February 2022 Newsletter
Solar power is a low-hanging fruit for businesses that want to cut their operating costs and improve their bottom line. Switching to solar reduces your business’s carbon footprint and demonstrates to consumers and stakeholders that your organization is committed to sustainability and the transition to renewable energy. Installing solar panels to power your operations, will depict direct and visible positive change. Commercial solar is now estimated to account for close to a third of solar power generation in the United States, after growing in size over 15 times between 2009 and 2021.
What is commercial solar? Commercial solar is the term used to describe solar panel installations in the commercial and industrial sector. It is a broad category that covers all solar power use outside of the residential segment or the utility segment (aka solar farms). There’s a whole spectrum of organizations that can take advantage of solar power: commercial office buildings, farms, ranches, vineyards, factories, warehouses, hospitals, clinics, schools, daycare centers, shopping malls, retail outlets, parking garages and parking lots.
What type of solar panel do I use? There are three major types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Each type has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, the solar panel type best suited for your installation will depend on factors specific to your property, desired system characteristics and your goals for the solar project. Property owners with a lot of space for solar panels can save money upfront by installing lower efficiency, lower-cost polycrystalline panels. If you have limited space available and are looking to maximize your electric bill savings, you can do so by installing high-efficiency, monocrystalline solar panels. Thin-film solar panels tend to have lower efficiencies and power capacities than monocrystalline or polycrystalline varieties. Its’s most common to choose thin-film panels if you’re installing on a large, commercial roof that cannot handle the additional weight of traditional solar equipment. These types of roofs can also afford the lower efficiencies of thin-film panels because they have more area to place them on. Additionally, thin-film panels cans be a useful solution for portable solar systems, like on RVs or boats. All solar panels are made from a unique material to withstand heavy rain, hurricane, and hail storms. Commercial solar panels are virtually maintenance-free and noiseless. The solar cells are encased in tempered, protective glass, framed by non-corrosive aluminum. They are built to be exposed to the elements and can withstand rain, hail, wind, and snow – just about any weather-related threat you can think of.
Where can commercial solar systems be installed? Commercial solar systems are installed in a wide variety of different structures and settings: commercial building rooftops, awnings, ballasted on a flat roof or other flat surface, barns, sheds, gazebos, patio covers, pole mounts and water bodies such as ponds or artificial lakes.
Can my business afford solar panels? Solar isn’t just for big companies anymore. Businesses of all sizes can capitalize on the many benefits of adding solar power. Your solar project doesn’t need to be as big as those of the tech and retail giants in order to make a difference. Solar panel installation costs have fallen more than 70 percent over the last decade. This means the price of adding solar panels also has fallen. The federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), state tax credits, and cash rebates all work to reduce the solar system installation cost.
Solar energy is going to be the primary energy source for the future. That’s why educating ourselves about its benefits is very important. Solar panel installations have grown in popularity and efficiency while decreasing in price due to the green, clean energy revolution. Now is a perfect time to invest in a solar panel system.
Gray Connective is a commercial and industrial electrical contractor serving the greater Lehigh Valley and western New Jersey for over three decades. We offer companies the ability to work with confidence and peace of mind through our electrical solutions and competitive prices.
Are you a business owner or a decision maker who’s considering commercial solar power installation at your facility? Or do you need more information regarding solar power for your business? Contact Gray Connective, we are here to help you with all your solar needs.
