Solar System Sizing for Commercial Properties: What Business Owners Need to Know

If you’re a business owner exploring solar energy, sizing your commercial solar system correctly is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A well-designed system ensures maximum return on investment (ROI), better energy performance, and long-term savings. But how big should your system be—and what incentives are available to help make it affordable?

At Advanced Electric & Solar, we’ve helped businesses across Arizona size and install solar energy systems that deliver real results. Here’s what you need to consider when sizing a system for your commercial property.

Understanding Your Energy Needs

Before installing solar, we perform a detailed energy audit of your building. This includes:

• Reviewing your last 12–24 months of electric bills
• Identifying seasonal usage patterns
• Assessing future energy needs (adding equipment, EV charging, etc.)

The goal is to offset as much of your current usage as practical, especially during peak daylight hours when your system is generating the most.

Rooftop vs. Ground-Mounted Systems

Your available space plays a big role in how your solar system is sized. We design systems for:

• Flat or pitched commercial rooftops
• Ground-mounted arrays for properties with available land

We’ll also factor in the orientation, shading, and pitch to ensure you get optimal production from your panels year-round.

Performance Metrics and System Efficiency

A commercial solar system’s output is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and we use production models based on your geographic location, roof layout, and panel technology.

We’ll help you understand key performance metrics, including:

• kWh per kW installed (energy yield)
• Performance ratio (how efficiently your system performs)
• Capacity factor (actual vs. theoretical output over time)

These indicators give you a clear idea of how your system will perform in real-world conditions.

Tax Benefits and Accelerated Depreciation

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act and other state and federal programs, businesses can take advantage of:

• 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) through 2025
• MACRS accelerated depreciation, allowing you to recover the cost of your system faster
• Potential bonus credits for domestic content, energy communities, or low-income zones

Depending on your business structure and tax liability, these incentives can offset 50% or more of your upfront cost.

ROI Timelines for Commercial Solar

A properly sized commercial solar system typically pays for itself in 5–7 years, depending on system size, incentives, and your electric rate. After that, you’ll enjoy decades of near-zero-cost electricity.

Additional financial benefits include:

• Reduced operating costs
• Protection from utility rate hikes
• Increased property value and sustainability branding

Want a Free Solar Assessment?

At Advance Electric & Solar, we specialize in customized commercial solar solutions. From initial evaluation to design, permitting, and installation, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

📞 Call us today at (520) 303-2220 or contact us online to schedule a free commercial solar consultation.