Do solar systems need to be located onsite?

These systems need not be located onsite. For more information, refer to National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) A Guide to Community Shared Solar: Utility, Private, and Nonprofit Project Development2. PV systems produce energy by converting photons into direct current (DC) electricity.

How can on-site solar PV & energy storage improve sustainability?

To achieve sustainability goals while meeting the increasing electricity demands of electrification, organizations are pairing on-site solar PV generation with on-site energy storage. These systems, which are considered as “behind-the-meter” (BTM) systems, allow facilities to maximize the benefits of on-site renewable generation.

Can on-site storage be used alongside solar PV?

If a utility restricts the exports from a facility to the grid, the use of on-site storage alongside solar PV can provide a solution to avoid costly infrastructure upgrades, thus increasing the feasibility of larger on-site PV installations.

Can a community shared solar system be installed onsite?

Some states and jurisdictions allow for “community shared” solar installations. Community shared solar systems are solar-electric systems that provides power and/or financial benefit to multiple community members. These systems need not be located onsite.

Are solar panels a viable option for a commercial business?

The question for companies considering implementing and utilizing their own renewable energy. While there is an increasingly strong business case for utilizing renewable energy, it is not always feasible to add solar panels to any commercial establishment.

Who should consider adding energy storage to a commercial building?

This guide is intended for anyone investigating the addition of energy storage to a single or multiple commercial buildings. This could include building energy managers, facility managers, and property managers in a variety of sectors.