Author: J & S Electrical Contractors

As a responsible business owner or property manager, you may always be looking at options to decrease overhead costs, increase efficiencies, and reduce your ecological footprint. If you are unsure whether to invest in solar energy, ask yourself some of these questions:

• Does your business consume the majority of electricity between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.?
• Do you want to reduce your dependencies on the grid and power your business at a predictable and fixed cost?
• Does your facility have enough roof space for accommodating the panels that you will need to solar power your business?

If you answered “yes” to all, a commercial solar energy upgrade may be the perfect solution for your business. The experts at J&S Electrical Contractors explain the many benefits of switching to solar power.

Top 7 Advantages of Powering your Business with Solar Energy 

1. Reduce Operating Expenses: Whether you have a solar power system with or without a battery backup, you will still start saving money on your energy bills almost immediately after installation as it will reduce the amount of municipal power that your building receives. In fact, electricity meter-linked solar panels will reduce the amount of municipal power that your building receives during low consumption periods and send excess power back to the municipal grid, making your meter run backward (net metering). Most states in the U.S. offer rebates for installing and linking your solar panels to your electricity meter and utility lines.

2. Future-proof Your Energy Costs: Electricity costs continue to rise year on year. Current rates in the eastern states of the U.S. range anywhere between 8 cents and 12 cents per kilowatt. Whether your business uses electricity to power heavy equipment and machinery, or just for electronic devices and interior-exterior lighting, solar energy will inflation-proof your yearly power costs for about 20 to 25 years (typical life of the solar panels).

3. Reduce External Dependencies: From technical glitches and excessive grid loads, to inclement weather or planned load shedding, numerous aspects could lead to power outages for your facility. Investing in solar energy will help your business be self-reliant and reduce vulnerabilities by being less dependent on the power grid. 

4. Improve your Business Reputation: The movement to reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon footprint continues to grow. Every day, more and more people vow to make environmentally-conscious lifestyle choices. Hence, investing in a commercial solar power upgrade will: 

• Enhance the green credentials and public image of your business 
• Help you attract a segment of employees, clients, or residents who wish to work for or do business with companies that share their go-green philosophies and mindset 

5. Get Rebates, Incentives, and Tax Advantages: As part of its solar investment tax credits, the IRS has promised a 22% tax credit on the cost of solar panels and installation in 2021 and a 10% tax credit for all subsequent years. Similarly, your business can take advantage of the Solar Energy Renewable Credits (SERCs) for selling your excess solar power to your electric company. 

6. Enjoy Low Maintenance and Reliability: Modern solar panels offer a lifespan of 15 to 25 years depending on their type. Resistant to high winds, thunderstorms, or even ice buildup, solar panels offer an efficient, low-maintenance, and durable alternative to electricity. The only recommended maintenance task is to spray them with a water hose once every quarter just to clear the dust and dirt. In the last decade or so, the cost of solar panels has come down by over 65%, making them highly affordable with each passing year. Many solar panel providers also offer attractive financing schemes or leasing options to suit your needs and budget. 

7. Increase Property Value: If you ever intend to cash in on your property, solar panels will help your commercial space sell faster. Since the facility promises energy efficiency, potential buyers will be able to start saving from day 1, on both, their short-term and long-term operating costs.

Affordable and Reliable Solar Power Solutions by Full-Service Commercial Electricians

At J&S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we specialize in solar power solutions for commercial and industrial establishments in and around Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and across several other Eastern states. Our team of licensed and qualified technicians study the energy requirements of your business, the amount of roof space available and your solar panel budget, in order to design customized solutions to help you meet your energy efficiency goals. 

In addition to reliable, right-sized commercial solar power upgrades, we provide the complete suite of commercial electrical services, including 24/7 emergency support. 

For all your commercial solar energy requirements, partner with the experienced team at J&S Electrical Contractors, Inc. Call 215-633-8330 or contact us online for a free quote.

