From Roof to Revenue. The Business Case for Commercial Solar
Turn your commercial rooftop into a profitable, sustainable asset
Electricity costs in South Africa are rising rapidly, and the recurring threat of load-shedding returning continues to disrupt business operations across industries. For property owners and commercial enterprises, this combination of high energy costs and unreliable supply creates real challenges for profitability and operational continuity. Many businesses are now exploring smarter ways to reduce electricity expenses, enhance resilience, and even generate revenue from assets they already own. Commercial solar offers a practical, high-impact solution that addresses all these goals.
At Bidvest Renewable Solutions, we design, install, and maintain tailored solar systems that transform rooftops into productive, revenue-generating assets. Backed by the stability of the Bidvest Group, our end-to-end solutions include feasibility studies, engineering, approvals, installation, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance. This comprehensive approach ensures that your solar investment delivers maximum value and performance.
How Solar Can Increase Your Business ROI
Generate additional income: Businesses can supply surplus energy to tenants or feed excess electricity back into the grid, where permitted by the local municipality. This creates a new revenue stream from your existing property assets.
Reduce operational costs: A high-yield solar system significantly lowers electricity bills and demand charges, giving you predictable energy savings and improved cost control.
Meet Demonstrating environmental leadership is increasingly important. Solar reduces carbon emissions and improves energy efficiency, helping your business meet ESG commitments and appeal to environmentally conscious stakeholders.
Predictable payback: Whether you choose a CAPEX purchase, lease-to-own option, or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), your solar investment can be modelled for a clear, measurable ROI based on your energy profile and consumption patterns.
How Commercial Solar Works
- PV modules capture sunlight and convert it into DC electricity.
- Inverters convert DC electricity to AC to power your facility.
- Optional batteries store energy to manage peak tariffs or provide backup during outages.
- Integrated monitoring systems deliver real-time insights into generation, consumption, and savings, ensuring your system performs optimally.
Commercial Case Studies
- Based on South African industry data, commercial rooftop solar installations account for approximately 70% of new PV systems, highlighting strong uptake in the business sector.1
- Typical electricity cost savings for businesses can reach up to 16%, with payback periods ranging between 3–8 years in favourable cases. 2
Getting Started is Simple
- Feasibility and ROI analysis: Site survey, billing analysis, and site metering are conducted before calculating the financial benefits and payback period based on the system design.
- Engineering and approvals: We manage structural, electrical, and municipal compliance.
- Installation and commissioning: Tier-1 modules, inverters, and full safety compliance are guaranteed.
- Ongoing operations and maintenance: Our proactive O&M services ensure your system consistently performs at peak efficiency.
By leveraging commercial solar, your rooftop becomes more than an underutilised space; it transforms into a revenue-generating, sustainability-enhancing asset. Whether you manage warehouses, office parks, or retail properties, a tailored solar system can improve operational resilience, reduce costs, and strengthen your ESG story.
Don’t leave potential revenue on your rooftop. Request a tailored commercial solar proposal today and discover how much your rooftop could earn while contributing to a sustainable future.
