Considering the current energy environment, investing in solar energy is a good choice for any business. Prices for energy are not likely to decrease, the grid is not likely to become more stable, and pressure for businesses to showcase their environmentally-friendly practices is only becoming more prevalent. However, it is important to understand the complexity of a commercial solar PV system, as many businesses have learned through experience.

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when investing in commercial solar PV systems.

Overlooking a Comprehensive Site Survey

A site survey is more than a simple quote based on dimensions and costs. Solar system output is dependent on more than the dimensions of the system, and the orientation of the roof, and thermal load and roofing system need to be considered. If the roof is in need of replacement in the next five years, the solar panels that are mounted to that roof are no longer in optimal placement. Comprehensive site surveys are necessary, not optional.

Underestimating Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades

It is very common for business to overlook the solar panels themselves and focus on the larger projects. Most commercial buildings have older construction, and the switchgear may need to be updated in order to accommodate the load. The DNO (Distribution Network Operator) connection process can take longer than expected, and this can adversely impact project management. It is important for the solar contractor and electrical contractor to communicate from the very beginning.

Price Alone Temptation

You may be quick to select the lowest commercial solar PV installation quote, but don’t be website-swayed by the lowest price. Typically that becomes the most expensive option. Cut-price installers might use inferior mounting, weatherproofing detail may be omitted, and leaving out monitoring equipment is a possible. Then the fallout is for you to deal with. Verify MCS certification, and references, and don’t skip warranties and what they cover.

System Size Mistakes

This may go without saying, but a large number of panels is better. However, a large oversize is an exporting problem. This results in an asset earning little under the Smart Export Guarantee. This may come as a surprise, but under-sizing is bad too. This results in an elongated payback period and a non-existing ROI. An accurately modeled commercial solar PV is based on a provisional half-hourly consumption figure, as opposed to an annual rough estimate.

Battery Storage Design

If you plan to retrofit a battery, you are better off thinking about all aspects and constraints of the conduit, inverter, and space right at the beginning. This may come as a surprise, but companies that consider storage needs in the future are getting far better value, especially with how rapidly costs are declining.

Planning Permission Risks

Most commercial solar PV installation make use of Permitted Development rights, but this is not universal. Some specific cases may involve Listed Buildings, conservation areas, or certain roof designs, and they may require full planning permission. Misjudgments may only lead to delays, or may lead to the complete removal of panels. Reach out to local planning authorities before any work is done.

Consider the Monitoring and Maintenance Planning

After the commercial solar PV installation is done, there will be nothing to physically change, but there will be updates and changes to the system. The system may be affected by inverter faults, panel soiling, or shading obstructions, and there will be no way to foresee any of these issues. If you have no solar PV system monitoring in place, you will be effectively running blind. Fortunately, most modern inverters have monitoring built in, but someone needs to take the time to monitor the system when maintenance is required.

The Bottom Line

Do not take this as discouragement. The goal here is to provide you with insights to potential pitfalls before a commercial solar PV installation system. The best part is that when developed properly, commercial renewable energy developments can greatly decrease the energy costs, provide real value to the asset, and reduce the net carbon output. The biggest challenge is when businesses see this as a procurement exercise, and not an engineering project. Take the time to get the right people into the project to get the right answers outcome, and the chances of a successful project increases greatly.