Solar 101: Intro to Solar Energy Project Types
Solar energy systems come in all shapes and sizes. As the clean energy industry has evolved, innovations in solar equipment have made this infrastructure both more efficient and more affordable, minimizing the physical footprint required to generate electricity and maximizing cost savings for customers who invest in clean energy.
If you’re a corporate professional considering renewable energy for your business, the various types of solar projects can be a lot to wrap your head around. As part of our Solar 101 series, here’s everything you need to know about the three main types of solar energy projects for your corporate renewable energy procurement.
What are the main components of a solar panel system?
Before diving into the three main types of solar panel systems, it’s worth highlighting the common components they all share, as well as a few helpful clean energy terms:
- Racking system: The metal frame that solar panels are attached to. This structure can be secured by stakes driven into the ground or weighted to ensure it doesn’t move.
- Fixed-tilt system: A system in which solar panels remain stationary and always positioned at the same angle
- Tracker system: A system in which solar panels move — or track — to follow the sun’s trajectory, repositioning throughout the day to maximize the amount of energy produced.
- Inverter: A device that converts direct current (DC) electricity that the panels capture to alternating current (AC), which is what the electrical grid uses.
- Solar module: The basic building block of a solar energy system. A module is a series of interconnected photovoltaic solar cells sealed in a protective frame that convert sunlight to electricity.
- Battery storage: Technology that stores energy for later use. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) can connect to solar energy systems to store excess power produced during the day and used later on when the sun isn’t as strong — at night, for example, or when it’s cloudy.
- Microgrid: An onsite, localized electrical grid that can operate independently or alongside the larger electrical grid. Microgrids can be made up of both renewable and conventional energy sources.
For businesses with limited space, there are offsite renewable energy procurement options, too, including community solar, renewable energy credits, virtual net metering, and virtual power purchase agreements. Read more about the different ways to procure solar energy here.
Ground-mount solar panels
A ground-mount system is a solar array constructed on an open piece of land. This type of project can feature almost any configuration of solar panels and racking equipment, with flexibility to position panels in a way that leads to consistently high production. Their location makes this kind of installation one of the easiest to clean and maintain. However, these arrays must often comply with more environmental and land-use regulations than other types of solar energy projects.
Ground-mount arrays are an option for businesses that have an expanse of unused land, such as an open field, a capped landfill, or a plot that was once agricultural land. Ideally, the site spans at least four to five acres, is relatively flat, and isn’t prone to flooding or other environmental disturbances. Ownership of the site is preferred, but it’s not required — as long as the landowner is willing to lease the land to the energy provider to build and operate the project on their property, a ground-mount solar system can be constructed.
For businesses that want to showcase their sustainability efforts, ground-mount systems are one of the most visible types of projects, as they are at ground level.
See an example of a ground-mount solar energy system here.
Rooftop solar panels
A rooftop system is a solar array located on the roof of a building. This type of project typically uses a ballasted — or weighted — racking system to limit the number of penetrations required to anchor the solar system to the roof. Rooftop systems are designed to optimize the space and orientation of the structure, and they are typically fixed-tilt panels rather than tracker systems.
The structural design of the roof is uniquely important for this type of solar energy project, as it must be able to safely accommodate the weight of the solar energy system in addition to meeting the necessary building code requirements. Flat or mostly flat rooftops offer more flexibility in solar energy system design, however it is also possible to install a solar energy system on a pitched roof. Light-colored, reflective roof surfaces are helpful, too, as they help to direct more light onto the solar panels and increase electricity generation.
Rooftop arrays can maximize space that would otherwise go unused — we recommend allocating at least 100,000 square feet of roof space for this type of solar energy project. This placement also makes for a less visible onsite solar system, allowing businesses to seamlessly incorporate clean energy into their operations without vastly changing the appearance of their property.
Property ownership is helpful for those hoping to install a rooftop system but, again, not required. In some cases, the property owner may install the onsite solar system and simply include the cost in the rent or lease agreement. In other cases, the tenant can install and maintain the solar system with agreement from the building owner. Either way, so long as the building owner is willing to lease the space for a solar energy system, installation is possible.
See examples of rooftop solar energy systems here and here.
Carport and canopy solar panels
A carport or canopy system is a small structure with a solar array affixed to the top. These structures can be built using a range of materials, including steel or aluminum, and are usually built over parking lots or seating areas with the added benefit of shielding vehicles — or people — from the elements. Solar panels are then mounted on top of the canopy, typically using a fixed-tilt system.
This type of solar energy project works well for businesses that want to ensure an outdoor space has more than one use. In addition to clean power, canopies provide shade and serve as a visible display of a business’s commitment to sustainability. These additional benefits play a factor in considering the most appropriate solar energy project type for a business, alongside costs and the unique requirements of these installations. Carports, for instance, must conform to the parking stall layout to preserve the site’s existing function and are typically the most expensive solar energy project type to construct.
These systems can also be developed with a larger vision in mind: For businesses that may want to install electric vehicle chargers, for example, incorporating the necessary electrical infrastructure into a carport or canopy system design will make that installation process easier, whether adding EV infrastructure now or in the future.
See examples of carport and canopy solar energy systems here and here.
How to know which solar energy system is best for your business
With several types of onsite solar energy projects — and many factors to consider when determining which one best suits your needs — making the decision on the best way to go solar can be complicated. But you don’t have to figure it out alone: Clean energy providers like Onyx Renewables are well positioned to offer sound advice. We can help you assess your business’ energy needs and weigh the factors that go into selecting a system that maximizes the benefits of adopting solar energy for your business.
Our expertise comes from experience: From rooftops to ground mounts, carports to solar power systems equipped with battery storage, we have ongoing development in more than 30 states and over 400 completed projects across the country. And because we own and operate the solar energy systems we build, Onyx has a shared interest in creating the highest quality solar arrays to maximize energy production and cost savings for our customers.
Curious about what type of solar energy project might work for your business? Learn more through our Solar 101 resources, or contact Onyx today to explore your options.