Commercial Solar System Types

Commercial solar system types fall into four main categories: rooftop commercial solar (most common), solar car park canopies (dual-use infrastructure), agri-solar systems (agricultural integration), and ground-mount commercial solar including solar farms (maximum capacity). The right type depends on your available space, energy goals, and site constraints.

If you’re still weighing up the best overall approach, start with our Commercial Solar Solutions overview page.

The right commercial solar system type depends on available space (roof, car park or land), your operating hours and energy consumption patterns, and whether you prioritise self-consumption, grid export, or future expansion. Rooftop solar suits most businesses with suitable roofs. Car park canopies work when roof space is limited. Ground-mount suits large landholders with high energy demand.

To narrow it down quickly, check typical commercial solar system sizes and how sizing affects performance and approvals.

Rooftop commercial solar uses existing building roof space and typically offers the fastest payback when roof condition and structural capacity are suitable. Solar car park canopies create new shaded parking infrastructure while generating solar energy, ideal when roof space is limited, you need covered parking, or want EV charging integration. Car park canopies cost more due to structural requirements but deliver dual benefits.

Want to compare all options in one place? View our commercial solar system types guide.

No — Sharp EIT delivers commercial solar across all system types including rooftop, car park canopy, agri-solar, and ground-mount commercial systems including solar farms. We also integrate battery storage and EV charging across all commercial solar system types. Our engineering team designs solutions for complex sites that other installers cannot accommodate.

If you’d like a full view of what we offer (including battery and EV charging), see our Commercial Solar Solutions page.

Commercial solar costs vary by system type. Rooftop solar costs $900-$1,200 per kW (lowest). Solar car park canopies cost $1,200-$1,800 per kW (structure adds cost). AgriSolar costs $1,000-$1,500 per kW depending on elevation and access. Ground-mount solar costs $800-$1,100 per kW (economies of scale at 1MW+). All prices before STC/LGC incentives.

For pricing ranges and what drives cost up or down, see commercial solar system costs for businesses.

Rooftop solar under 100kW typically requires standard STC registration and grid connection approval. Solar car park canopies require additional engineering certification for the canopy structure. Ground-mount systems over 100kW require LGC registration, council planning approval, and detailed grid impact studies. AgriSolar may require agricultural land use approvals depending on your region and primary production status.

This is why sizing matters as much as system type. Use our guide to commercial solar system sizes to understand what tends to trigger extra approvals.

Both options are available for all commercial solar system types. Many businesses choose $0 upfront finance to match repayments to energy savings and preserve capital. Others prefer Capex to maximise long-term return and own the asset immediately. Finance suits car park canopies and staged ground-mount projects. Capex suits straightforward rooftop installations.

To compare options properly, see finance options for commercial solar.

Yes. Battery storage can be added to rooftop solar, car park canopies, agri-solar, and ground-mount commercial systems. Batteries improve resilience and reduce peak demand charges, especially valuable for businesses with evening energy use or high demand charges. Storage integration is increasingly popular with car park canopy systems supporting EV charging infrastructure.

Learn how it works for business in our battery storage for commercial solar guide.

We manage the full project end-to-end: feasibility, system design and performance modelling, approvals and grid connection, installation, commissioning, and monitoring support.

If you’re comparing providers, start with our overview of commercial solar solutions and then explore types and sizing.

Commercial solar panels are often selected for durability, efficiency, and suitability for larger-scale systems — but the “right” panel depends on design, inverter choice, and your site’s operating profile.

For the bigger picture, start with our commercial solar systems overview.