The commercial solar industry is bursting with potential now that there are accessible financing options, cost-effective installation services, and several incentives for businesses who want to make the switch. 

When one thinks of solar installation, a roof adorned with several panels comes to mind, but that’s not the only way your businesses can produce solar energy. So if you’re worried about roof space or don’t get enough sunlight on your roof, there are plenty of alternatives that will let you cut overhead electricity costs for 25+ years.

In this blog, we’ll cover several ways businesses can install solar panels and the major differences between types of solar panels.

Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

The very basics of solar panel differentiation lie in the distinction between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. Businesses widely use both, but when considering which to choose for your property, there are a couple of factors you should take into account.

Monocrystalline solar panels are black in color and consist of a string of solar cells, each containing a single crystal of pure silicon. Because of the complexity of manufacturing multiple single pure silicon crystals, monocrystalline solar panels are more expensive than their counterparts. However, they come with the added benefit of a higher efficiency rate. Monocrystalline solar panels are an excellent choice for businesses with limited space to achieve as high an offset as possible. 

Polycrystalline solar panels are blue, and like monocrystalline solar panels, they consist of a string of solar cells. However, each solar cell consists of multiple silicon crystals that fragment independently during manufacturing instead of being extruded as a single pure crystal. This method of manufacturing solar panels is much less labor intensive, so polycrystalline solar panels are less expensive. These solar panels have a lower efficiency rate but are an excellent choice for businesses with plenty of space. 

When it comes to solar installation, there are multiple ways you can incorporate solar panels seamlessly into your commercial property. 

Rooftop Solar

Rooftop solar panels are the most common type of solar installation you’ll see and are very simple to install. Since roof space is mainly unutilized, it can be easily turned into a reliable source of clean energy. A south-facing roof is the best direction for rooftop solar installation. A rooftop solar installation is a great way to cultivate a sustainable image for your brand and business and freeze your electricity bills for 25+ years. 

Ground-Mounted Solar

Ground-mounted solar panels are fixed to a ground-level foundation in an area with abundant sunlight. Ground-mounted solar panels are easily accessible but take up more usable space than rooftop solar panels. However, they are just as efficient as rooftop solar panels and are easy to maintain.

Ground-mounted solar panels can help you cut overhead costs dramatically and generate savings for 25+ years. Interestingly, these solar panels provide a little-known benefit to agricultural farm businesses, as ground-mounted solar panels can provide shade to crops and generate plenty of electricity. 

Solar Canopies and Carports

Solar canopies can turn your parking lot into renewable energy. The installation is similar to ground-mounted solar panels, but they are raised into the air to accommodate vehicles beneath them. Solar canopies provide shade to parked cars and power EV charging stations. You can turn a mundane space into a solar production source by installing a solar canopy in your parking lot. 

All types of solar installations are eligible for solar incentives, such as the 30% federal solar tax credit. Many states also offer rebates for installing EV chargers or run net metering programs. 

Get The Solar Installation You Need, Stress-Free

IE Construction provides turn-key solar solutions to businesses that want to invest in solar installation. Our energy advisors can help you decide which commercial solar solution is best for your business, advise you on the best materials, walk you through financing, and assist with permitting. 

Ready to go solar? Contact us today to find out how we can help you make the switch.