Guide to Commercial Solar Power

Do you know where most of your power goes?

We have found that for most of our commercial clients their power usage is primarily used by lights and aircons.

This sort of usage pairs with solar power perfectly. It is consistent, there isn’t much fluctuation in the usage, and it is generally being used during the day when the sun can supply it.

Being around for such a long time, we have done a lot of commercial installs and have a lot of data to work with and match to your usage.

We have done systems for Tuff Bullbars and Tuff Coatings, Wipples, Toyota Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba Plastics Polytanks as well as Vanguard Laundry, just to name a few.

One of our installs is helping cut down $70,000 a year in power costs.

Continue reading below article from Canstar Blue for more information:

An Expert’s Guide to Commercial Solar Power

Posted by Dean Heckscher 30/03/2022

There’s a lot that goes into running a business. There’s the office set-up, maintaining client relations, office location, even what accounting software you use, with all areas carefully weighed against the impact on the bottom line. But one area that’s worth giving a bit more time and attention to is your roof, and specifically if you can – and should – get some solar panels.

Solar power for residential properties gets plenty of time in the sun, but what about those looking to turn their commercial property into something a bit more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective? Find out all you need to know about commercial solar power with this Canstar Blue guide.

Solar Power for Businesses

Getting solar power for your business is like getting solar for your house, although just on a bigger scale. While your location and exposure to the sun will be the main contributor as to whether your premises are suitable for solar panels, other factors such as the upfront installation costs and the structural integrity of your roof will also come into play. Below is a deeper dive into what areas businesses should consider when it comes to utilising solar power.

What to consider when getting solar for your business

Before taking the plunge into the solar market, there’s a few areas that your business will have to consider, including:
• Roof Size & Strength: Considering some businesses have plenty of roof space, you might be able to fit plenty of solar panels as a result. However, the structural integrity of your roof may not be able to support it all, meaning you may have to cut back on the number of panels.
• System Size: If you have plenty of space for solar panels, you’ll have to consider the size of your solar power system as well, with larger systems needing specialised installers and additional support to ensure they work with the grid. This can be worked out with your installer, but worth keeping in mind when it comes to the upfront cost.
• Panel Type: Commercial solar panels are generally larger than residential panels as they generally look to cover more roof space, but you’ll also have to consider if you opt for a flat panel, or if you need to put your panel at an angle. And if you can’t install on the roof, ground-mounted systems may be worth considering.
• Council Approval & Permits: Depending on your local and state government requirements, you may need to seek council approval before installing solar to ensure it complies with building codes and guidelines, as well as doesn’t negatively affect surrounding areas and dwellings.
• Cost: As with any purchase, the price tag can often determine whether or not you can actually venture into the solar space. However, in some cases, a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) may be available, although it’s best to read the fine print before agreeing into anything.

Commercial Solar Rebates

There are currently multiple solar rebates for businesses looking to install and use solar energy, but which one you qualify for depends on the size of the system you’re looking to install. Commercial solar rebates include:
• Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC’s): A point-of-sale discount for systems under 100kW.
• Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGC’s): A rebate that is claimed every year after submitting reports to the REC Registry. Businesses must first be registered with the Clean Energy Regulator before being eligible for any rebates or certificates.

How much of a rebate you receive will be entirely dependent on the system you’re looking to install and how much energy it’s producing, meaning it’s best to talk to your installer or contact the Clean Energy Regulator.

Commercial Solar Installers

As commercial solar needs are slightly different to residential solar needs, not every solar installer will be able to help you with your solar needs, namely due to the size and quantity of panels needed. Most installers will list as to whether they can help you with commercial properties, with quotes also available, meaning you can check in with a few installers to get a rough outline of costs and other requirements.

Is it worth getting solar power for my business?

Solar has been a hot topic over recent years, offering plenty of long-term benefits for those looking to invest or be a bit more environmentally-friendly. But with some deterred by the high upfront cost, is it worth pursuing?

The short answer is: maybe. Whether solar is beneficial for your commercial property will be entirely dependent on your individual circumstances, such as location, sun exposure, the slant, size and strength of your roof, council requirements and how much budget you have to spend on the initial investment, meaning while solar may be tempting, it may not suit every business.

However, considering that most businesses operate on a 9-5 timeframe – a period when the sun is also working hard – installing solar can help you utilise the sun in real-time, which has the potential to significantly impact your reliance on the power gird, as well as your electricity bill, making it at least worth investigating further.