Emily RiversThere are so many renewable energy options available these days that it can be difficult to know which option is best for your business.
If you’re a business owner, you should certainly be thinking about the different renewable systems open to you.
Many businesses these days have solar panels and other green technology built into their buildings, so you need to keep up with the trend.
What’s more, installing renewable energy will save you money on your energy bills, which can be huge if you’re running a large premises. But if you’re unsure about which technology is right for you, take a look below at our suggestions.
1. Switch to green energy
The first step towards renewable energy is to switch your energy tariff to a ‘green’ one. This refers to energy produced by renewable sources, such as solar and wind power.
As green tariffs become more popular, the price per unit is going down. So do your research and you might even get a cheaper deal than you’re on right now.
2. Solar power
Solar is one of the most popular renewable energy options. Install solar panels on the roof of your business premises and generate your own electricity from the sun.
You’ll cut your electricity bill as you won’t need as much electricity from the grid, plus the government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme (FITs) pays you for each unit of electricity you generate.
If you don’t own the building you work in, it’s still worth having a chat with your landlord to express your interest in solar power.
3. Wind power
Wind energy is a great option as it is one of the cleanest energy solutions. The drawback is you’ll need about 1 acre of land surrounding your business to fit a turbine.
But if you are lucky enough to have this much space, you could cut your energy bills by a staggering 90%. Do bear in mind that wind turbines are expensive to install, so make sure you speak to lots of renewable energy companies and do your research before you commit.
4. Hydropower
Hydropower refers to energy generated by water. If you have running water on your property, you might be able to use it to generate electricity. As well as using it to generate energy, you could also pump water to and from your building using it.
5. Ground source heat pumps
Ground source heat pumps are a great way to heat your building. You can also use them to cool during the summer. They take heat from below the ground and circulate it around your building, using some electricity to bring the temperature up slightly.
Although a heat pump uses electricity, it still uses much less than traditional heating sources. It’s high efficient and can save you a lot on your heating bills, especially if you had electric heating before.
If any of these renewable energy options take your fancy, it’s time to do your research. The Energy Saving Trust has lots of information about commercial renewable energy. And once you’ve narrowed your options down, get some quotes from reliable installers to work out what kind of budget you’re going to need.
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