Solar is a clean, green and renewable source of energy that can provide substantial savings for business owners. But before you decide to invest, you should know what to expect.

The Queensland commercial solar government has launched a tough new regulation that will prevent solar panels being mounted by unlicensed workers. Developers have slammed the move as a "cheap shot" at big solar projects and a "sleight of hand" that could make many commercial installations unfeasible.

Cost

Commercial solar systems are a great way to cut your electricity costs. They also reduce your carbon emissions and give you a positive image as a sustainable business.

In Queensland, a solar system under 39kW is usually eligible for a feed-in tariff (FiT). These incentives are designed to offset the cost of installing and maintaining a solar system.

Larger commercial solar systems are not eligible for these incentives and require a higher level of technical expertise to be installed correctly. This includes the requirement to meet a variety of network provider requirements, which can vary significantly from state to state.

Compared to residential installation prices, commercial systems are slightly more expensive as they need engineering certificates, more stringent commercial energy rules and more specialised work. This is especially true for the larger 100 kW+ systems where microinverters, optimisers and other more specialized equipment are required to be installed correctly.

Energy Savings

A commercial solar system can save a business up to $42 a week, or more than $7,000 per year, in electricity costs. These savings are based on todays energy prices and projected future electricity savings from solar.

The amount your business can expect to save will depend on your tariff, the size of the system, and your electricity usage. This means you need to understand the payback period of the system you choose before installing.

Queensland businesses can also take advantage of feed-in tariffs, which reward them with a small rebate for the excess power their solar panels produce. This can be used to recompense their energy bills or stored for use later on.

Some Queensland businesses are also taking advantage of battery systems to help them save on electricity costs by storing the excess electricity their panels generate during the day and kicking in when the price of power is high. This is a great option for those on time-of-use or peak-demand rates and is available through Social Energy.

Feed-In Tariffs

Feed-in tariffs (FiTs) are a government-mandated scheme that helps reduce your electricity bill by paying you for the power your solar panels generate. They vary depending on your state or territory, energy retailer and electricity plan.

Getting the best feed-in tariffs for your home can save you money on your bills and help you avoid costly outlays on solar battery storage. The best way to find a feed-in tariff that suits your needs is to compare a range of plans from different power companies.

In South East Queensland, the standard feed-in rate is 6.0c 7.5c per kWh, based on a net model (surplus electricity export). For customers living in regions outside SEQ, a regional solar feed-in tariff is available – a flat rate tariff for Ergon Energy Retail and Origin Energy customers.

Alternatively, you can choose to receive your FIT on gross metering. This means all the unused energy you generated from your solar system goes to the grid and is then sold back at a markup, rather than being put directly into your home. This is a less profitable option, but can still be an effective way to save on your energy bills.

Maintenance

A commercial solar installers Brisbane is a big investment and requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. A few simple checks and tweaks can make your system operate at peak efficiency and help you save money on your power bills.

For example, a clean solar panel can reduce your system electricity consumption by as much as 50% and may even help you earn a small rebate. Likewise, keeping your inverter clean can improve its longevity and performance.

However, many businesses choose to install a solar power system without considering the maintenance costs that are associated with it. This is a mistake, as a poorly maintained system can result in increased energy costs, reduced power output and a host of other headaches. The best way to avoid this is to partner with a specialist commercial solar company who will provide you with comprehensive advice and a detailed maintenance schedule. The result is a well-managed solar power solution that will pay for itself and more over time.