With energy bills skyrocketing year after year, many forward-thinking companies across Australia are starting to see the tremendous benefits of installing commercial solar systems. The nation’s sunny climate provides the perfect conditions to realise solar power, as the panels generate the bulk of their energy during daylight hours, conveniently aligning with the peak operational times and power demands of most businesses.
Representing a wise long-term investment that will pay for itself many times over, agricultural companies, as well as schools, manufacturers and retailers, and industries across a vast array of sectors and territories are now reaping the lucrative benefits of commercial solar systems.
While financial incentives are usually the ones that initially convince any business owner to look into solar power, most want to understand the typical timeframes involved before committing to a solar panel installation. From the initial consultation to the final switch-on, most projects take 1-3 months on average.
The physical installation phase is relatively swift when handled by a reputable solar company and skilled engineers. For standard systems, these companies can install panels, inverters, mounting hardware and electrical integration in just 4-6 hours. Larger ground-mounted commercial solar plants may require 2-3 days in total.
However, several other key steps are required before and after the installation to enjoy the many advantages of commercial solar systems:
Site Assessment (1 day)
This crucial first step involves a comprehensive survey of the commercial premises. The solar company takes detailed measurements and analyses the building’s roof to ensure its structural integrity. The team will advise if any repair or reinforcement is needed to support the solar panel array.
System Design and Planning (Around 1 week)
Taking the site assessment data, the designers of the solar company produce a finalised system plan, sizing the solar panel array and specifying all equipment. Tailoring the solar solution specifically to the client’s premises and roof helps maximise energy generation while complying with local regulations. The proposed design is then signed off with the client.
Local Permitting and Approvals (Up to 4 weeks)
Before work can commence, various official permits and approvals must be secured. This includes building permits from the local council and electrical permits from the regional utility company. Additional permissions may also be required from other authorities, such as the National Construction Code and Australian Standards.
Installation (1 day for standard systems)
Once the green light is given, the skilled contractors complete the solar installation according to the system design. This involves fitting the solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware, electrical panels, cabling, and any battery storage needed to complete the commercial solar systems.
Inspection & Interconnection (Up to 1 week)
With the installation complete, the commercial property undergoes a final inspection by local council certifiers to ensure full compliance. This process may also involve additional checks by the fire department to ensure the electric components are properly installed and do not pose a fire risk before approval is granted.
Utility Company Integration (1-4 weeks)
The last step is requesting permission to operate from the utility company and setting up any net metering processes if the system is generating excess energy that can be exported to the grid. Selling surplus power to the provider is a fantastic way to monetise the solar investment and contribute to a sustainable energy grid.
While there are multiple stages involved, an experienced solar installer can seamlessly manage each step, keeping the company fully informed throughout the process. Their expertise is instrumental in getting commercial solar systems up and running promptly, enabling companies to start reaping the lucrative financial rewards.
