With more and more organizations shifting to commercial solar energy, there is always the need to gain more information and research to make this new transition. It is important to get unbiased information to start with. One of the most things to do is to speak to a commercial solar service provider. The essence is to have a technical help who analyzes the requirements in detail, including inspecting the site to understand where the installation is. Plus, their thorough knowledge about solar technologies, installation procedures, costs, and maintenances related aspects. Some critical questions to ask a commercial solar company include:
1. How much will my commercial entity save in energy bills with this system?
There are two ways to go about it - one, purchase the equipment upfront. It is the right way but one that is expensive. It will take years to breakeven but once done, things are going to be smooth. Then another option is a PPA or Power Purchase Agreement. In this case, there is no upfront expense -so, you start to save from day one.
Experts help identify high-quality panels from low-quality panels. It is important to remember that factors like reliability, efficiency, performance record, and performance parameters are the key to installing the right solution.
2. Is the place right for the installation of solar panels?
Without knowledge or experience, commercial businesses can never know if the site is perfect for installing solar panels. A meticulous site visit will help you understand if solar energy is a sustainable solution for your premise or not. Things to consider are - shaded areas, roof, angle of sunrays, building integrity, parking space, soil quality, and compliance requirements are some of the critical determinants when analyzing if the site is optimized for solar panel installations.
Few other determinants that an expert solar service provider will consider the status of the structure, the history, the local ordinances, and more before advising the best solution.
3. Who is going to undertake the work of O&M?
Even though a solar expert will ensure that the equipment does not require high maintenance, operation and maintenance are still necessary after installing solar panels. It is vital to know who is going to be responsible for continuing performance and functioning. The complex the system is, the higher will be the O&M services required. Maintenance also depends directly on the size of the solar panel system. Regular maintenance means that the panels will be cleaned, monitored, and repaired as and when required.