Cape Town, South Africa, Sept 16, 2022 - IBC SOLAR, a leading full-service provider of SOLAR energy solutions shares insights on commercial solar systems. A mixture of high electricity rates, loadshedding and the positive trend towards sustainable energy creates a growing demand for solar solutions on commercial properties. The advantages of using solar energy and its contribution to a clean environment has been widely discussed, but not necessarily how a business can benefit from solar energy.

Solar systems are a meaningful investment for business owners, especially to secure long-term competitiveness and independence. Even more so when photovoltaics are combined with a storage system. There are multiple benefits of installing a PV system for entrepreneurs. The main benefits for most business include lower electricity bills and security in the event of loadshedding. Moreover, promoting a positive corporate image through the use of PV as environmentally friendly power generation has also become a motivating factor.

However, despite the many benefits PV systems hold, there are still some uncertainties when deciding to install a solar system at a business. Within an interview with Alexander Joist, IBC SOLAR ZA Business Development Manager, these uncertainties are addressed and solutions offered.

What size solar power system should I consider for my commercial property?

A solar system will always be designed according to the energy needs of the client. In order to determine the specific needs of the client, the following IBC SOLAR services can be used: Power Calculator, PV Manager or the IBC SOLAR technical design services.

What can be powered when using solar power at my business?

This depends on what the client is willing to invest and what they need. The electrical system is normally split between essential and non-essential loads, in order to reduce energy-intensive appliances in a backup case. In other words, loads are split between high consumers, that are not needed during loadshedding and what is really necessary to be powered through a power cut period. The system will then be designed according to these needs. It is generally up to the client what they would like to be powered or not, this will then affect the cost of the system and particularly the storage components.

What types of solar systems for commercial is available?

The first type of solar system to consider is the grid tie system, which is a regular solar system connected parallel to the grid. This will result to 50-60% energy savings. Next, if the client wants to save more energy and become more independent, they could use a hybrid system with storage. That means, the business will jump from saving 50-60% with a grid tie system to 70-80% by including storage. In other words, the client will produce energy during the day and use it during the night. The last 20-30% will always come from Eskom. Lastly, a third option will be to go completely independent from Eskom, and go off-grid. Herein, the investment into a battery and perhaps a backup generator will be larger than with the first two options.

How much does a commercial solar power system cost?

With solar systems, instead of considering the cost, the client should rather consider what they will save. As mentioned, they can save 50-80% on power, based on the type of solar system the client choose to use. Moreover, where they would pay 92c - R1,50 per kWh with Eskom, a solar energy system can produce energy for 60-90c over 20 years. Furthermore, depending on the province the client are based in, some provinces, the Western Cape for instance, offers a feed in scheme where the City of Cape Town will pay the client a tariff for the amount of power they feed back into grid. However, they still have to be a net consumer in order to produce.

Do I need a certain type of roof to support commercial solar systems?

It can be any type of roof. IBC SOLAR offers a ballasted mounting system that does not drill into the roof, which is the AeroFix system, and is most applicable for flat roofs. Another option is the IBC SOLAR roof mounting, the TopFix system, for IBR, corrugated, tile roofs or any type of roof sheeting or pitched structures. Regarding the clients’ roof, it is also important to consider what direction it is facing. The ideal one is a north facing roof, but for a commercial application, an east-west facing structure works very well. Here the sun will hit the modules very early in the morning and then again later in the afternoon on the other side. This results in a more balanced energy output with less midday peak.

What are the different types of solar panels for commercial use?

Nowadays, all solar panels are monocrystalline solar modules. The only difference is the efficiency of the panel. There are different ranges from 350 to 650 watt solar modules. But it is important to note that bigger is not better in this case, the efficiency of the panel per square meter is much more important.

How do I get a solar system from IBC SOLAR?

IBC SOLAR is a manufacturer-independent system house that only sell solar systems to commercial EPC and professional installation companies with a very high service level. However, the company do refer end clients looking for an installer to their premium partners all over Africa. The premium partners will then make direct contact with the client and arrange for a site visit. IBC SOLAR will then proceed to do the design together with the premium partner. Make sure to get in touch with IBC SOLAR today!

About IBC SOLAR

IBC SOLAR is a leading full-service provider of energy solutions and services in the field of photovoltaics and storage. The company offers complete systems and covers the entire product range from planning to the turnkey handover of photovoltaic systems. The range includes energy solutions for private homes, trade and industry as well as solar parks. IBC SOLAR is a project developer and general contractor in these areas, and plans, implements and markets large-scale SOLAR projects worldwide. IBC SOLAR works closely with a network of Premium Partners who ensure competent and high-quality installation of the systems worldwide.

IBC SOLAR was founded in 1982 in Bad Staffelstein by Udo Möhrstedt and is now a pioneer in the energy revolution in over 30 countries.