy storage systems.
Enhanced Brand Image
Embracing renewable energy demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Installing solar panels can enhance the brand image of your commercial building, attracting eco-conscious customers, commercial tenants, and business investors.
Government Solar Incentives
Check with local and national government agencies for available incentives, grants, or rebates specifically designed for commercial solar installations. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront costs and improve the financial viability of the project.
Solar System Design and Scalability
Solar panel systems can be tailored to the specific energy needs and architectural characteristics of commercial buildings. The design can accommodate factors such as roof space availability, shading, and building orientation. Moreover, solar systems can be easily expanded or scaled up to meet future energy demands.
Solar System Long Term Durability and Maintenance
Solar panels are built to withstand various weather conditions and typically require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning and periodic inspections ensure optimal performance and longevity of the system.
Free Advice from a Sustainability Expert
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) offers a free solar power advice via their ecoBiz program. A sustainability expert can visit your business and develop an action plan to help your business save money with the best solar options.
Useful resources on solar power are also available on the CCIQ ecoBiz website.
Local Solar Power Installation Experts
When considering solar panels for commercial buildings, it is wise to consult with reputable solar installation companies such as Deep Blue Solar.
We can help you assess your specific needs, conduct feasibility studies, provide accurate cost estimates, and guide you through the solar installation process.
