What to Know About the Commercial Solar Installation Process

Deciding to add solar to your business is a wise financial choice. After all, when you lower your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint by making your electricity, the financial rewards and positive environmental impact are felt for decades. You’ll also join the ranks of successful companies, like Amazon, Apple, Walmart, and Microsoft, who’ve switched to solar, helping make your business more attractive for current and future employees.  

To help ease the transition, there are limited-time tax benefits that can make going solar more affordable for your organization. The 30% federal investment tax credit is one of the most lucrative benefits. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act 2022, the solar tax credit was reinstated to its previous 30% and extended through 2032. The Act also introduced additional savings depending on what materials you use and where you choose to install your commercial solar project. We recommend speaking to a qualified commercial solar installer to learn more about the tax incentives available to your organization.

Once you’ve decided to add a commercial solar energy system to your business, it’s natural to want the process done as quickly as possible so that you can start reaping the numerous benefits immediately. The process of going solar, however, can vary in time depending on the type and size of the system you’re installing and the legal requirements of the jurisdiction in which you operate. But no matter what solar path you choose, there are five basic steps that most commercial solar projects follow. Let's take a brief look at each.

1. Site Evaluation

All commercial solar projects have this as their first step. The building blocks of the solar design and installation plans are based on this initial site evaluation. This step includes:

• Legal reviews to ensure you have the right to build a solar energy system on the property.
• Determining where and how your solar energy system will connect to the grid.
• Evaluation of the property, including shade analysis, structural evaluations, and topographical and geological surveys.
  

2. System Design

Once the site evaluation is complete, the system design phase formalizes the plans for the solar installation. You will receive a design drawing outlining how the panels will be arranged to capture the maximum sunlight and the construction details. Depending on your preferences and requirements, the design may include rooftop-mounted, ground-mounted, or solar carports.

3. Construction

The construction process can vary depending on your project type and system size. Smaller rooftop systems can be as quick as 2-3 weeks, whereas larger and more complex systems can take up to several months. While well-thought-out plans have minimal disruption to normal operations, you’ll still want to prepare for things like alternate parking spots and temporary power shutdowns, depending on the nature of your business and the size of the system. Most experienced solar installers have clever workarounds that will help to minimize disruptions to your normal operations. Picking a reputable and experienced installer is critical in this regard.

4. Commissioning

Commissioning is the next and final step once construction is complete. This is when your solar provider confirms that your solar installation was built according to plan, and the utility grants you permission to connect and operate your solar energy system with the local power grid. Congratulations, you’re now producing your clean energy!

5. System Operation and Maintenance (O&M)

As with anything, proper care and maintenance will give your solar energy system a longer lifespan, as well as ensure maximum efficiency and power generation throughout its lifespan. Your contract should specify your organization’s level of involvement in O&M. Be sure to select a solar design and installation team with proven O&M resources and a reputation for excellence in long-term support. The best O&M packages generally include basic annual inspections and warranty repair, performance monitoring, and even routine cleanings in some instances. 

As you can see, quite a lot goes into the commercial solar installation process. If you're hoping to reap some of the lucrative tax benefits, time is of the essence! With an unprecedented demand for solar, installer's schedules are already filling up for this year, so we recommend getting your project started as soon as possible to claim this benefit on your business taxes.

Suppose you’re interested in learning how solar can help your business and the substantial tax benefits you can claim. In that case, we invite you to start your solar project today by scheduling a consultation with our commercial solar team member.