When considering a solar installation for an industrial buildings, it’s important to realise that maximising the available roof space is not always the best strategy.
Instead, solar energy systems should be sized according to the building’s actual electricity consumption patterns.
A properly sized solar installation ensures that the energy produced is effectively utilised, minimising wasted excess production.
Oversizing a solar installation may seem like a logical choice if roof space is abundant, but it can lead to inefficiencies, especially if the building’s energy demand doesn’t match the system’s output.
Unused energy often results in over-reliance on the grid for export, which might not yield optimal financial returns, depending on local energy policies.
Energy export rates are typically much lower than the savings achieved by reducing on-site electricity consumption.
However, in cases where non-daylight operations or a 24/7 facility is running, there may be a need to oversize the system, particularly if paired with battery storage.
Batteries allow for the storage of excess solar energy generated during the day, which can then be used to power operations after the sun goes down.
This strategy helps optimize energy usage by reducing peak-time grid dependency and providing a continuous supply for night time operations.
Ultimately, the goal should be to align the solar installation size with current and future energy consumption needs.
A solar energy solution tailored to consumption patterns, with consideration for battery storage when necessary, ensures that industrial facilities optimize both energy efficiency and financial returns, while avoiding unnecessary overproduction.
