The Leading Commercial Solar Systems

Decision-makers at enterprises have a choice of many commercial solar systems. As a matter of fact, some commentators on renewable energy describe commercial solar as being the most fragmented sector of the U.S. solar market, with numerous companies involved in the development, module manufacturing, and asset ownership. Find out more about the commercial-grade solar power technology available for businesses in Los Angeles, CA.

Tier 1 Solar Panels

Tier 1 solar panels are classified through the tiered system of the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corporation. Commercial solar systems in this tier must satisfy several requirements:

1. Panels manufactured for six different projects

2. Projects financed non-recourse by six different banks

3. Both standards met within the past two years

Tiers do not correspond to panel size or module efficiency but indicate the number of banks willing to invest in projects that use these panels. As banks want to invest money wisely, Tier 1 panels are considered a safe bet for use in large, utility-scale projects of 1.5 megawatts or more.

Ground and Rooftop Installations

Solar power specialists can recommend a ground or rooftop installation for any commercial location. Estimating how many panels a commercial building will need can also determine whether space or structural constraints could be a deciding factor. Divide monthly usage by peak sun hours, which average about 5.2 kilowatt hours per square meter in California. Multiply the result by 1000 and divide the product by the power rating of the panel model you plan to have installed to calculate how many panels are necessary.

Solar Power for Commercial Buildings

Most commercial solar systems involve larger solar panels and equipment for handling higher loads than residential installations. Commercial projects also involve more complex permitting requirements. Selecting the right installation service can simplify the process of setting up and maintaining solar panels and any energy storage equipment you select for a commercial property in the Los Angeles area.