Solar energy for factories and commercial establishments is one of the most suitable solar energy applications in Saudi Arabia, as peak consumption in factories, shops, or warehouses occurs during the day, which coincides with the time when panels are produced. Most of these establishments have large rooftops or parking areas that can be utilized. This guide explains to business owners how to assess feasibility, where to install panels, and how to calculate the system size systematically.
- Matching working hours to sunshine hours means most of the production is consumed directly without the need for batteries.
- The regulatory framework for small solar systems covers from 1 kilowatt to 2 megawatts for all categories of subscribers, including commercial and industrial.
- The right start: 12-month billing, daily load file, and survey of surfaces and spaces.
- Metal roofs, concrete roofs, and parking canopies are all options, each with its own construction requirements.
Why is solar energy particularly suitable for commercial establishments?
At home, a large portion of energy consumption occurs at night, while in factories, workshops, warehouses, or showrooms, equipment, lighting, and air conditioning typically operate from morning until afternoon. This means that solar electricity is consumed almost instantly upon production, eliminating the need for batteries and minimizing reliance on exporting surplus energy.
Secondly, commercial establishments pay a higher tariff than residential establishments; commercial rates start at approximately 20 halalas per kilowatt-hour in the first tier, according to the tariff announced at the time of writing. Consult the Saudi Electricity Company for the current tariff and the specific tariff for your category. Every kilowatt-hour you produce yourself saves you money at this rate.
Third, space: The roofs of hangars, warehouses, and employee parking areas are often unused spaces that can be converted into a production station without affecting the work.
First step: Understand your facility's consumption
Before discussing the number of panels, gather this data:
- 12-month bills: To determine annual consumption and the difference between summer and winter, air conditioning loads significantly increase summer consumption.
- Daily load file: How much is consumed during the day and how much at night? Does the facility operate on one shift, two shifts, or around the clock?
- Working days: A facility that is closed on a Friday, for example, will have a surplus of production on that day that will be exported to the network.
- Heavy loads: Air compressors, ovens, CNC machines, cold rooms, pumps, and their operating times.
- Expansion plans: If you're going to add a production line within two years, take that into account now.
Example of a calculation for an average factory
Let's assume a factory in the Dammam industrial area consumes 60,000 kilowatt-hours per month, with 70% of its consumption occurring during daylight hours. These figures are hypothetical to illustrate the method.
| Item | the account | Result |
|---|---|---|
| annual consumption | 60,000 × 12 | 720,000 kilowatt-hours |
| Daytime consumption | 720,000 × 70% | 504,000 kilowatt-hours |
| The system's ability to cover daytime | 504,000 ÷ 1800 kWh per kWh per year | Approximately 280 kilowatts |
| Number of panels (550 watts) | 280,000 ÷ 550 | Approximately 510 panels |
| Approximate area | 280 × 5 to 6 m² | 1,400 to 1,680 m² |
| Value of energy produced annually | 504,000 x 0.20 Riyals | Approximately 100,800 riyals |
The final value is based on an assumed tariff of 20 halalas, which is the starting rate for advertised commercial rates. Your tariff and its tiers may differ, so use the actual figure from your bill. Note that annual electricity production ranges approximately between 1600 and 2000 kilowatt-hours depending on the city, location, cleanliness, and temperature; therefore, the result is approximate.
To convert these figures into a payback period, the system cost needs to be calculated from an actual price quote, and then the method explained in is applied. Is solar energy viable in Saudi Arabia? Taking into account the approximate panel deterioration of 0.4 to 0.7% annually, and replacing inverters once during the project's lifespan (which is typically 10 to 15 years), it is preferable for large projects. Request for feasibility study Detailed.
Where are the panels installed in the facility?
