If you're the owner or operator of a commercial building and are considering upgrading to solar panels for some or all of your power generation needs, one of the key themes to be looking at is whether your existing facility infrastructure will be capable of such installations. Many facilities will be in good shape here, but there may also be some situations where upgrades or tweaks may need to be made.
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're happy to help here. We offer wide-ranging commercial solar panel services, including a full range of solutions meant to help assess your current infrastructure and whether changes need to be made to accommodate a new solar panel system. What are some of the key areas we'll help you look at here? Let's dive in.
Several of the most important themes here surround the general realm of electricity and voltage. With solar panels, you'll be dealing with direct current (DC) electricity, as opposed to the alternating current (AC) that most commercial buildings use. As a result, you'll also need to ensure that your facility has compatible voltage levels for solar panel installation and usage.
In many cases, it will be possible to install what's known as a solar inverter. This is a device that helps to convert DC electricity into AC, which is what most buildings use for power. In other cases, you may need to make more significant changes to your facility's electrical system, such as running new wiring or upgrading existing components.
But in many situations, you won't need any changes at all here. It really depends on the specifics of your facility's existing infrastructure.
Another important concept here is electrical distribution. This refers to how electricity is delivered throughout your building, and it's another area where changes may need to be made to accommodate a commercial solar panel installation.
In particular, you'll want to make sure that your facility has an electrical system that can handle the additional power that will be generated by the solar panels. In some cases, this may mean upgrading your existing electrical panel. In others, you might need to add new panels or other distribution components.
But again, in many cases no changes will be needed here. It all depends on the specifics of your facility's existing electrical infrastructure.
If your facility already has one or more generators attached to the electrical system, you'll also need to make sure that these are properly coordinated with the new solar panel installation. In most cases, this simply means ensuring that the generators are sized properly to handle the additional power that will be generated by the solar panels.
In some cases, though, more significant changes may need to be made. For instance, if your generators are currently set up to provide power only during a power outage, you may need to make changes so that they can also provide power during times of peak demand. This will help to ensure that your facility has a reliable source of power at all times.
Installing a new solar panel system involves what's known as an interconnection request, which refers to the process of connecting your new system to the existing electrical grid. In order to do this, you'll need to meet certain requirements set forth by your local utility company.
These requirements vary from one utility to the next, but they generally involve things like having your system inspected and approved by the utility, as well as installing certain safety devices. In some cases, you may also need to make changes to your facility's electrical system in order to meet the requirements.
The good news is that we can help you navigate these requirements, as well as any other challenges that you may face during the solar panel installation process. We have a team of experienced professionals who are familiar with all aspects of this important area.
Another key area to be aware of is zoning laws and codes. These vary from one location to the next, but they generally dictate where you're allowed to install solar panels on your property.
In some cases, you may need to obtain a permit in order to install the panels. In others, you might need to make sure that the panels meet certain size or height requirements.
The good news is that we're familiar with all of the zoning laws and codes in the area, and we can help you ensure that your new solar panel installation meets all of the necessary requirements.
Finally, while it's not strictly a requirement, you'll also want to consider the aesthetics and style of your new solar panel installation. After all, the panels will be visible on your property, so you'll want to make sure that they look good.
There are a number of factors to consider here. For instance, you'll need to decide on the size, shape, and color of the panels. You'll also need to decide where they should be installed.
We can help you with all of these decisions, and we'll work with you to ensure that your new solar panel installation meets all of your aesthetic needs.
With the right attention to detail, you can be sure that your new commercial solar panel installation will be a success, and that your facility has the proper infrastructure to handle it. At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we have the experience and expertise necessary to help you through every step of the process, from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
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