Do you know that a lot of businesses in Sydney are switching to commercial solar? The reason for this move is that business owners in Australia are constantly looking for more ways to cut operational costs without reducing the quality of goods or products produced.
According to statistics, in the last 10 years, the cost of energy (or power) in Australia has doubled, and it’s predicted that it’ll get worse as the cost is expected to increase by another 4% per annum over the next four years.
Commercial solar, which used to be considered an expensive alternate energy source, has now become cost-effective for businesses in Sydney and other cities in Australia due to the rise in energy cost. But do commercial solar panels truly cut or reduce energy costs in Sydney? Is switching to commercial solar systems a good idea for your business?
This guide will provide you with the benefits of leveraging commercial solar in Sydney.
Do Solar Panels Really Save Your Money?
All businesses in Sydney and other parts of Australia require electricity to survive or function, and the bulk of their power is mostly used during the day. Businesses in Australia are switching to commercial solar panels to cut or eliminate the cost of electricity used during the day.
By installing solar panels on your roof, you’ll be able to cut the amount of power supplied to run your business from the grid and reduced power from the grid equates to a lower energy bill. This means that commercial solar panels will save you more money.
Additionally, since solar panels have no moving parts (except perched on solar trackers), they require very little maintenance or input after being installed. But to be on the safe side, you’ll have to perform an electrical inspection every 3-5 years to ensure that all of its parts are properly working.
However, installing commercial solar panels isn’t cheap, but that shouldn’t stop you from using one, as many business owners have been able to recoup the cost of the solar investment in just a few years.
Aside from reducing operational costs, a commercial solar panel is a sustainable and renewable energy source. It reduces your business’s carbon footprint, and by reducing that, you’re telling your customers that your business cares deeply about creating a cleaner and greener world for the future.
Prices of Commercial Panels in Sydney:
Solar panels are quite expensive to install. However, that isn’t the case for business owners in Australia, thanks to the federal government subsidies available via Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET).
RET is offering an ongoing incentive for solar systems larger than 100kW in the form of a Large-scale Technology Certificate (LGCs) until 2030.
Benefits of Commercial Solar Panels for Businesses
There are quite a number of benefits businesses in Sydney can leverage by switching to commercial solar panels. Some of them are highlighted below.
Reduced Energy Costs:
As stated earlier, business owners in Australia can cut the cost of power used during the day by as much as 30-40% simply by installing solar panels on their roofs.
Incentives and Subsidies:
The federal government is offering an ongoing incentive for solar systems larger than 100kW in the form of a Large-scale Technology Certificate (LGCs) until 2030.
This incentive is available via Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET). Also, many state governments offer generous subsidies and rebates on commercial solar systems. For instance, the NSW government is offering a rebate of $0.20/watt for commercial solar installations with a capacity of up to 100kW.
Generates income:
Most business owners are unaware that they can generate an extra income source by allowing their solar installer to install a solar system that’s slightly larger than their power needs. The excess power generated can be exported back into the grid, and you’ll be reimbursed for it at the current Feed-in-Tariff rate.
In Sydney, the Current Rate is $0.08/kWh.
This means that if your system generates 1,000 kWh in a month, you’ll earn an additional $80 on top of the savings you’ll make on your power bill.
Improves Business Efficiency and Productivity:
Solar panels can help to improve the efficiency and productivity of businesses in many ways. For instance, they can be used to power outdoor advertising displays, security lights, and other equipment that are typically left on during the day. Also, since solar panels have no moving parts, they require very little maintenance or input after installation.
Solar is a Great Sustainable Energy Source:
Solar panels are classified as a renewable energy source because they rely on sunlight to generate electricity. This means businesses that use them will be doing their bit to protect the environment by reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.
In addition, solar panels have a very long lifespan and can last up to 25 years with very little maintenance required. This makes them a very sustainable option for business owners who are looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Commercial Solar Panel Installation Process:
The process of installing commercial solar panels is quite similar to the process of installing residential solar panels.
- The first step is to contact a reputable solar installer who will conduct a site assessment to determine if your roof is suitable for a solar installation.
- If it is, they will provide you with a proposal outlining the installation cost and the expected return on investment.
- Once you have accepted the proposal, the installer will apply for any permits that may be required and arrange for the installation to be carried out.
The entire process usually takes between 4-8 weeks from start to finish.
How Much Do Commercial Solar Panels Cost?
The cost of commercial solar panels will vary depending on the size and capacity of the system, as well as the installer you use. To give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay, below is a table showing the average pricing for commercial solar installations in Sydney and some other major cities in Australia.
| City | Average Cost (AUD) |
| Sydney | $18,000 – $35,000 |
| Melbourne | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Brisbane | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Adelaide | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Perth | $8,000 – $15,000 |
As you can see from the table above, the cost of commercial solar panels can range from as little as $8,000 to as much as $35,000. The best way to get an accurate idea of how much your installation will cost is to contact a reputable installer in your area and request a quote.
Solar Panel Maintenance Guide
Solar panels require very little maintenance and have a lifespan of 25 years or more. However, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that they continue to operate at peak efficiency. Below is a list of the most important maintenance tasks that you should perform on your solar panels:
1) Keep them Clean:
- One of the most important things you can do to keep your solar panels operating at peak efficiency is to ensure they are kept clean.
- Dust, dirt, and bird droppings can reduce the amount of sunlight your panels can absorb, which will decrease their output.
To clean your panels, simply use a hose or a soft cloth to wipe away any debris that has built up on them. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these could damage the surface of your panels.
2) Check for Damage:
- It’s also important to regularly check your solar panels for any signs of damage.
- Look for cracks, scratches, or other physical damage that could reduce the efficiency of your panels.
- If you notice any damage, contact a professional solar panel installer to have it repaired.
3) Monitor their Output:
- Another important thing to do is to monitor the output of your solar panels on a regular basis.
- This will help you to identify any potential problems early on and take steps to rectify them.
- There are a number of online tools that you can use to monitor the output of your solar panels.
Conclusion:
Solar power is a great sustainable energy source for businesses because it is renewable, efficient, and has a very small environmental impact. If you are thinking of switching to solar power for your business, the information in this article will give you a good overview of what you need to know.
We hope that it has been helpful and that you now have a better understanding of commercial solar panels and the process of installing them.