From Guest Blogger Becky Evans: What Types of Businesses Can Benefit from Solar Panels?

Absolutely any business can significantly benefit from solar panels. Big or small and across all industries, if you have a roof over your business then it is more than likely that your company can save with Solar PV. Commercial roofs provide uncomplicated space which is ideal for Solar PV installations. The location of your businesses doesn’t matter either. Traditionally the south has seen the biggest take up of solar installations but any UK business can reap these rewards. The main solar panel benefit for business is a regular, predictable supply of cheap electricity.

High energy users such as those with cold storage or food producers and manufacturers can benefit the most from Solar PV by making substantial long term savings. You can halve the price you pay for electricity to around 6 pence per unit and earn around 4 pence from the FiT subsidy (2016). Because with Solar power you are effectively forward buying your energy at a fixed cost for the next 25 years. This means you can protect your business from exposure to any energy prices rises.

In 2016, return on investment on solar panel is 11-16% and complete payback in 6-9 years. It be cash flow positive in as little as 2 years and it adds enormous value to your roof space.

Generating your own renewable energy from the roof of your building will reduce your reliance on the National Grid who are already making plans to restrict energy use at certain times of the day. Could your business survive if the lights went out?

Businesses which have already installed solar are using it as a marketing tool. Big retailers are asking their customers to show their commitment to reducing their environmental impact. Solar panels generate clean renewable energy which multinationals like to see when selecting suppliers. You can even pass the savings you make on the energy bills onto your customers and gain a competitive advantage over your competitors.

Even if you don’t own the building you operate from, you can approach your landlord and suggest installing solar PV. Not only will it help you reduce your electricity bills it will benefit your landlord as it will only add value to the building.

When researching a solar panel installer, always ask for customer reference sites. Ask the installer to provide a breakdown of production predictions. A reputable installer won’t be fixed to any one manufacturer so will be able to offer you a range of options on panel and inverter type. Also check their accreditations and make sure they are MCS and NAPIT qualified at the very least.

Thanks to Mypower for this insight.