The Australian economy, long thought to be robust and resilient, is grappling with the consequences of the Black Summer fires and the ongoing global pandemic. As people and companies struggle, businesses are torn between their desire to use clean energy and save on energy costs in the long term, and the substantial investment required for a solar panel system.
However, even with the current economic climate, installing commercial solar panels remains an excellent alternative for any business that wants to cut down on their energy bills and carbon emissions.
In fact, the more energy you require for your business, the more reason for you to switch to solar power. Still, you have to consider the following before making a decision:
Your average monthly electricity bill
How much you actually spend (on average) on your monthly — or yearly — electricity bill is a critical factor when you’re considering getting solar panels in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia. Remember that your electricity usage is priced per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and rates vary depending on location.
Going solar essentially means you’ll have your own mini version of a power plant to power your business operations. If you have a factory or a warehouse, or if your electricity consumption is high, then you can expect to save the most when you go solar.
Cost of the solar panel system
Your next major consideration in your decision to invest in commercial solar panels is the cost of the equipment itself.
In general, you’ll spend about $1,000 to $1,300 per kW installed in Australia.
The amount you’ll spend depends on the size of the solar system you need. Most small businesses require less than 30kW or a maximum of 100 panels. With a 30kW system, you’ll be generating about 120kWh of electricity per day on average. This translate to about $2,000 worth of electricity per month for your consumption.
While the initial outlay may seem substantial, you can recoup your investment in about three to 15 years and get some of it back in the form of tax credits. Solar panels can last from 25 to 30 years, so they’ll be serving you for a really long time, too.
Larger businesses with more energy requirements (30kW and up) must calculate the costs of connecting to the grid, as they will require special systems designed to protect the grid from the electricity their system will produce. Make sure you clarify this with the solar company you’ve chosen and get council clearance.
Going solar — a worthy investment
Investing in solar panels can be a business decision, especially if the energy requirements of your business are quite high. Plus, of course, there’s the global push to utilise renewables to help combat global warming.
If you need solar panels in Sydney, or anywhere in Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia, please get in touch with us at Arise Solar.
