09.01.2025
Embracing Sustainability: The Impact on Businesses in 2024
As the world collectively tackles environmental challenges, the role of sustainability in business has become increasingly prominent.
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13.10.2023
Commercial solar panels: Boost your business with renewable energy
Renewable energy has been a buzzword for environmentally concerned individuals and businesses for decades now.
From commercial solar panels and wind turbines to experimental biofuel and geothermal energy sources, the search for ethical and renewable sources continues as increasing populations and larger industries cause demand for new, reliable resources.
Out of these choices, solar panels are the most prolifically used and referenced in relation to renewable energy sources and this is for good reason. Solar panels are low-cost, produce limited amounts of emissions and can be easily installed for commercial properties and residential properties alike.
For business owners, understanding how solar panels work on a commercial scale is essential for understanding the benefits they can bring to your business, which is something to keep in mind while reading this blog.
How commercial solar panels work
As the name suggests, solar panels work by capturing solar radiation, also known as sunlight, and converting it into energy. Commercial solar panels are made from Photovoltaic cells (PV), glass, a variety of metals, and a semi-conductive material like silicon. Once the sunlight hits the PV, natural electrons begin to move and these charged cells then produce electricity, which is then transported to converters and passed onto the National Grid or used by the premises in which the panels are attached.
Low installation cost and maintenance
When first introduced to the market, solar panels were experimental, expensive solutions for use in a large number of residential properties, in response to concerns of climate change from UK citizens.
Almost a decade on from the government’s first wave of housing solar panel installation and the biggest solar farm connecting to the National Grid, solar panel technology has come a long way and is now less expensive and installation procedures have been streamlined to provide commercial solar panels to any type of business, big or small, in a time-sensitive manner.
Likewise, maintaining these solar panels is relatively straightforward. Solar panel owners should only intervene with panels if there is a surplus amount of debris that would stop sunlight from getting to the PV, this is typically dried leaves or moss. Most commercial solar panel companies recommend a full service and evaluation every two to four years and will usually work around the businesses scheduled to complete the task.
Reduce your business energy bills
While initial installation may be expensive, the savings made on energy bills across the years will match with the initial expense and then provide free or much cheaper energy.
By using commercial solar panels, businesses become less reliant on the National Grid which is the main source of energy production and distribution across the UK. Depending on the size, scale, and efficiency of the panels, businesses could almost entirely disconnect from this source, eliminating any payments owed to national energy companies.
