Back then, we only thought that solar panels could only power a residential property. But according to a study published by Yale, 3.5% of commercial buildings in the United States now have solar panels on their roof.
This means that we can expect more and more solar-powered commercial properties within the next decade. So, why not take the plunge and incorporate solar energy into your commercial property?
Benefits of Solar Energy for Commercial Buildings
There are many reasons why businesses, no matter how big or small, should consider installing solar panels.
Solar energy for residential and commercial properties is similar as they are using renewable resources. For commercial buildings in particular, even if they are big or small, solar panels can also help increase the overall property value.
Another benefit of using solar energy to power your building is that it has an excellent return on investment. Over the entire lifespan of the solar panels, you will find that they can eventually reduce your overhead cost.
Sure, buying and installing solar panels are expensive. But you can recoup it by saving from your electric bill. You are not subjected to fluctuations in energy costs, either. That’s because you can rely on your solar panels to help provide energy consistently.
Lastly, incorporating solar power is an excellent way to align your business with your values.
Solar Installation
Now that you know the benefits that solar energy can give your business, your next step is to install solar panels.
There are four things that you have to think of when incorporating solar power into your commercial property. And these are:
- Doing your due diligence
- Your roof system’s design and construction
- Commission process of the system
- Overall operation and maintenance.
When you plan and figure out these four things, the solar panel installation process will go a lot smoother. Thus, it is best to prepare beforehand before you commit to getting solar panels.
1. Due Diligence
When we’re talking about due diligence, we mean that you should prepare an evaluation of where you want the solar panels to be. Aside from that, you want to make sure that you have all the paperwork that dictates the legality of you building your solar panels in the said area.
Don’t forget to confirm where your solar power will connect to the power grid as well. Taking these few steps will help you figure out what solar panel system is best for your commercial building.
These are questions that your chosen solar panel installer will ask you in the first place. So, you should start looking into those things before contacting your preferred solar panel installer.
2. Roof System Design and Construction
Once you have the foundational information you need, you can start developing a design for your solar power system. You are likely going to install your solar panels on the rooftop of your commercial building. Thus, you have to assess your current rooftop’s state to ensure that it will last longer to carry your solar panels.
Whoever handles the design of your solar power system should consider the protection of the roof. That way, the insulation does not get damaged from the added weight of your solar panel systems.
Aside from that, it is also vital that the warranty for the roof system exceeds the photovoltaic (PV) array’s life expectancy.
Once you have settled on the roof system design, it is time to start construction. The amount of time it takes to construct the system will depend on the complexity and size of your commercial property. It can take a month or more, depending on those factors.
3. System Commission
Once everything that needs to be constructed is done, things still are not over for you.
Your next step should be to commission your current solar installation. Your solar provider would most likely be the one doing the system commission. It is best not to skip this step to ensure that all system areas should be.
The system commission will go through all the plans and designs agreed upon. This is to see whether everything in the plan is applied to the current installation. Aside from that, this is also the part where you can get permission to connect your system to the local power grid.
4. Operation and Maintenance (O&M)
Before packing things up, you should plan out operation and maintenance or O&M even before the construction phase.
You can have a dedicated staff member who will oversee the O&M of the solar panel system. However, it might be more convenient to have a site manager from a third-party company handle it.
They can perform all the needed O&M services, and they will prevent any potential issues from cropping up when they’re at their worst. They can also communicate with all the parties required, from the local government officials to the local electric utility officials. They will also share with you to ensure that there are no disruptions to your power at all times.
Solar Panel Systems with Spray Foam Roofing
A spray foam roofing system is an excellent way to insulate and protect your roof before installing the solar panels.
You spray the liquid on your roofing, and it will expand into foam. This can serve as your protective layer before installing your solar panel systems. They are also excellent at protecting and providing waterproofing to installation points of your solar panel systems.
Aside from that, spray foam roofing is an added layer of insulation. That means you will spend less money on heating and cooling because you have more insulation, thanks to the spray foam roofing you applied.
They are a different way to be more sustainable with your commercial buildings overall.
Final Thoughts
Solar energy is a sustainable way to power your commercial buildings. They are also one of the best long-term investments you can make for your facilities.
They might be pricey at first, but the effort, time, and money will be worth it in the long run. So, consider incorporating solar power in your commercial property if you can.
