Do Solar Panels Work On Commercial Buildings? Easy Answer

Many commercial businesses these days are turning to solar panels to save on power bills, but do solar panels work on commercial buildings? Solar panels have recently gained popularity thanks to those who volunteer to test them.

These volunteers have had very different experiences from one another. Going solar on your commercial building makes sense in quite a few cases. Especially for big-name companies, going solar is becoming more and more common.

It’s still a bit too much for small businesses, but the barrier to entry is now a bit solvable.

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Do Solar Panels Work on Commercial Buildings?

Yes, solar panels can work on commercial buildings. the power you have in a single commercial building cannot be the same as that of a residential building. However, it’s still possible to generate enough power for your business’s needs.

The power generated depends on the size of your commercial building and its location. For example, a large warehouse with lots of sunlight will create more electricity. This is true if you compare it to smaller buildings with less sun exposure.

Likewise, a warehouse in California would produce more power than one in New York due to differences in weather conditions and how much sunlight they receive.

Benefits of Solar Panels on Commercial Buildings

Solar cells come with several benefits and that is why commercial buildings are beginning to embrace them.

Solar Panels on Commercial Buildings Saves on Energy Costs

An advantage of solar panels is that they can be used to save money on utility bills. Solar cells on a commercial building generate power fed directly into the building’s electrical grid.

This can reduce or eliminate your monthly electric bill by generating more energy than you need and selling any excess back to your local utility company (known as net metering).

Renewable Energy

Solar panels are your best bet if you want to try out renewable energy. Unlike fossil fuels, they don’t produce greenhouse gases or any waste. Solar cells can help generate electricity and heat water as well.

This will ensure that you save on energy twice, unlike when you are using electricity or other forms of energy.

Different Sizes of Commercial Solar Panels

When choosing solar panels for a commercial building, the size of those panels depends on several factors. The first is how much energy you want to generate and whether or not that amount will be enough to serve all of your needs (the U.S. Department of Energy recommends an average of 20% excess).

If your building is large enough, you can install multiple smaller systems instead of one larger one. Therefore, when using solar energy for commercial buildings, you will only go for the one that fits your energy requirements, saving on cost and hassle.

Clean Energy From Solar Panels in Commercial Buildings

The biggest reason to go solar is that you can help reduce the harmful emissions contributing to climate change. Solar cells don’t use fossil fuels or produce waste, so they’re clean and renewable.

In fact, (WHO) World Health Organization confirms that coal-fired power plants are one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane.

Solar panels also don’t release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into our air. They don’t contribute to smog formation or other health problems such as asthma attacks and chronic bronchitis associated with VOCs.

Reliability of Solar Panels on Commercial Buildings

You can trust solar panels to be reliable and durable. Solar panels will last for decades without needing maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about them breaking down or needing repairs.

Solar is an excellent option if you’re looking for a renewable energy source that will last as long as your building.

Low Maintenance

One of the most significant selling points for cells is that they require very little maintenance. Although you will likely have to inspect them at least once a year, this task only takes an hour or two and can be done by a contractor or solar panel technician.

Many people think installing solar panels is more expensive than it is because they don’t consider how much money they’ll save by not having to maintain their conventional heating system.

In addition to being low maintenance, solar cells are also self-cleaning. They’re constantly washed by rain. This keeps your roof free from dirt and debris, which prevents any damage from occurring over time.

Solar panels also last for decades before needing replacement, so there’s no need for upkeep beyond checking on them every few years.

Local Incentives

If you live in a state with incentives for solar installations, you might be eligible for a rebate or tax credit. The size of your system and the number of kilowatt hours generated can also help determine how significant your incentive will be.

The federal government offers tax credits for commercial building owners who install solar panels; these credits are available if you want to go green. In addition to these national incentives, many states offer additional rebates or tax credits on top of that amount.

This reduces out-of-pocket expenses even further, a benefit that may make installing solar panels more affordable overall.

Tips for Choosing Solar Panels for Commercial Buildings

1. Choose Solar Panels With Easy Maintenance

When choosing a solar panel, it’s essential to consider the maintenance that will need to be done. Solar panels should be easy to maintain and clean, so you don’t end up spending more time maintaining the panels than generating electricity.

They should also be durable enough not to break down easily from wind or rain damage or hail stones. If you’re going with fixed-tilt panels, they’ll need less maintenance, but they may not produce as much energy as other systems.

2. Choose Solar Panels With High Efficiency and Output

Efficiency is measured in terms of the percentage of sunlight converted to electricity. The higher the efficiency, the more energy you will get from your solar panels. Output is also measured in kilowatts (kW), which estimate how much a given amount of input energy can generate power.

The output and efficiency values vary by manufacturer; however, if you stick with reputable companies, you’re sure to get quality products that will generate enough electricity for your building without breaking down or losing their efficiency over time.

3. Solar Panels With High System Voltage are Better

High-voltage systems are more efficient and durable than low-voltage ones. This is because the higher voltage allows for fewer losses in the system, so you’ll get more energy out of your panels.

High-voltage systems are also better at generating power in low light conditions, which means less energy loss from shading or clouds. They’re also more efficient at producing electricity even when it gets cold out, a big plus if you live in a cold climate!

It’s important to remember that not all solar panels are designed with high voltages, so make sure you’re buying what you need before investing in your new system.

4. Choose PID Resistant Solar Panels

PID is a common problem with solar panels and can cause permanent damage to the panel. A short circuit causes PID in the panel, which causes an electrical surge on the surface of your panel.

This surge causes heat to build up, damaging your panel and potentially causing it to stop working altogether. PID-resistant solar panels are less likely to be affected by PID since they have special circuitry that prevents this surge from occurring in the first place.

5. Choose One With the Best Warranty

A solar panel warranty is an essential factor to consider when choosing a solar panel. You want to look for one with at least a 25-year warranty, preferably longer. The warranty should cover the panel, inverter, and labor for installation costs.

6. A Panel That can Withstand Harsh Weather Conditions is Better

You’ll want to ensure that your solar panels can withstand harsh weather conditions. That means high temperatures, high winds, and hail. Even if you don’t live in an area known for its extreme weather, it’s still a good idea to check whether or not your panels can handle all of these conditions.

If the solar panel cannot withstand these harsh conditions, then it will stop working when they happen, and you won’t be able to take advantage of any power from them until they’re fixed again.

7. Choose Solar Panels With Stringent Quality Control

While it seems like a long-term investment, choosing solar panels with stringent quality control can help you get the most out of your solar energy system.

High-quality materials and components make solar panels last longer, so having them undergo extensive tests is crucial to their durability and performance.

Quality control ensures that the solar panels can withstand harsh weather conditions and produce high output and efficiency.

Conclusion

The most important takeaway is that commercial solar panel installations continue to increase. There will likely be more and more businesses implementing them, as evidenced by the growing amount of money being thrown at these projects.

While a solar installation may not be feasible for everyone, it could save you a lot of money in the long run, especially if your business runs on high electricity usage levels.

Do Solar Panels Work On Commercial Buildings? Easy Answer

Do Solar Panels Work on Commercial Buildings?

Benefits of Solar Panels on Commercial Buildings