Over the years, several automobile industry studies have indicated that the future of cars is electric. BCG’s latest forecast report suggests that electric car (xEVs) sales will make up 30% of the total car sales by 2025 and 51% by 2030. xEVs include the pure Electric Vehicles (EVs), as well as plug-in Hybrid (PHV) ones. If current forecasts stand true, xEVs sales will soon surpass the sales of the traditional, Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs)-powered vehicles. For forward thinking organizations, this is an opportunity to get ahead of the curve by installing EV charging stations at your business premises. 

While all wiring may look the same, there are some key differences between residential and commercial electrical wiring. From the electrical codes and energy demand levels, to the grade or quality of materials, and wiring installation environment, every aspect varies between a residential or commercial electrical setup. In fact, not every electrician can do both types of work. Residential electricians go through licensing and certification from the relevant local and state agencies. Commercial electricians not only need to complete their certification, but also a commercial electrician apprenticeship program before they can take on jobs as licensed electricians.

Unexpected power outages could occur due to a number of reasons, including natural or man-made disasters, unpredictable weather, or other site-specific electrical issues. Any disruption in the electrical supply could potentially lead to:

• Damaged electrical components and expensive repairs for your machinery and equipment
• Staff and customer inconvenience due to inoperable appliances or IT systems
• Production downtime and monetary losses
• Loss of critical electronic data or information 

Whether you are a manufacturing facility, workshop, corporate office, or a brick and mortar retail setup, a steady supply of electricity is imperative for all your business operations. Which means, investing in standby power solutions is a great way to fortify your Business Continuity Plan (BCP). However, in order to keep your business running smoothly, it is important to ensure that your generator is in good condition at all times, even if you may not need to use it frequently. The experts at J&S Electrical Contractors Inc. discuss the importance of regular and timely maintenance and servicing of standby generators.

Whether you are upgrading an existing electrical service or planning installations for a new establishment, the size of your electrical service depends on a number of different factors. Underestimating the electrical requirements could lead to inconveniences, electrical equipment damage, expensive re-wiring costs, and serious safety risks. Overestimating would mean hefty utility bills and wastage of valuable resources. 

The experts at J&S Electrical Contractors Inc., offer some insights into rightsizing your electrical service. 

Factors that Determine Electrical Service Size

The size of the electrical service helps in determining the power and efficiency of the electricity distribution system of your commercial or industrial premises. Essentially, it indicates how many lights, appliances, machinery, or other pieces of electrical equipment you can operate simultaneously. The factors that determine the capacity of the electrical service are: 

• The capacity of the service entry cable, i.e. the cable feeding the premises
• The capacity of the main electrical panel
• The capacity of the main disconnect

Most often, these three factors are comparable. Which means, it is quite common for a 200-amp capacity cable to feed a 200-amp capacity circuit breaker panel, with a 200-amp capacity main disconnect. 

The amperage of the electrical service determines the voltage supply for your premises. As a general rule of thumb, a 100-amp service is sufficient for a 3,000-sq. ft. property, without central heating or air conditioning. For premises that have central temperature control and are over 2,000 square feet in size, you will need a 200-amp electrical service. 

Here are some essential steps in planning the electric service size for your premises:

• Review the Existing Service Size: Determine the size of your existing service through a visual inspection of a number of electrical aspects, including the: 
  • Service entry cables
  • Electrical service panel
  • Electric meter and meter base
  • Main switch

• Check for Improper Sizing: One way to determine any sizing issues is to add up the wattage requirement of all the electrical equipment and machinery on your premises, and compare the total wattage with the total output that your electrical service can support. Additionally, look out for the telltale signs of under-sizing, such as frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or an acrid smell or discoloration around your power outlets. 

• Determine the Correct Amperage: Most commercial premises in the US feature a 3-phase 208Y/120 service, which supports large loads and provides a standard 120V power for all outlets. Large industrial facilities may even feature a 480V 3-phase service. However, if you are planning to add appliances or install advanced equipment that needs high amounts of electricity, you may need to reevaluate the amperage requirement of your premises or facility. This entails a proper estimation of your current and future energy, based on the nature of your business, growth or expansion plans, and other such parameters.  

