Tapping into the commercial solar panel installation market is appealing to many PV companies. It opens up a whole new world of solar projects and potential clients. As a commercial installer, you can expand your reach and visibility in the community while increasing your knowledge and skills.
It’s essential to know that the commercial & industrial (C&I) and residential markets are fundamentally different in certain ways. These differences span the entire project, from attracting solar leads to creating ongoing customer relationships after the PV installation. Gaining some understanding of the differences between residential and commercial solar panel installation will help promote success from start to finish.
This guide will help prepare solar panel installation companies for serving the commercial and industrial solar energy market while avoiding common pitfalls.
Getting Commercial Solar Panel Installation Clients
Many of the tricks of the trade for bringing in high-quality residential leads also apply to commercial solar panel installation leads, but with a few modifications. For example, it’s helpful to make your website demonstrate that you install industrial solar panel projects to gain confidence in your target market.
Likewise, modifying your online SEO efforts to incorporate C&I-specific terms with applicable content is crucial. This can involve profiling past commercial solar power projects in case studies, creating a commercial solar section of the website, and writing relevant blog and social media posts.
Target Market for Commercial Solar Panel Installations
Also, consider who your target market is and who could most benefit from a solar power system. Water districts, wastewater treatment facilities, schools and universities, retailers, and local governments are excellent places to start. Likewise, hotels, farms, manufacturing plants, healthcare centers, and churches are also good candidates. Then, figure out who the decision-maker for a project is and the ideal person or people to communicate with, such as a CEO, CFO, plant manager, town manager, sustainability executive, etc.
Commercial Solar Marketing Channels
Leverage various platforms to promote solar solutions to businesses. Online strategies include targeted social media campaigns, SEO optimization, and email marketing. Offline methods involve industry events, trade shows, and partnerships with business associations.
Engaging commercial solar marketing content, case studies, and testimonials play a crucial role in educating potential clients. When you create marketing content, think about the materials from their point of view by considering their goals, concerns, and motives. A strong online presence, combined with traditional networking, helps commercial solar panel installation companies reach and convince potential clients to adopt sustainable energy solutions.
Tips For Commercial Solar Panel Installers
Some commercial projects take longer to plan and receive approval, but they can be more lucrative than residential installations. Because C&I projects vary so much, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. These projects might also be more demanding from an engineering standpoint.
If you need assistance with solar plan sets and professional engineering reviews, contact GreenLancer. Create an account to begin shopping for solar plan sets, engineering stamps, and interconnection applications.
Knowing The Parties Involved in Commercial Solar Projects
Relationships are often a bit more complex on commercial solar panel installation projects and involve more key players. When you first get involved with a PV project, examine the key stakeholders and what the contract approval process entails.
If you are installing a photovoltaic system on a school, it might be safer and easier to install the solar panels when the students are not around or to avoid placing equipment near the main entrances. When installing a solar farm on a capped landfill, Environmental Protection Agency approval is required.
For some projects, the building owner and tenant are not the same entity. Who is responsible for paying the utility bills? Does the tenant understand the benefits of solar energy in lowering energy bills? Understanding the length of the lease and the tenant-owner relationship is beneficial in crafting a sales pitch.
Some clients might be eligible for grant funding, perhaps under the REAP grant program. If your project involves a nonprofit, a board of directors will likely be involved. Some local governments may require a town vote to move a solar PV project forward.
Whenever possible, nurture commercial solar client relationships to earn trust, just like you do with homeowners for residential PV projects. Respond to emails and phone calls promptly to show professionalism.
Understanding Commercial Solar Energy Options
When getting started, learn as much as you can about the facility and the organization's energy needs. Often, this involves reviewing electricity bills for a year or more so you can understand how solar panels will reduce operating costs. Many commercial power customers have demand fees for electricity.
Then, decide if a ground mount or roof mount is better. Examining all the major aspects of the project helps with accurately pricing a job and preventing change orders or installation delays. Let’s explore a few of the critical considerations.
Are there any commercial solar interconnection challenges you will need to overcome with the project?
Are they planning any building or electrical equipment updates or upgrades soon that would make adding solar easier or harder?
Are there anticipated changes in the energy needs of the facilities? For example, are they planning to switch their fleet to electric vehicles or install heat pumps?
Is there shading where you will install the solar modules? If so, are there ways to mitigate production loss from shading?
Would your client benefit from additional clean energy technologies, such as EV chargers, or creating a solar carport in a parking lot?
Is there a criterion you need to meet to obtain financing or take advantage of incentives or rebates?
Can your client pay the upfront cost of the investment, or do they need solar financing? If so, it might be helpful to arrange a solar power purchase agreement.
