How can solar panels help the public sector?
Some of the many benefits to the public sector in having solar panels installed include:
- Significant reduction in your electricity bills
- Excellent ROI – system payback of 4-5 years is the norm
- Hardware with long warranties, typically 20-40 years
- Immediate reduction in carbon footprint
What are the benefits of installing solar panels in the public sector?
- Reduced Energy Bills: Over time, solar panels can significantly reduce electricity costs for public sector buildings and facilities.
- Predictable Energy Costs: Solar can help stabilise energy expenditures by reducing dependence on fluctuating fossil fuel prices.
- Potential Revenue Generation: Excess energy can be fed back into the grid to create a revenue stream via the Smart Export Guarantee.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Solar energy is clean, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
- Promotion of Sustainable Energy: It sets a precedent for the importance of renewable energy sources.
- Resilience: Solar installations, especially when combined with energy storage, can provide critical backup power during grid outages.
- Leading by Example: By adopting solar energy, the public sector can demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, influencing businesses and individuals to do the same.
- Educational Opportunities: Public solar installations can serve as educational tools for schools, universities, and community groups.
- Positive Perception: Public entities that adopt sustainable practices often enjoy a positive image in the eyes of the public.
- Demonstration of Forward Thinking: It demonstrates progressive thinking about future generations.
Solar installations can be modular, allowing public sector buildings to expand their solar capacity over time.
Different types of solar solutions, like ground-mounted systems, rooftop panels, or solar carports, can be chosen based on the specific needs and constraints of the project.
- By generating your own electricity you can protect against potential future increases in electricity prices
Why choose Infinity Energy Services?
Founded in 2011, we have been helping the public sector save money and lower their emissions for over a decade.
- 12 years’ experience designing and installing renewable energy systems
- Multi-award-winning solar PV installer
- We employ all our own engineers – no sub-contractors
- We offer a turn-key service, from start to finish, plus after-care
- MCS-approved for the installation of solar panels
- Excellent references – ask to speak to previous clients
- Experience working with the public sector on decarbonisation projects and tenders
OUR REVIEWS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
Which public sector organisations do we work with?
- Government Departments and Ministries
- Public Services, such as law enforcement, fire departments, and other emergency services.
- Publicly Funded Education, e.g. schools, colleges and universities that are funded and operated by the government.
- Public Hospitals and Health Services
- Municipal Services, such as water supply, sanitation, public transportation, and waste management.
- Defence and Military, e.g. the armed forces and other defence-related industries.
Operations & Maintenance
Maintaining and servicing solar panel installations is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, maximising energy production, and prolonging the system’s lifespan. Here are some best practices for maintaining and servicing solar panel systems – all services we can provide:
Regular Cleaning
- Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Depending on the location, periodic cleaning, using water and a soft brush or cloth, can help maintain performance.
- In rainier climates, natural rainfall might suffice to keep panels clean. However, in arid or dusty areas, more frequent manual cleaning may be needed.
Routine Inspections
- Conduct regular visual inspections to check for any obvious signs of damage, such as cracks or discoloration on the panels.
- Check mounting structures for signs of corrosion or loosening.
- Inspect wiring and connections for any signs of wear, fraying, or damage.
Monitoring Systems
- All of our commercial installations come with monitoring systems that provide real-time data on the system’s performance. Any sudden drops in energy production can indicate an issue.
- We can set up alerts or notifications for any system anomalies.
Inverter Maintenance
The inverter is a critical component that converts the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels to alternating current (AC) for use in commercial buildings.
Inverters typically have a shorter lifespan than panels, so it’s important to monitor their performance and be prepared for eventual replacement. We always suggest long product warranties on inverters for peace of mind.
Professional Maintenance
Schedule regular maintenance visits – we can carry this out for you. We perform detailed inspections, including testing electrical connections, measuring system output, and checking the overall health of the system.
Tightening and Torquing
Over time, the mechanical fastenings of solar panels and mounting systems can become loose due to temperature fluctuations and wind. Periodically check and tighten any loose components – we can do this for you at a routine inspection.
Keep Records
Maintain a log of all maintenance activities, inspections, and any issues or repairs. This can be helpful for warranty claims and for tracking system performance over time.
Review Warranties
Familiarise yourself with the warranties of your solar components. Knowing the terms can help if a component underperforms or fails, but we will help organise any repairs or replacements that may be necessary.
Regular maintenance will not only help in maximising energy output, but also in identifying potential issues before they become major problems, thus saving costs in the long run.