If you are the owner or manager of a commercial building such as a warehouse for storing machinery for plant hire, you have access to untapped potential to reduce your energy costs, increase your property value, and improve the sustainability of your business.
Millions of square metres of empty rooftops across the UK and Europe are under-utilised and could be used to generate renewable energy. As the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to rise, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a game changer for large buildings across the country.
Plant hire firms are well-placed to benefit from the cheap, green electricity produced by solar panels. Plant hire firms rent out tools and machinery to construction businesses or individuals, to allow the use of machinery without the initial overhead costs or need for storage. These businesses will, therefore, have a large amount of storage space, often warehouses. Warehouse roofs are an ideal space for solar panels as they are low and flat, making them easy to install; the large area also enables solar panels to generate a significant amount of energy from the sun.
Warehouses are particularly well-suited for solar PV. Most roofs do not require planning permission (unlike ground-mount solar) and can be installed rapidly. South-facing roofs typically receive the most sunlight throughout the day, making them the optimal choice for solar installations.
It is a popular misconception that flat roofs are not suitable for solar panels, but this isn’t true. Though the ideal roof for solar panels is angled between 30 and 40 degrees, almost any roof space can generate electricity using a mounting system. Mounting systems typically fix either into the roof sheets using sealed fixings, or for flat roofs use ballasts to hold the frames in place. The ballast weight is assessed to ensure the roof can support the additional weight.
Solar PV energy comes with several impressive benefits for UK and European businesses. From reductions in energy bills to energy independence, plant hire businesses can take advantage of various solar PV benefits by partnering with Electron Green.
Electricity generated on-site can significantly reduce your energy bills, protecting your business from rising electricity costs. Solar PV Systems turn previously unused space into a productive asset for your business. As electricity comes from the roof there is also a reduction in transmission losses.
With its ‘Big Green Billion’, Electron Green will install a solar system completely free of charge on commercial roofs. We will pay for the surveys, the solar PV system, the installation, insurance, and maintenance for the term of our contract. You won’t pay a penny for the solar panel system, instead, we will supply clean electricity at 20p/kWh.
It has become increasingly clear how dependent businesses are on external suppliers and the potential problems this inflicts on operations. As solar panels are installed on your building, harnessing energy from the sun, they help reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. This protects you from peak-time pricing and insulates you from fluctuations in energy provision.
Solar Panel Systems lower your business’s carbon emissions. They are a tangible signal to your local community that you are making sustainable changes. Overall, solar panels provide a cost-effective energy solution while promoting environmental responsibility.
The Electron Green solar PV system will deliver electricity directly into plant hire buildings. Your business will use the low-cost electricity generated by the solar panels first, while staying connected to the grid, so there’s no need to change your existing utility supplier. The cost of your electricity supply from a utility company is divided into two elements, broadly split as raw electricity (‘commodity price’) and levies, taxes, and transmission (‘non-commodity price’). With the electricity supply from the roof, you are only paying for the raw electricity.
While sunlight reaches the panels, the solar PV system will continuously supply electricity. Depending on when and how much energy you use, solar can meet up to 40% of your electricity needs.
To get solar panels installed, we’ll need to ensure there is suitable space on your site and establish a solution that works for your operations. During installation, there should be minimal disruptions, allowing your team to continue working as usual.
The Electron Green team will begin by conducting an initial consultation to understand your energy needs, goals, and budget. This helps us design a customised solar solution that aligns with your specific requirements. Our experts then conduct a comprehensive site assessment to evaluate the suitability of your warehouse’s spaces for solar panel installations.
Based on the site assessment, our engineers will then develop a detailed system design that specifies the optimal number of solar panels, inverters, and other components required. The design will ensure maximum energy generation and efficiency. We will also handle all necessary paperwork and permits required for the installation, leaving you to focus on your priorities as usual.
Our skilled technicians commence the installation process, mounting the solar panels on the warehouse’s rooftop or open areas. We prioritise quality and workmanship to ensure a durable and efficient solar PV system. After the panels are installed, our team connects the solar PV system to your warehouse’s electrical infrastructure to get things up and running.
Electron Green provides ongoing monitoring and maintenance services to ensure the long-term performance and efficiency of your solar PV system. Our monitoring systems track energy production, detect any issues or anomalies, and allow for timely maintenance to maximise the system’s lifespan and energy generation.
In the past, solar PV has required a significant upfront spend. Companies with this capital, still provide a positive return on investment, as a tried and tested technology with a long lifespan. The standard manufacturer’s guarantee is 25 years, though a well-maintained system should continue to produce electricity for around 10 more years. If you wish to invest outright, Electron Green will price-match any installation offers you receive.
Electron Green is also stepping in to make solar panels available to all businesses with commercial or industrial roof space. We are investing up to £1 billion in installing solar panel systems free of charge.
We have over 30 years of experience in renewable energy and a team of highly skilled professionals who specialise in commercial solar PV installations. We understand that each building is unique, with specific energy requirements and budget constraints. Our team works closely with you to assess your needs and develop customised solar solutions that optimise energy generation and maximise return on investment. Our clients can feel confident they are receiving a tailored energy solution at a competitive rate and with ongoing support.
For more information on solar panel installation for your plant hire business, contact the Electron Green team today.