For Rooftop Commercial Solar Panel Installations
What roof obstructions will you need to accommodate? Is there mechanical equipment on the roof?
Is the orientation of the roof not optimal? Are there ways to overcome this?
Is the load-bearing capacity of the roof an issue when installing commercial solar panels?
Are there roof warranties that you need to adhere to for either pitched or flat roofs?
For Ground Mounted Commercial Solar Panel Installations
Is the land cleared, or will this need to be done?
Are there concerns related to the topography of the site and how this might impact solar energy output?
Are there areas of the property you need to avoid when planning the solar farm?
Are there any geologic features of the site that will limit your racking options or use of equipment?
Financing for Commercial Solar Systems
Similar to residential projects, understanding solar financing options, incentives, and net metering are critical. These factors will change the impact of the solar array on the organization’s bottom line. The tax incentives for C&I projects vary slightly from residential projects. Keep in mind that only for-profit companies can take advantage of the tax credits and write-offs.
Many businesses, such as hotels, rental properties, office buildings, factories, farms, and golf courses, can usually take advantage of the 30% investment tax credit (ITC) and tax write-offs. The latter involves either bonus depreciation in year one or Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) over 6 years.
Power purchase agreements (PPAs) are a popular option where a third party owns the solar system and receives payments for the energy it produces. In this case, entity that owns the solar system can take advantage of the tax credits.
In addition, local solar incentives or rebates are available in some areas through governmental agencies or utility companies. REAP grants or loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture might be a good option in rural areas. Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) might also be an additional source of income from a commercial solar energy system.
Debunking Common Solar Panel Myths
Because solar PV is a relatively new technology, there are many myths and misconceptions. Many clients or critical stakeholders will raise concerns about solar panel maintenance, equipment warranties, and the impacts of cloudy weather on solar production. They may wonder if solar panels will pay for themselves in cold climates or think that an array without batteries can store energy. Prepare yourself to dispel myths by providing accurate information.
Creating Professional Commercial Solar Panel Installation Proposals
A polished solar PV proposal is critical to showing professionalism. Ensure that your proposal is thorough, attractive, and well-written. Some solar system design software helps generate proposals and provides visual elements. Brand your proposal so it includes your logo, relevant images, and even your company colors.
Think through all the design challenges and take your client’s preferences and budget into account. Remember to understand your client’s needs and then highlight the financing options, solar incentives, and the best solar technologies for the given project. Your solar proposal should also include pricing, return on investment calculations, an installation timeline, solar equipment, and required permits and approvals. Provide an overview of your team, citing relevant certifications, education, and experience.
FAQs About Commercial Solar Panel Installation
Read on to learn more about the commercial PV market.
What is the solar payback period for a commercial solar panel system?
The payback period for commercial solar installations typically ranges between 5 to 10 years, but can be shorter if a client is eligible for grant funding. Other factors impacting the solar payback period include commercial energy consumption, local solar incentives, and PV system size. Businesses can expect a relatively short duration for recouping their initial solar investment, making renewable energy an economically viable and sustainable choice in the long run.
What maintenance is needed for commercial solar panel installations?
Commercial solar panels require minimal maintenance. Regular inspections and occasional cleaning suffice to ensure optimal solar energy output. Commercial solar equipment warranties minimize concerns about upkeep costs. This ease of maintenance, coupled with the durability of solar panels, makes them a reliable and hassle-free choice for businesses seeking renewable energy solutions without the burden of extensive ongoing care.
How much space is needed for a commercial solar panel installation?
The space needed for a commercial project ranges from 5 to 8 acres per megawatt of solar capacity. Factors influencing solar panel space requirements include module efficiency, site topography, and the choice of solar racking systems.
What are the permitting requirements for commercial solar installations?
Commercial solar permit requirements typically include obtaining local building and electrical permits, utility interconnection agreements, and sometimes environmental permits. A structural engineering review may be needed to ensure adequate roof support and adherence to state-specific regulations. After installation, local authorities must inspect the commercial solar installation to ensure compliance with all codes and regulations.
GreenLancer offers solar engineering reviews and stamps, and our team includes licensed engineers in all 50 states.
Commercial Solar Panel Installations Create New Opportunities
As businesses adopt solar solutions, installers with commercial experience gain a competitive edge, attracting more clients seeking residential installations. The cross-applicability of skills and the growing demand for sustainable energy further position residential installers to capitalize on the broader market shift toward solar solutions.
Often, solar contractors do not have the time or expertise in-house to create solar permit drawings and satisfy engineering needs. GreenLancer can provide permit-ready solar plan sets, engineering reviews, and PE stamps. Work with us to make your next project a breeze! Complete the form below to learn more.
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