Commercial Solar Systems UAE: A Businesses Considering Solar Power

Due to increasing utility rates, sustainability requirements, and demands to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency, Commercial Solar Systems UAE are one of the most frequently spoken about investments for companies. Even with all the attention surrounding this topic, however, many executives continue to be unclear about what Commercial Solar is, how it works, and what the actual cost would be as well as if Commercial Solar can provide any financial benefit or return on investment (ROI).

What Are Commercial Solar Systems in the UAE?

Commercial photovoltaic (PV) systems utilize solar energy through an electrical connection to the grid, which allows businesses, warehouses, offices, retail stores, hotels and industrial facilities to utilize this energy source instead of relying solely on traditional power generation methods. Commercial Solar Systems UAE differ from residential ones in that they are larger, more complicated and typically designed based on load requirements.

Commercial PV systems in the UAE generally consist of:

• Solar PV on rooftops

• Carport solar structures

• Ground-mounted installations (used primarily in industrial areas)

Most of these systems are governed by net metering or net billing mechanisms as determined by local utility company policies and regulations for each emirate.

Why Commercial Solar Systems Make Financial Sense in the UAE

Businesses do not solely invest in solar energy for environmental branding purposes, in fact, they invest in solar energy because it makes financial sense.

1. The UAE Has The Highest Level Of Solar Irradiance On Earth 

The UAE has one of the highest levels of solar irradiance in the world. Therefore, the maximum energy output per panel is achieved in addition to a much faster payback time and greater long-term ROI than many other solar markets.

2. Energy Consumption During Daytime Hours Coincides With Solar Energy Generation

The majority of commercial buildings operate during daylight hours which precisely coincide with when the solar system produces its greatest amount of power (maximum output). 

3. Fixed Pricing For Solar Energy Over Time

Electricity is a commodity; as such, there will be fluctuations in electricity tariff pricing over time. However, once a company has installed a solar system its cost of solar energy will be fixed (predictable) for the life of the system. 

Solar Panel Installation UAE: What Businesses Must Understand

Solar panel installation in the UAE cannot be done just by plugging them in. There are many technical and engineering processes needed in order to prepare for a commercial system, including all regulatory approvals and complete planning.

The main stages of installing a commercial system

(1) Energy Analysis: A professional company will first conduct an energy audit, which analyzes the previous energy usage data along with future usage projections and energy demand.

(2) Site Evaluation: Condition of the roof, shadowing from objects and direction of roof will be examined along with the load bearing capabilities of the roof. If a site evaluation is not done at this time, retrofitting of the solar panel system can become very costly in the future.

(3) System Design/Component Selection: The efficiency of the panels, capacity of the inverter, and configuration of the strings will be based on the specific site information—not from any generic template.

Solar Panel Installation in the UAE

The strict compliance regulations for solar panel installation UAE mean that this is a serious market where shortcuts will not go unnoticed.

Examples of typical compliance requirements are:

• Equipment that is approved by the local utility.

• Installers and engineers that have been trained and certified.

• compliance with safety and electrical standards.

• synchronise correctly with the utility grid (synchronisation).

• ongoing monitoring of the performance of the panel installations.

If a company is advertising “quick approval” or “no paperwork” then they are either inexperienced or cutting corners and both of these things should be considered warning signs.

System Size, Cost, and Payback: Realistic Expectations

There is a great amount of variation when it comes to Commercial solar systems UAE prices. The price ranges for solar system installations vary as follows:

• Small Commercial Systems (30-50 kW) - These systems are typically installed in small retail locations as well as office buildings.

• Medium Commercial Systems (100-300 kW) - Most medium commercial solar installations are in warehouses/logistics, warehouses or distribution centers.

• Large Commercial Systems (500+ KW) - Large commercial systems are typically installed in large commercial manufacturer locations such as manufacturing plants and industrial sites.

In most cases, the Commercial solar systems UAE payback period is expected to occur over a four to six year timeframe and generally depends on the following criteria.

1. Electricity tariffs

2. System Size

3. Self Consumption Ratio

4. Installation Quality

Additionally, in the long term (greater than 25 years) you will benefit from longer life spans of commercial solar systems.

Conclusion

Commercial Solar solutions in the United Arab Emirates are now proven Infrastructure Investments, with measurable returns for planning and execution purposes. With regards to commercial solar panel installation in the UAE and Execution, the biggest risk is not having the Installed Solar System, but rather having an Installed Solar System that is poorly installed.

By employing Proper Technical Strategies, proven Compliance Disciplines and Long Term Thinking in the planning and execution of a Commercial Solar Installation. The installation of the solar panel installation UAE becomes an advantage and creates competitive marketplace positioning for businesses.