Savvy business owners are turning green to gold. From reducing demand charges and lowering operating costs to attracting sustainably minded customers with deep pockets, more business owners are tapping the sun to improve their bottom line.
Commercial solar installations are more technical than their residential counterparts, as these large-scale projects involve more planning and high-power equipment. There are also more regulations to meet and the approval process can take quite a while. All in all, we’ve found that the average commercial solar project takes nine to 15 months, depending on size and complexity.
However, most business owners are pleasantly surprised by the unexpected benefits of solar, and find these large-scale systems to be well worth the wait.
Whether you’re thinking about going solar or have already committed, we’ll break down the process so you’ll know what to expect with your commercial solar panel installation from Sunnova.
Phase 1: Site Assessment
Once you’ve reviewed your initial proposal based on your business’s needs and energy consumption history, our team will schedule a site visit. If you opt for a commercial rooftop array, we’ll need to inspect your roof's engineering to ensure it can handle the additional weight. We’ll also assess your electrical infrastructure, conduct a shade analysis and perform other structural evaluations as needed.
Our team will need to determine the tie-in method, meaning the way your solar system will connect to the electric grid. While residential systems use a special circuit breaker, commercial systems might require all new equipment: transformers, switchgear, even reclosers on the utility side, which are high-voltage electric switches that automatically disconnect power if necessary.
If you’re leaning toward a ground-mount array or a solar canopy, we will determine whether we’ll need to order a survey or other studies of the proposed project.
Phase 2: Engineering and Design
Once the site assessment is completed, our team will design the most efficient commercial solar installation to meet your specific energy goals. The design phase will begin with conceptual ideas and initial plans that show the different components of your system, and how they will all work together.
Our team will determine:
- The recommended solar equipment for your project. Different types of modules may be recommended based on your type and size of project, as well as the climate at your site. Commercial inverters must satisfy specific utility requirements for interconnection — we’ll need to determine what these are before procuring equipment.
- The best type of mounting system. We can adapt a system to meet the particular needs of most businesses. For example, some roofs cannot be penetrated, and others might be subject to seismic requirements. We will work with you to find an appropriate solution.
- How the project will interconnect. Not only will we examine where your array will connect with the grid, but we’ll also assess what materials are needed and what the code-compliant configuration might look like.
These concepts are formalized with a computer drawing, and adjustments will be made based on your feedback. Your final system layout will include your electrical configuration and wire management details, in addition to where all the components will be mounted, including any battery storage. At the end of this phase, you’ll have a chance to review the construction blueprints and permit drawings, which are used to obtain various building permits.
Phase 3: Permitting & Approvals
All the necessary approvals must be obtained before your commercial solar installation can begin. The permitting and approvals stage involves acquiring building and electrical permits from local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) and coordinating with your utility to connect your system to the grid. This includes setting up net metering or billing, an arrangement that may be available from your utility that allows your business to send solar power to the grid in exchange for bill credits. Good news: While some paperwork will require your input or signature, Sunnova is an expert and can guide you through the process, while handling the majority.
Commercial solar permits typically require two types of approvals — one from your utility to connect to the grid and one from your building authority to approve new construction.
Interconnection Application
Depending on which utility you’re working with, the interconnection process typically takes between 30 days and 18 months for approval. This application includes design documentation, as well as information on how we will interconnect your system and allocate any available solar credits to the meters on your commercial property. An interconnection agreement will ultimately be approved post-installation, once the final inspection occurs.
Construction Permit
The types of permits required to begin construction vary by location, as they’re needed to ensure your project complies with local, state and federal regulations. Oftentimes, this process involves:
- A building permit to prove your commercial solar installation meets building codes and zoning regulations
- An electrical permit to ensure your project complies with the National Electrical Code (NEC)
- A structural permit to verify that your system is structurally sound and can withstand various environmental conditions.
Many municipalities have land use criteria for commercial solar systems, so Sunnova will submit the required plans and specs to your AHJ for review. Most municipalities require proof of your utility's consent to connect to the grid before granting approval, but sometimes we can run these permits in parallel to reduce the overall timeline.
Phase 4: Construction
Once we have the needed approvals, we can procure the equipment to begin your project. Providing there are no supply shortages, Sunnova can usually get your materials to the job site in a few weeks. You may need to allow more time for solar canopy projects that require fabricated steel and battery storage systems that must be procured separately.
Depending on complexity, the actual construction phase typically takes a month or two. Expect some periodic interruptions during this time, such as temporary power shutoffs or alternate parking requirements. Our team works to minimize these disruptions with a well-thought-out project plan.
In addition to mounting your solar panels, connecting them to the inverter, and integrating your system with your building’s electrical infrastructure, this phase also involves testing to make sure all components are functioning safely and properly.
Phase 5: Permission to Operate & Inspection
As construction nears completion, Sunnova will contact the AHJ and your utility provider to schedule the inspections. Although our team has strong working relationships with local parties and is in close contact with them throughout construction, inspectors have their own schedules that are out of our control. If all inspections pass, which may take anywhere from 30 days to six months, your utility will then grant permission to operate (PTO).
Sunnova also performs an inspection to ensure the workmanship meets our standard of excellence. For all solar and solar plus storage systems, we provide up to 25 years of maintenance and monitoring via third-party software that we install on-site, allowing us to share real-time data with your business.
Why Choose Sunnova?
Sunnova is a publicly traded, well-respected company that’s been in business for over a decade. We have deep relationships with the financing community, as well as solar equipment manufacturers. Through our nationwide dealer network, our coverage is unparalleled. In fact, CNN ranked Sunnova as the top solar provider in 2024 due to our national footprint, extensive equipment offerings and lengthy industry experience.
For companies large and small, electricity is one of the top three operating costs. With each commercial solar install, our mission is to enable your business to generate energy from your solar system for less than you’d pay your utility. And if you add battery backup, you can enjoy greater control over your power as the grid becomes more unpredictable.
When you choose Sunnova, you’ll have a national umbrella you can trust, supported by local experts to provide peace of mind. We are confident with the equipment used in each commercial solar panel installation. If we were unsure, we wouldn’t offer operations and maintenance for 25 years.
Sunnova isn’t a solar company; we’re an energy services company that provides comprehensive solutions for your business, from site assessment to final inspection — and decades beyond.
We’d love to help you with your next new home community.
