Taking the leap from conventional energy to renewable energy can be a wise decision for businesses that want to reduce operating budget expenses. Here, solar energy is the obvious solution, as solar panel systems can either be incorporated into new commercial construction or installed on the roofs of existing buildings.
The roof area of many older commercial buildings is not optimally utilized but instead lies unused. This is unfortunate, as solar panels for commercial use can save a company a lot of money, both in the short and long term. Admittedly, the cost of the system itself may seem like a large expense right now, but since the lifespan of a solar panel system is long and the payback period is relatively short, it won’t be many years before the investment will have paid for itself. Thereafter, all the energy that the system produces will be free.
In addition, energy prices have been steadily rising over the past several years due to fluctuating production costs, increased demand, dwindling reserves, and politically set tariffs – and there is no sign that this will change anytime soon. Commercial solar panels are therefore worth considering for companies, industries, and institutions that want to equip themselves for the future.
Green Transition With Commercial Solar Panels
The roof area is an enormous resource, which at many companies and institutions remains untapped – and that’s a shame, as there are large amounts of renewable energy to be harvested from solar panels. Solar energy is an ideal energy solution for most types of commercial, thereby contributing to the green transition.
Solar Panel Systems Have Csr Value
Worldwide, the green agenda has also long been in place, although we often talk more about overarching energy goals at a national level and less about what the individual company can actually do to push the development in the right direction.
For the same reason, it pays to invest in solar panel systems for a business, as they not only contribute to the green transition but can also boost the company’s CSR value.
CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility and is a popular concept covering companies’ responsibilities towards society, the community, and the environment. Good initiatives, such as investing in renewable energy, can create positive publicity, which can attract new customers and partners.
Worth Knowing About Solar Panels for Commercial Use
Every year, solar energy gains more and more ground in both the Danish and global energy markets – and with good reason. Modern solar panel systems have both long lifespans, short payback periods, and provide unlimited access to the sun’s enormous energy reserves.
Since 2002, the average amount of solar energy produced globally has increased by about 48 percent per year. This makes solar panels one of the fastest-growing energy technologies today – despite frequent predictions from established experts to the contrary. This strongly suggests that solar energy is not only here to stay but will also continue to pave the way for a greener world, where renewable energy forms can eventually replace conventional electricity and fossil fuels.
Manufacturing and Construction of Solar Panels
A solar panel is made of the semiconductor silicon, an element that occurs in the Earth’s crust and has many industrial applications. For comparison, a computer chip is also made of silicon. The electrical current can only go one way. This means that when energy is applied to the electrons of the material, they can only move in one direction (unlike, for example, metal, where the current goes both ways).
There is a large and demanding processing process behind when silicon is to be converted into solar panels, and this is the primary reason for the price of solar panels. A solar panel system is mostly characterized by its modular construction.
The solar panel modules consist of a number of solar panels that are assembled so that the module achieves the desired voltage and current strength. A typical module covers from about 1.87 m2 to approx. 2.60 m2 and is most often black or black and white.
Why Consider Solar Panels for Commercial Use?
There is every reason for both companies and private individuals to seriously consider investing in solar energy as the next natural step toward a more sustainable future. But what is a solar panel system? How does it work? What does it cost? And what should one know before buying?
How Does a Solar Energy System Work?
Fundamentally, a solar energy system can extract energy from the sun’s life-giving light. It is not the rays, but the light itself that activates the solar panels. Therefore, a solar panel system can still produce electricity when it’s cloudy – though to a lesser extent than when the sun is high in the sky.
Solar panel systems work by converting radiation energy into electricity through what is known as the photovoltaic effect. A solar panel primarily consists of the element silicon, which converts solar energy into direct current when light hits the panel’s surface.
The current can only move in one direction, as the solar panels function as a semiconductor. However, a solar panel system is also connected to an electric cable, which is linked to an inverter. The inverter converts the direct current from the solar panels into alternating current, which can then be used directly in the respective property or private home.
A well-functioning, modern solar panel system can convert about 20% of light energy into electricity. Solar energy is primarily generated during the day, but that does not mean the power disappears at night. A solar panel system is also connected to the public power grid, to which all excess electricity is sent – and from there, it can always be retrieved.
How Are Solar Panels Installed?
Several things must be considered before installing solar panels on a building. First and foremost, it must be ensured that the roof or facade can support the new solar panel system that is to be mounted. The placement of the solar panels should not be random. It’s important to place the solar panels where the sun has the most access and is not shaded by trees or other buildings nearby.
Aesthetically, it can be a challenge to establish solar panels so that they do not look like foreign objects and impair the building’s aesthetic expression.
Consideration must be given to the local plan in the area around the building where solar panels are installed. Is the building possibly protected, or are there other rules for how the building may/can look?
Theoretically, solar panels yield the most with a southward direction where an inclination of about 30-45 degrees is optimal. But in practice, the panels should follow the roof’s inclination to avoid extra wind and snow loads.
The panels can advantageously be placed edge to edge, so they do not cast a shadow on each other. Thus, the production per ft² of roof area is optimized, and the installation costs of the solar panel system are minimized.
