There has been a significant increase in solar energy system investments within the commercial and industrial sectors in recent years.

According to the International Energy Agency, global investment in solar photovoltaic technology is projected to exceed US$500 billion in 2024 — which will surpass investments in all other generation sources combined.

Driven by technological advancements and policy support, this rise in solar deployment is expected to reduce wholesale electricity prices in some countries, but also underscores the need for complementary investments in flexibility and storage capacity.

In order to mitigate rising energy costs, contribute to achieving net zero targets and stay ahead of competitors, many businesses and major corporations are rapidly making the switch to solar power.

While there are many incentives and benefits to adopting solar energy, it requires a substantial initial investment, depending on the system installed.

The fast payback is a major driver, as solar energy can drastically lower energy costs by offsetting energy consumption and allowing businesses to sell excess energy back to the grid.

The typical cost of grid electricity ranges from approximately 20 to 40 cents per kilowatt-hour, which can become quite expensive for large businesses or major corporations that require an unusually high amount of energy to sustain their daily operations.

Therefore, harnessing solar energy can significantly reduce overall electricity costs by decreasing the amount of energy purchased from the grid.

Transitioning to solar energy systems can offer businesses both financial and environmental advantages.

Key government incentives include the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which provides upfront discounts through Small-scale Technology Certificates, and various federal and state government rebates and grants.

For eligible small businesses, the Instant Asset Write-Off allows for immediate tax deductions on solar installations up to $20,000.

Additionally, green energy loans can provide favourable financing terms. These incentives can significantly reduce initial installation costs, lower ongoing energy expenses, and offer long-term savings, ultimately aiding businesses financially.

Both commercial and industrial solar systems offer substantial returns on investment. Commercial solar energy systems typically provide a shorter payback period and higher return on investment (ROI) due to their smaller size compared to industrial solar systems. Businesses can often recoup their initial investment within just a few years.

In contrast, industrial solar systems involve higher upfront costs because of their large scale and the advanced technology they employ. However, these systems can yield much higher ROIs over time, especially when they generate surplus energy that can be sold back to the grid.

As decarbonisation is rapidly prioritised across various industries, renewable energy sources — particularly solar energy — emerge as the best alternatives for helping businesses reduce their overall carbon footprint.

Not only does this transition help enhance a company’s brand image but it can also widely appeal to the growing consumer and shareholder demand for environmentally responsible practices.

This is significant considering that only 100 companies are responsible for 71 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions; as reported in The Carbon Majors Database published by the Carbon Disclosure Project.

This ultimately highlights the impact that companies and investors possess when it comes to addressing climate change.

Rising energy costs and market volatility pose significant challenges for businesses and major corporations.

A surge in prices can have a direct impact on operational costs — particularly for companies in energy-intensive sectors such as manufacturing and hospitality. This can lead to various issues, such as reduced profit margins.

However, businesses that generate their own renewable energy are better positioned to safeguard against rising costs, achieving both energy independence and stability.

For companies in remote locations or those with unreliable grid connections, off-grid solar solutions and solar farms can provide significant advantages.

Commercial and industrial solar systems, while both harnessing solar power to generate electricity, differ significantly in scale, purpose, and design. Commercial solar systems are typically smaller and designed to meet the electricity needs of businesses, public institutions, and smaller facilities like schools, hospitals, and retail stores.

These systems, which range from a few kilowatts to several hundred kilowatts, often integrate with a building’s existing infrastructure and may employ innovative technologies such as tracking systems to optimise energy capture.

These tracking systems adjust the position of the solar panels to follow the sun’s trajectory, maximising energy absorption throughout the day.

Despite their smaller scale, commercial solar systems play a crucial role in offsetting a portion of a facility’s electricity consumption, contributing to energy savings and sustainability efforts.

Industrial solar systems, on the other hand, are much larger and designed to meet the substantial energy demands of large manufacturing plants, factories, or utility companies.

These range from hundreds of kilowatts to several megawatts, utilising more advanced technologies and specialised solar panels, such as Concentrated Solar Power and extensive solar farms.

These systems not only offset a significant portion of a facility’s energy consumption but also contribute to the larger grid or local utility, meaning they can supply power to entire on-site communities or industrial complexes.

The rapid growth of commercial and industrial solar investments reflects a transformative shift in the energy landscape.

As businesses increasingly recognise the financial and environmental benefits of solar power, the industry is poised for continued expansion.

With technological advancements, supportive policies, and a growing commitment to sustainability, solar energy is becoming an integral part of the commercial sector’s strategy for a cleaner, more cost-effective future.