Author : INTER SOLAR SYSTEMS
Designation : Administrator
Categorized under : SOLAR ENERGY
Date posted : 15-Jul-25
4 minute read
11 times viewed  


How Many Solar Panels Do You Need For Your Business?

 
how many solar panels do you need for your business?
 

Introduction

Think about walking around the market and seeing every rooftop, from the tiniest kirana to the tallest office tower, lined with blank rows of solar panel systems from a solar panel manufacturer, quietly working away for businesses. It would give your city a much-needed new, futuristic look. Most importantly, we would be addressing some of India's biggest problems.

Sounds like a dream, right? But it’s already happening, and it’s not just for show. Businesses are cutting costs by up to 90%, staying safe from power cuts, and reducing their carbon footprint.

So, you must be thinking how many solar panels a business needs from a solar panel manufacturer.

Well, it largely depends on your energy use, roof space, and local sunlight. For some, it’s 20 panels; for others, it’s over 600—depending on your business needs.

The Need to Go Solar

We often hear about carbon footprints and climate change. But what does installing a solar panel system for your office or factory achieve?

  • Massive CO₂ Reduction:
    Each kW of solar you install eliminates about 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, so a small 50 kW system could offset around 75 tonnes every year - the equivalent of planting more than 3,400 trees.
  • No Water Wastage:
    Unlike thermal power plants that gulp down thousands of litres of water daily to cool machinery, solar needs almost none. That’s crucial in water-stressed states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
  • Lower Air Pollution:
    Solar setups reduce dependence on coal. Less coal burned means fewer particulates in the air, which directly improves respiratory health for everyone nearby.
  • Boosting Local Biodiversity:
    Especially in ground-mounted systems on industrial plots, businesses can design under-panel gardens that nurture native plants and bees.

So, How Many Solar Panels Does A Business Need?

This is where your specific case matters. Whether it’s a tiny retail store, a bustling cold storage, or a sprawling IT campus, the maths behind your solar panel requirements for business always starts the same way:

Key Factors That Decide Your Solar Panel Requirements

Your business solar system size depends on your annual power use, local sunlight, the type of panels you choose, and how much rooftop space you’ve got to work with.

1.Your Annual Power Consumption:

  • Retail shops & offices: 15,000-30,000 kWh/year
  • Medium industries: 50,000-200,000 kWh/year
  • Large manufacturing: 500,000+ kWh/year

2.Sunlight Availability:

  • Rajasthan & Gujarat enjoy 6+ hours daily, so fewer panels needed.
  • Punjab or Maharashtra gets 4-5 hours, meaning slightly more panels to generate the same power.

3.Type Of Panel & Efficiency:

  • Premium mono PERC or bifacial panels (21-23.5% efficiency) will reduce the number of solar panels for commercial use.
  • Typical commercial panels are from 400W to 730W.

4.Roof Space:

  • Rough guide: 80-100 sq. ft. per kW.
  • Check structural capacity. Most roofs handle 15-25 kg/m², but older buildings may need reinforcement.

A Quick Example: Solar Panel Setup For A Small Business

Supposing you run a textile unit in Punjab that consumes 120,000 kWh per year, and you would like to use 550W panels and a local production ratio of 1.4, here is roughly what you would be looking at:

Metric

Estimate

System Size

~75 kW

Panels Needed

~140

Roof Area

6,000-7,500 sq. ft.

Payback Time

3-4 years

Post-Payback Bill Savings

Up to 90% off monthly costs

 

Tip: Instead of guessing, use a commercial solar panel calculator or you can consult with experts from Inter Solar. It’s the simplest way to nail your exact solar energy needs for business.

Why Solar Pays Off Financially Too

Going green doesn’t have to be charity. In India, it’s often the opposite.

  • Short payback periods:

Most commercial solar setups pay for themselves in 3-5 years, then provide low-cost power for decades.

  • Crazy long-term savings:

Companies reduce their electricity costs by 70-90%, locking them in against the threat of future tariff increases.

  • Government incentives:

MSMES can benefit from gross capital subsidies of up to 20%, in addition to 80% depreciation on the capital cost in year one.

  • Sell your surplus:

Through net metering, you sell your excess power back to the grid for somewhere between ₹3-₹5 per kWh.

Tailored Solutions For Every Business Type

No matter your industry, solar adapts.

1.For Offices & Shops

  • Typical systems: 10 - 50 kW on flat rooftops.
  • Works beautifully with string inverters, requires minimal disruption.

2.For Manufacturing & Industrial

  • Systems from 100 kW to 1 MW.
  • Often ground-mounted to maximise space.
  • Case study: An ice factory in Maharashtra cut bills by 90% with a 43 kW plant.

3.For Agriculture

  • Even 5-10 kW systems can run irrigation pumps under PM-KUSUM subsidies.

Why Inter Solar Is A Trusted Partner

Choosing who installs your solar system is as important as deciding to go solar. Here’s why thousands of Indian businesses - from local kirana shops to large industrial parks - trust Inter Solar Systems:

  • 25+ Years of Experience:
    MNRE-certified with projects across Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, and beyond.
  • Custom Engineering:
    Site-specific layouts using high-yield N-Type TOPCon panels (730W) maximise ROI.
  • End-to-End Service:
    From securing GST & DISCOM approvals to providing app-based performance monitoring.
  • Proven Results:
    Clients routinely achieve 30% ROI, all while dramatically cutting carbon footprints.

FAQs

1. What is the typical lifespan of a commercial solar system?
Most systems last 25–30 years, with efficiency dropping only about 0.5% per year. You’ll enjoy decades of savings with basic upkeep.

2. How many solar panels does a small shop need?
Usually 20–30 panels for a 10 kW system, enough for businesses using 15,000-30,000 kWh/year.

3. Can I install a solar system if my business rents the property?
Yes. You’ll need a landlord agreement and to check state policies on net metering. Many businesses successfully install systems on leased rooftops.

4. Does solar still work during monsoons or cloudy days?
Yes. Output may drop 30-40%, but grid-tied systems ensure consistent power without blackouts.

5. How do I calculate my business’s exact solar needs?
Use a commercial solar panel calculator or talk to an MNRE-certified consultant like Inter Solar for a precise shadow analysis and ROI projection.

Ready To Make Your Business Greener?

Solar isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s a real step towards a cleaner, safer planet - and that’s a legacy worth building. To see what solar could look like for your office, shop, or factory, try Inter Solar’s business solar sizing tool or book a free site assessment.

You’ll be surprised how quickly your roof can start paying you back - and how good it feels to be part of the solution.


Thank you for giving your 4 minute :)
 
Share this article :
 
Liked ? Knowledgeable ? Intresting ?
  1
Copy Paste. Not useful. Boring.
  0
Times Viewed  
  11
 
 
 
 
  Refresh
 
 
 
SUBMIT
 
 
 
 

Online Business Directory
STATS till last week

20730
AVG. DAILY LISTING VIEWS
59.18%
REG. VIA GOOGLE SEARCH
98
COUNTRY's LISTINGS