Want to learn more about solar panels and how they can benefit your business if you have them installed? Continue reading to find out more.
Why Go With Solar Panels For Your Business
There are many benefits to going solar for your business. The biggest benefit your business will be able to experience is the lower energy consumption that you’ll have to pay to your electricity provider. Solar is an energy source that you can tap into to save on operation costs.
Plus, installing solar panels can offer you certain tax incentives called green energy incentives. Nonetheless, note that this applies depending on your business’ location. Make sure that you check out the availability of solar panels tax incentives with your local authorities.
Going green with solar panels shows that your business is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and doing its part in saving the environment. This can be a very helpful marketing tool that you can use to tap into a growing consumer base of environmentally conscious consumers.
Solar Panels Installation 101
There are many steps involved in having solar panels installed for your business. They include the following:
- Consult With A Solar Panels Expert
First and foremost, you must seek the services of a licensed solar panels installer. Further, ensure that they’re certified to work with business establishments like yours.
You can go through your local resources, such as community bulletin boards, city newsletters, and so on, to find different commercial solar panel companies near you. To add, you can scour the internet for solar experts’ sites that can provide solar installation services to your area.
Compile the names of possible solar panel companies you can work with in a list that you can easily go through later. Next, contact each one to figure out how they handle inquiries about installing a solar panel system for businesses like yours – partner with a solar panel expert who can address your concerns accurately and politely.
- Seek Financing
Solar panels for commercial purposes tend to be very expensive. No worries; there are financing options for entrepreneurs like you looking to install a solar panel system. For instance, there are multipurpose business loans that you can use to pay for affordable solar installation expenses.
Additionally, in some jurisdictions, government agencies provide certain grants for businesses seeking to adopt green energy sources like solar – make sure to take advantage of them if they’re available in your locality.
- Obtain Approval From Local Authorities
Building codes usually govern changes in commercial buildings. Building codes differ from one community to the next – there are cities that allow solar panels to be installed on top of commercial buildings, while others impose strict regulations before installation is allowed.
To save you time and money, make sure that you reach out to your local city’s building board and ask about what the city’s rules are regarding solar for businesses like yours. Then, if your local building authority has provided information about solar panel installation for commercial purposes, ask for a copy of the board’s application form so that you can fill it out and submit the necessary documents for approval.
Make sure that you coordinate with your selected solar company so that they can support you in the process. They can provide a project plan, environmental impact report, and so on – documents that can be crucial in your bid to approve your application.
- Pick The Appropriate Solar Panels Package For Your Business
Did you know that you can choose from different types of solar panels? You can pick from the following options: thin-film panels, monocrystalline panels, polycrystalline panels, and Passive Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) panels.
As their name suggests, thin-film panels are slimmer than other panels. They can come in different shapes and don’t need a frame support mechanism for structure. Meanwhile, monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are said to be among the most popular types of solar panels in the market. The former is only made from a single silicon crystal and is said to be a space-saver and lasts longer; on the other hand, the latter is made from various silicon crystals are more affordable. PERC panels are the latest technology in solar energy production.
Each type has different features, price points, maintenance requirements, and the like that your commercial solar panel company will discuss with you. Make sure that you compare each solar panel system type and select the one that’ll work best for your business and green energy goals.
- Make Preparations For The Solar Panels Installation
Before proceeding with the solar panels installation, set up a plan beforehand. This includes how your business operations will have to cope with the construction works, ensure personnel and customer safety, and many more. Coordinate closely with your selected commercial solar panels installer before, during, and after the project.
Now that you know the multiple steps involved in solar panel installation for your business, you’ll learn more about how to maintain your newly installed solar panels in the next section.
How To Maintain Your Solar Panels
Immediately after your solar installer has successfully wrapped up the solar panels’ installation, you need to keep an eye on the performance of your newly-installed solar energy system. It’s recommended that you and your team keep a journal containing information about the day-to-day performance of your solar system. If problems occur, ensure they’re reported to the solar company on time and are noted in the journal.
For long-term upkeep, it’s recommended that you keep your solar panels clear of any shade or debris that can hamper their performance. Ask your building’s roofer to clear your roof of any fallen branches, leaves, and others. Even so, you can sign up for a solar panel cleaning service that can thoroughly and properly clean your panels for you regularly.
In addition, make sure that you work with your commercial solar panel installer for regular maintenance. They have the proper know-how on how to provide upkeep to their solar panel products that you have for your business.
In Conclusion
In this post, you’re provided with points covering the benefits of solar panels for businesses, how they’re installed, and how to maintain them. Keep them in mind, or go revisit this read when you’re ready to adopt a solar energy system for your company’s energy needs. The world is changing and don’t let your business be left out.
