Benefits of a Commercial Solar PV System
Under favorable sunlight conditions, a 100-kilowatt solar array can generate more than 140,000 kilowatt-hours per year. In a building with an electricity tariff of 20 cents/kWh, this is equivalent to around $28,000 in annual power bill savings. As the rated capacity of your commercial solar system increases, your savings grow in the same proportion. Large solar arrays also benefit from economies of scale:
- The unit price of a residential or small business solar PV system is typically above $3,000 per kilowatt of capacity.
- Medium-sized commercial installations can reach prices below $2,000 per kW.
- The largest commercial, industrial and utility-scale solar arrays reach prices below $1,000 per kW.
Solar panels have a modular design that can adapt to many types of surfaces and project locations. At NY Engineers we offer commercial solar array designs in any configuration:
- Rooftop
- Ground mount
- Canopy
- Carport
Commercial solar arrays are also characterized by their long service life and durability. High-quality PV modules now come with a 25-30 year warranty, while their payback period can be less than six years. The financial outlook is even better when your project qualifies for solar incentives:
- The combination of solar grants and low-interest loans can reduce upfront costs to zero.
- The monthly savings achieved by a commercial solar array are typically much higher than loan payments, for the first month of operation.
If your building is located in a jurisdiction with climate mandates, a commercial solar array can also help you with compliance. Consider the case of New York City, where solar power can help you meet several local laws:
- Lowering the energy consumption reported under Local Law 84 of 2009
- Improving your building energy grade under Local Law 33 of 2018
- Meeting the green roof mandate under Local Laws 92 & 94 of 2019
- Avoiding penalties for high emissions under Local Law 97 of 2019
Commercial solar arrays also offer a marketing advantage for real estate developers, attracting tenants who are concerned about energy expenses. US electricity prices increased drastically between 2021 and 2022, and onsite renewable generation provides added value for tenants.
Advantages of a Professional Solar PV System Design
One of the main benefits of working with a professional design firm like NY Engineers is getting a quick project approval with local authorities and utility companies:
- Local construction code compliance
- Environmental compliance
- Grid interconnection compliance
Commercial solar projects are subject to NYC DOB Construction Codes if located in New York City, and New York State Uniform Building Codes if located in other jurisdictions. Environmental requirements include the NY State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) if a solar PV project covers more than 10 acres, or 2.5 acres if located in an agricultural district.
Solar PV systems larger than 50 kW normally require a Coordinated Electric System Interconnection Review (CESIR), which analyzes their impact on the grid. Your solar PV design must also consider the specific interconnection requirements of the local utility company:
- Central Hudson Gas & Electric
- Consolidated Edison
- National Grid
- New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG)
- Orange & Rockland Utilities
- PSEG Long Island
- Rochester Gas & Electric
There may be additional permitting requirements, depending on the location of a commercial solar array and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The list of requirements can seem long and challenging, but they are not an issue for an experienced design firm like NY Engineers.
With a quick design and permitting process, your commercial solar design can also qualify for financial incentive programs earlier. These programs often offer better incentives for first movers, and the benefits are gradually reduced as more projects get approved. There are also solar incentive programs with very limited funding - getting your project designed and approved quickly is critical if you want to qualify.
NY Engineers will conduct an inspection of your electrical installations and roof structure, to identify if any upgrades are needed before installing a solar array. Any required modifications are submitted for approval along with the commercial solar PV design, ensuring there are no delays during the construction stage. Our design engineers will determine the ideal solar array layout, while specifying a suitable racking system based on your roof material and slope.
A professional design also increases the ROI of a commercial solar array. We will determine the optimal system capacity that maximizes electricity output and savings with respect to cost. Our commercial solar design process includes:
- Photovoltaic module and inverter selection
- Optimal solar array capacity and string circuit distribution
- Solar PV simulation and feasibility study
- Electrical and structural balance-of-system
New York State has 1,607 municipalities, and any commercial solar project must be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Depending on project location, the AHJ can also be a state organization instead of a municipal government. NY Engineers can manage any town board approvals and utility interconnection permits that apply for your project.
