Solar power is becoming an increasingly common sight on the rooftops of commercial buildings. And for good reason, as it can save a business thousands on their electricity bills and lower their carbon footprint. However, some commercial properties are more suited to solar panel installations than others.

In this article, we'll explain exactly why businesses need to invest in commercial solar. We'll also outline which industries benefit from solar panel installation the most.

Why Do Businesses Need Solar Power?

The benefits of solar power for businesses present themselves in a number of ways. None more so than in a financial sense, as solar power can save a company thousands on their annual electricity bills. Once the panels have been installed, they are essentially free to use, and will start generating power whatever the weather. 

Solar panels absorb ambient light, so they aren’t reliant on bright sunshine to generate electricity. Plus, commercial solar systems tend to be large scale and will be able to absorb far more light than residential setups. The more electricity your business generates itself, the less it will have to buy from the grid, saving you money instantly.

Solar panels aren’t just beneficial when it comes to your energy bills, however. Here are some more benefits to consider:

• 🦶 Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a clean, renewable source of energy. It doesn’t rely on fossil fuels to operate, which will lower your business’ carbon footprint. This can help your business to comply with current and future environmental regulations.

• 📈 Protection from rising prices: The energy market has had a rocky few years, with prices constantly fluctuating. Producing your own energy will give you some immunity from this, as you’ll be far less reliant on the grid. 

• 🏢 Increased property value: Whether you own a farm, warehouse, or office block, having a solar installation will add value to your property. Renewable energy systems are seen as highly desirable to potential buyers, should you come to sell. 

• 💰 Strong ROI: Commercial solar systems have a short payback period, often between six and eight years. They have long lifespans too, often lasting for decades rather than years. This makes solar power a very comfortable long-term investment. 

While some commercial properties are primed and ready for solar power installations, some don’t stand out as obvious locations. However, solar installations are versatile, meaning various businesses can benefit from solar power.

Which Commercial Properties Can Benefit from Solar Power?

Factories/Warehouses

For obvious reasons, factories and warehouses are prime spots for solar power installations. These buildings tend to have ample, unobstructed flat roof space, which can accommodate large solar panel systems. Of course, the larger the solar PV system, the more energy you can generate. 

Flat roofs are ideal for solar panels, as they allow for optimal panel placement. In Essex and across the UK, solar panels are at their best when they’re south facing, which isn’t always possible on sloped roofs. Using specific mounts, you can also place the panels at the correct angle to capture maximum sunlight. 

Factories and warehouses will inevitably get through electricity at a faster, higher rate than most businesses. This is due to high electricity consumption, which leads to huge electricity bills. With a solar installation, these bills will start to be reduced almost instantly. 

Farming and Agriculture

Large farms are extremely well-suited to solar PV installations. In a similar manner to a flat roof on a warehouse, farms have an abundance of flat land which can support solar panels. The same optimisation rules also apply, as you’ll be able to mount them at the right angle and place them in the right direction.

A lot of farmers have made use of innovative techniques such as agrivoltaics. This means you’ll be able to grow crops underneath the solar panels, so you won’t have to concede fields entirely to a solar system.

Solar energy can also become a new revenue stream, which is vital for a lot of cash-strapped farms. By capitalising on the UK Government’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, you’ll be able to sell excess energy back to the grid for money.

Education

With large, flat roof spaces, many schools and educational institutions can benefit from solar energy installations. With budgets in the education sector constantly being squeezed, the money saved on electricity can be redistributed into other resources.

There’s also an educational aspect to a solar installation, allowing students to see renewable energy working in real time. This will raise awareness of environmental issues amongst students.

Retail Spaces

Retail spaces consume a lot of energy, from the automatic doors on entry, to lights and air conditioning. Generating electricity independently from the grid is vital for maximising profits. It also guards against fluctuations in energy prices, which can quickly send a retailer into terminal decline. 

Plenty of retail spaces are primed for solar, with flat roofs allowing optimised installations and simple maintenance. With a large enough system, a retailer can get close to cancelling out electricity bills entirely, providing a safety net for the business.

Offices

With computers, printers, and seemingly endless electronics being used in office blocks, annual bills are naturally sky high. Solar energy production can slash energy bills and give you one less issue to worry about every month.

Once again, office blocks are generally appropriate for solar panels, with flat roofs offering enough space to accommodate them. Offices tend to operate within daylight hours too, which is the prime time for solar electricity generation.