Benefits of Solar Power for Businesses
Solar power offers numerous advantages:
- Income Generation: Surplus power can be sold back to the grid.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Reduces environmental impact.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Enhances your business’s green credentials.
- Cost Savings: Decreases reliance on grid energy, reducing bills.
- Energy Security and Independence: Lessens vulnerability to power outages and price rises.
What Are Solar Panels?
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are composed of multiple cells made from semiconducting materials, typically silicon. These cells harness sunlight to generate electricity, which can power your business.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity. Since homes and businesses use alternating current (AC), an inverter is needed to convert DC to AC. Each solar panel can generate between 200 to 350W of energy under strong sunlight. Even in the UK’s often cloudy weather, solar panels can still produce power, making them a vital part of the country’s energy mix.
Many businesses opt for battery storage to save excess solar energy produced during the day for later use, ensuring a continuous power supply even when the sun isn’t shining.
Solar Panel Design.
NSI Energy has partnered with leading solar panel suppliers and installation contractors nationwide to provide comprehensive solar system design services tailored to your business’s specific requirements. Designing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system in the UK involves several key steps to ensure an efficient, cost-effective, and bespoke solution for your business.
Solar Panel Installation.
Commercial solar installations help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution by generating electricity from a renewable, sustainable source – the sun’s energy – instead of burning fossil fuels. This is used to offset electricity that your business would normally purchase from the grid. Before pursuing a commercial solar installation, it is important for businesses to thoroughly evaluate their current energy efficiency practices and carefully assess the specific benefits they aim to achieve through solar power. This involves conducting a comprehensive energy audit across your business to identify areas of high energy consumption, inefficiencies, and potential opportunities for improvement.
Solar Panel Maintenance.
NSI Energy recommends annual maintenance of your commercial solar panels. Dirt, debris and dust can accumulate on the surface, reducing their ability to absorb sunlight. With routine cleaning by our experts, this can help to remove the build-up and improve the overall performance of your solar panels.
Reliability of Solar Energy for Businesses.
Solar energy is a reliable power source, though its efficiency depends on location and sunlight exposure. It is most effective in summer but can still provide benefits in winter, albeit with reduced efficiency due to shorter, darker days.
Types of Solar Panels.
Solar panels come in various types, with monocrystalline and polycrystalline being the most common.
Monocrystalline Panels:
- Advantages: High efficiency (15-20%), space-efficient, less weather-affected.
- Disadvantages: Performance drops at high temperatures, most expensive due to high-quality silicon.
Polycrystalline Panels:
- Advantages: Moderate efficiency (13-17%), cost-effective, good high-temperature tolerance.
- Disadvantages: Lower efficiency, shorter lifespan due to sensitivity to higher temperatures.
Determining the Number of Solar Panels Needed
The number of solar panels your business requires depends on several factors:
- Electricity Consumption: Your business’s energy usage, typically measured in kWh, will influence the number of panels.
- Roof Size: The available space and stability of your roof to support the panels.
- Sunlight Hours: The amount of sunlight your location receives.
- Site Complexities: Accessibility and installation challenges may require more labor.
Grants and Incentives for Solar Panels.
Various government initiatives can help fund solar panel installations:
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Allows businesses to earn money by selling surplus energy back to the grid.
- Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA): Offers 100% tax relief for investments in efficient technologies.
- Lease-Purchase Agreements: Enable businesses to rent and eventually own solar energy systems.
- Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): Provides financial support for installing renewable heat technologies, with quarterly payments for seven years.
Conclusion: A Smart Investment.
Investing in solar energy can be highly beneficial for your business, offering long-term financial and environmental advantages. While the initial process requires thorough planning and investment, the rewards are substantial. For more information on renewable energy or switching energy suppliers, contact the Bionic team for assistance and quotes from trusted UK suppliers.
For a no-obligation consultation to review commercial solar solutions for your business. Call our team today on 0800 027 1966 or complete our contact enquiry form.
