A Guide from Analysis to Decision

Distributed solar power has proved one of the most rewarding solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those with significant daytime electricity consumption. Supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants, gyms, clinics, retail shops and small hotels are just some of the premises that can achieve substantial savings on their energy bills while strengthening their sustainable image.

For these businesses, solar power not only cuts costs but also shields against tariff increases and improves financial predictability. Before investing, however, it is essential to assess how well placed your business is to benefit, based on technical criteria such as the connection voltage, the simultaneity factor and the infrastructure available for installing the solar modules. In this article, 3D Watt has put together a practical roadmap for your analysis and decision-making.

How Eligible Is Your Business to Produce Its Own Solar Power?

Connection Voltage and the Benefits of Low Voltage (Group B3)

Small businesses are typically connected to the grid in one of two ways:

  • Low voltage (Group B3 — small and medium-sized low-voltage commercial and service consumers): small and medium-sized shops and services that pay higher energy tariffs and have the greatest potential to save through on-site self-generation.

  • High voltage (Group A — Brazil’s medium- and high-voltage commercial and industrial consumers): larger companies that can already migrate to the free energy market (ACL), which may be a more attractive option than solar self-generation in the regulated market (ACR). This route offers greater freedom to choose a supplier and the chance to negotiate contracts on more favourable terms.

What Simultaneity Factor Can You Expect from Your Site, and Why Does It Matter?

The simultaneity factor measures the percentage of the energy generated by the PV system that is consumed at the exact moment of generation, without needing to be exported to the grid.

The more you consume during daylight hours, the higher your simultaneity factor tends to be and the greater your savings, because the business avoids paying the “Fio B” tariff — the distribution network usage charge levied on the energy exported to the grid and later offset.

Does Your Premises Allow a PV System to Be Installed and Run Efficiently?

Beyond the energy and tariff criteria, it is essential to assess the physical conditions of the site where your business operates. Some key questions are:

  • Does the roof or available area have enough space for a PV system matched to the company’s consumption?

  • For a rooftop installation, can the roof structure support the PV system?

  • Is there excessive shading from buildings, trees or other obstructions that could undermine generation?

Tip: If on-site solar self-generation is not feasible — whether for lack of physical space to install the system or because of structural limitations of the building — an energy subscription with shared generation offers a strategic alternative. This model lets the business enjoy the benefits of solar power without investing in its own system, simply by joining a consortium or cooperative with shares in a plant that generates kWh credits offset directly on the company’s energy bill. Find out more here.

Can You Use Your Solar Generation to Strengthen the Image of Your Business, Products and Services?

Beyond cutting energy costs, solar self-generation can be used to strengthen your company’s sustainable image. Put your clean energy generation to work in your marketing to:

  • Attract customers who value sustainability.

  • Strengthen your brand’s reputation with green certifications.

  • Access incentives and partnerships with large chains and suppliers that prioritise sustainable businesses.

How to Estimate Savings and Assess the Return on Investment?

Simulating your PV system in advance is an essential step in checking whether the expected financial results match your expectations. The 3D Watt Solar Simulator provides a complete analysis, taking into account technical, climate and regulatory factors as well as your site’s characteristics and the distribution utility’s tariffs. With it, you can estimate generation, the self-consumption rate (the simultaneity factor), grid exports and the payback period of your investment. Find out more here.

How to Finance Your PV System?

If the upfront investment in a PV system looks like an obstacle, there are several highly attractive financing options for small businesses — with extended repayment terms of up to 120 months, grace periods of 30 to 180 days, coverage of up to 100% of the system’s cost and competitive interest rates that can make installation viable without straining the company’s cash flow.

Bear in mind, too, that the solar installer plays an important part in financing PV systems, acting as an adviser who helps the customer access credit lines. They present tailored simulations, liaise with financial institutions and speed up loan approval. You can use the 3D Watt Platform to find a qualified solar installer near you and request a quote.

In short, if you have read this far and concluded that your business is eligible for on-site solar self-generation, follow this basic roadmap to move towards a decision:

  • Use a reliable, comprehensive solar simulator to obtain accurate estimates of generation, offset credits and return on investment.

  • Find a qualified installer and request a detailed quote.

  • Research financing options that fit your company’s circumstances and rely on the installer to fold them into the proposal.

  • Weigh up the investment in terms of both the financial return and the image benefits for your products and services.

With structured planning and quality information, your business can cut costs and become more sustainable. Invest in your own solar generation and become part of the energy transition!