Solar Panel Consulting for Businesses

Have you considered whether your property or portfolio should have solar panels installed? DEAS conducts property screenings and provides consulting on solar panels for businesses upon request. With a screening, DEAS can prepare an investment budget for the solar panel system for your commercial building, assess the impact of the solar panels on the building’s energy rating, and calculate the expected financial benefits of the solar panel system based on the expected lifetime of the panels. At DEAS, we are ready to help you get started with investing in greener initiatives for your property – solar panels for commercial buildings are a smart start.

Solar panels for businesses are a long-term investment that can reduce energy costs and increasingly lead to properties becoming self-sufficient. With fluctuating energy prices and growing focus on climate-friendly solutions, solar panel systems for businesses are an excellent opportunity to future-proof energy while also experiencing financial gain. With advice from DEAS' experts, you can be assured of getting the best solution for your property.

What are Solar Panels for Businesses? Basic Concepts and Definitions

Solar panels for businesses involve the installation of solar panel systems on commercial buildings and properties to produce green energy. A solar panel system for business can either be grid-connected, where excess energy is sent back to the grid, or an off-grid solution with battery storage for self-sufficiency. We have compiled the basic concepts related to solar energy for commercial buildings, which you can read more about here: Solar Energy: A renewable energy source where radiant energy is converted into electricity. Solar Panels: The sun’s light is directly converted into electricity through solar panels. Battery Storage: The ability to store excess energy for use outside of daylight hours. Grid Connection: Many commercial solar panel solutions are connected to the grid so that excess electricity can be sold and stored.

Why are Solar Panels for Businesses an Investment in the Future?

When you choose to invest in solar panel systems for commercial buildings, it’s not only a way to reduce energy costs but also a significant part of the green transition. Installing solar panels on commercial building rooftops is therefore a long-term solution that will bring financial benefits right from the start. It is an attractive decision to install solar panels on a commercial building, with benefits including:

• Reduced energy costs

• Lower CO₂ tax

• Responsible corporate profile

• Increased competitiveness

• ESG reporting

• Attractive depreciation opportunities

Potential for energy self-sufficiency

How Solar Panels Support Energy Efficiency and CSR

Solar energy for commercial buildings plays an essential role in improving energy efficiency and can strengthen the company’s CSR strategy. By investing in solar panel systems for businesses, companies can reduce their energy consumption, lower CO₂ emissions, and demonstrate an active commitment to long-term solutions. Companies that invest in solar panels for their commercial building enhance their CSR profile by:

• Reduced CO₂ emissions, which can contribute to the company’s climate goals.

• Better energy management, where solar panels on the roof of a commercial building reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Signaling to customers and investors, who increasingly expect responsible initiatives from companies. Additionally, it is worth noting that the data and documentation of reduced climate impact and responsible operations associated with the installation of solar panels for commercial buildings can be included in your company's ESG report. Want to learn more about ESG reporting? DEAS is ready to help. You can read more about ESG reporting and find our advisors here (link to ESG page).

The price of solar panels for businesses varies depending on the system size and installation. Therefore, it may be a good idea to consult with an energy engineer to select the right type of solar panel system at the best price. This way, you make an investment that supports both energy efficiency and a responsible business strategy. Solar energy for businesses is a long-term and stable energy solution that benefits both the economy and the environment. With an accurate calculation of the solar panel system’s potential, companies can optimize their investment and achieve maximum value. Similarly, investing in a solar panel system for a commercial building provides environmental benefits by producing electricity and significantly reducing the property’s CO₂ emissions and the company’s carbon footprint.

Economic Savings and Investment Payback Time

Solar panels for businesses are an investment that can lead to significant economic savings on the electricity bill. By installing a solar panel system on the roof of properties and commercial buildings, businesses can reduce their dependence on expensive electricity prices and potentially sell excess electricity back to the grid. Just like the price of solar panels, the savings will depend on various factors, including the size of the solar panel system, consumption, and different financing options. The same factors apply to the expected payback time. With a long lifetime of over 30 years, solar panels for businesses are an attractive option for making a low-risk investment in an increasingly well-tested and results-proven field. Generally, this means reduced energy costs over several decades without additional space costs. This can show noticeable results right after the installation of commercial solar panels.

