The UK is committed to reducing its impact on the planet, with an ambitious and legally binding target of achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2050, we are the first country in the world to do so.
Whilst the NetZero 2050 challenge is admirable and achievable – it comes with many challenges.
The biggest challenge we face as a nation in meeting such commitments is whether we can embed renewable energy generation into our network(s) to supply homes and businesses. Either from renewable distributed energy resources or generating clean power on-site – and then scaling this up to achieve NetZero 2050.
This is where we believe Solar Power, one of the UK’s fastest-growing energy technologies takes ownership and businesses can now start to truly understand and benefit from this source of clean energy in terms of emissions and energy costs.
By pairing Solar Power with complementary technologies such as battery storage systems and electric vehicle charging points, you can go a step further and maximise the full benefit of renewable energy by consuming and distributing power when it best suits you. This works by either importing less expensive electricity at peak times, which will directly save you money on your energy bills or by demand-side response. Demand Side Response (DSR) will and alleviate unnecessary strain from the national grid and your business will be paid in turn to support this, by distributing energy when the grid requires you to do so.
How does Solar Energy work?
Solar energy is generated from photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on roofs, car parks and in fields. There is a misconception that Solar PV only works in full sunshine and the sunniest of days. Whilst sunnier days will generate more power than cloudy ones, solar panels will create free clean electricity during all daylight hours, whatever the weather.
The energy generated can be used immediately in your business or it can be stored in battery systems so that you can use the power whenever you need it, even once the sun has set.
The Science
Solar panels create energy out of exposure to daylight. The panels themselves consist of smaller solar cells. These solar cells are then made up of several layers of semiconductors.
When sunlight hits the solar cells, it creates an electric current between these layers called direct current energy. With the help of an inverter, the direct current energy is then converted to usable alternating current which is then used in your business or stored in a battery for later use.
What can Solar Power be used for in your business?
Providing cheap and renewable electricity – Solar panels can generate clean sources of electricity to power your business. Connecting to your current electrical infrastructure to power your site’s requirements.
Charge electric vehicles – If your fleet, staff or visitors have a plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicles, you can use the energy generated by solar panels to charge them. This provides your business with even greater carbon neutral benefits.
Energy assurance – If your solar system is paired with a battery solution, you can be assured of energy certainty in the event of an outage.
Additional revenue streams – By utilising methods such as demand-side response, and distributing energy back to the grid when it is needed, you can benefit from additional revenue streams.
months left to claim your ‘super deduction’ tax.
For capital expenditure incurred from 1st April 2021 until the end of March 2023, companies can claim 130% capital allowances on qualifying plant machinery investments.
Investing in solar panels for your business can save you from paying as much tax under the government’s ‘Super deduction’ scheme, the scheme runs out in March 2023 leaving businesses just 9 months to take advantage of this offer.
The super-deduction will allow companies to cut their tax bill by up to 25p for every £1 they invest.
For more in-depth information on the ‘Super Deduction’ tax as a whole, read the government’s ‘Super deduction’ fact sheet
What are the commercial benefits of Solar energy?
Reduce electricity costs – By generating your own electricity through solar panels, you can cut down on costs associated with your electricity bills.
Reduce your carbon footprint – Solar power is a source of clean energy., so using it to power your business will mean you’re achieving both your own carbon reduction objectives and contributing to the UK achieving its NetZero 2050 goal.
Getting a quote for Solar Energy for your business has never been so easy, speak to an energy expert today about your no commitment or obligation free desktop study to see if your business qualifies for Solar and start your journey in becoming carbon neutral today.
