Turnkey Commercial Solar Services
Commercial solar panel systems are individually designed, custom-made, grid-tied solar power systems for commercial buildings. Will Power Solar designs, installs, maintains, and monitors commercial solar power systems, and we work with customers to calculate your return on investment, apply for relevant rebates, secure solar system financing, and manage your installation project from start to finish including permits and inspections.
CALCULATE YOUR SOLAR POTENTIAL
There are federal, state, and local incentives that can make a big difference in your solar panel cost. Because we serve the entire state of Texas, we are familiar with the tax credits, local rebates, and net metering policies in just about every electric utility, cooperative, and retail providers operating in the state.
TYPES OF COMMERCIAL SOLAR PANELS & SYSTEMS
TYPES OF COMMERCIAL SOLAR PANEL TECHNOLOGY
Most commercial grade solar panels have at least 96 solar photovoltaic cells per panel, as compared to 60 or 72 cells for residential solar panels. Commercial and industrial solar applications tend to favor a white backsheet and silver frame, both of which slightly increase efficiency (by about 1% to 2%).
Commercial solar power systems typically use three-phase inverters, which provide more power than single-phase inverters. A three-phase inverter offers more voltage in a smaller size, and it is also less expensive.
TYPES OF SYSTEM LAYOUTS
Commercial solar panels are usually installed on the facility's rooftop, with different applications for flat and pitched roofs. The systems can also be installed on multi-vehicle solar carports or elsewhere on the grounds of the property. Our approach is to find the most cost effective way to attach solar to your specific application.
- Ballasted commercial solar systems do not require penetration of the roof and are appropriate for flat roofs including TPO. There are two types of ballasted systems: east-west and south-facing. East-west systems resemble a wave that stretches across the roof, where the panels are connected end-to-end. These types of systems provide less output per panel but allow you to put more panels on a roof, resulting in higher overall annual solar power production. South facing systems provide more power per panel at a specific time of day, which can provide a better near term ROI. However, spacing is required between each row of panels for shade mitigation, which up to 25% of the roof cannot be covered with panels. On some flat roofs, the solar PV system can be attached using a torchdown method, but that tends to be more costly than ballasts.
- Attached commercial solar panel systems are used for pitched roofs. Panels are attached with flashing to prevent water leaks on comp shingle roof types or with clamps on standing seam metal and R Panel roof types. Roof penetration is required for comp shingle and R Panel roof types, but not for standing seam metal.
- Solar carports may be installed over surface parking or on top of parking structures (i.e. the top floor of a parking garage). Solar carports provide shade for vehicles along with solar power. In most cases the panels are still wired to the main facility's meter.
- Ground mount commercial panel systems may be installed when sufficient roof space isn't available. These systems are typically less expensive than carports because fewer materials are required for the array infrastructure, but depending on their location on the property additional trenching may be required.
HOW DOES COMMERCIAL SOLAR WORK?
The principles behind commercial solar power systems are similar to residential systems but on a larger scale and typically with better financial returns. Solar panels are typically installed on the rooftop, either ballasted or mounted depending on the roof type, on the ground, or on a shade structure in a parking lot or parking garage.
Once installed, your grid-tied solar power system will generate power that is converted to alternating current at the inverter and then fed into your service panel, where it will power your facility. The grid will still provide the additional power required to meet your load, and any power produced by your solar system that exceeds your usage will be returned to the grid. Utilities offer net metering to credit your account for the excess power you generate.
WHY SHOULD BUSINESSES GO SOLAR?
Commercial solar panels are a smart investment to lower your tax liability, reduce your operating expenses, and further your sustainability goals and marketing efforts. For many businesses, solar is primarily a financial decision. The cost of solar installation is partially offset by federal and local incentives including tax credits, depreciation, grants such as the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) managed by the USDA, and rebates. An investment in commercial solar power provides a strong internal rate of return (IRR) and a more favorable payback period than most residential systems.
Growing numbers of businesses in the United States are seeing the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy, leading to a record 3.5 gigawatts
of projects under contract as of August 2018. Companies such as Walmart, Kohl’s, and Amazon are leading the way, with growth across many corporate sectors.
Partner with the number one solar contractor in Texas for a hassle-free commercial solar power system installation. We offer attractive financing options, including new in-house financing, that combine with tax credits, depreciation, and local rebates to maximize your return on investment and shorten your payback period.
WHAT TYPES OF COMPANIES SHOULD GO SOLAR?
You must own the building or property and have a large unobstructed area on the roof or grounds. For rooftop solar, your roof should be in good condition. The financial payback for solar is especially compelling if you have higher electrical loads during the day and/or the summer and a passthrough ownership structure with significant tax liability.
Solar may not make as much financial sense for companies with shaded facilities, a roof or electrical service that requires repair or upgrade, or who do not have the capital to invest in a system upfront. Financing options are available but typically require a down payment of at least 30 percent.
THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR FOR BUSINESS INCLUDE:
Reduced operating costs thanks to thousands of dollars of savings on monthly electricity bills.
Protect against changing utility rates. As demand for energy rises and non-renewable resource pools shrink, the cost of energy goes up.
High internal rate of return on a long-term warrantied asset.
Lower tax liability with the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) and accelerated depreciation.
Marketing and PR opportunities related to sustainability efforts and a lower carbon footprint.
Property buyers are willing to pay more for a property that is energy self-sufficient with lower operating costs.
Proudly providing renewable energy across the Lone Star State.
Will Power Solar installs solar panels from our offices in:
San Antonio
|
Austin
| Houston