As solar becomes increasingly popular across the globe, many businesses are investing in solar PV systems for their commercial properties. We’ve seen a growth in the commercial solar sector and have been fortunate enough to supply and install some of the South Island’s largest commercial solar projects. These solar projects include large retail and commercial warehouses, schools and retirement homes.
Why choose solar for your business?
Just like residential solar, commercial solar power systems save you money on your energy bill! Often commercial buildings are large, allowing for a substantial solar array and associated energy cost savings – generally the larger the system, the higher the return on investment, as there are economies of scale cost advantages.
The financial benefits are further enhanced by the fact that solar power is produced during the day, often when businesses use the most electricity. This is in contrast to residential solar where production and consumption are not always well-matched.
Additionally, and very importantly, are the environmental considerations. A solar PV system installed on your facility offsets your carbon emissions and is a highly visible statement to clients, staff and the general public, of your company’s sustainability credentials.
We introduce you to some of our recent commercial solar projects.
Blum Showroom, Christchurch
Global kitchen hardware manufacturer, Blum, has an ideal of ‘think globally, act locally’. The design of their new 3,150m2 showroom and warehouse in Christchurch shows just how committed they are to environmentally sustainable design and meets their ambitions to create a facility with the smallest environmental footprint possible.
The building features solar photovoltaic panels, a water recovery and recirculation system, geothermal heat recovery, smart ventilation, high-spec insulation and underfloor heating. Future proofing was also important, allowing for business growth without multiple extensions.
At 105kW, Mitre 10 Wanaka is our biggest solar installation to date and will generate approximately one-fifth of the store’s energy needs, powering heating and lighting systems.
The unique system design, which has the inverter units installed on top of the roof, rather than inside the building, allows for a quicker installation process. The final stage was to connect the system internally, once building work was complete at the end of 2020.
System specs:
105kW system
320 x 320 watt Jinko Solar Panels
SMA 3 Phase Inverters – Model STP5040 Core 1 50kW
East facing aspect, but low roof pitch allows for longer direct sun exposure
Potential power generation of around 130,000kWh per year
Arvida Living Well Apartments, Parkland Retirement Village, Christchurch
Aged care operator, Arvida Group’s mission is to make its residents’ lives better with everything they do. This philosophy carries through into the company’s design and development principals.
All facets of the design and the impact on the lives of Arvida’s Living Well Apartments' residents were carefully considered. They looked at the materials, whether they were locally sourced, considered their environmental impact and how their characteristics would enhance living environments.
System specs:
100kW system done in two stages
First stage - 185 x Trina 270 watt Solar Panels and 3 x 15kW Fronius Symo Inverters
Second Stage - 203 x Trina 270 watt and 2 x 20kW Fronius Symo and 1 x 10kW Fronius Symo
Potential power generation of 132,600 kWh per year with savings of $34,476 if all generation is used in the rest home (based on cost of 26c per kWh).
Move Logistics Warehouse, Rolleston
Sustainability was a consideration for Move Logistics during the development of their major new logistics warehouse in Rolleston.
The site has been equipped with the latest in smart lighting technology to save on electricity and LPG forklifts have been replaced with electric forklifts. As part of the stage two development, solar panels were installed to further reduce MOVE’s environmental impact and saving them about 30% of their energy use.
