Running a business is no easy task. Maintaining client relations, office location, office set-up, and even which software you use is carefully decided. However, there’s one thing you should spend more time and attention on: your roof, especially if you can add solar panels.
Solar system when installed in residential homes gets abundant sunshine but what if you want to turn your commercial property into something a bit more eco-friendly and cost-effective? Let us discuss everything you need to know about the installation of commercial solar panels.
What are commercial solar panels?
Getting a solar system installed on your commercial property is just like residential solar installation although on a larger scale. While exposure to the sun and location are the key factors that decide whether your premise is appropriate for solar panels, other considerations such as the installation cost and structural integrity of the roof also play a part.
Commercial solar panels are generally larger in size than residential solar systems as the former often has more space to work with. In simple words, it means a commercial-sized solar system needs more solar panels and thus has more production capacity. Systems in a range of 10kW and more come under the category of commercial panels.
Choosing the right-sized solar system will ultimately be decided by your needs and energy consumption. For commercial properties, sizing is typically divided into four sections; less than 30kW, less than 100kW, over 100kW, and over 250kW.
PV modules that are less than 30kW can be easily installed as they have the same restrictions and guidelines as residential systems. Anything above the size of 30kW will require the help of a professional installer and permission from your local council and network distributor to connect this system to the grid.
Which solar system size is appropriate for my premise?
A solar system size in the range of 30-100kW is suitable for local clubs, sports groups, small retail businesses, and small to medium-sized office buildings. Small to medium factories, hotels, and large office buildings typically install over 100kW systems. The large shopping centers install systems above 250kW.
It is important to remember that the larger the system is, the more work is required for its installation process. Our professional consultants at Think and Grow will first get an in-depth analysis of your business before advising you with a solar system.
Rebates available for commercial solar panels
There are two methods by which you can get a solar rebate on your commercial solar installation. However, it is dependent on your eligibility and the system size that you want to install. The two rebates are Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGC’s).
STCs, commonly applicable to residential homes, are used for commercial solar systems with a capacity under 100kW. Certificates are calculated based on the system’s expected output over a certain period of time and work similarly to a discount that we receive on the initial purchase of the system. This kind of incentive is typically already included in the quote of solar panel system Australia.
It is necessary to submit reports to the Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) Registry each year to claim the LGCs – they are not automatically deducted during the process of the quote. Just like a tax claim, this kind of rebate can be claimed for systems above 100kW wherein all the required details need to be tracked, reported, and submitted to the correct authority in order to be payable to a property. In order to claim Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGC), your commercial premise needs to be registered with the Clean Energy Regulator.
Price of commercial solar systems
The overall price of a commercial solar system depends on the factors such as:
- Size of the solar PV module.
- The brand of the module.
- The location where your premise is situated.
- Your eligibility for any discount or STCs.
As per the latest Commercial Solar PV Price index, the average price of a 100kW solar PV module including GST and any eligible STC is approximately $89,000. A system of a smaller size will obviously cost you less. A 30kW solar system will cost you approximately $28,000 and for 50kW, somewhere around $50,000.
Why choose solar panels for your business?
Installing solar panels on your premise comes at a cost – a price that is huge! Thus, the key question is it worth the investment? A simple answer is yes!
Whether a solar system will benefit your business is dependent on considerations such as sun exposure, size, slant, the strength of the roof, location, council requirements, and how much you are willing to spend on the initial investment.
However, as most business enterprises work on a 9-5 timeframe – the exact time when we receive abundant sunshine, Using solar energy in real-time can have a significant impact on your reliance on the power grid, as well as your electricity bill, making it worth considering.
Want to install panels on your commercial premise? Contact our solar experts today!