As energy costs continue to rise and environmental regulations become stricter, businesses are increasingly turning to business solar power as a viable solution to reduce operational expenses and improve sustainability. Whether you run a large manufacturing facility or a small commercial office, solar energy offers a reliable way to lower energy bills and future-proof your business against volatile electricity prices.
Why business solar power makes sense
1. Significant cost savings
We’ve shared many blogs sharing the significant cost savings of installing solar panels for your business, but this is the fundamental reason for commercial clients to go forward with a solar panel installation – by generating your own electricity, you reduce your reliance on the grid and therefore lower monthly expenses at a time when electricity and gas bills are higher than ever. With the costs of solar panels reducing, payback periods are more competitive, helping customers receive a quicker payback period making renewable energy a true win-win scenario.
2. Protection against energy price volatility
Electricity prices have been rising year after year, and businesses are often the hardest hit by these increases. By installing a business solar power system, your business can lock in lower energy costs and protect itself from future price hikes as it is set to increase once again in 2025. If nothing else, solar power helps protect your bottom-line expenses and can have a significant impact on profit and loss especially after the payback period has been complete, or you can save at least 40% off electrical bills by applying for a PPA agreement instead (more on that below).
3. Sustainability and corporate responsibility
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it is an expectations from customers and stakeholders alike. Businesses that adopt solar are not just saving money on their energy bills, but they are showcasing their commitment to the environment which in turn makes you more favourable compared to competitors. It is a fantastic marketing asset and shows your commitment to making a difference and with drone footage of your building – a great way to showcase your investment and commitment to the planet.
4. Government incentives and tax benefits
The UK government has a range of incentives and grants available for businesses to prioritise renewable energy. These benefits are constantly changing and adapting to help the UK meet net zero goals, and we’ll be sure to post updates on when these become available, such as the current grant for farming and agricultural businesses. Of course, if you make the most of these grants, the return on investment is much quicker, so it is a real advantage to make the most of these when available.
How to implement business solar power
1. Assess your energy needs
Understanding your current energy usage and pricing is the first step for us to review where we can support your business. We will take your half hourly data and create a proposal to understand what solar power can be generated and what savings can be garnered. We will audit your roof space and obstacles and generate an idea of the number of panels that can fit on your commercial roof, land or car park. We will work with you to understand your goals and find the best solution for your business. With over 40 years of experience in the industry across our team, our knowledge is second to none and we’ll ensure you feel empowered to make the best decision for your renewable journey.
2. Choose the right financing option
There are a lot of funding options available for those that are unsure on how to approach financing solar and we are here to chat through every option available and which would be best based on your financial strategy. It’s common to have a range of questions, which we will be happy to answer to help you feel comfortable about your next steps.
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPA): Get solar panels installed at no upfront cost and only pay for the electricity you use at a cheaper rate compared to purchasing power from the grid. We’ve put together another blog post with even more information on this funding model for you to explore.
- Asset Finance: Spread the cost of installation over time while retaining ownership of the system.
- Outright Purchase: Invest in solar outright to maximise long-term savings and benefits.
3. Work with an experienced solar provider
Proof of delivery standards comes from successful past installations and word of mouth referrals. We are pleased to share that we have worked with many large commercial clients including Scania, Gregory Distribution, Mansfields and Half Penny Wine to name just a few. We’re also proud that our largest source of business is referrals and customer reviews are always extremely positive, namely mentioning our little disruption to the business during the install as well as our commitment to health and safety – a testament to the incredible work by our team and suppliers. Not to mention numerous award wins this year alone!
4. Consider battery storage solutions
It may be that you are generating too much business solar power for your commercial space and in a position to export excess back to the grid, however export value is not as high as importing energy, so we’d always recommend battery storage as either an addition or in addition to your solar installations. This benefits solar not only to store excess and use when it is needed instead of relying on the grid, but also helps in the event of a power cut, you have your own back up storage system to keep your business operational when others in the area are unable to open. The good news is that batteries are becoming more accessible and competitive on price and with the increase in energy prices, and whilst they increase your initial investment, the payback period is improving and optimises your solar installs for future periods.
Business solar power: from idea to installation
No matter if you are stepping your toes in the idea of solar or at a stage where you are ready to commit, we are here to help! Get in contact with our team and a specialist expert will be back in touch as soon as possible to understand your goals, energy pain points and then create a bespoke proposal to understand what the solar and battery potential of your property can be.
