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Differences Between Residential and Commercial Solar Power Systems

Solar power systems are very similar, regardless of whether they’re used to power a small home or a big business. However, there are still some essential differences that are worth noting when it comes to comparing residential and commercial solar power systems. Keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between these two kinds of solar projects.

Type of Equipment: Same

A commercial solar array must do the same thing as a residential one: convert sunlight into usable electricity. Because they’re designed to accomplish the same goal, they require the same types of equipment, including solar panels, inverters, and possibly batteries, if it’s a hybrid system. The only difference in the equipment itself is the amount of energy it can produce. Commercial panels and inverters will typically have a higher output. If you’re interested in contributing to the shift towards renewable energy by installing solar panels on your roof but can’t afford it, you might find it beneficial to visit HomeEnergyClub to find an electric company that supports such initiatives by offering renewable energy.

Most homes will only need a few panels on the roof and a single converter. Businesses can often use roof-mounted panels; their roofs are much bigger, so they can support the extra panels needed to power the building. However, they may need a solar array set up in a field in some cases. Additionally, they’ll likely need to “stack” inverters to convert the DC power the panels create into usable AC energy efficiently.

Size of System: Different

While the type of equipment these systems need is virtually identical, the number of pieces of equipment (or, more simply put, the system’s size) can be very different. This is because each panel and each inverter can only produce so much energy. The more energy you’re consuming, the bigger your solar power system needs to be. Naturally, a very large commercial building is going to need a lot more power to operate than your 3-bedroom home. So, the solar power system will need to be much bigger as well.

Most homes will only need a few panels on the roof and a single converter. Businesses can often use roof-mounted panels; their roofs are much bigger, so they can support the extra panels needed to power the building. However, they may need a solar array set up in a field in some cases. Additionally, they’ll likely need to “stack” inverters to convert the DC power the panels create into usable AC energy efficiently.

System Maintenance: Same

The great thing about solar power is that they require little to no maintenance—no matter how big your system is. You might occasionally need to clean panels, dust the air intakes on the inverter(s), and watch for any error readouts on the commercial solarinverter display, but that’s about it. These simple maintenance tasks are all that’s required for commercial and residential systems alike. The one piece of equipment that would need more maintenance is solar batteries if you are using any. Then, you’ll need to inspect and clean the batteries regularly and, depending on the type of battery you’re using, top of fluids regularly; this is true regardless of whether it’s a commercial or residential system.

Most homes will only need a few panels on the roof and a single converter. Businesses can often use roof-mounted panels; their roofs are much bigger, so they can support the extra panels needed to power the building. However, they may need a solar array set up in a field in some cases. Additionally, they’ll likely need to “stack” inverters to convert the DC power the panels create into usable AC energy efficiently.

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