Switching to solar energy not only gives you the chance to lower carbon emissions – it can also help reduce your energy use (and thereby your bills).

To help you decide if it’s the right move for your business, here are the key questions to consider.

1. Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

How old is your roof? Does it need any repairs? It needs to be able to handle the weight of the panels.

Another key issue is which way your building faces. The most effective solar install will face north, but if your building faces a different direction you can still benefit from solar.

“We can do things such as put the solar panels on risers so they face north,” Adrian Uberti, CEO of UNIfied Energy Services, tells Business Builders. “And we can also do a spread of panels, some with west facing, some with east facing.”

2. Where should I position my panels?

While the most obvious place for solar panels is your roof, it’s not the only spot. Small and medium businesses in particularly sunny states such as Queensland are using them as car park coverings. For example, AGL installed solar panels on a car park for Pernod Ricard Winemakers in South Australia, which power both the facility and EV charging stations.

3. What size system will I need?

This will depend on your current energy usage. Again, aspect comes into play here. “If you’ve got a north facing roof, you’ll get much more efficiency out of your solar setup, and potentially need a smaller-size system,” says Adrian.

Also make sure you factor in your future energy use. Will you be upgrading old appliances? Planning to add EV charging stations? Getting this right now avoids a costly re-install down the track.

According to Adrian, a 15kW system will likely suit many low to moderate energy-use small businesses. “The largest size for a small business system is generally 30kW, which is about 60 panels, and this can provide expected savings of up to $7500 annually,” he says.

4. Can I get solar if I rent my business premises?

Absolutely! Even if you don’t own the building, you can still benefit from solar energy.

One option is to work with third-party providers who collaborate with landlords to find cost-effective setups. Plus, some local councils offer financing arrangements where they fund solar systems, allowing tenants to pay back the cost over time through reduced energy bills.

“These options not only benefit your business but also increase property value for landlords, so it’s a win-win,” says Adrian.

5. Can I start with a few panels and expand later?

While starting small seems tempting, upgrading your solar setup later can be tricky and might cost you more in the long run. “Adding more panels later means you’d have to redo much of the installation, so it’s usually smarter to get it right from the get-go,” says Adrian.

6. What are solar batteries and why do some businesses use them?

A solar battery allows you to monitor your energy use and store energy to use later. “As tariff rewards for putting energy back into the grid decrease, it may be more beneficial for you to invest in a solar battery and store that energy yourself,” says Adrian. “This can be particularly useful if you operate outside of business hours when the sun’s not shining.”

7. How long do solar panels last?

You can typically get around 25 years out of your solar panels, making them a sound long-term investment. “It’s pretty safe to say we don’t expect any technological advances that are going to make solar panels of today obsolete,” says Adrian.

Make sure you ask about warranties – for the product, inverter, installation and panel performance – and get your panels serviced every five years.

Maintenance is important for both system performance and to preserve your warranty. Your installer is a great place to start for this.

8. How long until my solar system pays for itself?

According to Adrian, solar is one of the better returning electrification solutions. “We generally find they pay off within three to five years, depending on fluctuating energy costs over time,” he says.

“In recent times, we’re seeing payback periods as little as under a couple of years for certain system sizes.”

9. Can I get any government rebates?

Each state has its own programs, so investigate those. And as mentioned earlier, speak to your local council too. This government website is a good starting place for finding out more about rebate schemes.

10. Can I lease or finance the solar system instead of purchasing it outright?

Yep! There’s several ways you can do this, from cheap green financing to interest-free commercial loans.

“There’s also instant tax write-offs up to $20,000 each year for small businesses, so you don’t have to worry about depreciating your solar system over time,” Adrian says.

11. How long does it take to get a solar system installed?

According to Adrian, you can get your solar setup sorted within one to two months. “You need permission from your local power distributor and this is pretty quick unless you’re looking at a larger system,” he says. “There’s also a final check where you get a certification that the installation is compliant with all electrical regulations.”

12. What should I look for in a solar energy supplier?

Look for a reputable business with high safety standards, and which is able to understand your specific business electricity usage. AGL is Australia’s largest supplier of commercial solar, and they can also connect you with a trusted installation partner if they don’t offer what you need. So if you’re not sure of where to start, they can help you make the transition.

Thinking about solar?

Visit the AGL website to find a tailored solution for your business’s energy needs, including electricity, gas, solar and electrification.

This article is brought to you by Business Builders in partnership with AGL.