A Practical Guide to Going Solar for Your Business and How Greenlight Can Help Your Business Get There

A Professional’s Guide to Upgrades, Retrofits, and Predictive Maintenance

Solar energy is a sound and strategic investment for any business, and the transition doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From selecting the right system to understanding project timelines and knowing your responsibilities along the way, our goal is to make every step of the process transparent and manageable.

This guide provides a clear walkthrough of how our Solar PV installation process works, what our team delivers, and what will be required on your end. We believe an informed client is the foundation of a successful project, and this is our commitment to making sure you’re fully equipped before, during, and after your solar transition.

First: Choose Your Solar PV Configuration

Our Solar PV systems are available in three configurations. Your site conditions, energy goals, and grid access will determine which is the best fit — and our team will help you identify this during the assessment phase.

On-Grid

Grid-connected system. Generates solar power during the day and draws from the utility when needed. No battery required.

Off-Grid

Fully independent from the grid. Powered entirely by solar panels and battery storage. Ideal for remote facilities.

Hybrid

Combines grid connection with battery storage. Maximizes self-consumption and keeps operations running during outages.

Not sure which applies to your facility? That is exactly what Step 1 is designed to answer.

Your 6-Step Commercial Solar PV Roadmap

STEP 1   Site Assessment & Energy Evaluation

Understanding your facility before designing your system.

Our team conducts a thorough assessment of your site and current energy profile. This forms the foundation of your entire Solar PV installation — ensuring the system we design is properly sized for your actual consumption and physical conditions.

  1. Review of your facility’s electricity consumption and peak demand
  2. Physical site inspection: roof or ground area, structural suitability
  3. Shading, orientation, and solar irradiance analysis
  4. Identification of the most suitable PV configuration: On-Grid, Off-Grid, or Hybrid
  5. Assessment report delivered within 48–72 hours

PRO TIP:  Prepare 12 months of electricity bills ahead of the site visit — this gives our engineers the most accurate data to size your system correctly.

STEP 2   Custom Solar PV System Design

A system engineered specifically for your facility’s needs.

Using your assessment data, our engineering team designs a Solar PV system tailored to your energy demand, available space, and chosen configuration. Every element — from panel count and inverter specification to battery bank sizing — is calculated for maximum efficiency and output.

  1. System capacity (kWp) sized against your verified energy consumption
  2. Panel layout and mounting structure designed for your specific site
  3. Inverter type and specification selected for your configuration
  4. Battery storage system sized and specified for Off-Grid and Hybrid setups
  5. Full system design drawings and technical specifications provided

PRO TIP:  Ask our engineers to walk you through the design output estimates — understanding your projected daily generation helps you plan your facility’s energy usage more effectively.

STEP 3   System Proposal, Configuration Review & Approval

Full transparency on what you are getting — before you commit.

We present your complete Solar PV proposal for review. This includes the final system configuration, technical specifications, investment cost, and projected energy output. This is your opportunity to ask questions, compare configuration options, and confirm the system before we proceed to installation.

  1. Detailed proposal covering system specs, component brands, and total cost
  2. Side-by-side comparison of configuration options where applicable
  3. Projected annual energy generation figures are provided per configuration
  4. Clarification of what the installation scope covers, start to finish
  5. Formal sign-off and project commencement upon your approval

PRO TIP:  This is the right stage to ask about component warranties, expected system lifespan, and what is and is not included in the installation scope — so expectations are fully aligned before work begins.

STEP 4   Client-Managed Permitting & Utility Coordination

An optional post-installation process you may choose to arrange.

Permitting and utility applications are the responsibility of the client and are not required before or during installation. Our team will provide you with full technical documentation to support your applications when you’re ready — including system design drawings, load calculations, and equipment specifications — but the submission and approval process will be coordinated by you or your appointed liaison at your own pace.

  1. We supply all the required technical documents for your permit applications
  2. Building and electrical permit applications are to be submitted by the client
  3. Utility interconnection application required for On-Grid and Hybrid systems
  4. Typical permit approval timelines: 3–8 weeks, depending on your local authority
  5. We remain available to answer technical queries raised by permit reviewers

PRO TIP:  While permitting is optional and can be done after installation, we recommend not putting it off too long — especially for On-Grid and Hybrid systems where utility interconnection may be needed to maximize your system’s benefits.

STEP 5   Professional PV System Installation & Commissioning

Your Solar PV system was installed safely, efficiently, and to specification.

With permits secured and equipment procured, our certified installation crew mobilizes to your site. The full Solar PV system is installed, wired, tested, and commissioned by our team — covering all components from panels and mounting structures through to inverters, switchboards, and battery banks where applicable.

  1. Complete installation of solar panels and mounting/racking system
  2. Inverter installation, DC and AC wiring, and switchboard integration
  3. Battery storage system installation for Off-Grid and Hybrid configurations
  4. Full electrical testing and system safety checks upon completion
  5. On-site commissioning and client handover walkthrough

PRO TIP:  Plan your installation window during a period of lower operational activity if possible — while our team minimises disruption, some brief interruptions to your facility’s electrical supply may occur during switchboard integration.

STEP 6   System Activation, Monitoring & Ongoing Support

Your system goes live — and we stay with you.

Once your system passes final commissioning checks and utility approval is granted (for On-Grid and Hybrid systems), your Solar PV system is activated. From this point, you have access to our monitoring platform to track real-time energy generation and system performance — and our support team remains available for the life of your installation.

  1. System activated and confirmed operational by our commissioning team
  2. Access to our monitoring platform for real-time PV output and performance data
  3. Performance benchmarks are set based on your system’s design output
  4. Proactive alerts are issued if system performance falls below expected levels
  5. Ongoing technical support available for the duration of your system’s life

PRO TIP:  Review your monitoring dashboard regularly — particularly in the first 3 months. Early data will confirm your system is generating as designed and help you understand your facility’s new energy consumption patterns.

How Greenlight Can Support Your Solar PV Supply Project in 4 Weeks

A realistic overview of what to expect from initial engagement to full system activation.

Week 1

Assessment & Design

Site evaluation and custom system design completed.

Week 2

Purchase Order & Sign-Off

Formalizing your order and confirming the go-ahead.

Week 3-4

Installation, Testing, Commissioning & Turn-Over

From mounting the panels to final checks, your system is set up, verified, and turned over to your care.

We provide a focused, full-scale Solar PV solution centred on high-quality hardware and expert execution. Our service covers the supply and professional installation of your entire Solar PV system, including the solar distribution panels necessary for seamless integration. Whether your project is On-Grid, Off-Grid, or Hybrid, we ensure your core infrastructure is built to last.

Navigating Approvals

To keep your project moving forward, clients are responsible for filing local permits and utility interconnection applications. To make this process as smooth as possible, our team provides a comprehensive technical documentation package tailored to your specific installation. This ensures you have all the professional data required to secure your approvals with confidence.

Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with our team and let’s start building your Solar PV solution today.

Not sure which system suits your needs? Read our guide: Which Solar PV System is Right for Your Business? A Guide to On-Grid, Off-Grid, and Hybrid Solar PV Installation Solutions — and find the right fit for your energy goals.