 Environmental Benefits and Sustainable Development

Choosing to invest in solar panel systems for businesses is an effective way for companies to reduce their environmental impact as part of supporting sustainable development. By choosing solar energy for businesses, it is also an active choice to contribute to a greener transition that meets both requirements and expectations for responsible solutions. This includes a reduced CO₂ footprint, less reliance on fossil fuels, and lower resource consumption. Solar panels are a future-proof energy source that requires minimal maintenance and has a long lifespan. DEAS' advisors can guide you based on the requirements and needs identified during a property screening. Depending on which manufacturer provides the solar panels, the materials in the panels may be recyclable, ensuring a circular solution. DEAS can provide further advice on the available options.

When choosing which type of solar panel system to invest in for your commercial property, DEAS is of course ready to advise and recommend based on the screening we conduct of the building. However, it’s always helpful to have an understanding of the different types and necessary parts of the solar panel system. Below, you can learn more about your upcoming investment:

Difference in Components

The most common solution for installing solar panel systems for businesses is a grid-connected solar panel system, where the power produced by the system is used directly in the building, and the rest is sent to the grid that the system is connected to. If more power is produced than is used, the surplus is sent to the grid. When the sun is not shining, electricity is purchased from the grid. The other two main types of solar panel systems are a hybrid solar panel system with battery storage, which allows the produced power to be used outside daylight hours, and an off-grid solar panel system. Both types allow for reduced dependence on the grid. The choice of solar panel system for businesses depends on factors such as needs, energy consumption, and location.

System Components: Inverters, Mounting Equipment, and Safety Measures

When installing solar panels for businesses, it’s not just the solar panels that matter. Several technical components are necessary to install an efficient and safe system. The inverter is a central part of any solar panel system. The panels produce direct current (DC), while buildings use alternating current (AC). The inverter’s job is to convert the power so it can be used in the building or sent to the grid. Mounting equipment ensures that the solar panels are securely attached. This can include brackets, rails, and supports used to mount the panels on flat or pitched roofs – or on facades. It’s important that the mounting solution is adapted to the building’s construction and can withstand weather conditions. Safety measures such as fire breakers, fuses, surge protection, and access restrictions are essential to have in place to protect both the building and the users.

Comparison of Solar Panel Technologies and Materials

The choice of materials for the solar panels also affects the system’s durability, environmental impact, and economics. In commercial settings, most people choose monocrystalline panels because they provide the most energy per square meter, thereby making the best use of the roof space. When selecting solar panel technologies, it’s important to find the right balance between efficiency, price, aesthetics, and space considerations.

Installation and Operation of Solar Panels for Businesses: Process and Best Practices

At DEAS, we advise businesses on how to best establish and operate solar panel systems on their commercial properties or portfolios to ensure the investment provides both economic and environmental value. In the previous sections, we’ve covered everything from what solar panels for businesses mean to the technical components. Below is a brief overview of the process of installing solar panels for businesses.

Assessing the Company’s Needs and Choosing the Roof Area

DEAS offers screenings of your commercial property, either individually or on a portfolio level, to assess needs and highlight opportunities for establishing solar panel systems. This includes assessing the property’s roof area to determine the optimal installation of the panels in terms of size and location. Different needs such as energy consumption, operating hours, building conditions, and financial expectations will influence the choice of the right solar panel system for your property. Therefore, we always recommend consulting our energy engineers so that you have the optimal starting point for your investment.

Installation, Connection, and Necessary Approvals

As an advisor, DEAS will guide you through the entire process of installing solar panels for businesses – including installation, connection, and ensuring the correct approvals are in place. A professional and correct installation of solar panel systems on commercial buildings, along with connection to the grid, is crucial for both operational reliability and return on investment. We will also ensure that you are informed about the relevant approvals and permits that need to be in place. When you choose a screening conducted by DEAS, the final recommendation will also include a section on the requirements from building regulations.

Maintenance, Performance Optimization, and Monitoring Systems

Investing in solar panels for commercial buildings is long-term and characterized by minimal maintenance. To ensure optimal performance and production, and thereby economic gain, it’s important to maintain both the solar panels and the system components if necessary. DEAS advises on how companies can ensure ongoing inspections in the best possible way. Additionally, we recommend that an energy monitoring system be implemented in the property, which provides an overview of production and operations, making it easy to detect and respond to any faults or deviations. This can help secure further economic savings. DEAS manages energy management for businesses, where solar panel monitoring can also be included. Contact DEAS to ensure the optimal conditions for efficient solar panel operations. You can read more about energy management here: (link to energy management)