Are you a business owner looking for the top-rated solar company in your local area? You’ve come to the right place: based in Cheshire, Entire Renewables has helped countless business owners just like you install solar panels and reap all the benefits of going solar. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the main benefits of installing solar panels on commercial buildings, the key factors you need to consider before making the investment, and address frequently asked questions to help business owners like you make an informed decision.
Part I: The Benefits of Solar Panels For Commercial Buildings
Let’s explore the three main benefits of solar panels for businesses: cost savings, boosting your company’s green credentials and corporate image, and greater energy self-sufficiency.
Benefit 1: Cost Savings
One of the most compelling reasons to consider solar panels for your commercial building is the significant cost savings. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce your dependence on the grid, which translates to lower energy bills. Here’s how solar panels can contribute to cost savings:
Reduced Energy Bills: Once installed, solar panels harness the power of the sun to generate electricity, allowing you to consume less from the grid. This can lead to substantial reductions in your monthly energy expenses. For instance, a medium-sized company with an annual electricity usage of about 25,000 kWh could potentially save around £3,750 each year.
Government Incentives and Tax Benefits: In the UK, businesses can benefit from various incentives, including the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme. These incentives can offset the initial installation costs and improve your return on investment.
Long-Term Savings: While the upfront cost of solar panel installation may seem high, the long-term savings are significant. Solar panels generally have a lifespan of 25 years or more, offering you significantly reduced or even eliminated electricity bills during this time. For example, a business saving £3,750 annually on energy costs could accumulate an impressive £93,750 in savings over the lifetime of a single set of solar panels!
Benefit 2: Enhancing Your Company’s Green Credentials
As climate change and other environmental issues continue to dominate public discourse, environmental benefits are increasingly shaping consumer preferences. This means that adopting solar power can greatly enhance your business’s green credentials, elevating its corporate image. According to the latest NielsenIQ study, 61% of UK consumers claimed that sustainability is more important to them than it was two years ago, with 76% calling out for companies to take the initiative to reduce their environmental footprint. By acting now, your business can reap the reputational benefits of going green immediately while making a genuine impact on the environment – a win-win!
Marketing Advantage: Marketing your business as environmentally friendly can differentiate you from competitors. Highlighting your green credentials can attract customers who prioritise sustainability, allowing you to charge more for your goods and services. A 2020 report from IBM and the National Retail Federation found that over 57% of consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits to help reduce negative environmental impact, with 70% willing to pay a premium of about 35% for brands that are sustainable and environmentally responsible.
Financial Performance: A Harvard Business Review study found that companies with strong sustainability initiatives often outperform their peers. Specifically, companies that build sustainability into their operations are seeing average profits increase by 13% and revenue boosts of up to 9% .
Benefit 3: Greater Energy Self-Sufficiency
Energy self-sufficiency is another key benefit of installing solar panels. This is especially valuable during times of blackouts or energy shortages. Here’s how solar panels contribute to greater energy independence:
Energy Security: Solar panels can provide a reliable source of electricity, reducing your vulnerability to grid outages and price fluctuations. This is particularly crucial for businesses that rely on continuous power for operations.
Battery Storage Solutions: Pairing solar panels with battery storage systems allows you to store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during the shorter winter days. This ensures a steady supply of electricity all year round. At Entire Renewables, we can help your business set up a complete solar energy system, incorporating panels and battery storage.
Resilience During Blackouts: In the event of a blackout, businesses with solar panels and battery storage can continue to operate without interruption. This is a significant advantage for critical services and industries where downtime can result in substantial losses.
Part II: Key Factors To Consider
Solar panels are an investment with upfront costs. Before taking the plunge, it’s essential to consider several key factors to ensure the best outcomes for your business. In this section, we explain some of the key practical considerations which will help you make the right decision.
1. Roof Suitability and Space Availability
The suitability of your roof and the available space are crucial factors to consider:
Roof Condition: Ensure that your roof is in good condition and can support the weight of the solar panels. It’s often recommended to address any necessary repairs before installation.
Orientation and Tilt: The orientation (ideally south-facing in the UK) and tilt of your roof can affect the efficiency of your solar panels. Flat roofs may require mounting systems to achieve the optimal angle.
Shading: Assess potential shading issues from nearby buildings, trees, or other obstructions that could impact the amount of sunlight your panels receive.
2. Financial Considerations and Return on Investment
Understanding the financial implications and potential return on investment (ROI) is essential:
Initial Costs: Evaluate the upfront costs, including the price of the panels, installation fees, and any additional equipment such as inverters or battery storage.
