In 2020, a solar installation for your business would have cost you at least $15,000 to $25,000. Today, it can be only a few thousand dollars.With the recent and pending federal government solar installation incentives, now is the best time to make the switch to solar energy. Follow this process, and you can have your own commercial solar installation in no time.
Read on!
Conduct a Complete Solar System Design and Cost Analysis
The process of commercial solar installation requires careful planning and cost analysis to achieve success.Conducting a complete commercial solar design and cost analysis is the first step in the process. This involves evaluating the current energy use of the facility and the goals of the solar project.
Once the requirements are determined, the solar installer can create a tailored design for the facility. They can provide an itemized cost analysis regarding the panel.Obtain applicable utility and local approvals. Then the necessary equipment can be purchased. Installation technicians can begin mounting and wiring work. Testing and documentation are done after the installation.
This is to ensure the system is functioning as per the design specifications. Finally, the system is commissioned and monitored for performance.
Complete Any Necessary Permits
It is important to complete all necessary commercial solar permits before installing your system. It is also helpful to research local codes and regulations. Make sure to file an application with the regulatory authority.
Gather any additional paperwork or documents that may be required. Once the permit documents have been approved, your solar installer will be able to begin the next step of the process.Review all documents associated with the permits. Make sure that the plans meet all requirements prior to submitting your application.
Develop a Product Plan
Before beginning any physical work, the product plan should be closely consulted. First, the team should identify the scope of the installation. Determine the necessary materials, tools, and labor.Weather can be a major factor as well and should be taken into account.
Source Materials and Equipment
When planning a commercial solar installation, sourcing materials and equipment is a critical step. First, ensure the chosen equipment is compatible with each other. Make sure that the power of the solar array is sufficient to cover the needs of the property.
Consider wiring and other structural necessities. This is essential to support commercial solar panels. In addition, factor in weatherproofing for harsh climatic conditions.Also, consider the costs for electricity storage (batteries) and mounting the panels on the roof.
Schedule the Installation
Though installing solar may seem straightforward, commercial projects require complex coordination amongst a number of stakeholders. It is important to commit to the planning and scheduling process.
The solar provider typically provides an overview of the timeline and steps to complete the installation. Then, the team has to dedicate time to tasks.This includes eco-program compliance, site-level permitting, utility interconnection, and more. Lastly, the solar contractor schedules two separate visits for complete installation.
The first visit consists of roof safety analysis and appropriate roof-prep work. The second visit includes mounting and wiring.After installation, solar monitoring software has to be installed. This allows for tracking of performance data and remote system management.
Mount Installation
To mount installation, a suitable mounting system should be chosen. This is based on the design and orientation of the project.Once the mounting system is selected, equipment such as mounting structure, fasteners, and appropriate tools should be gathered. Ensure a suitable location is chosen.
The solar array’s orientation must be correct. The roof structure must carry the load of the array.The mount should be affixed securely to the roof according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After the mount is installed and inspected, support brackets and rails should be installed.
The array of solar panels should be affixed securely to the mounting structure. Finally, cables should be connected to the panels and routed to the inverter.
Install the Solar Panels
All of the necessary pieces of equipment must be prepared for installation. Firstly, the mounting components are assembled and attached to the roof. The solar array is then mounted to the components, which are secured to the roof.
Next, the racking, cables, and wiring are connected to the solar panels. The array is wired to the solar inverter, and its connections to the utility company’s distribution box are made.Lastly, an inspection of the system should be conducted. This is to ensure that it meets all safety standards and is functioning properly.
Do Electrical Wiring
Electrical wiring is an important part of the commercial solar installation process. Proper wiring of the system is key to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the system. It is important to follow best practices when wiring solar arrays.
This includes proper wire sizing, correctly installing and using junction boxes, and electrical grounding.
Connect the System to Solar Inverter
After the AC cables are connected, the breaker panel must be hardwired and connected to the AC output of the inverter. Use a solar array junction box to join the MC4 cables that are coming from the solar panels.All of these cables will be connected to the DC input of the inverter. At this point, the calibration process of the inverter can begin.
This process will ensure the inverter is operating at peak efficiency. It will also check its ability to take full advantage of the electricity produced by the solar array.Finally, the battery charger/inverter will be connected, and any remaining cabling to switching gear, transformers, and other components must be connected. After properly connecting the solar system to the inverter, the system should be tested to ensure it is performing optimally.
Find more information on solar on this link and start your solar installation process in no time!
Connect the Solar Inverter and Solar Battery
Commercial solar installation is a complex process involving several steps. First, the solar panel size must be determined based on the size and usage of the facility. Once the solar panel size is identified, the required installation space must be allocated.
After that, the solar inverter and solar battery must be connected and installed. The solar inverter and solar battery string should be integrated with the facility’s existing power system. This is to ensure smooth operations and optimized performance.
Connect Solar Inverter to the Grid
The commercial solar installation process requires careful and expert execution.First, the commercial property owner should consult with a solar energy professional. They should assess the need for solar energy, recommend the best system for their needs, and provide an estimate of the cost of installation.
Next, the solar equipment must be designed and installed in accordance with electrical and local building codes. The power system should then be connected to the local grid using a solar inverter.
The solar inverter can be connected directly to the grid or can be managed through a control system
