What to consider when installing a Solar System for your manufacturing plant
2022-09-12 12:49:54
Manufacturers are typically the largest consumer of electricity. The average annual electricity consumption for a manufacturing plant is about 95.1 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per square foot in the US. The high electricity consumption is due to production equipment, temperature control, and lighting. In the current climate and with the existing power tariffs as high as they are, one can only imagine the cost of keeping a plant running.
If you're a manufacturer, plant owner, or manager, one of the significant operating expenses you incur is electricity bills. You'd need to look for cheaper and more reliable power sources to reduce your energy costs. Here, solar power becomes the most viable solution.
Solar panels installed on your facility's roof convert the sun's energy into power and deliver a renewable and free power source on-site. However, to enjoy the incredible benefits of solar energy in manufacturing plants, you need to set up and install this infrastructure properly and carefully.
Read on for the key considerations when building a solar solution for your manufacturing plant.
Required Energy Levels
Every manufacturing plant requires a different amount of energy to operate. It depends on size, operations, machinery types, and the number of running hours. Hence, determining your plant's energy requirement is crucial before installing the solar system.
This knowledge helps determine the size and number of solar panels your plant requires. Since these panels produce varying amounts of energy, you'll likely want powerful ones that suit your plant's energy needs. Going off the grid requires robust and powerful solar systems.
While solar energy can supply adequate power to your plant, it's impossible without the right solar system. A reliable and experienced installer, such as Daisy Energy, will always perform an energy audit and determine necessary power levels at your manufacturing plant.
We also analyse electrical bills to calculate the plant's energy needed to run.
With assurance about the plant's energy consumption, making spurious choices is minimal.
Manufacturing Plant's Location
The effectiveness of your commercial solar system depends on the amount of sunlight it receives. The greater the sunlight coverage, the more powerful it'll be.
Before installing solar panels, take some time to analyse the attributes of your plant's location. Be extra cautious when interpreting the installation location. Some panels reduce output when placed in the shadow, and others even shut down completely. Ensure you locate panels in open areas with total sunlight exposure for efficient energy production.
Also, check the region's climate and the amount of sunlight it receives per day and seasonally. Solar panels thrive best in cooler environments with much sunlight per year.
You'll leverage its benefits if the region receives average annual sunlight distribution. Otherwise, you'll require more robust systems to provide for inadequate solar radiation.
Its always best to employ a professional to identify obstructions that may decrease your panel's sun exposure in various locations. Suppose the installation area has hills, buildings, and trees that are likely to cast shadows. In that case, your system will receive less sunlight, resulting in subpar performance, thereby not meeting a plant's energy demands.
Be sure to eliminate all obstructions as far as possible to increase the reception of solar radiation by the panels. But if impossible, allow a technician to plan the placement of the panels to tilt and face in the obstacle-free direction to ensure they capture adequate sunlight.
The Contracting Company
Working with an accredited and experienced solar company comes with many perks. It supplies you with high-quality solar systems that'll suit your energy demands. Also, it provides more extended warranty periods and regular maintenance of the systems.
Professional companies offer seamless solar installation to ensure you enjoy all the rewards of going off the grid. Also, they use the latest technologies and have qualified personnel to ensure a successful process. After installing their systems, they take time to verify their effectiveness.
Furthermore, they offer advice about the installation permits to ensure you don't rub shoulders with authorities. Professionals evaluate your property to ensure it meets the standards for solar installation.
Know the durability of the Solar System
Checking your solar system's durability is crucial before its installation. You benefit from knowing the number of years it'll serve you before a replacement need occurs.
If you want to run your manufacturing plant for many years as seamlessly as possible, ensure to buy high-quality solar systems with a longer lifespan. Accredited companies offer quality and long-lasting solar systems and warranties guaranteeing their systems' durability.
Durable solar panels might be expensive up-front but are well worth the cost. Cheaper systems might save you more minor initial expenses but cost you dearly in the future.
To ensure your solar systems' durability, be sure to consider the following:
- Name of the cell manufacturer to determine what tier they are
- Type of glass used and the edge seal
- Encapsulant supplier and thickness
- Back sheet manufacturer and construction
- Junction box material and sealing method
- Connector type.
All these factors are essential, and you shouldn't overlook any if you want to purchase durable solar panels for your plant.
Installation Cost
Before your solar panel installation, know how much the services will cost you. You'll protect yourself financially to ensure you don't struggle to cover unforeseen costs.
Research installers and determine the average cost for your solar installation. Ensure you select an installer who has an excellent knowledge of the products they install and sufficient experience installing them.
Avoid installation companies that overcharge or undercharge their service. Solar companies that charge exorbitant prices aren't always the best. Choose a company that offers top-notch services at reasonable prices to enjoy all benefits of going solar.
Ready to Install a Solar System in Your Manufacturing Plant?
A solar system for your plant is a worthwhile investment! You'll enjoy the many benefits like lower energy bills, increased grid security, and more. However, proper solar installation is key to enjoying these perks.
At Daisy Business Solutions, we have you covered. Our energy solutions for production and manufacturing companies are guaranteed to enhance efficiency and save costs.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
You can also read:
How Solar Solutions Can Revolutionise Supply Chain Sustainability in Manufacturing
The role of solar energy in meeting sustainability goals for manufacturing operations
