More and more Pilbara based businesses are turning to solar power because of the many benefits it offers. In addition to reducing ongoing power costs, solar power can improve the reputation or your business and increase the value of your commercial property.
Choosing to go solar for your business can be a big decision and it’s wise to weigh up all the factors before deciding if it’s the right investment. You may have a number of questions like how efficient are commercial solar panels? How much will they cost you? And are there any government incentives to make it more affordable?
In this article, we’ll cover the most common questions about solar power for businesses. If you have any more questions, get in touch with our solar experts at Tic Tag Systems. We’d be happy to help.
How efficient are commercial solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency tends to lie somewhere between 15 – 22%. However there is a lot of variance between manufacturers and better quality solar panels are usually more efficient. As technology evolves, solar panels continue to become more and more efficient too.
At Tic Tag Systems, we offer high quality solar power systems that are built to perform well in the harsh conditions of Port Hedland and the surrounding Pilbara regions. Our commercial solar power systems are designed by a local Clean Energy Council accredited solar designer with extensive knowledge of the local region.
Using complex solar PV design software, we are able to offer systems that optimised for efficiency, maximising solar energy output and financial savings for your business.
Commercial solar panel cleaning
It is important to have a regular maintenance schedule for commercial solar power systems. Your solar installer should provide a maintenance schedule that may be carried out by the installer themselves or a third party.
Typically commercial solar power systems are checked and serviced every 6 months to 1 year. Solar panel cleaning should occur as regularly as 3 months, especially for locations within the Pilbara where dust and wind can cause solar panels to get dirty more quickly.
At Tic Tag Systems, we offer professional, high quality cleaning and maintenance services for commercial solar panels. In the majority of cases we are able to clean solar panels from the ground using purpose designed carbon fibre telescopic poles. This technique is highly effective and maximises safety.
Solar panel grants for commercial buildings
In Australia, solar power systems under 99 kW are eligible for the government “STC” rebate. STCs – Small-scale Technology Certificates – are typically applied to the upfront cost of a solar power system. In other words, a solar panel installer will provide you with a lower point of sale cost and then recover the rebate once the system is installed.
For solar power systems 100 kW and larger, LGCs – Large-scale Generation Certificates – apply. To claim your LGCs, you must register your businesses to become an accredited power station with the Clean Energy Regulator. Then you must monitor and provide accurate annual reports.
The actual rebate amount for both STCs and LGCs depend on the size system you install and when you install it. The amount you are eligible for may fall each year and it’s important to take this into account when deciding to invest in solar.
Average cost of commercial solar panels
A good quality commercial solar power system will typically cost between $1,000 – $1,300 per kW. For smaller systems under 30 kW, you can expect to pay around $700 per kW for a good quality system.
The final cost may be significantly more due to a number of factors including the type of inverter installed, network protection requirements and engineering costs. It is not uncommon for commercial solar power systems to have a pay back period as low as 5 years.
The best way to get an accurate quote for your commercial property is to get in touch with our team at Tic Tag Systems. We offer on-site assessments and free no-obligation quotes so you can figure out if solar is the right investment for your business.
How to get my small business running on solar power?
If you’re ready to invest in solar power for your Pilbara based business, Tic Tag Systems can help. We provide commercial solar power systems to a wide range of businesses from accommodation villages and retail stores to mine sites and camps.
When you choose Tic Tag Systems, you’ll get local service at the highest standard. We only use the highest quality materials and our systems are designed and installed by CEC accredited designers and A grade electricians.
Call us today to arrange an obligation free quote or to organise a feasibility study for your site.
