Why Should My Business Consider Installing Solar Panels?
The use of solar panels has been growing steadily in New Zealand. Many people are waking up to the benefits of solar and have started installing solar systems. Besides homes, many businesses in the country are realising that installing solar is an important part of doing business.
Environmentally friendly practices show that a business has the right values, and is willing to take steps to lower its carbon footprint. Solar panels have become a visible way for businesses to proudly show they are taking steps towards a green future.
For businesses, going solar in New Zealand is also a pragmatic decision amidst rising power costs. For instance, Foodstuffs, which is the country’s biggest supermarket, decided to install the country’s largest solar farm at that time after its power bills rose significantly.
Options for Commercial Solar installation in New Zealand
For businesses that wish to go solar, there are two main options. These are the grid-tied systems, and the hybrid system. A grid-tied commercial system supplements the existing main grid energy, which allows the business premises to run partially on cheap, green power. With a hybrid system, a small power storage unit stores excess power for use later when the sun is not shining.
Benefits of Going Solar for Businesses
1. Great IRR for Businesses that Operate during the Day
When it comes to the benefits of solar for businesses, it is not limited to any particular type of business. All types of businesses can benefit from installing solar, especially if their main hours of operation are during the day
In general, businesses that use solar power will see great IRR. However, the IRR could vary due to sunshine hours. As a result, businesses located in regions with more sunshine hours, such as Auckland, will have a better IRR than those located in Dunedin. However, it is worth noting that it is not the only factor. The final IRR is determined by a confluence of factors. Consequently, it is important to speak to a commercial solar installation expert to find out your most accurate return rate
2. Good for Tax Savings
Solar panels are considered a depreciating asset. Once installed at any business, their depreciating value can be factored into tax payments, which can help to cut taxes. At the same time, they help to hedge against rising costs of power, which means companies can continue to make huge savings over time, even when the solar panels’ performance begins to drop.
3. Plan Consistent Utility Payments
As mentioned above, Foodstuffs, which is New Zealand’s biggest supermarket, saw its power bill rise 70% when it signed a new power contract. No matter the size of a business, a 70% spike in energy costs is no doubt going to be disruptive to any plans the business had.
One of the best ways to mitigate against such fluctuations in solar power prices is to use solar. In New Zealand, power prices are projected to keep rising in the coming years. These price spikes are not consistent, and they vary from one quarter to the next. By installing solar power, it ensures that a business can have some certainty regarding its future power bills. Having certainty is great for any business as it allows it to plan many steps into the future, which is important for competitiveness.
4. Improved Public Awareness
There has been a growing awareness nationally regarding the impact of human activity on the earth’s climate. As climate change awareness has been growing, many consumers are now more likely to take into account a business’ corporate social responsibility when making purchase decisions. Today, climate change information is widely disseminated both online and as part of school curriculums. Businesses that wish to remain relevant will need to take concrete steps to show what they are doing for the environment.
One way to ensure consumers always pick them is to use green energy. Consumers will be more likely to pick your business when given a choice. This is because it makes them feel good to support a business that cares about its environmental impact. In short, installed solar panels improve a business’s public image. It shows it as principled, eco-friendly, and concerned about the community it serves.
5. Solar is a Low Maintenance Source of Green Energy
Solar power systems are a great option for receiving green energy since they are low maintenance. When installed by a professional, the operating cost for a solar system for its lifetime is minimal. The reason for this is that commercial solar systems come with a warranty of up to 20 years. Once installed on the roof, they do not require any extensive repairs, except occasionally removing dust from the solar panels.
However, to ensure that the solar system continues to operate optimally, it is important to have a great maintenance schedule. The reason for this is that some areas of NZ experience heavy pollen pollution. As a result, panels need to be cleaned at least once a year.
Additionally, all equipment should be sourced from OEM providers. By doing so, it will ensure that once you install the solar panels you can enjoy dependable clean power for at least 10 years, or 20 years with an extended warranty for inverters, without any maintenance costs or interruptions to the power supply.
Summary
Solar energy installation at any business in New Zealand does more than just reduce a business’s carbon footprint. Once installed, a solar system acts as a high-yield venture. The system can pay itself back over a short period. Extra money saved can be used as capital for the business to expand its operations. With the right investment, at the right time, with the right experts, a business will soon see a huge positive impact on its balance sheet. Considering unstable power prices and potential serious increases, solar can be one of the most important investments that any business in NZ can make towards its future success.