Six factors to consider when choosing a company to install your solar system.
The solar energy sector is growing rapidly in several countries, including Brazil. According to the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL), more than 200,000 photovoltaic solar energy companies are registered in the country.
In general, this is important for the development of the sector since competitiveness helps boost the quality of equipment and services. In addition, companies' communication and marketing efforts can contribute to the dissemination of information and adoption of solar energy.
The expansion of solar energy in Brazil is also boosted by industry and commerce. These sectors suffer from the increase in electricity rates, as the price of energy directly impacts the fixed cost of the business. Attracted by the opportunity to significantly reduce this cost, entrepreneurs in these sectors are investing in photovoltaic solar energy systems.
However, what could be a cost-saving alternative could turn into an issue for some of these companies. The big problem is that a solar energy project aimed at industry, for example, has a higher level of complexity than a residential one. Although there are many companies operating in the sector, this does not mean that all have the specialized technical knowledge, which is essential for medium and large engineering projects.
Solar Energy for Industry and Commerce
The company from Paraná, Bonö Fotovoltaico, is working on industrial and commercial solar plants projects. According to the commercial director, Marcelo Abuhamad, one of the company's strategies is the specialized service for each sector.
“We understand, in practice, that each sector has its particularities. Although the technology is the same, the needs of an industry are different from a rural property, for example. So, for us, personalized service makes much more sense”, comments Abuhamad.
Still according to Abuhamad, industry and commerce need more robust projects that deliver complex solutions efficiently.
“These sectors feel the rate increase in the electricity bill, suffering a direct impact on the fixed cost of the business. Decreasing this cost is the focus of the client, but we offer an even better proposal! We eliminate waste common to off grid projects and deliver a fully usable energy solution, which meets all the client's needs, including the economy”, says Abuhamad.
Although it seems simple, Abuhamad emphasizes that it is important to be aware and hire a good quality service which guarantees the desired savings in fixed costs. Next, he brings 6 points that must be evaluated when choosing a company to install the solar energy system for your business.
1 – Make sure the company meets ANEEL standards
NORMATIVE RESOLUTION No. 482, establishes the general conditions for the access of microgeneration and mini generation to electric energy distribution systems. Look only for companies that make a custom-designed photovoltaic system for your roof/ground and for your consumption patterns.
2 – Check the company’s history and who its clients are
Check if the company you intend to hire has a good number of approved projects with the local concessionaire, so you can verify the practical experience of the professionals. Despite the technical knowledge of employees, there are specific issues that can only be absorbed with practice.
Another relevant point is to observe the clients who have already been served. Bids, multinational companies and a consolidated brand in the market, say a lot about the reliability and credibility of the services provided.
3 – Look for companies that have specific departments by area
Buying a photovoltaic system is easy, the hard part is finding someone who offers you the complete solution. Behind a solar energy system that works perfectly and generates the energy needed to provide savings at the end of the month, there are many professionals who need specific knowledge for each step of the process. Selling is just the first step.
Therefore, explore the technical training of the team behind your project. A team that has electrical and civil engineers will certainly know how to provide the support your project demands. The after-sales, legal and financial departments focused on financing, for example, are great differentials. Also worth answering:
-Will the company that is supplying the system be in charge of completing the necessary documentation to connect your system to the electrical grid?
-Will the company advise you until the end of the process of connecting to the power grid?
If the answers are “yes”, you can move on to other requirements.
4- Observe the equipment used
The quality of the equipment is fundamental for the durability and return on your investment. Photovoltaic modules and solar inverters from a supplier that is already consolidated in the market makes all the difference in the final budget.
The so-called “solar kit” (inverter and module) has several brands and models. The ideal is to choose companies consolidated worldwide, such as WEG, which uses state-of-theart technology, allowing good installation practices, especially the electrical protection of equipment, to be complied with. This way, you can be sure that your system will last for 25 years, knowing that you bought a quality system.
5. Find out about the guarantees of the service provided
To assess which solar energy company is best for your property, make sure that all components of your photovoltaic system include a warranty. Check if it guarantees the installation of the parts and the origin and quality of each item that is part of the project.
Also, ask if the company has insurance policies, covering any damages arising from accidents that occurred during the execution of the work or even covering third parties such as: employees, neighbors, fires, etc.
6. Ask for the Performance Report and the Energy Generation in a Contract
Try to hire a company that provides electrical and structural validations of your property, through a simulation of the system's generation. In this way you will be in compliance with Brazilian installation standards. Finally, look for someone who guarantees the generation of the photovoltaic system in a contract, so you can avoid being surprised with a different energy generation than the initial proposal.
Learn more about BONÖ Fotovoltaico
Founded in 2016, in the city of Londrina, Bono Fotovoltaico is a new company. However, it is already considered the largest in Paraná and one of the largest in the country. With more than 650 projects delivered and more than 20,000 kWp installed, the company reached a turnover of 35 million reais (2019). In the first half of 2020, even during the economic crisis, it grew by 100%, compared to the same period of the previous year.
AWARDS
2nd Place in the “Rooftop Integrators” Award
5th Brasil Solar Innovation and Technology Award (http://www.forumgdsul.com.br/site/)
4th Place Connected Smart Cities (2017)
