So why doesn’t every business have them? According to the 300 businesses we surveyed 1, 73% are planning to build onsite renewable energy generation technologies, like solar PV, in the next 2-3 years. And 17% have already done so – with good reason.
There’s no better time to go solar
For a long time, funding green technologies like Solar PV was beyond financial reach. But falling costs and improved technology has made solar panels more affordable than ever before. In fact, in the last 10 years according to Our World Data, the cost of solar systems has dropped by as much as 90% 2. Meanwhile, as businesses have struggled to manage rising energy costs, the cost of business solar panels has continued to fall. In short, every day without solar panels is a day you’re still buying electricity. And the sooner you install, the sooner you’ll start saving.
Start generating extra income
Once you’ve installed business solar panels – and if you have a smart meter and half-hourly/smart export meter installed – you can benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Through this government-initiated export tariff, your business will be paid for every kilowatt hour of unused, eligible electricity your business generates and feeds into the National Grid. And since solar panels can now be installed alongside batteries, you also have the ability to store any surplus energy and use it only when you need it. But falling install costs and long-term financial gains aren’t the only reason why there’s never been a better time to go solar.
Accelerate net zero plans
There’s no time to waste on your net zero journey. The science is clear and the regulatory landscape is changing to reflect that. In a survey of more than 300 businesses 1, more than one-third said they are increasingly under pressure to take environmental action by their stakeholders – from customers and shareholders to investors and banks. They recognise that customers want to buy from organisations who demonstrate clear commitments to the environment. It means doing nothing in the short-term could end up costing your business in the long-term.
By implementing solar electricity for your business, you can make your business more sustainable with a clean, renewable energy source. Solar energy reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and helping you minimise your carbon footprint. Solar PV also makes it easier to monitor and report your CO2 emissions and could help boost your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.
The sooner the better
The sooner you install business solar panels the sooner you can start reaping the benefits of these rewards. With early adoption and energy independence, you can better mitigate risks associated with climate change regulations and volatile energy markets. It also opens opportunities for cost savings through increased energy efficiency and reduced operational expenses. By acting now, you can enhance your brand reputation and attract more eco-conscious consumers and investors.
Getting solar panels for your business
As the UK’s number 1 energy supplier, we’re energising a greener, fairer future, which includes helping businesses take the first step towards Solar PV. Visit our website for more information about the installation process and to arrange a call back with our experts. They’ll be happy to answer any questions and arrange a site audit to see what’s achievable.
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