Since 2008, the cost of solar panels has fallen by about 80%, thereby allowing businesses to benefit from solar, without having to fork out a ton of cash.
Even so, you may not feel like solar is the right option for your business. You may question if solar can actually help you cut energy bills. You might also be skeptical about whether solar power can improve the strength of your brand.
This article aims to shed some light on the common concerns people have, regarding commercial solar panels. Read below for a more balanced view on how solar panels can benefit your business.
Help You Cut Energy Costs
On average, a business can expect to see a 75% reduction in energy bills as a result of installing solar panels. Businesses can then use this extra money on research and development, thereby improving the future of your business.
A lot of business owners think that it’s going to cost a lot of money to install the panels. Following this, many feel that it’s going to take a long time before they see a return on investment. This is an unavoidable scenario, but it’s worth noting that once costs are covered, the resultant energy is essentially “free.”
Solar panels may also help you avoid carbon taxes.
A carbon tax impacts businesses that use non-environmentally-friendly sources of energy. An example might include electricity that comes from coal power plants. If you install solar panels, you may be able to avoid a carbon tax like this.
Even if your company isn’t affected by carbon taxes right now, it may become an issue in the future. Thus, by taking the step to install solar panels, you may be able to save your company some money down the line.
Improve Your Brand
95% of US millennials will recommend a brand to others if it’s taking action on environmental issues. Thus, if you take the time to install solar panels, you’re doing your brand — and your bottom line — a big favor.
If you install solar panels, be sure to highlight it on your website and in your email marketing campaigns. You should also mention that your company uses renewable energy on all of your print marketing. You don’t have to be over the top with this — just a small mention will be enough to help your brand.
If your business is environmentally-friendly, you may also find it easier to attract top talent.
Many employees have an interest in working for progressive companies that place a focus on sustainability. By installing solar panels, you can show potential employees that you are serious about sustainability. When writing a job posting for your company, be sure to mention that you make use of solar panels.
Stability in the Energy Prices
Businesses can experience a wide range of energy prices throughout the year. This can happen due to changes in the demand for electricity, but also if there are weather events that cause issues with power output.
This fluctuating price can create a lot of problems for businesses because it can make it challenging to control cash flow.
Because solar panels allow you to produce your own power, you’re sheltered from the price fluctuations that affect the rest of the power grid. As a result, it becomes easier for you to forecast the finances of your business.
Should You Install a Battery?
A lot of businesses worry that solar panels don’t meet their energy requirements. Especially if they want people to work in their offices throughout the night. This is a fair concern, but it’s important to note that businesses can also invest in a battery.
A battery will allow businesses to store excess solar power that has been generated throughout the day. The people working in the office can then use this excess solar power during the night.
When speaking to companies that install solar panels, ask them if they can also install a battery. If you choose to install both at the same time, you may benefit from some kind of price discount.
Can Your Solar Panels Make You Money?
In some cases, your solar panels may produce so much energy, that you’re able to sell some of it “back to the grid.” In doing so, you may be able to reduce the amount of time it takes to pay off your solar panels since now they’re making you money as well as saving you money.
Reach out to some of your local energy suppliers and ask them how much they’ll pay “per kilowatt.” If you’re happy with the price, the energy company will then visit your building to set everything up.
When speaking to an energy supplier, you might find that they’re using jargon that you’re not familiar with. If you’d like to get up to speed on the technical terms within the solar industry, you can read more here. In doing so, you’ll be able to hold your own when negotiating fair payment for the electricity.
Should You Install Commercial Solar Panels?
For a lot of business owners, solar panels can feel like a bit of a fad. But after reading this post, you should now understand that commercial solar panels can bring real benefits to your business.
For instance, with the help of solar panels, it becomes a lot easier to cut the energy bills for your business. You can also use solar panels to improve the strength of your brand, making it easier for you to appeal to a broader range of customers.
To ensure you get the most out of your solar installation, be sure to use a reputable company. In doing so, you should be able to experience all the benefits we’ve discussed in this post.
Did you know that a DIY solar installation can end up costing you more money? Read this post to learn more about how this can happen.