How To Keep the Power Running in Your Commercial Building with Solar Panels?

Solar energy is a great way to bring renewable energy into your commercial building, and it’s relatively easy to implement.

Once the solar panels have been installed, you’ll need to understand how they work to maximize effectiveness. Here are certain tricks to help you keep power running when your business needs it most with the sun at your back.

Choose the Right Panels

Choosing the right panels is vital to keep power flowing into your commercial building because you’ll need to consider how much electricity the business requires. Panels are rated in watts, usually between 150-300 watts each, and you can combine multiple panels for a total output of about 1 kW.

Make sure the solar modules are compatible with each other.

Size the Array for Maximum Output

The next step to keep power running in your commercial building is sizing the solar array. You must size the panels correctly so they don’t overproduce or underproduce.

You can determine how many amps you may need by multiplying your wattage by 1,000 and then dividing it by the number of hours you’ll need power each day. You may also need to consider the elevation and whether or not you’re in a region that’s more exposed to direct sunlight.

Keep Panels Clean

Dirty solar panels don’t work as well, so you should plan to inspect them each month and wipe them down with a soft cloth if necessary. If you see too much dirt on a panel, it could mean a buildup of dust or a faulty seal, which will decrease the power output.

Don’t Overuse Appliances

Whether you have many commercial appliances in your building or just a few, make sure to turn them off when not in use.

Most appliances draw energy constantly while plugged in, even if they’re not turned on. It is called phantom power, and it can quickly drain a solar panel’s reserve energy.

Take Advantage of The Sun

Solar energy accounted for about 11 percent of US renewable energy consumption in 2020.

If you have access to windows, consider opening them up during business hours. The natural sunlight that streams through will help heat your building at no extra cost, making your electric bill smaller.

It will also help your solar power panels produce more energy since they can absorb some of the sunlight that hits them without being directly exposed to the sun’s rays.

Don’t Overload Circuits

Each circuit in a commercial building is designed for a specific number of amps or watts.

If you use too many appliances on one circuit, the overloading circuit breaker will trip and turn off all electricity to that circuit. It is not only a safety issue, but it also means you can’t use any of the appliances there until the breaker is reset.

Adjust Your Power Settings

You can set up certain electronic devices to turn on and off on their own at specific times during the day, which means you can turn your lights off automatically at 7 p.m., for example, and know that it will be back on again at 8 a.m. the next day.

You’ll also be able to override this setting if you need to work late or go in early, meaning you won’t have to worry about using up too much power.

Make Sure the Solar Panels Are Angled Correctly

You’ll need to adjust the angle of your solar panels throughout the year to get the most out of them. If they’re too angled, you won’t capture much sun and will waste a lot of energy.

The angles also need to be adjusted for the time of day. For example, you’ll need to point them more directly at the sun in the morning than in the afternoon.

Plan Your Replacement Schedule for Solar Panels

The silicon that makes up solar panels can degrade after time, so it’s essential to know when they’ll need to be replaced and then plan accordingly to get the most out of your investment. Replacing them before they need it can harm the environment, so you should wait until their expected lifespan is over.

Take Advantage of Storage Batteries

You don’t have to use all of your power in real-time when solar panels are on your roof, which means you can save some for later.

That’s what storage batteries are for. They’ll keep the power you produce and don’t use, stored in them for when they’re needed, so your electricity will be available when it’s dark outside or when the sunlight is weak on an overcast day.

Combined with solar energy, these tips can help your business avoid blackouts and save money on its monthly bills. If you want to research more about solar energy for businesses, contact a local Sacramento company today to schedule an estimate of your property’s solar potential.