If you are dedicated to reducing the impact that your business has on the environment, you need to think about where your energy comes from. There are so many different ways to make your business more eco-friendly, but running your business on renewable energy is the most effective change that you can make. If you want to power your business with renewable energy, these are some of the most important things that you need to consider.
Different Energy Sources
There are a number of different options for renewable energy generation and you need to decide which is most suitable for you. Solar panels are the most common form of renewable energy generation as they are relatively easy to install on your building. You can also use solar thermal energy systems that heat water inside a tank that is installed on the side of your building.
Wind turbines are an option as well, but they are not as easy to install and you will need a large space to make them worthwhile. Unless you have acres of open land, it is unlikely that you will be able to generate enough power with wind turbines.
There are other alternatives, like hydroelectric power or biomass systems, that generate electricity by burning organic materials. However, these systems are not usually suitable for a self-sufficient business.
Reliability
Reliability is always a concern when you are using renewable energy. Your business relies on power and if you experience regular blackouts, this can lead to a lot of lost revenue. Selecting the correct renewable energy source is important, but you also need to consider the Accelerated Loss of Mains Change Programme (ALoMCP) when trying to make sure that your renewable energy systems are reliable. The ALoMCP will help you to avoid blackouts and ensure that your renewable energy production is compliant with legislation.
Costs
When making any change to your business, it is important that you consider the costs. Renewable energy can be expensive to implement, but there are lots of long term savings that can be made.
Wind turbines are among the least cost effective sources of renewable energy. A microturbine will cost around £10,000 for microturbines and it can take up to 15 years before you earn that money back in savings. A large turbine can cost up to £3 million or more, although they do pay back in as little as a year.
Solar panels will cost between £5000 and £10,000 to set up a small to medium sized system, and you will usually earn your money back in around 5 years.
However, you can increase the effectiveness of your renewable energy systems if you implement eco-friendly building principles around the office. Simple upgrades like improved windows, for example, can save a lot of energy and help you to make further savings.
Switching to renewable energy is one of the best ways to make your business more eco-friendly and save some money, but it is important that you consider these things before making the switch.
