A commercial solar proposal is only as reliable as the information behind it. An energy audit replaces assumptions with evidence about demand, outages, generators, distribution and operating priorities.
Collect at least twelve months of energy records
Gather utility bills, meter readings, diesel purchases, generator run hours and maintenance costs. Twelve months reveals seasonal changes that a short sample can miss. Note tariff changes, production shutdowns, unusual events and any months with estimated utility readings.
Document every generator
Record each generator’s rating, age, fuel consumption, operating hours, typical loading, service history and the circuits it supplies. Include synchronisation panels, automatic transfer switches and fuel-storage arrangements. Generator nameplate capacity alone does not show real efficiency.
Map operating schedules
List working days, shifts, peak production periods, weekend activity and seasonal operations. Solar value is strongest when daytime generation matches active loads. A school, hotel and factory can consume the same monthly energy but require very different system designs.
Separate critical and flexible loads
Identify equipment that must remain powered, equipment that can tolerate a short interruption and loads that can be switched off during an outage. Record motor and compressor starting requirements. This boundary directly affects inverter power, battery capacity and project cost.
Measure the load profile
Install a suitable analyser to capture interval demand, phase loading, voltage, current, power factor and peaks over representative operating periods. Measurements reveal conditions that bills and equipment lists cannot show, including imbalance and short-duration demand spikes.
Inspect electrical infrastructure
Review transformers, panels, cables, protection devices, earthing, changeover systems and available connection points. Record faults, overheating, nuisance trips and power-quality complaints. Solar and storage must integrate safely with the existing installation.
Assess roof, ground and equipment space
Confirm usable area, orientation, shading, structural condition, drainage, access, security and fire separation. Battery and inverter locations need appropriate ventilation, environmental protection and maintenance access. Document landlord or planning approvals where required.
Define the business outcome
Agree whether the priority is lower diesel consumption, outage protection, stable production, power quality, carbon reduction or a combination. Define measurable targets so design options can be compared against the same objective.
Prepare the audit package
A useful package includes bills, fuel records, single-line diagrams where available, equipment schedules, operating calendars, site photographs and decision-maker requirements. GreenPower can use these records to plan measurements and produce a project-specific design.
For deeper preparation, read how to size commercial battery storage and what drives commercial solar ROI.