Installation of Solar Panels for Businesses in Almería. Save with clean and renewable energy.

A photovoltaic panel is made of a material—usually silicon with proper treatment—that can generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. When multiple panels are connected, the energy produced increases, allowing us to cover part of our energy needs, at least during daylight hours.

The panels, typically installed on the building’s roof or canopy, are supported by a structure that can be either anchored or weighted down. This aspect is crucial, as the structure must withstand wind forces to ensure safety for people.

The electrical current generated by the panels is direct current (DC) and must be converted into alternating current (AC), which is the type used in distribution networks (outside) and within buildings (inside). This conversion is handled by the inverter.

Finally, since this is a low-voltage electrical installation, everything must be properly protected in both direct and alternating current. The most important design criterion should be safety, considering both electrical aspects (wiring, equipment) and mechanical aspects (structure).

The first step is to understand the annual consumption of the home or building, hour by hour.

Once the consumption profile is established, the available roof area is checked, analyzing possible shading.

Next, different installation options are simulated to minimize the impact of shadows, which are the biggest enemy of photovoltaics. If there is extra usable space, an economic criterion is discussed regarding how much surplus the client is willing to have.

We do not consider excessive oversizing optimal, but this is always the client’s decision.

From an economic perspective, the profitability of a photovoltaic installation depends on the initial installation cost, the amount of energy it can generate, the energy price (which is the cost saved) considered over a 25-year period, and maintenance costs.

There is some margin in investment and maintenance costs, although the future price of energy is impossible to predict. Additionally, the system’s performance will be determined by proper design and the appropriate choice of components and materials.

In conclusion, profitability expectations can be established but never guaranteed values. Considering that the installation will generate energy that we will no longer draw from the grid over an expected 25-year period, the key point is not whether the investment is recovered in 4, 5, or 7 years, but having a system that performs at maximum efficiency throughout the entire period, with medium-term material warranties (at least 12-15 years) ensuring quick replacement, and proper maintenance and management during the post-sale phase.

However, as a guideline, we can expect at least 70% savings on the energy term, that is, the consumption.

The following elements should be installed, at a minimum:

• Photovoltaic modules, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Support structure, complying with current structural regulations.
• Solar cable, suitable for direct current, with proper outdoor conduit.
• Direct current protection panel: fuses and transient overvoltage arrester, with a recommended disconnect switch.
• Inverter, following manufacturer instructions.
• Energy monitoring equipment for generated, self-consumed, grid-imported, and grid-exported energy.
• Alternating current protection panel: residual current device, circuit breaker, transient overvoltage arrester.
• Alternating current cable, with proper conduit, usually indoor.
• Grounding of: photovoltaic module frames and structure, DC surge arresters, inverter grounding, AC surge arresters, and all metallic parts.

For the safety of people and the installation, none of these 9 points should be compromised.

Similarly, the internal installation connected to the solar installation should be inspected, at least in the affected area.

There are various photovoltaic panel technologies, different options for performing the inverter function, many ways to support and fix the modules to the roof, and some variability in electrical protection criteria… Although it is a simple technology, the choice of equipment by the designer (installer or engineer) can be complex, and the design is not always focused on safety as a key point.

Adding to this, each roof is different, with its corresponding obstacles, shading elements, wiring channeling difficulties, etc., leading to the conclusion that many options can be proposed for the same case, and not all of them are beneficial for the client.

We believe that pre-established kits are usually not an adequate option and that time should be invested in the design phase to offer the client what they truly need from an economic, safety, and long-term operational perspective.

The main pitfalls of an incorrect photovoltaic installation are:

• A design that does not meet the client’s needs. Often, the lack of design.
• Poor equipment selection in terms of quality, reliability, and after-sales warranties. Manufacturers should be chosen with the long term in mind.
• Lack of electrical protections, especially in the direct current section and grounding of the installation. The affected parts in existing installations should be reviewed.
• Ignoring shading elements. Shadows drastically reduce production and must be simulated during the design phase.
• Lack of a holistic vision, considering that a self-consumption project does not end with the installation’s commissioning but involves later negotiation with the electricity supplier to value consumed energy and surpluses. Advice should also be provided in this regard.
• Lack of production monitoring once the installation is operational. Monitoring production within expected limits is as important as the investment.
• Lack of maintenance. Although simple, minimum maintenance is necessary to guarantee safety and production.
• Lack of specialization by some companies selling photovoltaic installations. They must be authorized and specialized installation companies.

Our commitment at Carboneras de Electricidad is to ensure none of the above points affect our clients.

Yes, solar installations for companies usually pay off in a few years thanks to energy savings and tax benefits. Additionally, with financing options like leasing, you can start saving from day one without any initial investment.

Leasing allows you to finance the installation without it being recorded in CIRBE, which preserves your borrowing capacity. It also includes maintenance and insurance, ensuring peace of mind throughout the entire contract duration.

A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) is an agreement where you only pay for the energy generated by the installed solar panels. It is ideal for companies looking for a flexible, secure model with no initial investment.

Choosing solar energy demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and innovation, enhancing your reputation with clients, suppliers, and employees.

The required space depends on your energy consumption and the installation design. Our experts will assess your needs to maximize the efficiency of the solar panels in the available space.

Our installations are scalable, allowing you to add more solar panels in the future to meet your increasing energy needs.