You buy the electricity, not the solar equipment, with a PPA. As a result, you benefit from a fixed electricity tariff over a long period (usually 20 to 30 years). And, as with leases, you typically have the opportunity to buy the system entirely once a certain period has elapsed or to negotiate a new arrangement when your term is up. Entering into a PPA may make the most sense if you have little or no funds to purchase a system or do not want to manage and maintain a plan but still want to reap the benefits of renewable energy.
Is my building or land suitable for solar?
A commercial solar project site specialist or designer can usually offer you a preliminary assessment of your site’s solar suitability over the phone. Still, they will need to visit your site(s) to make a final judgment. For example, they’ll consider the available roof and parking lot space, surrounding land suitable for a ground-mounted solar panel array, sun angle and shadowing, building integrity, soil quality, permits problems, grid connections needs, and other factors. They will also need to be aware of or investigate building ownership, historical structural status, local legislation, etc.
What size and type of system should I choose for my company?
Rooftop arrays (the most typical choice for solar business users), carport arrays, and ground arrays—or a combination of these—are all options. You have the option of having the solar installation done on-site or off-site. You can create just enough solar to satisfy your energy demands, or you can build more and perhaps obtain credit for any excess energy you produce (depending on what public policy and utility company practices allow in your state’s energy market). You could also think about installing a business solar energy storage system.
This is a question that the solar energy consultant, manufacturer, or dealer you select an answer to. They’ll need to assess your previous and present energy requirements, as well as whether or not they can place enough panels on your property to meet those requirements. If your building or site does not have the space for enough panels, you may need to investigate higher-efficiency panels or an offshore alternative. However, because there are so many different ways to use solar energy, it’s frequently just a matter of choosing the proper solar solution.
What products do you sell, and how do they differ?
If you wind up dealing directly with a solar panel manufacturer, as some do, they will, of course, tell you why their products are the best choice. Start with a dealer or installer who will provide recommendations based on the brands they sell. While most solar firms will work hard to discover the best solution for your budget, values, and energy demands, a third-party solar consultant can help you compare solar items (such as panels, inverters, mounting hardware, monitoring software, and other systems) components) objectively.
Depending on your priorities—saving money in the long run, contributing to a cleaner environment, increasing the value of your commercial property, and so on—you should investigate solar technology qualities such as efficiency, reliability, performance, durability, scalability, and warranties to determine which solar manufacturers’ products are your best choices. Then you can hunt for a reputable dealer who offers such technology in your area.