How To Build Your Business’ Renewable Energy Strategy
Steps To Building A Renewable Energy Strategy Renewable Energy Strategy & Long Term Thinking No matter the size of your
Steps To Building A Renewable Energy Strategy Renewable Energy Strategy & Long Term Thinking No matter the size of your
No matter the size of your business, you renewable energy goals should be built around a strategy.
Small business need to take into account how renewable energy installations will help forward their longer term growth goals; while larger business have to take into account powering large facilities or facilities spread over multiple locations, and find enough space for large renewable energy installations.
Last month, we wrote an article covering the key factors to look at when you’re deciding if you should switch to solar power or not. You can find that article here: Should I Go Solar?
Because of the quickly increasing adoption of renewable energy by home owners, business and even utilities, renewable energy solutions are now becoming more and more mainstream.
Ten years ago the thought of putting solar panels on your roof was not only “futuristic”, but just thinking about it hurt your bank account. Today, solar panels aren’t only more common, more effective and more reliable, they are also a profitable option in many cases; helping you save thousands of dollars spent on energy in the long run.
Just like solar, other renewable energy solutions are starting to become in reach of any energy consumer; home owner and business. Working with an seasoned Energy Consultant, like Energy Professionals, gives you access to all current renewable energy options and which is best for your business and your longer term plans.
Here is a quick a example of why working with an Energy Consultant and building a renewable energy strategy will maximize your energy efficiency and reduce energy spend in the long-run, all while still helping you reach your renewable energy goals.
A recent study on energy efficiency showed that the average U.S. business is wasting up to 30% of the energy they use.
Yup, you read that right! Take a look at the amount of money you paid last month towards your power bill, calculate what 30% of that would be and that’s money your business is potentially throwing down the drain; or rather that’s money your business could be saving and putting back into your bottom line and investing into growth opportunities.
Now, if your business if in a deregulated energy state, meaning you can choose who your energy supplier is, add to the equation that Energy Professionals can help you reduce your energy bill by an average of 25%, just by finding the best energy prices in your utility zone.
When you’re calculating how many solar panels you need, or how big or how many wind turbines you’re going to install or whatever the renewable energy solution it may be, one of the first things you need to decide is how much electricity are you currently using and how much of it can you off-set using renewable energy.
If you’re calculations include high electricity prices and potentially 30% wasted energy, you’re going to be paying a lot more for renewable energy equipment and the labor to install it. Therefore basic our sequence is always:
First, if applicable, to review your current energy pricing and see if lower prices are available. Secondly, do an a full energy efficiency analysis of your current facilities and their energy spend and help you choose energy efficient solutions that will minimize energy waste and finally, help you choose the best renewable energy solutions, equipment and installers that will fit both your budget and your long-term goals.
Part of planning your renewable energy strategy is location. Are you off-setting one location or many, and where are they and how far apart are they. Is your building or buildings in a city or do you have landscape available? Are there hills? Are there trees? Is there wind flow? What’s the weather like? How many sunny days are there? Does your roof get enough direct sunlight or is it shaded? These questions and many more are all very important when building your renewable energy strategy.
In other words, having a wind turbine on your property or installing solar panels on your roof sounds great, but are there sufficient natural elements to optimize renewable energy production? In most 99% of cases the answer is YES. After all, that’s what renewable energy is – using the natural elements to create energy. having the the answer to all these questions, you and your Energy Consultant will be able to plan the best and most effective approach.
Unfortunately, many installers do not have access to this kind of information. We do.
Not to long ago Energy Professionals President, Jim Mathers, got a call from one of his personal friends who has a local company install solar panels on his roof. The solar panels were functioning but were not off-setting the amount of energy they were originally calculated to off-set. Using our state of the art AI technology, Jim ran a quick scan of his property only to find that his solar panels were installed on all the parts of his roof that got the least amount of sun; leaving all the best parts with no solar panels.
That’s a sad story and of course, it’s on it’s way to being fixed. But this is a simple example of why location and working with an Energy Consultant is so important when installing renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels.
If you’re a smaller business and you are considering switching to solar power, some important decision points will be:
Will you be able to grow and expand as a business in your current location and/or do you plan to stay in your current location for a longer period time? Keep in mind, adding solar to any location will increase it’s value so even if you do end up moving, you’ll be seeing some a return on your investment. Never-the-less solar panels are an investment and this is one of things to consider.
Another important point to consider is doing a calculation to see if the investment into solar panels will be less then your current energy spend long-term. In most cases, solar is a very affordable option and will not only result in no energy bills but the monthly payments for solar installations are generally lower designed so they are lower than your current monthly energy bills.
What tax incentives and other incentives exist in your area that will help you switch to solar power?
Lastly, what are your financing options. Many program exist to help you install solar power and the best way to find out what options are available to your business and your location is to speak with an Energy Consultant.
If you watched the above YouTube video, you’ll have seen our President, Jim Mathers, speaking about two ways that your business can go green by buying renewable energy.
Buying green energy can either be an immediate solution to reaching your renewable energy goals or can be used in combination with renewable energy installations to build your renewable energy portfolio and helping your business reach sustainability goals.
Energy Professionals works with utilities and top suppliers to help you locate the best pricing for both green energy certificates; or sourcing your energy from renewable energy sources; helping increase the amount of total green electricity production on the grid.
Energy Professionals is committed to finding its customers the best possible rates on electricity and natural gas. Tell us your location and service type and our energy manager will connect you to the most competitive offers.
Switching to an alternate supplier is easy. There is no chance of service disruption, and you'll continue with your current utility for energy delivery and emergency service. Take a few minutes to discover your best offers, and enjoy the benefits of retail energy in your home or business.
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