Solar energy can be a clean, sustainable source of electricity for any entity. The source is free (the Sun), unlike having to pay your utility who is buying electricity made from combusting oil or natural gas in a conventional power plant. Advances in solar panels enable it to be used to generate power even if the Sun is not out fully.

Many think of solar panels as some fancy technology just for large, wealthy companies or those with a lot of space. But no. Smaller and medium-sized firms can benefit and save money, too.

If you have some rooftop or other space that has no other use, solar panels can be installed and electricity generated to displace some you buy from your utility. Here are some reasons even small businesses should go solar:

1. Cost savings.  Harnessing solar energy and using it to power your business will lower your costs. The source is free and plentiful (unlike gas/oil). Your savings, of course, will depend on the number of panels and your electricity usage. If you have limited space, solar panels may still work. Advances are improving their efficiency every year. In many locations, if you produce more electricity than you use, you can sell the surplus to your utility and get paid by them as a provider!
2. Low Maintenance.  We know that maintenance is a big issue for smaller firms. It is difficult to have workers diverted from their roles to fix things. Well, after installation, solar panels are low maintenance. There will be little need for O&M to maintain them at all. Most solar contracts require the supplier to service any issues for 20 or more years. Your staff will not be diverted from needed projects!
3. Reliability.  Solar energy is reliable. As long as the Sun is shining – even for a short amount of time – panels will generate electricity. The amount of power in a year’s time can be predicted fairly accurately; long-term climate data shows that many areas get about the same amount of Sun every year. The Sun is an unlimited energy source, which will continue to generate electricity for your business in the long term.
4. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions.  The more electricity that can be generated by renewable sources (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.), the less fossil fuels are combusted and less greenhouse gasses (and other, more directly toxic compounds) will be released into the atmosphere. If your firm has sustainability goals, solar energy is a great way to reach them. Being more energy efficient is excellent but getting energy with zero carbon emissions is even better.
5. Energy Independence/National Security.  As we see in the news, relying on fossil fuels can exacerbate many political and financial items. Being less dependent on foreign oil or natural gas is important. We are seeing a war in Europe causing strains on existing fuel supplies leading to high prices. Installing more solar power can lessen your need for oil and gas absorbing these blows.

So, What To Do?

I hope this discussion has convinced you to at least consider solar panels at your company, even if you are small. What you should do next is plan for where you may put the panels, whether it be on a roof, over a parking lot, or as a “farm” in unused areas. Therefore, it is important to consider the space that panels will take up and whether you have that space that otherwise may not be constructive.

So if you are ready to seriously consider solar panels, research and contact one experienced, nearby solar specialist. Most will do a free, no-obligation assessment of your site to see if there are issues that might prevent solar panels from being useful, such as shading from surrounding trees or a weak roof. Since most panels are sold over time, it is not in the solar firm’s interest to recommend a sale that is not viable. If the application is viable, the firm can prepare a bid of cost and energy savings. If you reach that stage, get a second or third solar bid. Review the bids and go forward! There are two approaches. One can buy the solar panels outright and the company gets the entire savings from the electrical output from the panels. Or one can lease the panels. The advantage is that you get panels installed, ready to generate electricity for no money down. You pay the solar firm a cost per kWh of electricity produced, usually 25 to 35% less than you pay the utility. Choose which approach you prefer.

And good luck and reap the benefits from solar panels if you have the room, even if you are a small company. 

CCES has the experts to advise you on solar panels and other renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. We do not sell solar panels but we can be your manager to get you the best deal (or no deal if applicable) and ensure they are installed properly. Contact us today at 914-584-6720 or at karell@CCESworld.com.