What to Consider Before Installing Commercial Solar Panels on Your Business Property
More establishments are lately utilizing solar energy for the benefits it offers. Among these advantages, solar panels on your business property may yield higher savings on your electrical bills. A reduced carbon footprint is another huge advantage you could gain.
With solar energy demand in New Zealand expected to reach 225.39m kWh this year (2025), more commercial spaces are bound to pick up solar panel use. However, transitioning from traditional methods to renewable energy requires adequate planning. You must consider several factors before deciding to install commercial solar panels. (1)
To help you, this article will discuss what you need to evaluate.
Roof Space and Condition
Does your roof have enough space? You need a sufficient flat, unused area on this part of your property for solar panel installation. Smaller, flat roofs typically accommodate only a few arrays at best. So, determine your roof’s available square footage and compare that to the commercial panel size you want to use. Professionals can help you in this step, especially when choosing where to mount the solar installations.
Next, carefully evaluate your roof’s overall condition. Is it structurally sound enough to support multiple solar arrays and mounting equipment? Your roof shouldn’t have any signs of damage, either. Consider having repairs done first or replacing it entirely to accommodate your solar energy setup.
Lastly, keep in mind that solar power systems typically last up to 30 years, so you’ll need to consider any planned building modifications during this timeframe to protect your return on investment.
Energy Consumption
Various businesses consume energy in different ways. For example, a warehouse might need just enough electricity for daytime use compared to a retail shop that uses air conditioning and lights all day.
That said, examining your establishment’s electric bills is essential. Identify how much energy your business uses daily, monthly, and seasonally. If you experience frequent fluctuations, note that, too.
Solar installation companies can assist you in this step. They’ll thoroughly assess how much energy you currently use. So, expect questions like, “Do you use energy more during business hours?” or “Is there an energy demand at night?” Your answers will help them select the right solar system size and type of commercial solar panels that would suit your building’s energy needs.
Examining your property’s energy usage also prevents under- or over-sizing your system. Some businesses even install battery storage to utilise excess energy during peak hours or emergencies. The more detailed your information, the easier it’ll be for the installers to create a system that addresses your business.
Building Codes, Permits and Regulations
Energy is a top concern for many companies, with 61% of businesses believing that energy security is a significant risk. That’s why investing in solar can be a smart move for your business. (2)
However, note that any changes made to commercial buildings, such as solar projects, require inspections and permits. So, before installing solar panels, ensure you comply with building codes, fire safety ordinances and utility company requirements. These regulations may vary per location, so you have to know what’s applied to your property’s area.
Most of the time, you’ll need permits from the city or municipality before connecting to solar electricity. In some cases, you need approval from your local utility provider. If you’re leasing your property, you must also seek permits from your landlord or property management company.
These steps take time, so factor it into your planning. Document everything from site plans, electric diagrams, and structural drawings, too, to smoothen the application process. A reputable solar provider could help handle the paperwork for you, but you need to stay in the loop to avoid potential delays or compliance issues.
Project Timeline
Another crucial matter to consider is how long it takes to install commercial solar panels. The system size, weather conditions, number of workers involved, and obtaining permits can all influence the timeline. It often takes several months to complete the process, from the initial consultation to relying on solar energy systems.
It’s wise to plan in advance, especially if you’re aiming to take advantage of government incentives that may have deadlines. Installing solar energy solutions isn’t a quick weekend renovation, after all. It’s a major upgrade that needs proper coordination and execution.
Installing Commercial Solar Panels
When installing solar energy panels in your commercial space, consult a team of pros like World Solar. We have the skills to assess your energy requirements and identify prime areas for solar installations.
Furthermore, our high-quality panels typically last around 25 years or more, allowing you to worry less about frequent replacements and focus more on sustainable business growth.
To Conclude
Installing commercial solar panels isn’t a decision to rush. Take time to consider factors like available space, energy usage, regulations, and timeline. When you’ve done your homework, the rewards—like lower electricity costs and better energy efficiency—are worth the effort.
Don’t hesitate to contact trusted solar installation companies. Here at World Solar, we’ll guide you towards more sustainable energy consumption methods.
References
- “Solar Energy - New Zealand,” Source: https://www.statista.com/outlook/io/energy/renewable-energy/solar-energy/new-zealand
- “How New Zealand businesses understand and use energy, January 2025,” Source: https://www.eeca.govt.nz/insights/eeca-insights/how-new-zealand-businesses-understand-and-use-energy-january-2025/
- “Commercial-scale solar in New Zealand,” Source: https://www.eeca.govt.nz/insights/eeca-insights/commercial-scale-solar-in-new-zealand/
