What’s Really Included in Your Commercial Solar Quote? | Infinite Energy

What’s Really Included in Your Commercial Solar Quote?

What’s Really Included in Your Commercial Solar Quote?

Written by Infinite Energy

commercial solar

Is your business or organisation thinking about investing in commercial solar?

Due to rising electricity prices over the past three years and declining system and component costs, there’s never been a better time to go solar.

Investing in a commercial solar PV system will not only reduce your electricity costs, it’ll also help improve your organisation's sustainability credentials, and protect your business against future price rises.

Just like any other major purchase for your business, Infinite Energy recommends seeking multiple quotes in order to secure the best deal for your business.

While there are many other factors to consider other than simply price, including panel and inverter quality, warranties, and your solar provider’s credibility and experience, at Infinite Energy we understand that price is one of the most important factors businesses consider. 

To ensure there’s no misunderstanding with your solar provider, Infinite Energy recommends you clarify with any potential providers exactly what is covered in your quote, as many important processes like Structural Assessments, Council Approvals, and Building Permits are often not.

In this blog we’ll be examining these and other processes, and why they’re essential steps to installing a commercial solar PV system.

 

Structural Assessments

Structural Assessments involve both a physical site visit and detailed analysis of your roof using satellite imagery.

This allows your solar provider to identify any potential obstacles (air conditioning vents and antennas), ascertain your roof type (tin or tile) and orientation (north, south, east or west), plus check the suitability of a solar installation.

From there, your solar provider can recommend the ideal area on your roof to install your solar PV system, in addition to the appropriate mounting options dependent on your site and building.

Infinite Energy uses experienced structural engineers to complete our Structural Assessments, the cost of which is included in your quote.

 

Council Development Approvals

Whether you’re required to seek Council Development Approval or not will depend on your building. Factors that can impact this include:  

  • Your state or territory’s building codes and regulations
  • If your building is within a conservation or heritage overlay
  • Your building’s classification under the Australian Building Code  
  • Your solar PV system’s size and position
  • The weight and design of your system
  • Your building’s structural integrity
  • If supplementary electrical or building work is needed

At Infinite Energy, we complete any Council Approvals you may require.

This is done at no additional cost in order to make the solar process as seamless as possible for your business.

 

Building Permits

In general, a state or territory Building Permit is required before any building work can begin.

There are certain exemptions when a Building Permit is not required for solar, usually related to the location of your business or the size of your planned solar PV system. Buildings located in rural areas or systems on the smaller side will often not require a Building Permit in many states.

It’s also worth noting that even if your solar installation does not require a Building Permit, if the installation of the system requires modifications and/or additions to your building, this work may require a separate Building Permit.

If your business does not require a Building Permit, as owner of the building, it is still your responsibility to ensure compliance with the applicable building standards.

Thanks to our extensive experience in the commercial solar sector, Infinite Energy will determine if your installation will require a Building Permit, and ensure your installation fully complies with all applicable building standards.

For more information on Building Permits, click on your relevant state or territory: WA, QLD, NSW, VIC, NT, ACT, TAS.

 

Network Operator Enquiry and Application Fees

As part of your application process, you’ll be required to submit Network Operator Enquiry and Application forms.

If your planned commercial solar PV system is above a certain capacity, you may also be required to pay administration fees, and for your design to be reviewed and approved by an NER Engineer.

At Infinite Energy, we fill out and submit these forms on your behalf, covering any associated costs.

 

Grid Connection Componentry and Testing

While a solar PV system only needs panels and an inverter to “work” your Network Operator may require you to install additional componentry or complete extensive testing.

This can include grid protection, export control, power quality logging and witness testing.

Infinite Energy includes the costs of any additional componentry and testing in your quote.

 

The Bottom Line

At Infinite Energy, Structural Assessments, Council Approvals, Building Permits, Network Operator Enquiry and Application Fees, Testing and all Grid Protection Componentry are included as part of your commercial quote.

A lot of commercial solar providers either charge these processes as additional costs, or leave it up to the customer to organise themselves. This can often mean these requirements are overlooked, which can end up being extremely damaging to the business installing solar.

When receiving quotes for your Solar PV System, Infinite Energy recommends you ensure you know exactly what’s being included in your quote.

For more information about solar and how it could help your business, click here for a no obligation callback.

 

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