Commercial solar power systems are trending all over California. The Golden State’s abundant sunshine has lured both private and public organizations to make the switch to solar. If you own a business, you’re probably asking yourself if a commercial solar installation in Monterey, Santa Cruz, or Salinas is right for you. Answer these six questions about your business prior to making your decision from your local commercial solar company.
#1 Does It Have Sustainability Goals to Achieve?
Installing a commercial solar power system yields greater benefits than just lower utility bills. Today’s consumers are more conscious of the environment and the impact that their purchases have on it. They reward good environmental stewards with repeat purchases and lifetime loyalty. With the help of social media, they get the word out about your company whether good or bad.
Businesses that seek government contracts do well to keep sustainability as a top priority. Manufacturers must often prove that they build their products in environmentally friendly ways to win contracts.
Need to build a strong brand image that’s based on environmental ethics or meet contractual requirements? Installing a photovoltaic system can help you to achieve your sustainability goals.
#2 Is It in a Prime Location?
You probably heard that location is important in real estate. The same is true for commercial solar installation in the Monterey Bay area. The location of your business impacts the effectiveness of solar powers systems. A south-facing structure gives you the best opportunity to collect large amounts of solar energy. If possible, Premo Solar – a commercial solar company, in Monterey, California will install your panels so that they face to the south. The result is a system that collects power all day.
The location of your commercial solar panels on your roof is just as important as the direction that they face. Ideally, your roof has enough space for the number of panels that are needed to meet your energy requirements. A roof that has a pitch angle between 30 degrees and 45 degrees is best for solar panels.
Commercial buildings that aren’t surrounded by densely wooded areas or tall structures are prime candidates for solar.
#3 What Are the Energy Requirements?
Installing a commercial solar power system makes the most sense if your company has high energy consumption requirements. Here are some examples of businesses that benefit greatly from having on-site photovoltaic systems.
Car Dealerships
Car dealerships go the extra mile to accommodate the shopping behaviors of customers. People who work during the day often shop for cars at night. After dinner, they take their spouses to the car lot to check out the inventory. The dealership’s lot must be well lit to show its cars, trucks, and vans to the best possible advantage. The dazzling lights also double as extra security throughout the night.
Grocery Stores
Keeping produce fresh is a primary function of grocery stores. For many items, this means round-the-clock refrigeration. Besides the power requirements to keep salad fixings crisp, the grocery store must have good lighting to retain customers.
Resort Hotels
If a hotel is doing well, its vacancy rates are low. The high numbers of people who check in directly impact the amount of energy that the hotel consumes. This is in addition to the lighting that’s needed all of the time in hallways, stairwells, and throughout the grounds.
#4 Does It Have Space for Energy Collection?
Corporate facilities in Monterey come in all shapes and sizes. Some structures have enough roof square footage to support photovoltaic systems. Others don’t.
Your energy needs are a key factor in deciding whether or not to install a solar power system. If the company has heavy energy requirements, a small roof limits the amount of energy that it can collect. You’ll have to decide whether the amount of energy that you can collect is enough to warrant the system’s cost.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way when it comes to solar energy systems. Businesses that have heavy energy requirements and limited roof space create opportunities with their parking lots.
Covered parking is a benefit to customers and businesses. Customers are partially shielded from bad weather conditions. Savvy business owners install solar panels on the coverings and collect power on sunny days.
#5 Does It Have Cash Flow Issues?
With all of the state and local incentives and rebates for solar installations, total system costs have decreased dramatically. This means that it’ll take your company less time to pay for its photovoltaic system. After you’ve recouped the cost of your panels, the fun really begins.
Your energy bills are a significant part of your company’s operating expenses. With a solar energy system in place, you’ll be able to consistently lower your monthly operating expenses.
When you’re reliant on conventional power from your utility company, your firm is subjected to wild price fluctuations. A solar power system allows you to predict your monthly energy bills. This helps you to plan better for the future.
Besides reducing your monthly utility bills, solar power systems give you the opportunity to earn energy credits. It’s not unheard of for a company to produce more energy than it needs from its photovoltaic system. Some utility companies will purchase the surplus energy from the company.
#6 What’s Your Exit Strategy?
All good things must come to an end, and every well-planned business has an exit strategy. If yours is to sell the business for a high profit, consider installing a solar power system now. Business brokers and shoppers know the value that photovoltaic systems bring. Your property will attract more shoppers and sell faster with a solar energy system in place.
Conclusion
Commercial solar power offers a host of benefits to businesses and the communities that they serve. If you’d like to know more about commercial solar energy systems, give Premo Solar a call. From system configurations to tax credits and rebates, experienced commercial solar panel installers can point you in the right direction.
