Is There a Difference Between Residential and Commercial Solar?

May 22, 2024

Commercial and residential solar systems meet the same basic goals of sustainability and reduced energy consumption. However, there are some key differences in how they work and what's required to get them up and running. The biggest areas to consider include size, time, permitting complexity, and financing. Here's what you need to know.


Permitting and Time

Getting permits for a commercial solar system typically takes longer than getting them for a residential installation. You may also have to provide a lot more information, and that could mean delays, too. The best thing to do is start the process as early as possible, so you can keep working toward the installation. Having the system designed and installed will also take longer for commercial projects, so patience is important.


Size of the System

Residential systems are smaller than commercial ones, because it doesn't require nearly as much to power a house as it does to power a large, commercial building. The overall size and complexity of the system may change throughout the design and planning process, too, and may also have to be adjusted based on permitting requirements.


Getting Financed

Generally, there are many more financing options for residential solar than for commercial systems. If you own a business and want to choose solar power, checking into how to finance and incentivize it matters. Fortunately, both types of systems have a lot of great options for tax credits, so you can lower your tax burden by choosing a solar system for your home or business. Coupled with financing, that makes these systems available to many homeowners and companies.


The Bottom Line

The most important thing to remember about solar systems is that they're designed to save money in the long run and help protect the planet. The upfront costs and the time it takes to get one installed both matter, but they can be well worth it in the end. If you're thinking about a solar system for your home or business, working with professionals to get all your questions answered is the right choice.


If you have any questions about residential or commercial solar, we would love to answer them! Contact us today to learn more!


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