If you are planning the electrical requirements for a new facility, look at aspects such as:

• Size and type of wiring system, i.e. surface conduit, concealed conduit, or lead sheathed
• Location of the control panels
• Layout of the appliances and machinery
• Future power requirements
• Your energy efficiency goals

Customized Electrical Services by Licensed Commercial Electricians

At J&S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer tailor-made industrial and commercial electrical solutions to numerous businesses in and around New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. You can count on us for a comprehensive range of electrical services, including design and planning, testing and commissioning, installation and maintenance, and 24/7 emergency repair. Our qualified and licensed electricians ensure that your electrical systems are energy-efficient, safe, and compliant with all the applicable codes and industry regulations. We aim to create and deliver reliable and optimal electrical configurations that keep your business running smoothly and efficiently.

Minimize power outages, downtimes, and energy wastage with the help of the experienced and dependable professionals at J&S Electrical Contractors, Inc. Call 215-633-8330 or contact us online for a free quote.

While planning the management and upkeep of your commercial premises, you want to make sure that all your arrangements are: 

• On par with industry standards 
• Meet and exceed customer expectations
• Compliant with any applicable codes and regulations 

In this context, several aspects influence the reputation of your property or businesses. Do you have a welcoming landscape? Are the roads to your entryway smooth and free of potholes? Is your property maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness and hygiene? Do you have state-of-the art security measures to protect your residents and visitors?  

Good internal and external lighting is one such element that reflects your commitment towards improved safety, aesthetic appeal, and functionality of your premises. While you may put a lot of thought into planning the internal lighting, don’t ignore external lighting, especially for the parking lots. The qualified and experienced team at J&S Electrical Contractors Inc. explains why abundant lighting is essential for commercial parking lots.

Top 4 Benefits of a Well-Lit Parking Lot

1. Enhance Safety: Ample lighting gives people a sense of comfort about entering, parking, or exiting your premises, especially during the late hours, when occupancy is limited or the property is secluded. In fact, a brightly lit parking lot speaks volumes about your vehicle security measures and safety standards for the residents and visitors. 
2. Improve Security: Even if you install electronic surveillance systems to watch over your parking lots, catching any miscreants in the act would be difficult in poor light. Well-planned lighting is a must-have for improving the effectiveness of your security systems. 
3. Prevent Accidents or Liabilities: Better the lighting, greater the visibility for vehicular and foot traffic in your parking lot. An abundantly illuminated lot will prevent drivers from inadvertently hitting other vehicles or passersby, and protect pedestrians from accidental trips and falls. Good lighting will also help you avoid situations, where your business becomes liable for vehicle damage or injuries to people.
4. Deter Lawbreakers: Criminals scope out areas for thefts, muggings, vandalism, or other such acts look for spaces that are unlit or dimly lit. Poor visibility gives them added confidence to break the law, without fear of being identified or caught. Brightly lit parking lots act as a deterrent for potential criminal activities, and help you safeguard your property, customers, and prospects. 

Customized Lighting Solutions by Licensed Commercial Electricians

At J&S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we provide clever lighting strategies and cost-effective lighting solutions to a variety of commercial premises, including schools, malls, hospitals, corporate campuses, municipal complexes, and more. Our licensed and qualified electricians study your premises and customize lighting to meet the unique requirements of your property and businesses. From the illumination capacity, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance, to quality, aesthetic appeal, and functionality, we address all aspects that go into a well-lit parking lot. 

For large commercial premises, we can phase out parking structure retrofits in small increments. This will help in optimizing the equipment costs, minimizing disruptions, and keeping your lots partially operational throughout the installation, repairs, or upgrades.

Looking to expand or modify your parking lot lighting or upgrade to solar? Count on the dependable professionals at J&S Electrical Contractors, Inc. Call 215-633-8330 or contact us online.