Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Business Solar Installation Cost
The total cost of a commercial installation depends largely on the size of the project, your energy usage, and if a battery energy storage system (BESS) is required. The business model offered to the client will also determine the kind of capital commitment that is involved - the burden of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for example, will rest heavily on the developer, while the client is responsible for a security deposit and monthly invoice payments.
Can a C&I Solar Installation Provide Enough Energy to Power my Facility?
A C&I solar installation can provide enough energy to power a facility, depending on the size of the facility, the available space for solar installation (rooftop or ground mount), and the facility’s energy requirements. It is important to note that solar energy is most efficient during daylight (sun) hours. However, with a well-designed and properly sized battery storage system, the excess solar energy generated during the peak sun hours can be stored and used during the periods of low sunlight (rainy or cloudy weather) or at night.
Ultimately, it is recommended to consult with solar experts to assess the energy needs and design the most efficient solar installation for your specific facility.
Is it Safe to Run My Diesel Generator With Grid-Tied C&I Solar.
It is completely safe to run diesel generators with Grid-tied solar PV systems. There are a good number of PV-Diesel Hybrid controllers that have been developed to ensure the minimum genset loading condition is prioritized. These controllers also manage the reactive and active power control of the interconnected systems to ensure that there is no reverse power flow to the diesel generator. All of these protection and control features make it safe and technically viable to run diesel generators with grid tied solar systems.
Are There Other Options If My Roof Is Not Suitable for Solar Installation?
While roof installations are most popular because they don’t require additional space and cost, solar energy systems may also be installed as ground-mounted systems or as carports.
Why Do I Still Need My Generator?
Stand-alone solar systems don't provide backup power on their own, and when the grid fails, all grid-tied inverters shut off, leading to energy curtailment from the power system. To maintain power supply from the PV-inverters to the load during an outage, a backup generator or battery storage that can mirror the frequency and other electrical properties of the grid is required to act as the grid-former for the PV inverters to continue operation.
How then does Solar help me save money, if I still have to run my generator?
Solar PV systems have great potential for long-term cost savings. They offer a better tariff per unit (kWh) of electricity consumed by the facility. Similarly, solar power systems have very minimal maintenance and operational cost which makes them a better long term alternative to the diesel generator options. SOlar Panels have a manufacturer recommended usage of 25yrs, after which the efficiency reduces, but this does not mean they don’t continue saving the user money. With a typical PPA contract of 15 years this means that the client enjoys free solar electricity for at least 10 more years, further reducing the overall cost of electricity.
Can I Install Commercial Solar Solution Even If I Don’t Own the Factory Site?
If your company site has a decent sized roof or plot of land, and your business has a long-term intention of staying on the premises, then solar is the perfect solution. It is important to note though, that solar installations are movable and your developer can move your solution to a new site, though you may be required to pay re-installation costs.
What are the benefits of C&I Solar?
Chief among the many benefits associated with solar installations in commercial and industrial (C&I) settings is energy cost savings. By generating their own electricity through solar, C&I facilities can reduce their consumption from the grid and diesel generators, lowering their overall utility bills. A very close second is the reduction of the facility’s carbon emission.