Why is installing solar power a smart move for your business?

Over the past ten years, solar power technology has become increasingly affordable, making it more viable for people to choose sustainable power sources for their homes and businesses. As our global reliance on fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change, going solar is a great way for companies to reduce their carbon footprint — and often the key driver for this decision. However, while the sustainability credentials are a big green flag, they’re not the only benefit to running your business on solar power, says Lawrence Wallis, owner of SUNZ Solar Energy Specialists.

With 16 years in the industry, Lawrence has supported numerous businesses in their transition to solar power and watched them reap the rewards. ArchiPro caught up with him to learn more about the lesser-known benefits of solar power for the commercial sector and why now is the best time to make the switch.

The lesser-known benefits of solar for businesses 

It may seem obvious, but one of the key benefits of running your business on solar power is that the sun shines during business hours.

“Solar works so well for many businesses because the supply of solar energy matches the demand for the businesses’ electricity. Most businesses operate from nine to five during the day when the sun's out, so the supply of power matches the demand for it. As soon as the system is installed you've got a reduction in your power bill,” Lawrence says. 

Because your solar panels are generating the most power during business hours, you’re going to save money straight away, and, more importantly, lock in those savings for the next 25 years. 

“The cost of electricity is rising as we move forward, so installing solar basically locks in your power bill for the next 25 years,” Lawrence explains. “It's almost like pre-paying because you buy the system and take between five and a half or six years as a straight payback analysis, but it'll continue producing power for 30 years. And, with the performance warranties we're seeing on the panels now, they guarantee that the solar panel will still be producing 89 or even ninety per cent of its rated output in 30 years' time.”

Essentially, once your system is up and running, you’re no longer reliant on grid power or at the whim of skyrocketing power prices — it’s a win-win.

While setting up your business to run sustainably is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, it also sets your business apart from the competition. As many construction projects, especially those funded by the government or local council, have specific sustainability requirements, businesses that operate sustainably are more likely to win these tenders. 

In fact, one of Lawrence’s recent jobs was for a plumber who has transitioned his entire business to run off solar power, enabling him to win council jobs that require contractors to operate their businesses sustainably. 

“He has actually been able to charge more for his work than his competitors without worrying about losing jobs because his business is so sustainable,” Lawrence says

“We’re also seeing European multinationals with branches here in New Zealand saying they want solar on the roof, and it has nothing to do with the power costs in New Zealand. By adding that sustainability aspect, they’re able to claim carbon credits in the European market.”

With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why Lawrence passionately encourages businesses to go solar — yet, as solar technology continues to develop, it’s equally understandable that some people think it’s smarter to wait for further improvements. 

“The sooner you get solar installed, the sooner you’re going to see the benefits,” Lawrence says. “Some people wonder if they should wait until the technology improves or power gets more expensive, but if you take that approach, you might still be waiting in ten years and you've missed out on ten years worth of savings. By that stage, if you had installed solar ten years earlier, your system would have already paid for itself twice over.”

Plus, as the solar panel systems are modular and designed to make additions easy, you don’t need to worry about running out of power as your business grows. Simply give Lawrence and the SUNZ team a call and they can organise additional panels for your system. 

“The thing I say to most people is, ‘Just give the numbers to your accountant’. I'm having conversations with accountants who are very anti-solar at the beginning, but when they see the numbers they come back to me and say, ‘Hey, that's actually a great long-term investment’”.

Learn more about SUNZ Solar Energy Specialists.