Commercial Solar Site Evaluations Are Essential to Project Success

 Commercial solar can amplify a business’s green credentials, attracting customers and strengthening brand reputation. On top of that, it can also reduce energy costs and offset operating expenses with savings on utility bills.

Businesses can choose to either purchase or lease solar systems, unlocking various tax incentives including net metering. Purchasing offers upfront cost benefits, while leasing may lower installation expenses and provide immediate energy savings.

Site Evaluation and Design

When it comes to commercial construction, thorough site evaluations are essential to project success. From the initial planning phases to building completion, a comprehensive site assessment can prevent unforeseen expenses and complications down the road.

Whether it’s a rooftop system for a business with ample roof space, or a ground-mounted solar farm to serve a large industrial operation, commercial solar systems are uniquely complex. From considering transformer upgrades to evaluating local line capacities, these projects require expert knowledge and intricate planning.

A successful commercial solar construction project is only possible with an effective site evaluation. The right assessment can help a business reduce its dependence on grid power and lower operating costs, while providing tax incentives for investment. Choosing the right solar energy solution can also boost property value. This is why choosing a knowledgeable and experienced builder for your next commercial construction project is key. Our team will guide you through every step of the process, including a comprehensive site evaluation.

Permitting and Regulations

The local regulations that govern solar energy projects impact the feasibility, design, and construction of a commercial solar power system. This can lead to an increase in the non-hardware costs (soft costs) of a solar installation, which contributes to higher solar prices in the United States.

Permitting and regulations may include zoning restrictions, setback requirements from residential areas or protected natural areas, an environmental impact study, and land lease agreements. Researching local regulations and hiring a professional will help reduce delays and ensure compliance with local laws.

Commercial solar can offer many benefits for building owners, commercial tenants, financiers, installers, and the environment. The most obvious benefit is lower operating costs through utility bill savings. Additionally, businesses can take advantage of accelerated depreciation and the ability to sell renewable energy credits, or RECs. These are traded and tracked credits that represent the environmental benefits of one megawatt-hour of electricity generated by a solar energy system.

Installation

Commercial solar systems take the form of electricity-generating photovoltaic panels and other components mounted on commercial properties, from small churches and synagogues to warehouses and offices. The systems can range in size from kilowatts to megawatts.

The installation process involves analyzing your energy consumption and site conditions to design a customized system. The system can be rooftop-mounted, ground-mounted or built into a solar carport.

A PPA is an agreement between the installation company and the property owner, where the installer retains ownership of the system and the property owner purchases the power the system generates at a fixed price for 20-25 years. This structure offers lower upfront costs and predictable energy pricing, offsets rising electricity rates and potentially qualifies for accelerated depreciation under MACRS. However, you must work with a certified tax professional to fully understand how this model works and its potential benefits.

Maintenance

Like any other equipment, commercial solar requires regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that it continues to deliver the best return on investment. By partnering with a trusted solar company and entering into an Operations & Maintenance (O&M) agreement, businesses can schedule routine inspections, avoid costly repairs and minimize energy production issues.

A complete maintenance plan goes far beyond surface cleaning to include a visual inspection, performance evaluations, torque checks on racking and electrical equipment, and a thorough check of the inverter system. These inspections help identify and resolve problems that may not be detected through monitoring systems, such as wiring faults, shading, or safety hazards.

Regular commercial solar maintenance is key to ensuring consistent energy savings and maximizing the financial return on the installation, especially in Florida where humidity, weather and temperature fluctuations strain systems. Skipping routine inspections leads to reduced energy output, increased operating costs, and voids warranties. Prioritizing routine inspections ensures that solar power remains an asset, not a liability, for businesses that rely on it to drive business success.

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