The Australian climate, with its many sunny days, is ideal for solar installations. As the panels generate their energy during daytime hours when most businesses consume their power, more and more forward-thinking businesses and organisations have started to recognise that a commercial solar installation is an investment that recoups its costs. By now, reputable suppliers have a proven track record of hundreds of commercial solar energy projects across the country ranging from 20kW to 300kW. If you are worried about rising energy costs and think your business should be the next one to switch to solar power, this is the ultimate guide to commercial solar installation that will help you understand the costs and savings involved.

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Best Time for Solar

With the increase in power prices for small businesses since July 2023, there has never been a more opportune moment to consider solar for your business. The driving force behind these price hikes was identified as the escalating costs of coal and gas supply, coupled with the closure of the Liddel power station. Further issues were reliability concerns surrounding ageing coal-fired power stations, alongside a surge in customer demand during peak hours. With the challenges facing electricity generation and transmission set to continue, the outlook is for further price increases to come.

Is Your Business a Good Fit for Solar

To avoid high energy bills in the future, and become more independent from the main grid, let’s check if your business is suitable for a commercial solar installation at all.

Any business with a non-shaded roof space in sound condition is suitable for solar panels. Industries that have already saved thousands of dollars on their power bills include:

Agricultural businesses
Car dealers
Childcare centres
Churches
Commercial office space providers
Engineering and automotive workshops
Motels and hotels
Joineries
Frozen food and grocery businesses
Manufacturing and warehouse facilities
Schools and colleges
Retail businesses and service stations

Steps to Start Saving with Solar

When you contact a solar company for a commercial installation quote, their first step is to send technicians to your business site. The experts will analyse your current power usage to estimate potential yearly savings and the payback period. Based on these figures, they will design a solar energy system tailored to your business’s power needs and budget and provide your finance team with the necessary information to consider financing options or purchasing the system outright.

Understanding Costs

While the initial installation costs may seem high at first glance, rest assured that if your business or organisation can afford its power bills, it can afford a commercial solar installation. The savings from your reduced power bill will cover the system costs over time. In most cases, if the solar system is financed, the savings will cover the repayments and make the cash flow positive. Hence, a solar energy system is a savvy business investment all the way.

Hence, considering a commercial solar energy system for your business is wise for several reasons:

To protect the business from rising power costs
Solar energy pays for itself – the savings will cover the system costs
If financed, in most cases, the savings cover the payments and are cash-flow-positive
If financed, the payments may be tax deductible (always seek professional financial advice)
It benefits the environment and bolsters your organisation’s green credentials

Secure Your Energy Future

Contact a reputable company known for delivering reliable solar systems. They can analyse your current power usage, demonstrate the financial benefits, and design a commercial solar installation tailored to your business. Act now to secure your energy future and protect your business from rising power costs.