What Business Owners Should Know About Solar Power
The UK weather is often described as cloudy and grey; thus, many business owners doubt the country is suitable for solar panels. However, experts say there is more than enough sunlight in the country to provide power to solar panels, similar to specific areas in Spain or France. The UK receives as much sunlight as Germany, and more than half of the solar radiation comes from the Equator.
So, for business owners still in doubt, you do not need to have the sun hitting the solar panels directly to make them work. They may produce more energy on sunny days, but the solar panels will continue to produce enough energy on cloudy days. It is not the heat from the sun that makes electricity but rather the light.
Things to know about solar energy
- Another concern about the UK weather is the high winds and snow. Environmentally, high winds are a concern for everyone. However, as a business owner, you should not be too concerned about it. High winds can benefit your solar panel installation, as they can serve as a cooling system for your solar panels. Such an efficient cooling mechanism can contribute to the panels' efficiency.
- One thing to remember is that is a difference between solar panel systems. Homeowners install solar panels designed for residential use, which are smaller and fit a home's energy requirement. However, businesses require commercial solar panels, which are significantly more extensive and expensive.
- Commercial solar panels fit most businesses. The system allows you to monitor your electricity spending. If you have surplus energy, you can use battery storage, which can be your backup power supply if there is a power outage or if your company needs electricity in the evenings.
- There are two installation options for commercial solar panels. The first one is rooftop installation, which is the primary solution if your building or establishment has a south-facing roof to gain maximum efficiency. The other option is to have them ground-mounted. The installer will orient the panels to face south. Moreover, it is easier to expand the size of your solar panels if needed or remove them and position them in another location.
- Solar energy is reliable, so you do not have to worry. Your solar power system will provide a green energy source whenever needed. Of course, you can produce more energy during the summer than in winter. Still, your installer will provide you with a properly designed system, where you can change the panels' angles and use solar batteries to store the energy you produce. The solar panel installer typically develops a system that matches the requirements of your commercial operation.
- The solar power requirements of commercial establishments vary. Determining factors include:
- Electricity consumption
- Size of your roof and its structural stability
- Hours of sunshine that your location receives
- Complexities of the site
With electricity on site, your business is less susceptible to power outages. You will have a continuous power supply for your operations. Also, you should consider that with solar panel systems, what is vital is their efficiency, not their size.