Making the decision to install solar panels for your business can drastically cut, eliminate electricity bills and reduce a business’ carbon footprint.
The cost of solar panel installation has fallen dramatically in recent years. With the option of having a third-party install the system, there is little to no effort needed from you so you can focus on your business.
All of this explains why the number of business, farms and corporations installing solar has skyrocketed across America. So, why are many business owners still skeptical about taking control of their energy use and installing solar? The various myths that persist around solar power could be to blame.
If you’re considering installing a solar panel system on your business, here are five common myths – and why you shouldn’t believe them:
Myth #1: Solar panels only work in warm, sunny climates.
As you might imagine, solar panels do work best when they are in contact with a lot of sunlight. However, a lack of bright sun doesn’t mean they’re not working. Panels are created in a way that allows them to absorb ample sunlight, even on cloudy days or in regions that get less bright sun. Better yet, the solar panels of today are more energy efficient than ever. Newer systems maximize sunlight absorption and generate the maximum possible output. This higher efficiency means that solar panels can work in virtually any climate and every season.
Myth #2: You need a lot of space for solar panels.
In fact, solar panels are getting smaller, more powerful, and more efficient day by day. High-efficiency panels take up less space because fewer panels are needed to produce the electricity to power your establishment needs. Even if you have a smaller establishment, it could have enough roof space to fit the number of panels needed to generate power.
Myth #3: Installation is a long, drawn-out process.
Believe it or not, the actual construction is not the part that takes the longest. On many commercial projects, we can get the racking, solar panels, and inverters up and on the roof in 3-4 weeks. The part of the project that takes the most time is due to significant permitting delays with building departments and utilities. However, Spectrum Energy is able to deal with all of the potential permitting and utility delays out there. And will see your project through no matter the hurdles. We have permitted and installed projects in every major county in California. Most of the large utilities including PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, and SMUD.
Myth#4: If something goes wrong, you’re on your own.
As with any investment or installation, you should understand the manufacturer and installer warranties for your solar panels. Including how long the coverage lasts, and what types of problems are covered. And unlike a furnace or an air conditioning system, a solar installation has no moving parts to wear out. So it typically requires little maintenance and repair. Also, if you experience any difficulties or malfunctions with your panels, Spectrum Energy Development is here to help. We will come in a fix your problem.
Myth #5: Solar panels will look big, bulky and ugly, making a business less appealing.
As mentioned above, solar panels are becoming smaller, sleeker, and more aesthetically pleasing. Instead of having to cover an entire roof with panels in a specific arrangement to generate power. Modern options allow you to arrange panels to meet your own sense of aesthetics. Even for bigger establishments, it is possible to create a sleek and aesthetically pleasing set up for your panels.
Adding solar power to a building offers business owners many benefits. From reducing energy costs to increasing the value of your business, to helping the environment. All in all, solar is a great option for your business and the earth. Do your part to help while saving some money. Give us a call and we will help you get started today!
Richard is the newest member of our team. He has 33 years experience in the general contracting business building projects such as restaurants, wineries, hotels, movie theaters and custom houses. Richard’s first role with 
Rich has 15 years experience in electrical contracting, commercial PV solar installation and utility grid interconnection. He has managed the installation of over 15MW of PV, both commercial and utility scale, and has many years of experience in off-grid solar design and installation utilizing various battery technologies (Li-Ion, LFP & Lead Acid).
Mike has been a member of the Spectrum project development team since 2010. He is well versed in developing a detailed energy analysis that allows Spectrum to create the best possible energy savings plan for clients in both commercial and agricultural settings.
James is 10-year energy industry specialist with a honed ability to communicate the technical, financial and environmental implications of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to any audience. He is responsible for originating and managing large scale solar PV installations for commercial, industrial and agricultural customers. James is also very experienced with designing and developing deep energy efficiency retrofits for commercial buildings with specialties in LED lighting and high performance HVAC systems.
Scott Wallace is a proven expert in the solar industry with experience working in all aspects of Agricultural and Commercial solar. His development of solar PV projects include project finance, Net Energy Metering Aggregation (NEM-A), interconnection, utility infrastructure upgrades and system design.
Mr. Collier is a founder and head of Engineering for Spectrum Energy. He joined the company in November 2003. He is responsible for the design, engineering, siting, permitting, procurement, and commissioning of all SEDI’s PV projects. Mr. Collier is also active in design and engineering consulting with utilities, government agencies, vendors, and corporate clients. Collier is the qualifying party for SEDI “C10” California Contractor’s License #892475.
Mr. Agnello is a founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of Spectrum Energy. He started SEDI full time in July 2002 as CFO. His responsibilities include corporate finances, project finance, project management, sales, strategic planning, and vendor relations. Mr. Agnello has over twenty-five years of experience in the renewable energy industry. In the two years prior to forming Spectrum, he acted as a full time consultant to the SMUD Solar Program responsible for developing PV marketing and financial analysis in the commercial market sector. His project assessment tools enabled SMUD customers to adequately determine their financial benefits of going solar.
Mr. Osborn is a founder, President and Chairman of Spectrum Energy Development, Inc. (SEDI). His responsibilities include management of overall corporate strategy, project management, business development coordination, consulting management, and corporate policy. Before founding Spectrum, Mr. Osborn headed the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Solar Program for 12 years and was the Superintendent of Renewable Generation for SMUD, where he led a staff of twenty professionals implementing the SMUD photovoltaics program as well as wind energy, distributed generation, and research and development programs. Under his leadership SMUD became the world’s leading utility in the use of photovoltaics and as of 2002, SMUD had over half of all grid-connected PV in the US and led the way for the eventual commercialization of PV. Besides numerous honors and recognitions, Don and the SMUD team were awarded the 2001 World Energy Globe Award.