Drastic climate changes have commanded businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. Installing a solar panel is one of the primary steps. It will enable you to generate clean, renewable energy directly from the sun without emitting greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants.
This article will elaborate on the intricate process of installing solar panels for the commercial establishment.
A Step-By-Step Process Of Installing Commercial Solar Panels
Commercial solar panel installation is an incredible way for businesses to reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprint while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. If you want to switch to solar energy for your commercial building, the installation process below will deliver comprehensive knowledge to get optimal results out of your investment.
Step 1: Fundamental Assessment
The first step is to thoroughly assess your building’s solar potential. The factors include:
- Roof Condition: Consider the conditions of your building’s roof. The roof should be well structured, unshaded, and facing south for adequate sun exposure. Assess whether the roof requires any repairs or replacement based on the roof’s age.
- Current Energy Consumption: Review the old electricity bills to evaluate the energy consumption patterns and identify the solar panel size required. It will ensure the solar panel satisfies your needs without being oversized or undersized.
- Financial Incentives: Many government organisations offer various financial incentives including grants, rebates, and tax credits for adopting solar panels. It will significantly reduce your costs.
Step 2: Designing the Solar Layout
After performing the primary inspection, the next step is to design the layout for installing the system and electrical wiring.
- System Layout: Create a panel set up according to the roof orientation. Determine the optimal placement for boosting the exposure to sunlight. Also, check for spacing, tilt angle, and obstructions.
- Electrical Design: Outline the electrical design, which includes panel wiring and connections. Hire a skilled electrician to ensure electrical codes and safety guidelines to prevent hazards.
Step 3: Purchase Equipment and Obtain Permits
With the design being finalised, the next step is to procure the commercial solar panel and obtain approvals from the local authorities.
- Solar Panel Selection: Based on your requirements, look for a reputed manufacturer or supplier to purchase your solar panel. Assess the panel efficiency, warranty, and durability of the equipment before selecting. Further, review the authenticity of the panel to ensure they meet industry standards.
- Inverter Selection: Opt for an inverter that converts DC electricity into AC electricity. Select highly efficient and reliable inverters that enhance energy production while delivering safety.
- Mounting Hardware: Brackets, racking systems, and fasteners are a few mounting hardware you would need for installation. Look for weather resistance and durable mounting hardware and precisely follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install them adequately.
- Electrical Components: While purchasing electrical components such as junction boxes, conduits, disconnect switches, and wiring, opt for the ones that are safe for outdoor use and adhere to applicable codes and standards.
- Permits and Approvals: Get the required permits and approvals from the local authorities before initiating the installation. Submit your detailed drawings and valid documents to highlight regulatory compliance.
Step 4: Solar Panel Installation
After purchasing the equipment and receiving permits, it’s time to install it.
- Preparation: Clean the roof’s surface and remove all the debris and obstructions. Set up your solar panel array according to the prepared design, ensuring accurate position.
- Mounting Panels: Securely install the mounting hardware and attach it to the solar panel using clamps, bolts, and brackets. Ensure the panels are at the same level and adequately spaced to receive sufficient sunlight.
- Wiring: Connect the panels in series or parallel for optimal output and voltage. Attach wiring from the panels to the inverters, confirming proper routing, terminations, and size. Further, protect your wiring using electrical components like junction boxes or conduits.
- Inverter Installation: Choose a ventilated area with easy access to mount the inverter. Connect DC input wires to the inverter and AC output wires to the building’s electric panel.
- Testing: After completing the installation process, perform a comprehensive testing of the commercial solar panel system to ensure adequate working and performance. Once again, check the electrical wiring, voltage, and current output to eliminate malfunctions.
Step 5: Monitoring and Maintenance
Conduct regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the longevity and efficacy of the system. You can also perform routine inspections to check the inverter, mounting hardware, and electrical wiring to identify issues and reduce the chances of system failure.
Conclusion
From cost savings to environmental sustainability, the list of benefits of installing solar panels for commercial buildings is long. The steps mentioned above can help you navigate the process effectively and increase your return on investment. So, buy commercial solar panels today and generate reliable energy for many years.
