Executive Summary
- Learn the top 5 costly mistakes factory owners make before installing solar rooftops and how to avoid setbacks.
- Know the financial and sustainability benefits of industrial solar rooftop for your factory and how you can maximise your Solar ROI.
- Get important guides on the selection of a solar panel manufacturing company, your EPC contractor, roof assessment of your factory, and ongoing maintenance of your solar plant for 25 years of consistent energy generation.
Industrial growth in India is powered by forward-thinking leaders who have adopted clean energy solutions for their factories.
Solar rooftop installation for factories offers a combination of cost savings, energy security, and long-term, consistent returns.
However, critical mistakes in planning and execution can turn a promising investment into a recurring headache.
We wish to educate what every industry or factory owner should know before opting for solar energy on their rooftops, so you can make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and maximise your return on investment.
Why Consider a Solar Rooftop Project for Your Factory?
- Immediate Cost Reduction: One can cut down on their electricity expenditure with commercial solar panels specially made for industrial operations.
- Energy Security: A rooftop solar system for manufacturing units acts as a reliable power source, ensuring uninterrupted production with reduced reliance on grid power.
- Attractive ROI: One can benefit directly from tax incentives by way of depreciation, fast payback periods (typically 4-5 years), and an impressive 25-year system lifespan.
- Improved Brand Reputation: It helps your brand demonstrate commitment to sustainability and environmental compliance.
- Asset Value Enhancement: Solar rooftop systems increase property value and put idle roof space to earn for you.
All these benefits can only be effectively demonstrated if the factory owner takes care of the following.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid Before Installing Your Industrial Solar Rooftop
1. Overlooking Roof Assessment and Structural Issues
Inadequate roof assessment and ignoring the load-bearing capacity are leading causes of solar rooftop installation issues. Industrial roofs are made in several ways by way of material used and their design like roofs made using metal panels, concrete, membrane roofs, etc. One must get the roof inspected by structural engineers who can access it if the roof can carry the weight of rooftop solar panels for the next 25 years.
Never install solar rooftop panels without first checking for deterioration, leaks, or an insufficient load-bearing design.
2. Poor Design and Planning Choices
Many factory owners try to maximise panel density or make wrong orientation decisions that reduce solar system efficiency considerably.
Solar panel installation mistakes, such as failing to account for HVAC units, smokestacks, or shade on the roof, can cut energy generation by 10-30%.
In India, panels should generally face south and be sized based on your factory’s energy usage, not just available surface area.
3. Choosing Low-quality Industrial Solar Panels & Inexperienced EPC Contractors
Balancing cost and quality is crucial for any business. Low-priced and low-quality solar panels may degrade faster, and you may not get a warranty, affecting your industrial solar energy savings.
Similarly, picking the lowest-bid contractor without verifying their track record in industrial solar can lead to installation mistakes and poor after-sales support.
4. Overlooking Maintenance and Insurance
Industrial solar systems need consistent cleaning and checks, especially in dusty or pollutant-heavy environments. Many industry owners forget to update insurance or plan a maintenance schedule, risking poor electricity generation and lost savings that were not intended.
There is a complete guide on how to conduct maintenance of solar panels by Government of India.
5. Ignoring Regulatory and Compliance Requirements
Industrial solar installations must pass stricter norms than residential systems. Poor Earthing, Fire Safety compliance, or working with non-registered solar installers may lead to compliance issues, fines, or delays.
Just 5 Steps to Get the Most from Your Solar Rooftop for Factories
1. Partner with Proven Industrial Solar Installers:
Select a solar company like Jakson Solar with documented success in large-scale installations, strong after-sales service, and the ability to handle Large-scale Solar EPC and Rooftop Solar Projects with compliance and safety documentation.
2. Plan for System Integration:
If you plan to upgrade your plant with more machinery, you can also align your solar project to expand its capacity so you get a similar percentage of benefit in your energy bills.
3. Maximise Financial and Tax Benefits:
Consult your solar partner for details on government incentives, accelerated depreciation, and payback expectations for your energy usage.
4. Create a Solar Plant Maintenance Schedule:
One must ensure regular maintenance by, at least, cleaning the solar modules with water sprays once every 15 days, checking for solar power generation by maintaining daily solar generation records & analysing the records every month, which will help you understand your solar system better to extend its lifespan for long-term benefits.
A detailed guide on how to maintain your solar plant is available on Government of India website at the following URL: https://api.solarrooftop.gov.in/knowledge/file-79.pdf
5. Prioritise Safety, Insurance, and Documentation:
Regularly update factory insurance policies to cover your solar system and record all inspection and maintenance activities.
Why Jakson Solar Is India’s Trusted Partner for Industrial Solar Rooftop Projects
With decades of experience in delivering solar energy for industries, Jakson Solar combines cutting-edge technology solar modules with proven processes for industrial solar rooftop projects.
Our industrial solar solutions are specially designed for factory owners who value safety, compliance, and consistent ROI.
Whether you’re managing a food processing unit, a textile mill, a cold storage, an automotive plant, or any other industrial unit, we have the expertise and resources to deliver a workable solar solution, specially designed for you.
