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What do you need to install solar energy in a company or office? Definitive complete guide!

Written by Rafaela Fabris
Published 18/04/2024 às 18:46
What do you need to install solar energy in a company or office? Definitive complete guide!
Photo: Disclosure/MJ

Companies and offices can significantly reduce their energy expenses and contribute to environmental sustainability by adopting solar energy systems, after a careful feasibility analysis and a detailed installation process that includes energy efficiency studies, preparation and approval of projects with the concessionaire , and finalizing with the inspection and approval of the installed system.

Companies looking to reduce costs and environmental impact are increasingly adopting solar energy. To understand whether this transition is viable, it is essential to analyze current energy consumption and compare it with the minimum capacity charged by the concessionaire. For example, if a company has a three-phase energy bill with a minimum charge of R$40, but the actual bill is R$400, installing a solar system could be extremely advantageous, potentially reducing the bill to around R$ $40, representing a 90% savings. We interviewed Bruno Lowczy, an expert with 10 years of experience in the renewable energy sector to help you with this transition.

The process to implement a solar energy system begins with a detailed study of the company's energy efficiency, followed by the preparation of a project that must be approved by the energy concessionaire. After approval, the physical installation continues and, finally, the inspection and approval of the system. This cycle ensures that all technical aspects are aligned with the company's specific needs and current legislation, facilitating a smooth transition to renewable energy generation.

Feasibility for companies: when does solar energy become an advantageous option?

The adoption of solar energy by companies and offices is economically advantageous, especially when electricity costs significantly exceed the minimum rate charged by the concessionaire, whether in single-phase, two-phase or three-phase mode. For example, if the minimum rate for a three-phase supply is R$40, but the monthly energy bill reaches R$400, implementing a photovoltaic system can drastically reduce this cost to around R$40, equivalent to savings of 90%.

Several feasibility studies must be carried out to analyze the cost-benefit and the payback period, ensuring that the transition to solar energy not only meets the company's energy needs, but also offers an attractive financial return.

Essential steps for installing solar energy in companies and offices

Before starting the installation, it is essential to carry out or update an energy efficiency plan. This plan must identify and eliminate all existing energy waste in the company. This ensures that the capacity of the solar system is well sized and focused on the company's real energy needs.

Request a load analysis report from your local energy distributor or take measurements with demand analyzers to understand the energy consumption profile. Additionally, the area available for installing solar panels must be evaluated to ensure that it supports the company's solar energy generation needs.

With the data collected, the installation project is developed. This includes the sizing of protection devices, the correction of physical faults and electrical losses, and the definition of the necessary electrical connections. The project must then be sent to the utility for approval, especially if the system is connected to the grid (on-grid).

After approval of the project by the concessionaire, the installation of components begins, such as solar panels and protection devices. This step must strictly follow the approved project specifications to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Once the installation is complete, the dealership performs a final inspection. If the system is compliant, approval is granted and the system can begin operating. For on-grid systems, the energy credits generated are added to the company's energy bill, depending on production.

Emphasizing the importance of a feasibility study and adequate sizing

Carrying out a feasibility study is a critical pre-project step, as it determines whether the property meets the necessary requirements for the installation of an effective solar energy system. This study identifies not only the solar power generation capacity that the site can support, but also the projected financial and energy benefits. Adequate sizing, in turn, ensures that the generation capacity identified in the feasibility study is fully achieved, avoiding waste and maximizing the system's efficiency.

Diversifying energy sources based on the company's consumption profile and its tariff modality is also essential. For example, for businesses with high thermal energy consumption, such as hotels that use electric heaters and showers, it may be more advantageous to generate and store thermal energy directly, rather than converting electrical energy into thermal energy, which can lead to significant losses.

Many companies make the mistake of basing the sizing of their solar systems solely on current energy bills, without a detailed analysis of the consumption profile. This superficial approach can result in undersized or oversized systems that not only fail to meet the business's energy needs, but also inflict additional costs and reduced efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial that the sizing be carried out with precision to avoid such problems and ensure a return on investment as expected.

Explain the different types of solar systems available and which one is best suited for each type of company

Choosing the ideal solar system for a company depends directly on its specific energy needs. There are basically two main types of solar systems: thermal and photovoltaic, in addition to systems that combine characteristics of both, known as hybrid systems.

