The use of solar panels has ceased to be a preserve of domestic users and many businesses have been embracing the idea ever since CIS Tower pioneered the idea in 1962 making it the largest user of solar panels in the UK. Many more have followed this trend including the local government, office complexes and educational institutions such as Cambridge University. Offices and businesses use solar panels and solar thermal panels for a variety of uses including pre-heating ventilation air, water-heating, solarcooling and of course lighting & electricity.
Factors to Consider Before Installation
Before opting for solar energy for use in offices and businesses, some factors have to be considered. The surface on which the panels are to be installed should be considered carefully since solar panels usually require a large enough and durable enough area on which to be laid. Whether the area is a flat roof, sloping ground or flat ground will be a consideration for the installing company.
The time when the installation is required is also important since most installations work best and faster during favourable weather and preferably dry conditions. The preferred provider of the panels should be carefully considered since different providers have different operational methods.
The best way to find reputable suppliers of solar panels for business is to use a solar energy review website. These websites compare solar panel suppliers and their prices based on industry standard yardsticks and most importantly, their resources are free to use.
Advantages of Solar Energy for Businesses
Solar energy is the cleanest type of energy known to man since it is pollution-free and so helps to reduce carbon emissions. Apart from being a renewable source of energy, solar energy is maintenance-free since the panels do not need any form of regular maintenance for them to work efficiently.
Using solar energy for offices and businesses can itself be an income-generating activity since the excess energy can be sold to the National Grid , as was the case in 2005 when CIS Tower started selling its excess energy to the National Grid thus earning extra income. With these benefits attached, the value of the property in question will definitely shoot up thereby making business solar panels for property owners more rewarding.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy for Businesses and Offices
The initial installation solar panels cost might prove high seeing as the process is involving and requires a large surface area to lay the panels. The proper functioning of solar panels is hindered by the surrounding landscape, environmental pollutants, cloud cover and darkness which block the sun's rays thus necessitating the use of battery charges to store the energy for such occasions.
Here the complete Guide - Steps of Solar Panel Installation Process
These disadvantages are however negligible in the face of the numerous advantages resulting from using solar energy in offices and businesses which include cash from Feed-in Tariffs and reduced energy bills.
Solar aids in space heating for commercial buildings
The SolarWall System – A New Way to Heat Your Building
Advancements in technology have presented unique solutions to helping business owners achieve their sustainability goals, from energy efficient lighting and equipment to solar panels and wind turbines. Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) states that space heating for commercial or institutional buildings can account for 70% of its total energy consumption . Canadian companies have found spectacular opportunities to reduce space heating costs in solar heat production. Products such as the SolarWall, from market leader Conserval Engineering Inc. and found in over 33 countries worldwide, presents an excellent opportunity to reduce your heating costs and enhance your company’s sustainability goals. The Solar Wall is a solar air heating system, usually installed on an exterior wall, or tilted roof.
The panels of the wall preheat fresh air before it is pumped into the interior heating system. The technology showcases a battery-like component, where unneeded heat is stored for later use. It can also interact with other systems, such as solar hot water collectors and building automation systems further increasing overall building efficiency.
The resulting large flat surface of the Solar Wall presents the perfect place for photovoltaic solar panels, which can be installed on the systems exterior cladding. The system requires minimal maintenance, has 30+ year lifespan, and a very low payback period, averaging 3-5 years.
