COP26

What can our business do to tackle climate change?

A deal aimed at staving off dangerous climate change has been struck at the COP26 summit in Glasgow.

The Glasgow Climate Pact is the first ever climate deal to explicitly plan to reduce coal, the worst fossil fuel for greenhouse gases. The deal also presses for more urgent emission cuts and promises more money for developing countries, to help them adapt to climate impacts. Although there was progress made in Glasgow, the general consensus is that the pledges don’t go far enough to limit the temperature rise to 1.5C – which is vital to avoid irreparable damage to the planet and our environment.

In the end, countries agreed to “phase down” rather than “phase out” coal, amid expressions of disappointment by many. COP26 President Alok Sharma said he was “deeply sorry” for how events had unfolded in an emotional plea.

For a full report of what was agreed at the COP26 Summit, please visit the BBC website – What was agreed at the Glasgow climate conference?

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What can your business do to tackle climate change?

Your business can take positive action today by turning your unused roof space into an asset that generates clean, (free) energy. Solar panels are the most popular alternative for businesses seeking environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. Besides being significantly better for the planet, solar panels are cost-effective, easy to maintain, and provide an attractive return on investment (ROI).

Eight reasons why your business should install solar panels

1 Solar panels are cost effective and profitable

Solar panels have low operating costs and significantly reduce your energy costs. The average business in the UK spends approximately 15p per unit on electricity, with solar panels, this is cost is reduced to roughly 4-5p per unit.

2 Solar panels are sustainable

Solar panels generate clean electricity that your business can use to lower your energy demand from fossil fuels, reduce your pollution and help to offset your corporate carbon footprint. Commercial solar panels will help you meet your green targets whilst reducing your operating costs and saving money.

3 Solar panels provide a healthy return on investment (ROI)

A typical commercial solar panel system will provide free electricity for more than 25 years, achieve returns of more than 14% per annum and pay back installation costs within 5-8 years. This means your business can recover the investment quickly, enjoy long-term savings and reinvest these in further projects or core business activities.

4 Solar panels provide energy security 

Solar panels help to forecast your long-term energy costs and protect your business against future increases in utility prices. As well as securing your future energy, solar panels can lower your energy demand from the National Grid and fossil fuels. Your business can store any excess energy in a large-scale battery storage system to use at a later date, or as protection against potential energy rationing or blackouts.

5 Solar panels improve brand image and can create a competitive advantage

Modern consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and want to support green and ethical companies. Solar panels allow your business to visibly promote your green initiatives, improve corporate reputation and strengthen relationships with supply chains and customers.

6 Solar panels can charge your electric vehicles and future proof your business

The UK government has set a target of ending non-electric vehicle sales by 2030. On roof solar panels and solar carports offer both a means to powering your operations and (or) the infrastructure to charge electric vehicles with cheaper and cleaner energy. Installing a solar carport or integrating EV charge points with solar panels also offers an opportunity to generate an income from low grade parking spaces by billing your visitors and (or) staff to charge their vehicles on-site.

7 Solar panels last for a long time and are easy to maintain

Solar panels don’t have any moving parts, and usually come with 25-year performance warranty. The solar inverter that makes up part of your system usually comes with a 10-year warranty and they are relatively inexpensive to replace.

8 Solar panels the cheapest form of electricity in the UK

The price of solar panels has plummeted by 85% in the last decade and solar power is now the cheapest form of electricity in history, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

How much could my business save by installing solar panels?

We use industry leading software to accurately predict how much solar energy can be generated and used at your specific premises. By opting for a free solar panel survey, you can identify how much money and carbon your business could save.

As part of your free quote, we provide detailed economic efficiency calculations to ensure you understand exactly how and when you can expect to break even, the structure of repayments and the overall profitability for your business in the long term.

To get your quote delivered safely to your inbox, simply fill out the form on our contact us page and one of our energy experts will get in touch to discuss your options.