Industrial Applications of Solar Photovoltaic Panels
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can be installed on-site to provide renewable power that serves the electrical loads of facilities, including industrial processes. These systems can be mounted on rooftops, exterior walls, garages, or on the ground. The electricity generated by solar PV systems depends on a variety of factors, including installed capacity, orientation and tilt, available solar resources (determined by solar irradiance and sunlight hours), temperature, and shading.
Other specific factors to consider include the facility’s electrical load, electricity rate structure, availability of land and rooftops, local construction costs, and net metering rules. These factors can significantly impact the feasibility of a project. It is crucial to hire reputable solar installers to assess the suitability of solar energy and to recommend system sizing and configurations based on site characteristics.
Deploying solar PV for industrial applications is often cost-effective and can align with an organization’s environmental goals and regulations. On-site solar PV deployment can reduce energy costs, lower emissions, and, when combined with battery storage, provide backup power.
As of March 2024, there are approximately 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of small-scale (<1 megawatt) and 1.0-1.6 GW of large-scale (≥1 megawatt) solar PV systems deployed across industrial facilities in the United States. It is estimated that 0.7-1.4 GW (75%-85%) of this large industrial solar capacity is attributable to third-party-owned systems, often through power purchase agreements with utilities or independent power providers.
Some solar PV systems are designed to meet 100% of on-site loads, resulting in net-zero electricity usage. However, net-zero industrial applications are not common, as the available rooftop or land area often falls short of fully offsetting the electricity consumption of energy-intensive processes. Additionally, compensation for exported power during periods of surplus production may be lower than retail rates.
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