Energy prices surge as most commercial buildings remain unused power assets

With energy prices rising and businesses under pressure to control costs, many owners are asking the same question: Can my building actually support solar power?
 

The answer, in most cases, is yes.
 

According to Jack Kapoor, clean energy expert and founder and managing director of Agile Energy, almost all commercial and industrial buildings are suitable for solar provided the roof is structurally sound and receives reasonable sunlight.
 

"There's a misconception that only purpose-built or brand-new buildings can go solar," Kapoor said.
 

"In reality, most warehouses, offices, shopping centres, healthcare facilities, schools and industrial sites are ideal and many can go beyond self-supply and offer power to others as a service."
 

The best rooftops for commercial solar
 

Large commercial rooftops are particularly valuable because they allow for high-capacity solar systems that can generate meaningful volumes of energy.
 

Flat roofs, common on warehouses, hospitals, shopping centres and office buildings, are among the most suitable. Their size and layout make them ideal for optimised solar arrays using non- penetrating or low-impact mounting systems.
 

Metal roofs are also highly prized for solar installation. Standing seam, Klip-Lok and corrugated metal roofs are durable, long-lasting and often allow panels to be installed without drilling, preserving roof integrity while reducing installation time.
 

Pitched or sloped roofs, including metal, concrete tile and asphalt shingle roofs, can also support solar effectively. While some materials require specialised mounting methods, they are still widely used across smaller commercial buildings and mixed-use properties.
 

Even buildings without usable roof space aren't excluded. Car parks, loading zones and walkways can be fitted with solar canopies or carports, turning unused space into energy-generating infrastructure.

What really matters when assessing a building
 

Kapoor said suitability isn't about perfection, it's about fundamentals.
 

"The key factors are roof condition, structural capacity and orientation," he said.
 

"If a roof is in good condition, typically under 15 years old and can support the additional load, solar is almost always viable."
 

While north-facing roofs deliver maximum output in Australia, east-west orientations are increasingly popular because they spread energy generation across the day, often better matching commercial operating hours.
 

A professional structural and energy assessment confirms load capacity, shading, system size and generation potential before installation proceeds.
 

From using solar to selling power
 

Once a business has solar, particularly when paired with battery storage, it may also be able to offer energy beyond its own needs.
 

Through modern energy platforms, surplus solar power can be stored and dispatched during peak demand periods, or aggregated with other sites to support the grid.
 

"This is where the conversation shifts from cost savings to opportunity," Kapoor said.
 

"Some buildings don't just use solar, they become part of the energy system."
 

Depending on size, usage patterns and location, eligible businesses can participate in energy trading or power-as-a-service models, allowing their building to supply electricity to others without disrupting daily operations.
 

Why businesses are looking now
 

As electricity prices rise and interest rates tighten margins, businesses are reassessing every fixed cost including energy.
 

"Solar isn't just about sustainability anymore," Kapoor said.
 

"It's about control, resilience and unlocking value from assets businesses already own."
 

For many, the first step is simply understanding whether their building is suitable.
 

"The question most business owners should be asking isn't 'Can we afford solar?'" Kapoor said.
 

"It's 'Why are we letting our roof do nothing?'"
 

About Agile Energy
 

Agile Energy is one of Australia's fastest-growing clean-energy companies, delivering large-scale solar, battery and electrification solutions for the commercial, industrial, healthcare and property sectors. The company designs, finances, builds and operates integrated clean-energy systems that help businesses reduce costs, decarbonise operations and participate in virtual power networks. With deep engineering expertise, financial discipline and a long-term ownership mindset, Agile Energy is redefining how organisations generate, store and trade electricity creating measurable financial and environmental performance across Australia's transition to a smarter, more resilient energy future. Further information can be found at: agileenergy.com.au