Make sun your partner: Introduction to commercial solar systems

1. The energy consumption of the whole building can end up being a huge burden on the budget of your enterprise. Solar panels help to alleviate it, if not cover the needs for electricity completely.

2. Solar panels eventually bring the spent money back to you. Payback time depends on the state and electricity prices there, as well as on the type of panels. On average, in USA, panels pay for themselves in 7-8 years. The average lifespan of solar panels is 25 years, so you can consider them a reliable and smart investment in the future of your enterprise.

3. By installing solar panels and running your business on green energy you reinforce a positive image of your enterprise. Using renewable energy, shows that you care about the planet and contribute to the fight against global warming.

There are different types of solar panels which can be used for commercial solar systems. All of them have different advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to you to decide which one to buy.

The key difference between commercial and residential solar panel systems is obviously their scale. The electricity needs of a business are much bigger, so commercial systems are larger than residential ones. Since space is less of a concern, 72-cell and 96-cell panels are a more popular choice for commercial solar systems instead of 60-cell panels for residentials. The advantage of larger panels is that you can build a system of the same energy production with less modules, therefore spending less money. For the same reason commercial solar panel systems on average are more efficient than residential ones.

It may seem that the installation of a commercial PV system is simpler as it usually takes place on a flat roof. However, when buying a solar power system for your business, be ready to wait. Usually you have to coordinate the project with the state or municipal agencies and utility company before installation, so the whole process can take from several months to up to a year.

Since 2010, the commercial solar panel cost has dropped by around 90%. Solar energy now is more accessible than ever. Here are some approximate numbers for solar panel installations:

- 5 kWh: ~ $14,000
- 10 kWh: ~ $28,000
- 25 kWh: ~ $70,000

The price of you installation depends on a variety of factors, such as

- type of panels
- brand
- system size
- state

Commercial solar systems are more expensive than residential, but only because they are bigger. The cost of commercial solar panels is, however, lower per watt because of the larger size of these panels. What's more, you can save money by increasing the scale of your installation with the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) program.

In short, to encourage people to switch to renewable energy, the state refunds some of the solar installation cost in taxes. The state proposes a tax credit worth of 30% cost of a commercial system. It drops down to 26% in 2033 and in 2034 it is going to be only 22%. The program ends in 2035.
By using the ITC program, you can save up more than a quarter of solar installation cost. Here is how much solar panels for business cost after deducting 30%:

- 5 kWh: ~ $10,400
- 10 kWh: ~ $20,800
- 25 kWh: ~ $52,000

To apply for this program, a solar installation should be located in the U.S. and used by a business subject, which pays taxes to the U.S. government. Thus, charity funds, for example, can't benefit from this program. Here is a full guide on claiming solar tax credit in the United States.

Just like residential solar panel systems, commercial ones can be off-grid, grid-tie or hybrid. Let's explain the difference between solar systems in a few words:

Grid-tie. You are connected to the utility grid and use solar panels at the same time. All the excess electricity can be sent back to the grid. The utility company, in return, will give you credits, which you can use later to offset your energy bill.

Off-grid. You aren't connected to the grid, rely on solar panels during the daytime and store the energy in batteries for night.

Hybrid. You are connected to the grid, but use solar batteries at the same time. At night you can rely either on the grid or your energy storage. Works well in areas where power outages are a regular occurrence.

The type of system that is going to work best for you depends on your location. If your business is in a remote place where there is no grid or you experience power-supply disruptions, off-grid or hybrid systems are a fair choice.

However, most businesses are located in towns or at least somewhere close to the power lines. This is why almost all commercial solar systems are grid-tie. The scale of systems and the amount of energy they produce rarely make it cost-effective to go for energy storages. Selling the excess energy back to the grid, on the other hand, can significantly reduce your electric bills.