Renewable energies have been constantly growing for years. Concern for the environment has gradually made self-consumption increasingly present in both private homes and companies. It is for this reason that at PROT Energía we want to explain to you why you should install solar panels and the advantages of solar energy for SMEs.
Advantages of self-consumption, why should you install solar panels in your SME?
Next, we will discuss the most important advantages of installing solar panels in SMEs.
Taking care of the planet
The first of them and one of the important ones is that by installing solar panels you will be helping and taking care of the planet with a very simple action. Your waste and CO2 emissions from consuming green electricity will be absolutely zero. The fact that sustainability has become a global objective has made companies more aware of using Self-consumption energy.
Cost reduction
On the other hand, it is important to highlight that the installation of solar panels in SMEs will not only benefit the environment but will also mean cost savings for the company. Currently, the initial investment that has to be made in the installation of solar panels is lower and as we already mentioned in our previous post (link), there are different types of aid and subsidies. A company can get the money back onthe investment in a period of 2 to 5 years, due to savings on the electricity bill..
Improve your brand image
Finally, we want to mention that by using renewable energy you can improve your brand image, making your SME better perceived by the public and influencing them in a positive way. Creating a good brand image is not easy because the markets are very competitive, and the fact that your SME uses solar energy as a resource shows that your company has great concern for the environment and this not only has a positive connotation for the public but is also a differential value compared to the competition.
Self-consumption as an objective
As stated by the European Commission, Self-consumption has become one of the main sustainability objectives and therefore, Europe has established the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
Through the concept of Self-consumption, reference is made to the production of renewable energy. Through this type of energy, the aim is to reduce emissions and, therefore, dependence on energy from external sources.
What to take into account when installing solar panels in an SME
If you decide to install solar panels in your SME, you must take into account a series of factors. Below, we will discuss the key variables:
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Analysis of electricity consumption
First of all, we understand your electricity consumption curve. This way we can see in which months and at what times you use the most electricity. This allows us to quantify what electrical consumption will be susceptible to being replaced with photovoltaic production.
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To accumulate or not to accumulate
Secondly, we will try to size up the installation to cover the maximum of your consumption while minimising surpluses. You have to know that photovoltaic production is not linear, in the summer months it can be practically double that in the winter months. Likewise, during the day, maximum electricity is produced at noon. Therefore, if you produce more energy than you need, you can inject excess electricity into the grid. As an electricity marketer, PROT Energía can buy this surplus from you and remunerate you at the market price.
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Installation evaluation
Thirdly, we evaluate whether you need battery accumulation. Its installation will be useful when you have surpluses, and you also have a relevant consumption to cover in the non-sunny hours of the peak electricity rate period (when electricity from the network is more expensive).
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Space analysis
Finally, we analyse the space you have available to locate the panels, we see if it can support the load, if objects or skylights must be avoided, if it is inclined, if it faces south, etc. It is important to take into account the support structure of photovoltaic panels. Because as it is the element that fixes the solar panels, you must search for a place that provides firmness, security and, most importantly, that it is placed in the correct orientation.
If you want more information about installing solar panels for your company, do not hesitate to contact us and ask us all your questions, we will be happy to help you!
