Using solar energy has many benefits for companies. It can save money as well as conserve energy. In fact, in order to encourage businesses to switch to solar power for their energy needs, many municipalities are offering tax incentives. Before a company jumps head-first into using solar energy, some important factors need to be considered. Here are several key factors to consider when investing in commercial solar power systems in California.
Do I receive enough sunlight?
It goes without saying that solar energy relies on the sun. If your building does not receive an adequate amount of sunlight, installing solar energy panels may not to be helpful to your business. It is incredibly important that solar panels receive enough light in order to generate energy. Buildings that are surrounded by numerous trees, have a large chimney, or have other structures that will block the sun during the day may not benefit from installing solar panels. Sometimes structures or landscaping can be moved or eliminated to ensure the building gets enough sunlight. The direction the roof faces is also a major consideration. Roofs that face south might not get sufficient light during the day to generate enough power for the business’ needs. It is important to consult with a professional to learn more about the level of sunlight the building is exposed to throughout the day.
What are the company’s goals for solar power?
Your company’s ultimate goal for solar power is an important factor to think about before making a final decision to switch over. That goal will dictate the type of system that is needed. If you want to completely power every aspect of the company, you will need a large system that will usually be more costly. If your goal is to sell your surplus energy back to the supplier, a completely different type of system is needed. Business owners and managers need to think about long-term goals as well as those for the short-term. Also, consider the length of time your business plans to stay in its current facility.
What will it cost?
Although the price of solar energy has steadily been going down over the past few years, it is still a significant investment. The price of solar energy can vary greatly, based on many factors such as wattage, the number of panels that are needed, the installation company that is used and the permitting and zoning process. A solar energy system can cost as little as a few thousand dollars, while some systems can cost as much more. It is important to compare the installation cost of a solar system to the standard price of a traditional energy source in the local area. This comparison will give you a good idea of how much money can be saved annually and how long it will take for a solar energy system to pay for itself. This data will help you determine whether or not you will be able to save money by switching to solar energy.
Should you lease or buy solar panels?
All of your company’s expenditures need to be given great thought and how you pay for your company’s solar panels is no exception. The right payment option for the company can be the difference between investing in solar energy and shelving the idea despite its benefits. Purchasing solar panels outright provides immediate savings on power bills that are ongoing. Solar panels that are purchased usually pay for themselves within 10 years. On the other hand, leasing solar panels allows the company to pay less money for them at the outset. When companies choose this method of financing solar panels, the repair and maintenance costs are then the responsibility of the leasing company.
Does the cost outweigh the benefits?
As a business owner, it is in your best interest to weigh the cost against the benefits of every purchase that is made. Although the savings on power bills is significant, there is still an initial cost involved for the installation of the panels. If tax incentives or grants are being offered, those numbers need to be factored into the decision as well. Overall, deciding if the costs are worth the monetary expense can only be determined by the principals of a company after looking at all of the pertinent numbers that are involved. Another factor to keep in mind is the benefits of protecting the environment and the ability to promote a business as “going green.” This can help a company to reach out to potential clients it might not have attracted before.
Deciding to go solar is a huge decision for any company. There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration before making the final determination. Work with industry professionals to get all the answers and find out more about the possibility of your business switching over to solar power.
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