How Long Is the Lifespan of a Solar Panel System for Commercial Use?
The lifespan of solar panel systems depends on the supplier, efficiency, and quality. However, as a rule of thumb, you can expect 25-30 years once it has been installed.
However, it is likely that the inverter will need to be replaced “already” after 10-20 years, as it unfortunately does not last as long as the solar panels themselves.
In addition, the savings on the electricity bill will be noticeable immediately if the solar panels are mounted correctly and produce the optimal amount of energy.
Therefore, the payback period is relatively short – often, the system will have paid for itself in under 5 years.
What Does a Solar Panel System For Commercial Use Cost?
The price of a system varies depending on size and supplier. However, it is sensible not to specifically go for the absolute cheapest solution on the market, as the price and quality of solar panels are inextricably linked.
The lifespan of a cheap solar panel system will often be shorter, and the system could end up being more expensive in the long run if it needs to be replaced too quickly. Typically, a more expensive system will also require less maintenance.
However, the price of solar panels is primarily determined by how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) it should be able to deliver – that is, the size of the system. The more kWh, the higher the price. The price of solar panels should be considered as the price per kWh produced. The price per produced kWh will be cheaper, the larger a system is established.
A small solar panel system can easily cost over $2 per watt, while a large system can come close to half per produced kWh (installation cost / annual expected production kWh = kWh price).
Types Of Solar Panels For Commercial Use?
Simply put, a solar panel is a type of diode created to convert light into electricity via what is known as the photovoltaic effect. The solar panels receive power through the material’s electrons as soon as the sun’s rays hit the solar panels. When several solar panels are put together in plastic, glass, and an aluminum frame, it is called a solar panel.
Solar panels have a long lifespan and require virtually no maintenance.
Solar panels deliver renewable energy and are therefore a significant investment for our future. In addition, they are easy to install and integrate into buildings, and although it is an expensive investment upfront, it is the best and cheapest solution in the long run.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most widespread type of solar panel, often appearing black. They are characterized by having a high theoretical efficiency and the best performance per square meter compared to other types.
A monocrystalline solar panel consists of a single silicon crystal, resulting in a uniform surface and appearance.
Standard solar panels measure approximately 65 inches in length and 39 inches in width but are available in several different sizes. The weight is around 40 pounds per panel and the standard output ranges from 380wp to 540wp.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
These are characterized by their blue reflection. They are often cheaper than monocrystalline panels but can have surprisingly good production. Polycrystalline solar panels are made up of multiple silicon crystals.
Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels are mounted on a plate, typically white or black. The white one is technically more efficient, while the black one is visually more appealing. The black background reduces the solar panel’s performance and is typically a bit more expensive.
The frames for both types can be delivered with either aluminum or black frame color. Again, the black frame is often a bit more expensive.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film is indicated as the future type of solar panels, as it is produced as a film that can be flexible. However, some thin-film solar panels resemble monocrystalline solar panels, as they are mounted on a black aluminum frame.
Typical thin-film solar panels have technically lower efficiency but have other positive properties, making them extremely suitable for facade mounting. Thin film is often preferred where an absolutely black surface is desired.
Thin-film solar panels are physically smaller. Therefore, more thin-film panels than mono- and polycrystalline panels need to be mounted to achieve the same effect. More solar panels mean a larger area and more working hours, resulting in an increased price per kWp.
Advantages of Establishing Solar Panels for Commercial Use
There is no doubt that solar panels and solar energy are here to stay. The benefits are very obvious, and here you can get an overview of why you should invest in solar panels:
- Solar energy is renewable energy that helps to reduce overall CO2 emissions.
- If you choose a solution and a system that suits your consumption, solar panels can be a very good investment, even though it may be a larger investment right now. However, our solutions often have a payback period of less than 5 years.
- Solar panels have a lifespan of more than 25 years, and they require minimal maintenance.
- Most buildings with solar panels can be easier to sell.
- The energy from solar panels can be used for both electricity and heating.
- Excess electricity can be resold. As you can see, there are many good reasons and benefits to investing in solar panels.
Disadvantages of Commercial Solar Panel Systems
As a starting point, there are not many pitfalls associated with investing in a solar panel system.
However, there are a few things that are sensible to consider before incorporating solar energy into building plans, or planning to add a solar panel system to an existing business.
- Not all buildings can necessarily have their needs for heat and electricity 100% covered by solar panels. Some states are challenged by the fact that there simply isn’t enough sunlight in winter for a solar panel system to produce enough electricity to cover its own consumption all year round.
- The solar panels, for example, are sensitive to their placement, and if there is a lot of shade on the property, it can be a problem.
- The one-time costs for installing a solar panel system are relatively high.
- Long and dark winters can affect the solar panel system and the energy it produces. However, there are solutions to this.
- The construction of the building can influence whether or not solar panels can be installed. For example, it’s harder to install a solar panel system on older buildings. I recommend this be thoroughly investigated beforehand.
I’m Thomas, the owner of SustainableWave. Passionately promoting a sustainable planet. With experience in various eco-roles, I’ll share green tips, sustainability hacks, and personal eco-journeys on my blog.