Top 5 Considerations for Commercial Solar Installation in Australia
The usual working hours in
Australia are usually 8 hours every day for 5 days a week. This factor means
continuous electricity consumption throughout the day, with a high monthly cost
of electricity. The rising electricity rates often put a dent in the overall
turnover of the business, along with burdening the already burdened environment
with greenhouse gases and carbon footprints.
One of the primary reasons
for shifting over to renewable energy sources is the cost factor and the
reduction of adverse environmental effects. Australia receives a higher
percentage of sunshine than any other continent in the world, so it is a
naturally prudent step to adopt solar energy by installing commercial
solar systems.
Before you decide to invest
in a commercial solar installation, there are certain aspects to
consider to help you choose the right solar system for your establishment.
- Authorized Licensed Installer: The installation of the commercial
social system is a major investment towards a better future, so before
investing, ascertain the authenticity of the installing company or the
installer. The popularity of solar energy as an energy source attracts
many players who may not be legally authorised to install the system. Make
sure to contact a legally licenced installer with expert knowledge on the
subject and the system they are installing and offers efficient after-sale
services. This factor will save you from the loss and pain of investing in
a substandard system with no after-sale service.
- Standardised Solar System: Ensure that the quality and technology
of the system are on par with the government-approved technology and
quality. Investing in a below-par unapproved system might save you some
money procuring it but will cause high repair costs later. Low-quality
solar systems are also unsafe and will not last long under the harsh
Australian climate, which changes rapidly.
- Suitability of Your Business Premises: Commercial solar installations require
open spaces at a height, ideally roofs, to be installed and work
optimally. All roofs are built differently, so it will be advisable to
inspect your roof by the installer to ascertain its suitability. The roof
should have enough space for the photovoltaic panels responsible for
capturing solar energy. If your roof is not ideally suited or you are in a
rented building, you can opt to join other organisations in an off-site
multi-site PPA or power purchase agreement. Check with the concerned
authority to know if you are eligible for the same.
- Guarantee Stipulations: Investing in any electrical device
comes with a guarantee certificate, which certifies you as the buyer and
assures certain services under the guarantee agreement by the manufacturer
and installer. It is best to have a clear understanding with the installer
regarding service charges and compensations in case the system doesn’t
perform optimally, generating the promised amount of electricity and not
measuring up to the promised quality. Every system is built as per the
size and requirements of the premises, so be mindful before placing the
order and discussing the possibility of shifting to different premises.
The system will need to be refitted or resized.
- Research and consider all options: A big chunk of information is readily
available on the internet to peruse thoroughly to understand the commercial
solar installation and system process. Look for the licenced and
authorised dealers and installers, and visit a few to know your options
better. Expert professional guidance is essential for you to make the
right choice before you commit a large amount to invest.
Shifting to a renewable
energy source is the need of the hour and a future necessity, considering the
depletion of non-renewable fuel sources and their detrimental impact on the
environment and our pockets.