Everything you need to know about commercial solar systems

Are you looking to lower your business overheads minimise your carbon footprint and become a green industry leader? Then a commercial solar system is for you. Commercial solar minimises your reliance on grid electricity lowering your power bills and lowering your dependence on predominantly coal-powered grid electricity. This article will cover what a commercial solar system is, why should you get one and what rebates are available for Australian businesses.

What are commercial solar systems?

Commercial solar systems typically refer to solar systems with an output greater than 10kW. Commercial solar systems are made up of the following three main parts:

• Panels: commercial solar systems can either use residential (60-cell) panels or larger commercial (72-cell) solar panels. The size of a solar system depends on the size and total number of solar panels for example a 10kW solar system would be made up of 20 x 500W solar panels or 29 x 350W panels.
• Isolators: Isolators are crucial to your solar system as they are the first line of defence against solar panel fires if something goes wrong they will cut it odd from, the rest of your system.
• Inverter: Solar panels output a direct current (DC) however your business needs an alternating current (AC) to operate. A solar inverter will convert the DC from the panels into an AC that can be used by your business.
• Batteries: Batteries aren't a core part of your solar system and the system can operate fine without them however if you want to get the most out of your solar system solar batteries are an unquestionable decision. A solar system on a sunny clear day can supply more energy than your system can utilise leading to wastage of unused power. Solar batteries will collect power that isn't used so it can be used later when the sun isn't as strong or when demand increases.

If you are unsure what sort of solar system your business needs or whether you need an industrial solar system we have an article that covers the differences and which is best for you. But why should you get a solar system in the first place?

Why get a commercial solar system?

Sustainability and carbon-neutral businesses are becoming more and more important with a myriad of stakeholders from consumers, to governments and investors and having a proactive stance on your business's path to net zero emissions is a leg up on the competition. On top of this skyrocketing energy prices are eroding your business's margins pushing prices up in an already price-sensitive market. A solar system can eliminate your business's electricity costs and will give you control over where your power comes from so you can guarantee your business uses green energy. A solar system can be costly upfront but the savings over the long term will make it an incredibly worthwhile investment. Both state and national governments offer solar system rebates to lower these upfront costs.

What rebates can you get for a commercial solar power system?

State and National governments offer a myriad of small business solar systems incentives to hello your business get a solar system installed. A list of these rebates can be found on energy.gov.au. The rebates available to your business depend on the size of the system, the size of your business, and what state or territory of Australia your business is based in. Contact your local solar installers and they can help you choose what solar system is best for you and what solar rebates are available for you. Innovate Energy is your one-stop solar system installer in the Wollongong, Nowra, Kiama, Jervis Bay, Shellharbour and Canberra areas.