Financing Options: Explore available financing options, such as loans, leases, or power purchase agreements (PPAs), which can make the initial investment more manageable.
Payback Period: Calculate the payback period, which is the time it will take for the savings from reduced energy bills to cover the initial costs. A shorter payback period indicates a more attractive investment.
3. Regulatory and Planning Requirements
Navigating regulatory and planning requirements is an important step in the installation process:
Permits and Approvals: Check if you need planning permission or other permits for your solar panel installation. While many commercial installations fall under permitted development rights, it’s essential to verify with your local planning authority.
Building Regulations: Ensure that your installation complies with building regulations, including structural integrity and fire safety standards.
Grid Connection: If you plan to connect your solar system to the grid, you’ll need to coordinate with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to ensure compliance with connection requirements.
Part III: FAQs
Eager to get started but still have some doubts? To help clear things up, we’ll address common concerns by answering some frequently asked questions about solar panel installation for commercial buildings. Read on to find answers to questions that business owners like you might have.
1. How much will it cost to install solar panels on my commercial building?
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including the size of the system, the type of panels used, and the complexity of the installation. For an accurate estimate, we can give you a personalised quote based on your specific needs and site conditions.
2. How long does the installation process take?
The installation process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish. This includes site assessment, design, permitting, and the actual installation. The physical installation itself usually takes a few days to a week, depending on the size and complexity of the system. At Entire Renewables, we pride ourselves on industry-leading turnaround times, allowing us to complete the process from start to finish in as little as three weeks!
3. What maintenance is required for solar panels?
Solar panels require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris, along with periodic inspections to ensure everything is functioning correctly, are usually sufficient. Most solar panels come with warranties that cover performance and workmanship for 25 years or more, providing peace of mind. Read our article for expert tips on improving and maintaining the performance of your solar panels!
4. How much can I save on my energy bills?
The amount you can save on your energy bills depends on several factors, including the size of your solar panel system, your current energy consumption, and the amount of sunlight your location receives. On average, businesses can save between 50% to 70% on their energy bills with a properly sized solar panel system.
5. What happens if my solar panels produce more electricity than I use?
If your solar panels produce more electricity than your business consumes, the excess energy can be exported to the grid. Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, you can receive payments for the surplus electricity you export. Alternatively, if you have a battery storage system, you can store the excess energy for use during periods of low sunlight or higher demand.
6. Do solar panels still work on cloudy days considering the UK’s weather?
Yes, solar panels do still work on cloudy days. While their efficiency can be reduced when compared to sunny days, they continue to generate electricity. Solar panels rely on sunlight, not just direct sunlight, to produce power. Even on overcast days, there is enough diffused sunlight to generate a significant amount of electricity. The UK’s climate, despite its reputation for being cloudy, is well-suited for solar energy, and modern solar panels are designed to be effective even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
7. How will solar panel installation impact my building’s insurance premiums?
Installing solar panels can influence your building’s insurance premiums, though the impact can vary. Generally, solar panels increase property value, potentially leading to higher premiums as the replacement cost rises. However, some insurers may view solar panels favourably, seeing them as risk-reducing assets due to their contribution to clean energy. It’s crucial to consult your insurance provider to understand their specific policies regarding solar installations and ensure your policy covers potential damages, theft, or malfunction of the panels and associated equipment. Gathering comprehensive documentation of your installation, including invoices and warranties, is advisable for insurance assessment purposes. We can provide all of this so it’s a simple and stress-free process.
Why Choose Entire Renewables For Commercial Solar Panels
Ready to upgrade your business with a cost-saving solar panel energy system this summer? Entire Renewables is your trustworthy local PV installer! We are a Cheshire-based PV installer with a decade of experience helping businesses across the region and the country make the switch to solar power. We pride ourselves on our industry-leading turnaround times – installations can be completed in as little as three weeks from start to finish.
What’s more, we go beyond simple solar installations; we provide truly bespoke energy solutions. Starting with an energy audit to pinpoint your requirements, we then design custom systems using top-quality solar technology. We source our materials from top manufacturers, ensuring we provide our customers with durable and efficient solar power systems. We offer a comprehensive service that guides you through every step of the process, from regulatory navigation to installation and maintenance, ensuring a seamless and effortless transition to solar energy for your business.
Contact us today at info@entire-renewables.onyx-sites.io or by phone at 01606 374 994 to find out how Entire Renewables can assist you in making this valuable investment for your business. You can also read our article exploring the three reasons why your commercial property needs to install solar panels.