Common Questions About Commercial Solar: Answered
In 2024, sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity. Businesses across the globe are turning their focus towards cleaner, more eco-friendly alternatives to power their operations. Among the seemingly endless renewable energy options, solar power emerges as a frontrunner, promising not only to reduce carbon footprints but also to offer significant financial savings over time.
That being said, here at Cleaner Group, more and more business owners are coming to us with a range of questions about our commercial solar solutions. As a result, in this post, we aim to answer some common questions we’re often asked.
How Does Solar Power Work?
Put simply, solar power converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells, commonly known as solar panels. These cells are made from materials like silicon, which is able to absorb photons (light particles) from sunlight. When these photons are absorbed, they knock electrons loose from their atoms, generating a flow of electricity. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect.
Solar panels collect this direct current (DC) electricity, and then an inverter converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used to power buildings, homes, and other applications.
How Long Do Commercial Solar Panels Last?
Commercial solar panels are designed for durability and long-term use, with many panels lasting well beyond their warranty periods. On average, commercial solar panels come with a warranty of 25 to 30 years, guaranteeing that they will produce at least 80% of their rated power output by the end of the warranty period.
However, it’s not uncommon for solar panels to continue operating efficiently for 35 to 40 years or more, depending on factors such as the quality of the panels, the environment in which they are installed, and how well they are maintained.
Are Solar Panels Financially Worth The Investment?
Solar panels are often a financially worthwhile investment, yielding substantial savings on electricity bills over time, increasing property value, and offering various government incentives and tax breaks.
The initial cost is offset by the reduction in energy costs, with many systems paying for themselves within 5 to 10 years. Additionally, with increasing utility prices in the UK, the return on investment tends to improve over time.
The financial benefits vary based on location, energy consumption, and available incentives, but with solar technology becoming more affordable and efficient, solar panels have become a viable and attractive investment for many business owners looking to reduce their energy costs and environmental footprint.
Is Solar Energy Suitable For All Locations?
While areas with high levels of sunlight year-round naturally offer the most optimal conditions for solar power generation, if this was a strict requirement we’d rarely see them in the UK!
Luckily, advancements in solar technology have significantly improved the efficiency of solar panels, making them a viable option even in locations with less direct sunlight or more cloudy days.
In addition, factors such as local weather patterns, the angle of sunlight (latitude), potential shading from buildings or trees, and the available space for installing solar panels can all influence the effectiveness of a solar energy system.
What Kinds of Buildings are Compatible with Solar?
Virtually all kinds of buildings can be compatible with solar installations, ranging from residential homes to commercial and industrial facilities. The key factors determining solar compatibility include available roof space, roof condition and material, orientation towards the sun, and absence of shade from surrounding buildings or natural features.
Flat and sloped roofs can accommodate solar panels, and even buildings without suitable roofs can explore ground-mounted systems or solar carports. Innovative solutions like solar shingles and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are expanding the possibilities for integrating solar into various architectural designs and functions.
With advancements in solar technology and mounting systems, the potential for solar energy is vast, making it accessible for a range of building types and uses.
At Cleaner Group, from design to delivery we are with you every step of the way on your journey to a greener future. Get in touch with us today and let us guide you through commercial solutions that are tailored to your business needs.
