Choosing the right Solar PV System for you and your business

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1st Jun 2023

Choosing a Solar PV system for your business

Investing in a commercial solar PV system is a worthwhile choice for your business. You will not only be improving your ESG score by moving closer to Net Zero, but you will also be future-proofing your business against rising energy bills by locking in a fixed energy cost. This means you can accurately forecast your future energy expenditures. Having decided to go green and invest in a commercial solar panel system, you will be wondering what type of solar PV system is right for you and your company. 

There is no cut and dry answer to this, as commercial solar panels are not a one-size-fits-all product. Each commercial solar PV system we create is designed around the needs of our clients. We work with many solar technology providers and are completely unbiased when it comes to the brands we provide to our customers. Every business has its own energy needs and demands, so we take this into account before creating the perfect system. The right fit is the only thing that matters. 

However, if you are doing your own research, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing the right commercial solar PV system for your business

Choosing the most efficient solar panels 

When choosing solar panels, you should never go by price, because you often get what you pay for. You certainly don’t want to invest a large sum of money, only to find out later down the line that you have bought a sub-standard brand with lower energy output.

We only offer Tier 1 HQ solar panels to our clients to ensure they get the maximum viable energy output from their system. In our opinion, the best solar panels out there are created by SunPower. SunPower solar panels lead the way in terms of energy efficiency, reliability and most importantly, their comprehensive warranty. 

SunPower offers a 25-year warranty that covers the panels and also covers the labour and access equipment required to remove the faulty unit and replace it with a new one, so you can rest assured knowing that your investment in solar energy is protected. 

Commercial solar panels and insurance 

When making an investment in your business, you want to have the peace of mind that you have invested in the highest possible quality product, and that your investment is protected. Solar inverters are an integral part of your solar PV system. They are devices that convert direct current electricity, which is what solar panels generate, to alternating current electricity, which is what the electrical grid runs on.

The solar PV inverter can be thought of as the brains of the system where the solar panels are the brawn. Apart from its primary function facilitating the DC to AC conversion, the inverter can provide you with a wealth of information about the solar PV generation, grid import and export figures. The best solar inverters can also provide you with module level monitoring, arc fault detection and reduce panel voltage to 1 volt should there be any breaks in the string cable.  

We will always recommend commercial solar PV systems that meet all fire stop and insurance policies to ensure your investment in solar energy, as well as your business, stay safe. While these high-end inverters are more expensive, they will please your insurance company. There is no approved body of solar panel inverters, so choosing the right inverter to be part of your commercial solar PV system is more about choosing the right products to give you the right kind of protection. Again, this is something we can discuss with you when deciding what type of solar PV system is right for your commercial business. 

FAQs 

• How can I finance my solar PV system?

There are a number of solar financing options available to businesses. You can opt for a PPA or you can choose a lease scheme and pay your solar panels off in instalments. We are happy to discuss your options with you based on your specific situation.

• Will commercial solar panels help my ESG score?

Yes, having a solar PV system installed on your commercial business will help your ESG score as solar energy is one of the most power forms of renewable energy.

• How much do commercial solar panels cost?

The price of our commercial solar panels varies depending on the amount of panels required and the type of comprehensive system you have chosen. We can discuss pricing with you to find the best fit.

• Which commercial solar panels are most efficient? 

We will always recommend SunPower solar PV systems when it comes to efficiency.

• How long do solar panels last? 

The industry lifespan of solar panels is 25-30 years.

• What is the return on investment timescale for solar panels?

Depending on the size and quantity of your solar panels, the average ROI is between 10 to 20%, and the timescale varies on the size and number of solar panels you have had installed.

• How long will the installation take and what is involved?

Depending on the size of your commercial business, your solar PV system installation can take anywhere between 1-5 days.

• What are the maintenance requirements?

Annual cleaning of the panels by the site maintenance team or contractor is recommended to keep them working at their most efficient. Annual inverter testing recommended for good operation and maintenance procedure.

• What carbon reduction can we expect from the system?

As solar panels require no carbon, you will be making significant strides in reducing the carbon footprint of your business. Your entire business can run on solar energy, which creates a large reduction in your carbon emissions.

• If we move the business, can we take the system with us?

You can theoretically move your solar PV system to a new location, but it might not be worth your while as the costs can be higher than having a new solar panel system installed.

• Can we install a Tesla Powerwall for battery storage and how does this work?

Yes, you can have on-site commercial battery storage installed at your commercial business. The battery will store any excess energy created by your solar panels that you do not use, so that you can use it at a later date. It can also draw off lower rate energy off the grid to store for emergencies.