Build a commercial building to be solar ready

From a fact sheet published by Focus on Energy:

Flat, open rooftops on large commercial buildings offer the perfect real estate for solar electric systems, and commercial building owners are beginning to take notice. Whether they’ve heard about technological advances in solar electric equipment, success stories about existing systems, or available financial incentives, commercial building owners are now considering solar power for their own properties.

Even if an owner or developer chooses not to install a system as part of the initial construction, it makes sense to construct the building to be “solar-electric ready.” A solar-electric-ready building reduces future installation costs and ensures there is suitable roof area for a system. Solar-electric readiness is an asset if the building is to be leased or sold. By incorporating a few simple ideas early in the design process, building solar-ready can be a smart and affordable decision that can help sell the building.

The solar industry forecasts rapid growth in solar electric installations on commercial buildings. These systems make sense whether building owners buy the equipment themselves or lease the rooftop to a thirdparty owner. Planning today for a future solar electric system ensures that building owners can take advantage of this growing market.