Commercial buildings can require a lot of power to operate. With energy prices on the rise, the need to find good alternative energy sources is more pressing than ever. Solar power, provided via solar panels, is one option that people are increasingly turning to as an effective solution for their energy needs. Solar panels are noiseless, low maintenance, and provide clean energy. But is solar power right for your commercial project? Read on to learn more.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
A solar panel is comprised of photovoltaic cells that are arranged into a rectangular panel. The panel is encased in non-reflective glass and placed in a protective metal frame. The panels work by capturing photons – light particles – from the sun. The photons disturb the electrons that are present in the solar cells of the panels, producing an electric current. Because the current is DC, it is sent to an inverter, and the inverter converts the energy into AC power for residential and commercial applications.
Pros of Solar Power
It’s clean, renewable energy: Solar power relies on the sun, which isn’t going to be depleted any time soon. By using a renewable energy source, there is reduced need for reliance on expensive fossil fuels.
It’s cost-effective: The sun is free power, so it’s not surprising that solar panels can significantly reduce electricity bills, making them more than worth the installation cost in the long term. Depending on location, government incentives and rebates may also be available to help offset the installation expenses.
It’s reliable: Solar panels are sturdily constructed from high-quality materials that are not prone to breakage, even in harsh weather. This makes them essentially maintenance free. As an added plus, solar panels are silent, so they will not contribute any unwanted noise.
It’s accessible: Solar panels have been around for a long time, and the current drive toward renewable technology has made solar power easier to access than ever. Commercial building owners have a range of panel types and sizes to choose from, and it is now commonplace to take advantage of the benefits of solar power.
Cons of Solar Power
It’s an intermittent energy source: The sun may not be going anywhere, but it isn’t out at night, and it can be obscured by clouds during the day. Buildings that are shaded by trees or other obstructions may also have more limited access to the sun. This means that it is necessary to store a reserve of power, and/or to rely on other power sources in addition to solar.
It’s an expensive up-front investment: Incentives and rebates aside, it is still costly to install a solar energy system, especially if the system is being added to an existing building, where alternations may be required to electrical components or the roof. For commercial developers interested in solar power, it’s recommended that the system be part of the initial build rather than a later addition.
Though there are some considerations to be mindful of before choosing to invest in solar power for your commercial building, the pros may outweigh the cons. As climate change and political instability continue to highlight the need to distance ourselves from fossil fuels, consider incorporating solar panels to offset the costs for your commercial building – and help the environment while doing so.
Looking for a team to take the lead on your next project? At Pulse Construction, we’re committed to doing business with an honest, professional, and competitive approach – without compromising safety or schedules. Contact us today for all of your building needs.
