Solar Power for Small Businesses – Cost & Setup
When starting out a small business, we are always on the lookout for ways to cut costs and also improve the efficiency of the business.
One of the very best ways you can achieve this is by switching to solar power. Solar energy can help your business to save more money, especially on electricity bills, in the long run.
In this article, we will try analyzing all that you need to know about solar power for small businesses.
We look at the costs, the processes involved in setting it up, and how Arenahub Global can help you make the switch.
What is Solar Power?
Solar power is the type of energy obtained from the sun that is converted into electricity. This conversion is done through solar panels.
What these panels do is to capture light and turn them into power that we can use in our shops, homes, and offices.
The main components of a solar power system include:
Solar Panels – Solar panels are one of the major components of solar power, installed on the roof of a building or ground in order to collect sunlight.
Inverter – Another major component of solar power. It is a device that helps to convert the energy that was captured by the solar panel into usable electricity.
Batteries (Optional) – A battery is not compulsory, but for those who want to store energy that they can use at night or during cloudy days, then you will need to buy a battery.
Mounting System – The mounting system helps to keep solar panels in place.
Why Should Small Businesses Consider Solar Power?
There are so many advantages that come with switching to solar power. If you are a small business owner, below are some of the advantages:
Lower Electricity Bills
It is no secret that the cost of electricity keeps rising every day. If you make use of solar power, it is going to definitely help you cut how much is spent on energy bills. Once you’re able to set up your system, you practically start generating free electricity from the sun.
READ ALSO:How to Maintain Your Solar System for a Long Lifespan
Energy Independence
Having solar power means you will start to rely less on the national grid. What this means is that you will no longer be affected by power outages, and you don’t even have to pay anymore for electricity bills.
Good for the Environment
No doubt, solar is very clean energy, meaning you don’t have to be worried about the production of harmful emissions. So if your business is running on solar power, you are indirectly reducing pollution while at the same time helping to protect our planet.
Government Incentives & Tax Benefits
There are so many grants, subsidies, or even tax breaks that are being provided by the government, especially for businesses that invest in solar energy. With these incentives, the initial cost of setting up a solar system will be significantly reduced.
Increases Your Brand Reputation
A lot of customers are becoming very conscious of the ecosystem. If your business switches to solar power, it can easily attract more customers that are very much environmentally aware.
How Much Does Solar Power Cost?
How much it is going to take you to set up a solar system will depend on a lot of factors. The size of the system is going to have an effect on how much you are going to spend for it.
What we simply mean is, the bigger the system you want to purchase, the higher the cost of purchasing that system and also the more energy you are going to save in the process.
Location is another factor. If you stay in an area that has more sunlight, then you will need fewer panels.
The quality of the components also plays a significant role. If you happen to purchase higher quality solar panels and inverters, they are going to last longer, although they will likely cost you more upfront.
Finally, the cost of installation is another thing to consider. If you are hiring professionals for your installation, it is definitely going to add to the cost, but at least you are going to be assured of efficiency.
Average Solar Costs for Small Businesses
Although the exact price is going to differ based on a lot of factors, a small business solar system can cost anywhere between 5 to 50 million naira. The cost depends on the size of the system as well as how much energy you want.
However, if you capitalize on government incentives, chances are that you are going to pay a significantly lower fee.
Also, lots of businesses recover most of their investment within just a few years by saving energy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Solar Power for Your Business
Most people think setting up a solar power system is complicated.
The truth is, with the right approach, the process is very simple and smooth too. To get started, follow these tips:
Know the Amount of Energy You Need
Before you start setting up your solar panels, you need to first of all know the amount of electricity you will be needing for your business. In order to find out, you can check your electricity bills and see how much energy you spend every month.
Choose the Right Solar System
Based on how you consume energy, you should decide on the size as well as the type of solar system that will be very good for your business.
Site Inspection
Make sure an expert inspects your building so they can easily identify if your roof or your ground space is good enough for solar panel installation.
Get the Necessary Permits
For you to install solar in some locations, you might need to provide some permits. You should get your installer to help you get through this process.
Installation of Solar Panels
You should get a professional team like Arenahub to install the solar panels and connect them to your power system. This doesn’t take more than one week.
System Testing & Activation
Once your system has been installed, it will need to be tested to know if it works properly. After that, you can start making use of your solar power for your business.
Maintenance & Monitoring
Your solar panels definitely need very little maintenance. All you need to do is just clean them occasionally and make sure they are not blocked by debris or dirt. A lot of solar systems also come with monitoring systems that allow you to easily track the volume of energy produced by your panel in real time.
