Path-Q Solar

Should a small business get an energy audit before requesting solar quotes?

Answer

Often yes, especially if the business has high bills, variable operating hours, significant heating or cooling loads, or plans to expand. An audit can identify efficiency measures that reduce consumption before solar is sized, but it is not always necessary before obtaining initial solar quotes.

Key points

  • You can request preliminary solar quotes while arranging an audit.
  • Efficiency improvements may reduce the required solar capacity and improve the economics of the whole project.
  • The audit should examine lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, controls, insulation, operating schedules, and major equipment.
  • Solar sizing should reflect both current usage and credible future loads.

What it depends on

  • The size and variability of the business's electricity use
  • Whether demand charges or time-based rates materially affect bills
  • Planned equipment replacement, expansion, or electrification
  • The cost, timing, and expected savings of efficiency measures

Risks and trade-offs

  • Waiting for a full audit can delay solar evaluation.
  • Sizing solar before known efficiency projects are considered may produce an unnecessarily large system.
  • Efficiency projects may require capital and operational disruption even when they improve long-term economics.

Information you may need

  • At least one year of bills and, preferably, interval usage data
  • Operating hours and major electrical loads
  • Planned expansion or equipment changes
  • Whether the business has demand charges or critical-load requirements

Your next step

What to do next

Obtain an initial solar production and cost estimate while asking an qualified energy professional whether an audit is likely to change the proposed system size.

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