Commercial solar panels are more expensive than residential solar panels because they’re larger and usually more panels are needed. The average commercial solar cost is about $2.00 per watt. Before any solar rebates and incentives go into effect, a commercial customer can expect to pay an average of $200,000.

A commercial solar panel system is around 100 kilowatts (kW) and will produce about 136,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. Every commercial installation is different. Some contain more or less than 100 kW, so it’s best to speak with a solar specialist to determine how many watts you need. 

The length of time it requires to install commercial solar panels is between a week and a couple months, but it completely depends on the size of your project. Large warehouses or parking lot projects will require more time than a small brick-and-mortar boutique. There’s also various cabling and mounting infrastructure to consider for your specific installation process. 

Commercial solar works in the same way that residential solar works, except sizing, equipment and watts needed will differ. A shipping warehouse and a small boutique are technically both commercial businesses, but a warehouse will require more panels to sustain its energy needs.

A commercial solar panel system typically has 96 solar cells that are 78” by 39”, while a residential solar panel system typically has 72 solar cells that are 65” by 39”. Businesses rarely want residential solar panels, but homeowners sometimes want commercial panels if they prefer the size and fit of them on their property.