Ground mount solar PV has traditionally been installed on available land at an angle and position to capture maximum light. However,installing a system with modules mounted on single axis trackers,engineered to follow the trajectory of the sun, is just as commercially viable. This technology increases efficiency by 15-20%.
While rooftop solar arrays are often the most common choice for commercial solar customers, there are many reasons to consider a ground mounted solar system. Since ground mount systems generally cost about he same as a rooftop system, installing a ground-mount system is a great option if there are obstructions or limitations to installing solar panels on your roof.
We have completed more ground mount commercial solar systems than any other commercial installer in Australia.
When to consider a ground mount solar system:
For large systems (over 100kw)
Organisations that spend a minimum of $3,500 per month on electricity with sufficient land area (generally minimum of 1000m2) can receive significant energy savings by installing a ground mount solar system. We can analyse your electricity usage and provide a tailored business case for the viability of solar for your business. A 100kW solar system or higher (approx. 370 solar panels and 3/4 commercial grade inverters) is generally the minimum size for ground mount installations.
A ground mount solar system of 500kW can generate over 740,000kWh per year and provide potential annual savings of over $150,000. These cost reductions can allow your business to improve operational profitability and reinvest these savings in other strategic projects. With finance solutions that do not require upfront capital your organisation could receive these benefits without affecting capital budgets. Depending on your location, system size, usage and tariffs a solar system will pay itself off in around 3 – 5 years. With long term warranties, a ground mount system can deliver a Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) between 3 – 8 c/kWh (over 20 years).
Commercial solar installations above 100kW are eligible to receive Large scale Generation Certificates (LGC’s) for the energy that they generate. This is part of the Federal Renewable Energy Target (RET)and provides one certificate for one megawatt hour of electricity generation.With the scheme running up until 2030, this could provide over $600,000 of additional revenue for the duration of the scheme.
Whilst large-scale energy consumers often have 2-3 year electricity contracts, energy prices have increased significantly in the last 12 months and are continuing to follow an upward trajectory. Even a 5% increase in these costs can have a dramatic impact on profitability. Large-scale solar systems including ground mount installations, can be used as an initiative to provide greater certainty and control over energy costs.
The minimum ground mount system size (100kW) will help your business to reduce your carbon emissions by around 2500-2700 tonnes (over 20 years). Organisations that are suited to large-scale solar often have sustainability targets or initiatives in place. Globally solar is one of the most common initiatives to promote Corporate Social Responsibility with organisations such as Apple and Google investing heavily in solar to reach sustainability targets. Locally, numerous organisations benefit from solar; one of our clients, Stockland, received a Green Globe award for their 1.22MW installation.
Todae Solar offers a range of solar financing options from CAPEX, solar lease options and power purchase agreements. Some of our solutions can provide a discounted electricity tariff from Day 1 that requires no capital expenditure. Our consultants will work with you to help determine the right finance solution for your organisation.
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We have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra and a national network of fully accredited solar installers. Sustainability is at our core. Since 2003, the foundation of Todae Solar has focused on sustainable business development.