Solar thermal systems: These systems use the sun's infrared rays to generate heat, which is often used to heat water. Known as solar boilers, they are particularly efficient for companies that have high water heating demands, such as hotels or industrial facilities. Opting for thermal systems in these cases can offer a faster return on investment due to the efficiency in converting solar energy into thermal energy.

Photovoltaic solar systems: These systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using panels made up of photovoltaic cells. They are ideal for most commercial applications that require electricity to operate lighting, machines and other electrical devices. This type of system can be configured in two main ways:

  • On-grid (connected to the grid): the system is connected to the public electricity grid. It allows any excess energy generated to be sent to the grid, generating energy credits that can further reduce your electricity bill.
  • Off-grid (independent of the grid): ideal for remote locations where connection to the electrical grid is unfeasible or very expensive. Requires energy storage systems, such as batteries, to ensure continuous supply.

hybrid systems: They combine characteristics of on-grid and off-grid systems, often including other sources of energy generation, such as diesel. They are suitable for companies that cannot tolerate power outages and that require a reliable and constant power solution.

The choice between these systems must consider factors such as the company's energy consumption profile, geographic location, availability of space for installing the systems and, of course, the economic analysis of the investment.

Investment and return: calculating the required investment and payback time on investment in solar energy

The initial investment required to install a solar energy system varies mainly depending on the size and technical specification of the chosen system. To understand the return on this investment, it is crucial to consider both the initial cost and the savings generated over time.

Suppose that before installing the solar system, your company spent R$400 per month on energy. With the solar system, energy costs reduce to R$40 per month. Thus, the monthly savings would be R$360, resulting in annual savings of R$4.320.

If the total cost of the installed system was R$16.000, the estimated time to recover the initial investment (payback) would be approximately 4 years, considering only the direct energy savings.

A typical solar system has a lifespan of about 20 years. Therefore, after payback, you would continue to save on your energy bills for many years. In the example given, after the first 4 years, you would have another 16 years of savings, which could total approximately R$69.120 in energy savings over the useful life of the system.

Regulations for installing solar energy in companies in Brazil

The installation of photovoltaic systems in Brazil is regulated by a series of technical standards and laws that guarantee the safety, efficiency and compliance of the systems. Here are the main regulations companies must follow:

ABNT Technical Standards:

  • ABNT NBR 16274: 2014 – Establishes minimum requirements for documentation, commissioning tests, inspection and performance assessment of grid-connected photovoltaic systems.
  • NBR 16690:2019 – Defines the design requirements for electrical installations of photovoltaic arrays.
  • ABNT NBR 5410:2004 Corrected Version:2008 – Details low voltage electrical installations, applicable to both homes and commercial and industrial establishments.

Ministry of Labor regulations:

  • NR 10 – Safety in electrical installations and services, crucial to ensure the correct handling and operation of electrical installations.
  • NR 33 – Safety and health when working in confined spaces.
  • NR 35 – Regulatory standard for working at height, applicable during the installation of solar panels.

Federal Legislation:

  • LAW No. 14.300, of January 6, 2022 – Establishes the legal framework for microgeneration and distributed minigeneration, the Electric Energy Compensation System (SCEE) and the Social Renewable Energy Program (PERS). This law also makes changes to previous energy-related legislation, strengthening the legal framework for the adoption of renewable energy.

In addition to following these rules and regulations, it is essential that companies consult and follow the specific instructions of the local energy distributor to ensure that all stages of installation, operation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems are in compliance.

How to select reliable partners for solar energy installation and maintenance

To ensure quality and safety in the installation and maintenance of solar energy systems, it is crucial to choose suppliers and professionals with the appropriate credentials. Here are some guidelines to help with selection:

Check that professionals have relevant degrees or certificates and are registered with the appropriate professional councils in your region. This ensures that they have the necessary technical training and are legally qualified to perform the services.

Look for professionals who have completed specific professional qualification courses for photovoltaic system installers or electricians specializing in solar installations. Such courses are crucial for developing technical skills specific to the type of solar installation.

Give preference to companies that are members of recognized associations such as ABESCO (Brazilian Association of Energy Conservation Services Companies) and ABSOLAR (Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy). Association with such entities indicates that the company follows professional quality and ethical standards, in addition to keeping up to date with the best practices and news in the sector. To talk to Bruno Lowczy (11 97656-1952) or on LinkedIn.

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Rafaela Fabris

Talks about innovation, renewable energy, oil and gas. Updates daily on opportunities in the Brazilian job market.

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