How to Make the Switch to Green Energy for Your Business

UK Businesses are moving towards cleaner, greener, energy and it’s no surprise when you hear about the benefits of renewable energy for businesses. Green energy can help businesses save money, reduce their carbon footprint, improve their reputation, and attract new customers, investors, and employees. Making the switch to green energy is not usually that complicated, which is why we have created this guide on how, why and what to look out for when deciding on renewable energy for your business.

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural resources that are constantly replenished. It is considered sustainable over the long term because it does not deplete or harm the environment when used to generate electricity. Solar panels and wind turbines are two of the most commonly used renewable energies across the UK. 

Benefits of Switching to Green Energy?

Renewable energy holds the capacity to reduce your company’s long-term energy expenses and offers a low-maintenance approach to fulfilling your utility requirements. Additionally, it can enhance your public perception, attract environmentally-conscious customers and partners, and bolster your reputation as a business committed to environmental stewardship.

How Can We Transition To 100% Renewable Energy Sources?

Depending on the scale and complexity of your business, there are several routes to achieving complete reliance on renewable energy:

Onsite Energy Generation – Utilising installations like solar panels and other renewable sources.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) – Establishing long-term contracts with renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms.

Greenpower – Accessing certified renewable energy from retail grid providers.

Renewable Energy Certificates – Acquiring these certificates to compensate for any non-renewable energy consumption, with the ability to trade them on an open market.

The most prevalent methods for corporations to transition to renewable energy are Greenpower, suitable for smaller energy users, and Power Purchase Agreements, ideal for organisations with higher energy demands.

Is There Enough Sun in The UK for Solar Panels?

Absolutely! Solar power is effective throughout the entire United Kingdom. Solar panels do not rely on direct sunlight to function, and they generate electricity consistently year-round.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is a reliable choice nationwide. In the past decade, over a million homes, businesses, and landowners have installed solar panels, supplying electricity to both residential and commercial properties as well as the national grid.

At different times of the year, solar energy already contributes up to 30% of the UK’s electricity, and in 2020, it accounted for more than 4% of the country’s total energy supply. All solar markets in the UK are now subsidy-free, and with robust growth anticipated for the next decade, solar power’s role in the UK’s clean energy production will expand. If the UK reaches 40GW of solar capacity by 2030, solar energy could potentially cover 15% of the nation’s annual power requirements.

What to Consider Before Getting Green Energy for My Business

When investing in green energy for your businesses, you should first be aware that the initial costs of the equipment and installation will be quite significant and it may take a few years before you start to reap the benefits whether you are renting or own your commercial property, 

How to Choose the Right Renewable Energy for Your Business

There are a few other factors that businesses should consider when deciding which renewable energy is right for your business, including

• Your energy requirements: Begin by evaluating your current energy consumption, identifying the energy types in use (electricity, gas, heat). Once you have a comprehensive grasp of your energy needs, you can commence exploring the suitability of different renewable energy sources for your business.
• Installation expenses: The expenses associated with implementing renewable energy systems can fluctuate based on the system type and your business’s size. You may find there are government grants and tax incentives are accessible to assist businesses in mitigating the initial installation expenses.
• Available space: Ensure that your property can accommodate the necessary system size for your requirements.

How To Prepare for The Switch to Green Energy

To ensure that you are well-prepared for the shift to green energy, you should first make sure you’ve done the following

• Assess Your Emissions: Begin by estimating your carbon footprint to identify areas of carbon consumption – yourself or with a company such as Electron Green. This assessment will enable you to create a more impactful and focused plan that can provide long-term benefits for your business.
• Start with No-Regrets Actions: Consider addressing elements like your building portfolio as a strategic starting point. Ensure that your buildings either use clean energy or are highly energy-efficient and well-sealed. Implement smart systems for lighting and heating and prioritise the use of carbon-neutral materials wherever feasible.
• Develop a Clear Strategy: Decide on a well-defined strategy for your transition to renewable energy. Evaluate where your business can gain a first-mover advantage and carefully assess the implications and risks of delaying the transition.
• Understand the Timeframe: Recognise that transitioning to renewable energy is a process that takes time, especially for industries like Energy, Resources, and Infrastructure (ER&I), which oversee critical assets and infrastructure supporting various supply chains and services. 

Finding a Reputable Renewable Energy Supplier

To save even more money when switching to renewable energy, choose an energy plan from a reputable renewable energy supplier in the UK. It is crucial that you do your research to compare different plans and find the one that best meets your business needs.