Metal roofs (hangars and warehouses)
Commonly used in factories, the panels are fixed to metal roofing sheets or steel beams using special structures, often at a slight slope following the roof. The key is ensuring the roof can bear the additional load and using fasteners that prevent rainwater leakage.
concrete surfaces
In administrative buildings and exhibitions. The panels are installed on structures inclined towards the south and at an angle close to the city's latitude, such as about 26° in Dammam, 24° in Riyadh and 21° in Jeddah, with corridors for maintenance and cleaning.
Ground structure
If the facility has unused vacant land, the ground installation allows for the best orientation, angle and ease of cleaning, and requires foundations suitable for the type of soil and wind.
Car park shades
This option combines two benefits: shade for employee and customer vehicles, and electricity for the facility. It comes in various designs such as T-shaped, cantilevered, and double-post. We explained them in detail in [section/section]. car sunshadesYou can estimate your needs through Carport Calculator.
| Installation site | Key feature | The most important thing to check |
|---|---|---|
| metal surface | Large area without land consumption | Roof load-bearing capacity and insulation of mounting points |
| Concrete roof | perfect angle and direction | Loads, waterproofing, and corridors |
| My land | Easy maintenance and cleaning | Soil, foundations, and fencing |
| Parking shades | Shadow and electricity together | Vehicle movement, height, and foundations |
In all cases, hot-dip galvanized iron or aluminum is preferred for corrosion resistance, and you can calculate the initial structure from Solar Mounting Structure Calculator.
Network connectivity and organizational aspects
Most commercial systems are grid-tied without batteries, and the regulatory framework for small solar systems covers 1 kW to 2 MW for all subscriber categories. Implementation is carried out by a contractor qualified by the regulatory authority, and connection is handled by the Saudi Electricity Company. Any surplus electricity is deducted from subsequent consumption according to approved settlement procedures. If your project is larger than this range, inquire with the relevant authorities about the appropriate course of action. Details are available in [link/contact information]. Connecting solar energy to the electricity grid in Saudi Arabia.
Operational considerations that the employer does not ignore
- Dust: Industrial areas are dusty, and a slab can lose approximately 0.3 to 0.5% per day without cleaning. Establish a cleaning schedule, water source, and safe pathways from the outset.
- the heat: Cell temperature in summer can exceed 65 to 70°C, and midday heat loss can reach 12 to 18%. Ventilation under the panels mitigates this.
- Monitoring: A monitoring system displays daily production and detects any decrease due to malfunction or dirt before it accumulates.
- Safety: Clear DC isolation switches, grounding, and coordination with the building's civil defense requirements.
- Production should not be disrupted: The installation can be done in stages, with the final connection at a scheduled stop time.
For more details about the services, see [link/link]. Interconnected systems for commercial establishments وEngineering ConsultingAnd on solutions HVAC If air conditioning is a large part of your bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the factory need batteries with solar power?
Generally not, because consumption is daytime and production is used directly, with any surplus being exported to the grid within the regulatory framework. Batteries are only added if there are critical loads requiring operation during outages.
Can the metal hangar roof bear the weight of the panels?
It depends on the roof design and condition. A structural engineer must review the loads before installation, and sometimes some parts need to be reinforced or a method of direct attachment to the beams must be chosen.
What if the facility was operating 24/7?
The system covers the daytime portion of consumption, leaving the nighttime portion of the network. The system can be designed to produce more than the daytime consumption, with the exported surplus compensating for a portion of the nighttime consumption according to approved settlement procedures.
Can the system be installed in stages?
Yes, it is possible to start with a portion of the surfaces and then expand, provided that the electrical design is planned from the beginning to accommodate the expansion and that each stage is compatible with the connection requirements.
How much space do I need for every 100 kilowatts?
Approximately 500 to 600 m² based on 5 to 6 m² per kilowatt with walkways, and varies depending on the panel's capacity, installation method and shading.
Do you need a suitable system? The MITS team studies your facility's consumption and designs and installs a commercial or industrial system, with roof structures and canopies manufactured in our factory from hot-dip galvanized steel.
Request a price quote · WhatsApp 0575993880 · Try the calculator
Arabic 
English