If you run a business in India today, one thing is clear: electricity costs are rising every year. Whether it’s an office building, factory, hospital, warehouse, or retail space, power bills have become a major operational expense.
That is precisely why more firms are going to solar, not just for environmental reasons, but also as a long-term financial choice.
At U-Solar, we collaborate with commercial and industrial customers throughout India to develop the optimal solar plant based on real demand, site feasibility, and business objectives. From comprehensive solar EPC execution to flexible models such as CAPEX (ownership) and OPEX (pay-as-you-save), we assist businesses in adopting solar in the most feasible way.
Step 1: Understand Your Electricity Consumption First
The starting point for sizing any solar plant is simple:
How much electricity does your business consume?
To get a clear picture, look at your electricity bills and note:
- Monthly units consumed (kWh)
- Demand or peak load patterns
- Seasonal variations (especially during summer)
We typically recommend evaluating 12 months of billing data for the most appropriate sizing because many firms have larger loads during specific months due to cooling, manufacturing cycles, or extended working hours.
The better consumption data, the more effective the solar plant design.
Step 2: Align Solar Generation With Your Operating Hours
Solar performs best when power is used during the day, because that’s when the system generates maximum energy.
For example:
- Offices, malls, and showrooms consume mostly during daylight ideal for solar
- Factories running day shifts can offset a large portion of grid power
- Businesses operating mostly at night may need additional planning for grid support or storage
Solar sizing isn’t just about units—it’s also about how and when you consume energy.
Step 3: Check Roof and Site Feasibility
Even if your power requirement is high, the final plant size also depends on the installation area available.
During a site evaluation, we assess:
Roof Space Availability
More usable area means higher capacity can be installed.
Shadow-Free Zones
Nearby buildings, trees, or structures can reduce generation significantly if shading is present.
Structural Strength
Commercial solar plants must be engineered properly to ensure long-term safety.
Panel Orientation and Layout
Correct tilt and alignment improves year-round performance.
At U-Solar, our engineering team ensures that every plant is designed not just to fit—but to generate reliably for decades.
Step 4: Estimating the Right Solar Plant Size
Once consumption and site details are clear, we estimate the required capacity.
Solar plants are measured in kilowatts (kW).
A simple sizing method is:
Daily Consumption (kWh/day) = Average Monthly Consumption (kWh) / 30
System Size (kW)=Daily Consumption (kWh/day) / 4
In most parts of India, businesses receive 4–5 peak sun hours per day, and real-world performance accounts for losses due to:
- Dust and soiling
- Wiring and inverter efficiency
- Minor shading
- Weather variation
This is why professional assessment matters—solar sizing should be realistic, not overestimated.
Step 5: Don’t Size Only for Today, Plan for Business Growth
Many companies size solar only based on current bills. But smart solar planning considers the next 3–5 years.
Ask yourself:
- Are you planning to expand operations?
- Adding new machinery or equipment?
- Increasing air-conditioning load?
- Extending shift timings?
A solar plant is a 25-year asset, so designing with future needs in mind avoids undersizing later.
Step 6: Choosing Between CAPEX and OPEX Models
Once size is decided, the next step is selecting the right investment model.
CAPEX (Ownership Model)
- You invest upfront
- You own the plant completely
- Highest long-term savings and ROI
OPEX (Pay-as-you-save Model)
- No upfront investment
- Solar power is supplied at a lower tariff
- Ideal for businesses wanting savings without capital expenditure
At U-Solar, we help you evaluate both options and choose what fits your financial strategy best.
Step 7: Do You Need Battery Backup?
Solar generates power during the day, but some businesses require uninterrupted power beyond daylight hours.
Battery storage can help with:
- Backup during outages
- Running critical loads at night
- Improved energy reliability
- Reduced dependency on grid fluctuations
Battery integration is especially useful for:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- IT offices and server infrastructure
- Laboratories and sensitive equipment
- Manufacturing units where downtime is costly
Solar Sizing Is the Foundation of Long-Term Savings
Choosing the right solar plant size is not just a technical decision—it directly determines how much your business will save over the next 25 years.
A properly sized solar system can:
- Reduce electricity bills significantly
- Protect against rising tariffs
- Turn unused roof space into a revenue-saving asset
- Improve sustainability without compromising operations
At U-Solar, we design every solar plant based on real consumption, engineering feasibility, and your business objectives. With complete end-to-end Solar EPC execution and flexible CAPEX/OPEX options, we ensure your solar investment delivers maximum value.
Ready to Find the Ideal Solar Plant Size for Your Business?
Connect with U-Solar today for a quick sizing assessment and a customized proposal tailored to your facility.
Let’s help you switch to smarter, more profitable energy.
