Whether you are a homeowner or a business person, a big chunk of your income goes into bills. Inflation and an unstable economy affect everyone equally. Thus, it is high time to switch to more affordable energy options like solar power to save more. At this point, it is essential to understand key differences in solar energy systems for their suitability for residential or commercial use. So, read on further to explore which solar system is best for you.
⮚ Energy Production
When we say energy production, it is about the efficiency of the solar PV systems. Solar system efficiency determines its ability to generate power relative to the amount of sunlight it receives. Residential and commercial solar panels have different power outputs that change their efficiencies as well.
Since retail operations require more power, commercial solar panels have a larger size and more photovoltaic cells to produce more electrical energy. On the other hand, owing to lower power requirements, residential solar panels have smaller sizes with fewer photovoltaic cells.
Commercial solar PV systems require large backups while residential solar systems work with small power backups to meet the electricity demands of commercial complexes.
It is worth noting that commercial solar panels are more efficient than residential solar systems. Generally, commercial solar PV systems have an efficiency rating of 19.6%, while residential ones come with a slightly lower efficiency rating of approx. 18.1%.
⮚ Panel Color
Commercial solar panels are white in color, while residential solar systems are available in both black and white solar panel options. For many solar consumers, it would be surprising that black solar panels are comparatively less efficient. The reason for this is black color absorbs more sunlight and thermal radiation, but the dark color hinders sun radiations from reaching the photovoltaic cells of the panels.
White solar panels due to light color allow sunlight to pass on both sides and reach photovoltaic cells without restriction making them more efficient. However, black panels offer more aesthetic looks which is why used on buildings.
⮚ Solar PV System Installation
Commercial projects require an apt evaluation of the premises to create a suitable solar panel layout. The process involves acquiring approval from considerable stakeholders, including government authorities, facility managers, business owners, landlords, and government authorities. So, the whole setup requires substantial investments and business proprietors look toward long-term benefits and anticipate ROIs over several years. On the contrary, in terms of the approval process, residential solar PV systems are easy to acquire and easy to install.
⮚ Size
When it comes to residential solar PV systems, solar consumers need less numbers of solar panels ranging from 16 to 20, with 1 to 10 kW capacity. On the other hand, commercial solar systems often require more number of solar panels, approx. 400. For user feasibility, solar retailers have categorized solar PV systems as medium commercial (it generates between 10 and 100 kW) and large-scale commercial that generates more than 100 kilowatts.
It is significant to note that residential solar panels are less efficient than commercial ones. Because residential properties have space limitations, making it challenging to install larger commercial panels due to their size and weight.
⮚ Options
Solar installation professionals often recommend complex or building roofs to place solar panels. The good news is that technological evolution makes it possible for solar consumers to set up solar panels in more diverse ways.
One innovative option is setting solar systems in commercial parking lots, because of the ample space. However, this flexibility is not available for residential users. They can install solar panels in backyards but with proper angles for sunlight incidence.
It is significant to recognize that commercial solar systems differ greatly from residential solar panels. These distinctions encompass some key factors such as capacity, efficiency, size, installation options, and the overall setup process. Also, for well-evaluated and highly efficient solar PV systems, solar users can consult solar professionals and get the most apt solar systems for their homes or businesses.
Final Thoughts
Although residential and commercial solar panels are different, one thing they have in common is that they both offer excellent ROIs, clean and consistent energy, and protect the environment from the hazards of fossil fuel. Reduced carbon footprint contributes to a sustainable future.
Whether solar users opt for a more robust commercial setup or a streamlined residential solar PV system, it is necessary to consider your options carefully and go for exploratory evaluation, such as warranties, suitable capacity, solar rebates, and tax incentives. One more outstanding benefit is properties with solar PV systems, commercial or residential are more valuable in the real estate industry than those without solar panel installations. So, all in all, solar panels are the most profitable deal for residential and commercial users.