In recent years, the term “sustainability” has gained popularity. What does this mean for you? At its foundation, sustainability is the ability to fulfill current demands without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own.
It’s a crucial discussion to have, especially if you want to lessen your carbon footprint.
Commercial solar is one option to make your company more environmentally-friendly. You’ve probably heard of solar energy, the technology that gathers solar energy and transforms it into electricity.
Solar panels, which may be erected on rooftops or neighboring land, are an excellent method to create renewable energy for your company.
What Is Commercial Solar?
Commercial solar refers to solar systems that are intended to generate electricity for companies and organizations. These installations can range from massive arrays of panels put on a building’s roof to smaller systems positioned on the ground or on top of a carport.
Commercial solar solutions offer several advantages to businesses and organizations, including the following:
- Lower energy expenses:
Commercial solar systems may cut a company’s energy bills by up to 50%.
- Increased property value:
Commercial solar systems may boost a building’s value by up to 20%.
- Tax breaks:
Companies that install a commercial solar system may be eligible for tax breaks and other benefits.
Benefits of Commercial Solar
When it comes to business solar, you have a lot to gain.
For starters, you’re helping to make the world a better place. Building a solar business system may also give you significant financial benefits.
According to recent research, businesses that go solar may save up to 70% on their energy bills. That’s because after your system is built, you’ll obtain most of your energy free from the sun.
Not only will you save money on your monthly energy costs, but you’ll also be making a wise investment that will pay off in the long run.
The Cost of Commercial Solar
Are commercial solar panel systems genuinely worth the money? Yes, the answer is yes! The initial cost of commercial solar panels may be considerable, but the long-term savings can be significant.
The price of a solar business system will vary based on its size and the type of panels employed. In general, you may anticipate paying between $2 and $4 per watt. A 10kW system, for example, may cost between $20,000 and $40,000.
Many incentives and rebates are available to assist in reducing the cost of commercial solar installations. Federal incentives such as Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) are included.
Considerations When Installing Solar Panels on a Commercial Building
When installing solar panels on a commercial building, there are a few things to consider.
The first consideration is the structure’s size and scale—it’s critical to have a structure that can handle the weight of solar panels and structures that are large enough to hold the number of panels you intend to install.
This is especially true for roof mounting solutions requiring additional structural support.
When putting solar panels on a business structure, you must also consider architectural aesthetics. Fortunately, there is a range of panel colors and styles to choose from, so you may choose something that complements your style.
Some designs also include frosted glass or integrated reflecting shades, which give character and seclusion in specific locations.
Finally, examine how much sunshine your commercial building receives each day so that you may choose the most efficient type of commercial solar panel available.
Designing an Energy-Efficient Building with Commercial Solar
Do you like to use commercial solar systems to develop an energy-efficient building? If this is the case, there are fundamental principles to remember.
- First, consider the building’s orientation and make sure it faces the appropriate way to maximize solar exposure.
- Second, utilize reflecting materials and clear glass to keep the interior cool and save money on air conditioning.
- Third, think about including passive design elements like sunshades, external blinds, and light wells.
- Finally, remember to use energy-efficient materials and appliances in your design.
Consider painting the outside walls with reflective paint or installing reflective insulation in the ceiling. Use energy-efficient windows that are built to let in natural light while blocking out solar heat.
Also consider using LED lighting, which delivers strong illumination while being 75% more efficient than traditional lighting and lasting up to 25 times longer!
Following these instructions will allow you to construct a structure that blends aesthetics with sustainable energy solutions, giving you the best of both worlds!
Architects’ Role in Placing and Designing Commercial Solar Panels
Have you ever thought about the role of architects in commercial solar systems? Architects are involved in the process at several levels and are critical in ensuring that the solar system works both technically and aesthetically.
Architects aid in the best placement of solar panels. When arranging them for optimal efficiency, they take into account orientation, shade, tilt angle, and life expectancy. These can significantly improve the performance and cost-effectiveness of solar installations.
Architects are also important when considering the architectural aspects of a solar business system. The objective is to guarantee that the solar panels placed appear beautiful and do not interfere with architectural aesthetics.
They must also consider shape, function, and cost when installing thin-film or crystalline silicon panels.
- Form Follows
Based on the notion “form follows function,” this concept entails creating a structure whose shape adjusts to the sun’s passage. This method is straightforward when a design is updated to give the best orientation for a large number of solar panels, generally with a stretched-out or swooping appearance on the south roof.
“A solar panel is a massive module that measures 3 1/2 feet by 5 1/2 feet, and this can significantly impact the size of your roof,” Gardzelewski explains.
Designing a roof to accommodate this module may make the actual solar installation easier, more efficient, and visually appealing.
- Solar Architecture for Shading
Solar panels can offer shade for the building or the neighboring outdoor space. This approach is a fantastic alternative for an existing roof that is difficult to repair.
“If you create an external building and can take out an enclosed porch—a space that isn’t attempting to fit onto the current roof—you can utilize it to shade a little space outside,” it explains.
“Solar panels can be added to this new section, and it won’t have to fit in with the rest of the roof since it’s a whole unique item.”
- Legibility
This refers to exposing and celebrating the building systems to examine how they function. The “guts” of the structure are seen in this industrial design. The solar panels’ inner workings, wiring, structure, and connections fit well with this paradigm’s overall industrial design.
- Solar Architecture at the Beach
The St Andrews Beach House is built with sustainability in mind. This lovely, sturdy home can be found on Australia’s Mornington Peninsula. According to its architects, its design optimizes passive solar principles. Solar panels with micro-inverters cover the roof, offering power to the residence.
Architects play a crucial role in commercial solar projects by ensuring that they are correctly positioned and developed. Thus, they include them early in the process!
Tips for Choosing the Right Commercial-Grade Solar Panels
There are a few factors to consider when selecting the best commercial-grade solar panels for your project.
- To begin, you must ensure that the solar panel on commercial buildings will generate enough electricity per square foot to power your structure.
- Second, examine the solar panel that you want: mono-crystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film. The variations between these types of panels will affect their lifespan and efficiency.
- Third, consider the materials used in production: do they have a durable and waterproof coating? Are they clear of dangerous compounds such as lead and cadmium?
- Finally, consider cost-effectiveness: will the energy generated be able to balance your building’s energy expenses over time?
You can guarantee that your business-grade solar panels are adequate for the task by considering these factors before investing.
Conclusion
When it comes to commercial solar, business owners have a lot of choices to make. How big should the system be? Which type of panels should be used? How will the installation process work?
These questions are important, but business owners should remember that their building design is also essential to their solar equation. A well-designed building can help optimize solar energy production, while a poorly designed building can decrease energy production.
Ultimately, it’s important to think about both the energy and the architecture when it comes to commercial solar. By working together, they can create a system that’s good for the environment and the bottom line.
Read also: What Makes Solar Energy Best Choice For Every Household?
