Solar panels – the lowdown

There’s no doubt that businesses have become more energy-conscious in recent decades. Fossil fuels have fallen out of favour and renewable energy has become more accessible.

But electricity prices in recent years have been volatile. And when you’re dependent on electricity, even the slightest price increase can have a major impact on profits. That’s why an increasing number of businesses have invested in solar technology.

Even in the UK where sunlight isn’t always in abundance, solar panels can generate a significant amount of power. Modern panels don’t require direct sunlight and are generating returns in much smaller timeframes than older tech. Plus, as the technology has advanced, the price of panels has gone down, making it a great time to switch to solar.

Benefits of solar power

The biggest benefit of solar power is to the environment. It’s a renewable, sustainable, inexhaustible source of energy and produces no greenhouse gases. Using solar power reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers your carbon footprint.

But environmental benefits aren’t the only benefits. With technology constantly being improved, solar power is something many manufacturers are now looking to invest in.

Cost savings

The average price of solar panels has dropped while the average price of energy from the grid has increased. This means that you can see a return on investment in much shorter time frames – as little as three to five years in some cases.

So while there will be an initial investment for the system, you’ll see your energy bills drop and make big savings long term.

Make money from excess energy

As well as saving on your energy bills, you can also make money by selling any excess energy. Many energy providers offer special tariffs with higher rates if you export during peak times.

While you might not make huge amounts of excess energy during winter months, you could make enough excess in the summer to pay for energy from the grid in the winter. But this will depend on how many panels you have, how much energy you generate, and how much energy you use.

Energy independence

Generating your own power will reduce your reliance on the grid. You can combine solar panels with battery storage, allowing you to store excess energy for when you need it.

For example, you might generate more than you need during the day and use the excess to charge your batteries. During the night any power you need can be drawn from the battery rather than the grid.

You can also keep batteries charged during off-peak times and then draw from them during peak times when energy prices are highest. Managing your energy in this way can help keep your bills down.

Sustainability and corporate responsibility

Most manufacturers have sustainability goals with both the government and consumers putting pressure on them to reduce their emissions.

Investing in solar energy is an easy way to improve your green credentials and demonstrate your commitment to reducing your carbon footprint.

Operational efficiency

Having more control over your power will improve operational efficiency. Even if you don’t use solar as your main supply, you can use it to charge batteries which can then be used for backup power.

Your solar system can also be integrated with other smart technologies to ensure power stability and optimisation.

Maintenance and reliability

Solar panels are relatively easy to install and, once installed, they require hardly any maintenance. They come with a long warranty and have an average lifespan of 25-30 years – degradation is minimal.

So after the initial investment, your solar panels will cost you very little (if anything), making them an excellent investment.

Choosing the right system

As with any investment, it pays to ensure you choose the right system so you can maximise the benefits. There are a few key things you’ll need to consider.

Electricity consumption

How much energy does your business consume? Understanding your consumption can help you decide how many solar panels you need as well as how many batteries you require for the most efficient system.

What you are powering

Some businesses use solar to power lighting and machinery whereas others install systems designed to power heating and cooling systems only. You might want your system to be your main power source, or you might want it as backup power. The right system for you will depend on how you want to use the power.

When you need power

While solar panels don’t require direct sunlight, they do require daylight which means they don’t produce electricity throughout the night. If you require power at night, you should combine your solar panels with battery storage. During the day the panels power your factory and charge the battery. During the night, you can use the energy you’ve stored throughout the day.

The location of the panels

Many homes and businesses install solar panels on the roof of the building, but this isn’t the only option. Ground-mounted solar panels are also an option if you have lots of land that isn’t sheltered from the sun. You might also want to consider solar carports – solar panels mounted on frames that sit above your parking spaces. These protect vehicles from the sun and rain, and generate electricity that can be used to charge EVs or other equipment.

The size and stability of your roof

If you are opting for roof-mounted panels, you’ll need to consider the size and stability. How many panels can your roof accommodate? It’s not just the dimensions you’ll need to think about – it’s the weight. You’ll also need to be aware of any obstructions. Solar panels can be installed on the majority of roof structures but there will be some limitations if your roof is not in good condition.

Battery storage

As well as space for the panels, you’ll need somewhere to house the inverter and the batteries. While these don’t have a huge footprint, they do need to be housed somewhere suitable and safe. As with any electrical equipment, there is a fire risk so they should be located away from extreme temperatures or fire hazards.

Hybrid systems

Hybrid solar and wind systems allow you to make the most of the unpredictable UK weather. Your solar panels will work hard for you on those sunny days, while your wind turbines will keep you going on those blustery days.

Smart technology integration

Most solar systems can be monitored and managed remotely. You can automate charge and discharge times for batteries to ensure you take advantage of the best import and export rates. You can see when your consumption is highest and where consumption can be managed more effectively. And you can integrate your solar systems with other control and automation technology to ensure voltage optimisation and energy efficiency.

Improve your energy efficiency with AES

Getting started with solar needn’t be complicated. We can provide a full assessment, making recommendations based on your consumption and the available space. This will include a cost analysis, showing you how much energy your system could generate and how quickly you can expect a return on investment.

As part of our mission to collectively reduce carbon emissions, we also offer free energy reduction audits so we can also look at other areas of your business as well.

After completing our assessment, we’ll provide a free quote and a top-level overview of those areas where system upgrades can provide your business with the greatest financial impact.

We offer a wide range of energy reduction services, including:

• Renewable energy design
• Smart controls
• Control and automation systems
• Heat recovery
• Energy-efficient lighting
• Voltage optimisation
• Power factor correction
• Variable speed drives
• Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS)
• Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)
• Electrical vehicle charge points

Contact us to book your free energy reduction audit and find out how to make your factory more efficient so you can reduce costs, lower your carbon footprint and improve productivity.