Solar Panels for Businesses
Do you own or operate a business that pays high energy costs? Installing solar panels can be a great way for businesses, farms, condos and commercial buildings to reduce operating costs.
However, installing solar panels on your business or workplace can be an intimidating and confusing process. Which solar panel installers are capable of installing commercial scale projects and have experience doing so? Are there any grants or incentives available for businesses to install solar panels? What is the best way to compare solar installer quotes to ensure we choose the best quote that provides the best value for the business long term?
That’s where Glean comes in. We are not a solar panel installer. Instead, we are a Canadian owned and operated broker of solar panel installation quotes. We help home and business owners learn whether solar is a good fit, access incentives, tender multiple solar quotes and choose the best installer. Glean is the largest broker of solar quotes in Alberta. We have a vast network of high quality solar installers that are experienced in both commercial and residential solar installations. We solicit multiple quotes from our network of verified solar installers, provide an easy-to-compare quote summary (that includes a detailed financial analysis) and a quote review meeting to explain the quotes and answer questions. We also ensure that each installer has designed a system that fits within current (or future upgraded) electrical infrastructure, is valid under the Canadian Electrical Code and is competitively priced.
Here’s how Glean helps businesses get solar panels:
Step 1: Preliminary Analysis (free)
Fill out your information below and a Glean solar expert will reach out within 2 business days. We will use your property’s past electricity use and roof space (if applicable) to create a:
- Custom solar layout image
- Cost range based on how our installers have recently quoted similar projects
- Annual energy and cost savings estimate
- List of possible grants and incentives
Glean does not charge a fee for this service and there is no obligation. This preliminary analysis will help you determine whether the project is viable and aligns with your expectations. If so, we can proceed with the next steps.
Step 2: Information Collection
With residential solar projects, each system is relatively simple and similar so we can provide our service for free because we earn a fee from the installer that is chosen by the homeowner. On the other hand, when brokering solar quotes for commercial solar installations, each project is much larger, more expensive and complex. This means that our process becomes much more time intensive and requires more upfront effort on our end. A site visit is required to gather photos and videos of electrical infrastructure and the commercial quote analysis process is more detailed. For this reason, we may charge an upfront fee for our service on commercial buildings.
Instead of each solar installer collecting property information separately, Glean conducts a site visit and acts as a single point of contact through the process to make communication easier and more streamlined. Glean will collect:
- Collect copies of recent electricity bills, electricity use data and building drawings (if available).
- Take measurements, photos and videos of the roof and electrical distribution system during a site visit.
- Meet with building management/owners to discuss goals, plans, solar installation location preferences, building operation habits and identify requirements of any grant and/or financing programs that will be used.
Step 3: Quote Tendering
Glean organizes the information collected into a quote tendering package that is sent to each installer. We use solar installers in our network that we believe have the best ability to deliver a high-quality solar installation on your property. We do not tell the installers exactly how to design the system as each installer will have their own opinion on what is best. This variation in quotes is valuable and will help you decide which quote meets your needs. If you have specific installers you wish to work with, please let us know and we can incorporate their quotes in our process if they are willing. The process of gathering 3 quotes may require some back and forth and can take up to 3 weeks.
Step 4: Quote Analysis
As we receive the quotes, we will begin the process of analyzing each one. We will ensure that each installer has designed a system that fits within the capacity of the electrical distribution system and is competitively priced. You will receive an easy-to-compare quote summary that includes a detailed financial analysis so that you can compare each installer’s quote apples-to-apples. Our goal is to provide our unbiased opinion of each design to help you make the best and most informed decision.
Step 5: Quote Review
We will schedule an in person or virtual meeting with key members of your organization to discuss the unique features of each company and their quotes and to answer any questions you may have. We are unbiased between the installers so our advice and opinions will have your best interests in mind.
Step 6: Solar Installation
We don’t manage any part of the installation after you have chosen an installer. Once you have chosen an installer, we make the introduction, and the work begins between you and the installer. However, we are always available to answer your questions or provide advice along the way.