The two main reasons your business should have solar energy
There are two main reasons to have a solar energy capability for your business;
- Financial.
- To move towards “Net Zero” carbon consumption.
And there are many other reasons that help justify you moving along those paths.
The two are not mutually exclusive. Sound financial reasons will help convince you to become ‘Green’. Your desire to help save the planet (and meet Gov’t targets) will go a long way towards loosening the purse strings.
Firstly, financial.
Solar energy, provided by the sun, is free, The equipment necessary to capture that energy isn’t – Is it? Consider;
- Traditional “bought-in” energy, no matter who is supplying it, is constantly rising in price. There may be occasional falls but year-on-year it goes up. Does anyone expect this to change?
- The “Energy independence” that solar gives you is yours. It’s free and the equipment can be amortised over years. Solar equipment is conservatively estimated to have, at least, a 10-year life. Realistically, twice that!
- The RoI (Return on Investment) period is important. Once you have your investment back, your energy is genuinely free.
- There are a number of purchase options;
- Buy outright as a capital investment
- Lease purchase, lease rental or hire purchase
- Have the equipment installed totally free of charge and pay for the energy you use at an agreed, discounted rate fixed for many years.
- You will choose the option that best suits your needs.
- Much depends on your energy consumption and your available space for solar panel installation. Do not be persuaded that the ‘correct’ solution is to fill your roof with as many panels as possible. Whilst this may occasionally be right, a skilled solar surveyor will take all factors into account before supplying you with a considered and responsible report explaining what is right for you.
Secondly, “Green” considerations.
Whilst it is obviously right to help save the planet, it won’t help if your business fails through overspending on joining the path leading to net zero. ‘Green’ decisions have to be made with business sustainability firmly in mind.
Saying that, yes, you do want to help save the planet. The Government will expect you to meet various targets, and those should be prominent in your planning process. Solar is definitely a serious step along the road to “Net Zero” and is recognised as such.
Supply chain considerations are also increasingly important. Your customers in the supply chain insisting that they can only deal with businesses with the appropriate “Green” credentials will help you justify expenditure. You, in turn, will demand the same from your suppliers. Thus, the business world moves towards “Net Zero”.
Other considerations.
“Modern Solar equipment, such as supplied by BSA Intelligence, has moved on from the “One solution fits all” days. There is now flexibility enabling the solar installation to be tailored more closely to your unique needs. The phrase “Measure it to manage it” comes to mind as does, in a slightly different context, “Predictive maintenance”. You should ensure that you are quoted and supplied with up-to-date information & equipment that is tailored to meet your needs.
Batteries are expensive. Are they always necessary? The answer is no. Does your firm work weekends? Evenings and nights? These and other considerations need to be taken into account by a skilled solar surveyor when deciding whether to recommend installing batteries. There should be an explanation of the reasoning for you to make the decision.
Did you know? Modern solar arrays can help supply Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCPs). And EVCPs attract grants! BSA Intel can help.
There are many other variables. The BSA Intel website www.bsaintelligence.co.uk lists 25 questions you should know the answers to! BSA Intel will offer friendly advice without commitment. Just ask” solar@bsaintelligence.co.uk or 0345 872 1001.
*We use the word “energy” to describe what solar arrays gather from the sun and the “electricity” into which it is converted. ”Power” is also apposite.