Benefits of Solar Energy in Business
Henbrie Boerdery, Northern Cape, South Africa
Renewables have officially become the cheapest energy source available. Solar power in particular, has seen a consistent growth in demand. Where previously its novelty to the market resulted in high initial start-up costs and scepticism regarding its long-term feasibility, it is now being recognised as a promising way forward in tackling the world’s energy crisis.
This article considers the benefits of solar power and how this energy source could prove powerful to businesses around the world.
What is solar energy and how is it harnessed?
Solar energy is radiation from the sun, which can be used to generate electricity, produce heat, or trigger chemical reactions. It is completely renewable and available in abundance, producing far more energy than we could ever use. Wind and solar power can capture more than 100 times the global energy demand.
To date there are three primary technologies that utilise the sun’s energy;
Photovoltaics (PV): This involves converting light energy directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels consist of many PV cells.
Concentrating solar power (CSP): Mirrors are used to reflect the sun’s light onto a receiver to power turbines that produce electricity and drive a host of other industrial processes such as water desalination and food processing.
Solar heating and cooling (SHC): Collecting heat energy from the sun to warm water, spaces, power air conditioning, and temperate pools. This technology can be employed for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.
Photovoltaic cells have become particularly useful in aiding businesses to shift their energy reliance to solar power for a large portion of their running.
Suryalakshmi, Telengana, India
Advantages of employing the sun’s energy
Solar power has several advantages that have resulted in its popularity soaring in recent years. With the global recognition for an energy future that is more sustainable, these plus points offer a hopeful path forward.
Solar power is renewable.
Renewable energy is naturally replenishable, and at a higher rate than it is consumed. As long as the sun continues to shine, there is a constant power source available.
Minimal new electrical infrastructure modification is required.
Solar power systems can be retrofitted on existing infrastructure to generate power soon after installation without many additional modifications.
Solar promotes energy independence and security.
In today’s technological world, being without power for even a short period of time can be detrimental to day-to-day business operations and production. The sun’s energy is a reliable source that allows individuals and businesses to continue operating without being at the mercy of the national grid.
It saves money in the short- and long-term.
As soon as a solar power system is running, your monthly electricity bill is lowered. In the long haul, this can lead to significant savings, especially once the system payback period has come to an end.
Photovoltaic cells are space efficient.
Solar panels can be roof-mounted, converting otherwise wasted space into something productive.
Producing solar power is silent.
Since PV cells simply convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity, they do not produce any noise pollution, adding to the clean quality of this energy source.
Solar energy can be stored.
Battery technology has made it possible to store power produced during the day for use at night or when the sun’s rays are not as direct.
Your overall negative environmental impact is reduced.
Solar power production does not produce any kind of pollution or emission of greenhouse gases, lowering your ecological footprint.
Riverside, Gauteng, South Africa
How solar energy profits businesses
In particular, businesses can experience numerous benefits from switching to solar power. Most importantly, overheads can be kept low by tapping into the sun’s energy, as surge prices demanded by the national grid during peak energy usage are avoided.
Battery storage allows businesses to continue running during unexpected or planned power outages, maintaining production levels and protecting jobs.
Investing in a solar-powered system demonstrates that your business cares about its long-term environmental impact. Potential customers to whom sustainability is a key value will be drawn to your business, opening the door to greater consumer confidence, relationships, and sales.
With global fossil fuel supplies only set to decline as time goes on and the world population continuing along its current growth path, solar ensures the best chance for your business to survive in a fast-developing future.
The South African government is starting to acknowledge the need for more independent power producers, while in India, the government is beginning to implement schemes to buy excess power produced. This could lead to an additional source of income for businesses in the future.
Join the solar revolution
candi offers an array of innovative financial solutions that free up capital for businesses and mitigate the negative impact of high initial costs for installation. Furthermore, our battery storage option makes it possible to still rely on solar, even when production is slow.
candi solar can help your business invest in its future, as well as that of the planet by making solar accessible today. Contact us to learn more about our unique solar solution and how we could help you take the next step.
