Making the case for solar
We don’t just build solar projects. We build strong, long-term partnerships and work to support your individual goals.
The information presented in this section will provide you with the knowledge you need to determine if solar energy is right for your business.
Choosing the right system
How much electricity will my BP Solar system produce?
The amount of electricity generated depends on several factors, primarily site characteristics and your local geographic and environmental conditions.
Contact one of our experts for more advice on system production
What will a BP Solar energy system look like on my business premises?
Visit our product section to get an idea of what our systems look like—or check out the case study page and see for yourself how attractive a BP Solar system can be.
Will a BP Solar system work with my business facility?
The first question to ask is how much suitable space you have on the roof of your facility or on the grounds of your site. For that space to be suitable, it must be unobstructed and unshaded. In general, you can achieve 5 to 10 watts of installed power capacity for each square foot of available area.
In countries where Feed in Tariff (FiT) is available, businesses can size systems to produce as much electicity as possible to get the maximum return on their investment. In countries where no FiT is in place, most businesses size their systems to provide a portion of the electricity they require (say 10% to 40%). This reduces their electricity demand during expensive peak daytime and summertime rate periods (when BP Solar systems are producing the maximum amount of energy), while still allowing residual demand to be met by your utility.
How it works
How do BP Solar modules generate electricity?
When sunlight shines onto our solar modules, the advanced technology transforms the light into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts the DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used to power most equipment.
What happens during a utility power outage?
During any type of power outage, only those solar systems with a battery backup option will continue to have power. Other systems will automatically shut down and will only restart once the utility power is back. This shutdown is required by law, and it is also a safety precaution that prevents random surges of power from travelling the grid and causing injury or damage.
Will I still need a utility provider? Do I need to be connected to the grid?
Unless you plan to generate all required power through an on-site generation system other than a solar electric system, your facility will still need to be connected to the grid through your local utility. While a BP Solar energy solutions system will generate a portion of your facility’s electricity during the peak hours of daylight, your utility will seamlessly take over and continue to supply your electricity at night and on very cloudy days. The transition between your solar array and the electrical grid is automatically handled by your system.
How do I use the electricity from my BP Solar system?
The electricity generated by BP Solar energy solutions works just like the electricity delivered by your local utility. After passing through a component called an inverter, the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels is converted to alternating current (AC), the type of electricity that you normally access through the outlets in your facility.
Performance and quality
How safe are BP Solar systems?
Solar panels have no moving parts and are virtually maintenance free. BP Solar modules carry all appropriate electrical certifications, including Underwriters Laboratory (UL listed) and they meet International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)standards. As with any high-voltage equipment, you should always use proper care when handling solar system components, but as an owner, you will have no cause to do so – your BP Solar representative will take care of everything for you.
How durable are BP Solar modules?
Solar modules are very durable. The modules are fully weather resistant – including rain and hail—as they are made with special tempered glass (similar to the type of glass used in car windows) and coated aluminium frames. The modules are tested to withstand high wind pressures and snow loads. It may also be reassuring to know that solar panels do not attract lightning.
How long does a BP Solar system last?
BP Solar modules are guaranteed to last 25 years. Our unmatched product reliability allows us to offer one of the best 25-year power output warranties available. We guarantee that your BP Solar modules will continue to produce energy for many years to come.
What happens at night?
Since solar technology requires sunlight to produce electricity, your system will not produce energy at night. Your local utility will continue to supply your electricity during these hours.
What happens on cloudy days?
Most of your electricity production will take place in sunny conditions. Output is directly proportional to the amount of sunlight available at any given moment, so systems can generate 50 – 70% of their typical output under bright overcast conditions. Production will continue to diminish, however, as less light reaches the surface of the modules.
In what temperatures will a BP Solar system operate?
BP Solar modules operate in temperatures ranging from -13 to 122 degrees F (-25 to 50 degrees C). Because solar modules are electronic devices that generate electricity directly from light, not heat, solar panels actually work better in cooler temperatures.
What is the warranty on BP Solar modules?
Our solar modules, which make up the majority of the system, are required to pass a standard battery of performance and durability tests before we allow them to be installed at a customer site. BP Solar stands behind its products by guaranteeing its modules for 25 years. Module warranty is complemented with a system warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for all components of our PV systems. In addition, we offer a best in class Performance Ratio Warranty included in our Operation and Maintenance service contracts.
Savings and costs
How much money can my business save?
There are many different incentives available depending on the country, so we recommend that you contact your BP Solar representative to get an accurate estimate. However, for those users who consume the electiity generated by their solar system, you will generate signifinact savings - many customers cut their electric bills by 50% or more. Because a solar electric system will last 25 or more years, it also provides security against electricity rate rises.
What is net metering?
Your BP Solar system connects to your main electrical panel. A meter tracks your net energy usage, spinning forward when electricity is used from the grid, and backwards, generating a credit, when your system creates more electricity than you require. Net metering laws vary by state (and sometimes by utility). Visit www.dsire.org to learn about the net metering policy that applies to you.
Are government incentives available in my area?
There are many rebates and incentives available to encourage businesses to install solar electric systems. Please contact your BP Solar representative to get information on what are applicable to your installation.
Who will help me apply for the available incentives?
Your BP Solar representative will take care of the application process to secure rebates and incentives for you.
How much does a solar system cost?
Due to the sensitive needs of each individual business, it's best to talk to a BP Solar representative to learn more about all of the purchase and financing options available to you.
Purchase and installation
How long will it take to install?
Installation time depends on the size of your system. A BP Solar representative can help you determine an estimated installation time for your project.
Can I increase the size of my BP Solar energy system at a later date?
Yes, provided you have the available space at your site.
Can I add generator backup at a later date?
Yes. However, depending on the type of inverter you start with, adding generator backup at a later date can be expensive. Systems that plan to integrate with an on-site backup generator system are different from those that are normally used.
How do I obtain a BP Solar energy system?
A BP Solar system for a large business can only be obtained directly from BP Solar. Contact us through our website or call 1-866-BP-Solar to be connected with a BP Solar representative.
