In the current business landscape, sustainability and cost-efficiency are not merely trends but essential components of a successful long-term strategy. Commercial solar systems offer your business a means to enhance operational efficiency while contributing positively to the environmental cause.
By harnessing the sun’s power, we give businesses the power to reduce their carbon footprint, cut back on energy costs and get one step closer to achieving their long-term energy goals.
Why solar energy?
The shift towards solar energy is primarily driven by its ability to significantly reduce energy expenses — one of many businesses’ most substantial operational costs. Solar power is an inherently renewable source, aligning with global sustainability goals and helping companies meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations for green business practices.
Financial and environmental impact
Investing in a commercial solar system can lead to substantial financial benefits. Long-term savings complement the immediate reduction in energy costs due to solar panels’ low maintenance needs and the stability of solar energy costs compared to fluctuating fossil fuel prices. Adopting solar power will reduce your business’s carbon emissions, enhancing your corporate social responsibility profile and often resulting in increased consumer support.
Components of a commercial solar system
A typical commercial solar system includes:
- Commercial solar panels — These primary components capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
- Inverters — Inverters convert the electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), which is usable in commercial settings.
- Mounting systems —These secure the solar panels on rooftops or on the ground, depending on the available space and type of installation.
- Monitoring systems — These help track the performance of the solar panels, ensuring they operate efficiently and alerting any issues that need addressing.
Implementation process
The implementation of a commercial solar installation involves several key phases:
- Initial consultation — During the initial consultation, our team of engineers, electricians and energy experts will evaluate your business needs and conduct a site evaluation to ensure solar installation is suitable.
- Design and planning — Our team at NG/E will create tailored system designs to meet specific energy requirements while considering your site’s physical and regulatory constraints.
- Financing and incentives — Understanding and applying for financial incentives, grants, or loans can help your business offset the upfront solar installation costs.
- Installation — Our professional, certified team will conduct the commercial solar installation to ensure safety and quality are upheld at all times.
- Maintenance and monitoring — Ongoing maintenance is minimal but crucial for ensuring the system continues to operate optimally over its 25-30-year lifespan.
Learn more from our case studies
At NG/E, we’ve partnered with many clients, from universities to shopping centres and airport warehouses. Our work at Chirnside Park Shopping Centre involved designing, constructing and commissioning a two-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery coupled with a 650 kilowatt (kW) solar array. The solar array is estimated to save more than 800,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy yearly, which equals the amount of energy used in around 350 homes.
For our Yadlamalka Energy Project, we designed and constructed a 6MW solar PV system and 9MWh Vanadium Flow battery energy storage integrated behind a DC-coupled inverter. The vanadium flow battery takes advantage of the significant intraday price variation in South Australia to time shift power from midday to peak periods in the evenings and mornings.
Partner with NG/E — Australia’s leading commercial solar installation experts
Adopting commercial solar systems is more than a financial decision — it’s a commitment to future-proofing your business against energy uncertainties and aligning with a global shift towards sustainable development. As technology advances and more businesses turn to renewable energy, integrating solar systems in commercial settings is set to become a standard, underscoring the importance of early adoption. If you have any questions about our services, contact our team, who will be happy to assist you.