A ground-mounted Solar Panel Sydney is an installation that transforms the sun's energy into direct electrical current. The electricity is then sent to an inverter which transforms it into AC current compliant for consumption.
The operation is strictly the same as the installation of solar panels on the roof. Simply, the location is different. The installation of such a photovoltaic plant makes it possible to take advantage of often unexploited ground space (industrial wasteland, abandoned motorway, etc.).
What are the regulations for installing ground-mounted solar panels Sydney in businesses?
In Australia, the installation of ground-mounted solar panels Sydney in a company is subject to specific regulations. Here are the important points to consider.
Administrative authorizations and urban planning constraints
First of all, it is important to check the local urban planning plan (PLU) of the municipality where the company is located to ensure that the installation is authorized
Depending on the size of the project, it may be necessary to obtain administrative authorizations from the competent authorities, such as a building permit or a prior declaration of work to the town hall.
For installations with a power between 3 kWp and 250 kWp, it is necessary to make a prior declaration of work. This also applies if it has a power of less than 3 kWp but is located in a protected area.
If your installation has a power greater than 250 kWp, or if it is greater than 3 kWp in a protected area, we recommend that you apply for a building permit. It is also possible to request the opinion of the Architect of Buildings of Australia within the framework of compliance with the Local Urban Planning Plan.
For ground installations with a power greater than 300 kWp, it is necessary to carry out a mandatory impact study.
Compliance with technical standards
Solar panels Sydney must comply with current technical standards to guarantee their safety and efficiency. To be installed, it is necessary to comply with the NF EN 61215 standard for a photovoltaic solar panel. The installation must be audited by the Council to ensure safety.
Connection contracts
Before commissioning the ground-based photovoltaic farm, a connection contract with the electricity network manager is necessary to inject the electricity produced into the network.
Purchase obligations
In order to generate new income, companies can sell electricity under purchase obligation (solar OA). The contract is signed over 20 years and allows you to benefit from a fixed repurchase rate for the entire duration of the contract.
What is the price of a ground-mounted photovoltaic solar power plant?
The price of ground-mounted solar panels Sydney depends above all on the installed power and the quality of the photovoltaic panels. The best thing to do is to do a solar assessment to get an idea of the production capacity of the land. This study, like a simulation, makes it possible to assess the profitability of the project.
How to install photovoltaic panels on the ground?
The company can develop a park in several ways.
· Install solar panels using your own funds or through credit. It then operates the plant itself and recovers the profits from the sale of electricity;
· Rent your land through a long lease. She collects rent in exchange for authorization to install solar panels on her land. The tenant recovers the proceeds from the sale of electricity;
· Develop a solar car park. It then installs shade structures to produce electricity and provide shade to protect employees' or customers' vehicles.
Why install ground-mounted solar panels Sydney in your business?
Installing a solar panel Sydney on the ground of a business offers many benefits that contribute to both the environment and the economic performance of the business. Here are some reasons why it is beneficial to opt for ground-mounted solar panels.
Renewable energy production
Solar panels capture energy from the sun and transform it into green electricity. By using this solar energy, the company reduces its dependence on fossil energy sources and contributes to the fight against climate change.
Reduction of energy costs
Using solar energy reduces electricity consumption from the power grid, resulting in significant savings on the company's energy bills in the long term.
Profitability and return on investment
Although installing ground-mounted solar panels is an investment, they generally pay off in the long run. By producing their own electricity, businesses can even sell excess energy back to the grid and get a faster return on investment.
Properly sized, a company can recoup its installation in 8 to 12 years. On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 30 years, so they continue to produce long after they have paid off.
Improvement of the company image
By adopting solar energy, a company demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and the environment, which strengthens its brand image and can attract new customers sensitive to ecological issues. It can also build talent loyalty in an employer branding approach.
Reduction of carbon footprint
By using a clean energy source, the company helps reduce its carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. As the HEPSUL association specializing in solar energy points out, “It therefore takes around 3 years to repay the carbon debt for a photovoltaic installation” 1.
Optimal use of space
Ground-mounted solar panels allow optimal use of the space available on the company site, particularly in parking lots or unused land, without requiring specific roofs. According to Ademe, abandoned areas such as industrial wastelands represent a solar resource of 49 GWp.
Support for environmental policies
The installation of solar panels is part of environmental policies in favor of renewable energies and can allow the company to meet increasingly strict regulations. In particular, companies with a parking lot of more than 1,500 m2 must install photovoltaic parking shades over half of the available area.
What are the advantages of ground-mounted solar panels?
Opting for ground-mounted solar panel installation has more practical benefits. Here are the main ones.
Optimal tilt and orientation
The ease of choosing tilt and orientation when installing a ground-mounted solar panel is a major advantage. Unlike a roof installation which requires respecting the inclination of the roof, ground installation offers multiple possibilities for adjusting the inclination and orientation of the panels.
Easy monitoring and maintenance
With a floor installation, the installation supervisor has direct access to the panels, making panel monitoring and maintenance much easier. For example, it will be easier to detect and replace a damaged solar panel.
Profitability of ground-mounted solar panels
Installing a solar panel on the ground is a profitable solution, because it reduces dependence on electricity from the network, and allows you to control and secure the electricity supply through self-consumption. This profitability is also explained by the reduction in energy bills if the business is located nearby.
What are the disadvantages of installing ground-mounted solar panels?
The installation of a solar panel on the ground is not eligible for the self-consumption bonus, unlike installations in shade houses and on roofs. An installation of solar panels on the ground is very sensitive to shadows and requires a significant amount of space. The installation immobilizes land and cannot be used for other purposes.
