A commercial solar system should be sized to match the business's actual electricity consumption and available roof or ground space, not chosen off a general rule of thumb. Commercial installations typically start from 10kW, with pricing from PKR 1,500,000 at that size, and scale upward based on monthly usage, load type, and future growth plans. The right size is determined through a free site survey and consumption analysis rather than estimated in advance.
Factors that determine system size
- Average monthly electricity consumption: reviewed from past utility bills to establish a baseline load.
- Load timing: whether consumption is concentrated during daylight hours (ideal for solar offset) or spread into evenings and nights.
- Available installation space: rooftop area, structural capacity, shading, and orientation all cap the practical system size.
- Budget and financing: businesses can size for full offset or a partial offset that fits available capital, with the remainder financed through installment plans or leasing.
- Growth plans: businesses expecting to add equipment, shifts, or floor space may size slightly ahead of current usage.
Why oversizing and undersizing both cost money
An undersized system leaves the business still heavily dependent on grid electricity, limiting the savings the investment was meant to deliver. An oversized system increases upfront cost and relies more on net metering credit for the excess it generates beyond consumption, which can extend the payback period compared to a well-matched system. The goal is the size that maximizes direct self-consumption while keeping upfront cost proportional to actual usage.
The sizing process
Tripower's process starts with a free site survey to assess roof space, shading, and structural condition, followed by a review of recent electricity bills to model consumption. From there, a custom system design is proposed before any agreement is signed, so the business knows the expected output and cost before committing. Full details on this process are on our solar installation service page.
For a look at what a well-sized system returns financially, see our guide on the ROI of commercial solar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a commercial system be expanded later?
Yes, system upgrades and retrofits are a standard service, so businesses can start with a right-sized system now and expand as consumption grows.
Does the type of business affect sizing?
Yes — factories, offices, and retail stores have different load profiles, and sizing accounts for both total consumption and how that consumption is spread across the day.
How is roof space assessed for larger systems?
During the free site survey, the team evaluates available area, shading patterns, structural capacity, and orientation to determine the maximum practical system size.