Businesses

As concerns about climate change continue to mount, businesses of all sizes are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. One area where companies can make a significant difference is transitioning to clean energy solutions. From solar panels to wind turbines to geothermal systems, renewable energy offers a wide range of options for businesses seeking to cut carbon emissions and energy costs.

Solar Power

For many companies, solar power is the most accessible clean energy solution. Installing solar panels on rooftops and parking garages can generate electricity onsite, offsetting some of a business's reliance on fossil fuel-based power from the grid. Solar energy production peaks during the daytime, aligning well with business hours. Commercial solar panel systems can be scaled to fit the energy demand of any business and have become much more affordable in recent years thanks to technology improvements and government incentives.

If solar power is a good fit for your business and location, speak to local installers to discuss costs and check whether there are any grants available to help subsidize the cost of installation. It’s important to note that although there is an upfront cost of installing solar panels, the installation will pay for itself within a few years.

Wind Power

Another fast-growing clean energy market for businesses is wind power. Like solar power, wind power is very accessible to businesses of all sizes. Large corporations like Amazon, Google, and IKEA have signed deals to purchase energy from offsite wind farms to meet their renewable energy commitments. But companies don't need to rely solely on utility-scale wind projects. Small wind turbines can be installed at business facilities to harness wind energy directly onsite. This is a practical option for businesses located in particularly windy areas.

Geothermal Energy Systems

For companies with access to suitable resources, geothermal energy systems offer a unique clean energy solution. Geothermal uses the naturally occurring heat beneath the earth's surface to provide heating and cooling. Commercial-scale geothermal systems require drilling wells to access reservoirs with hot water or steam. The upfront installation costs are higher, but once in place, geothermal energy can provide reliable long-term heating and cooling at low operating costs.

Starting Small

While it may not yet be practical for our business to install solar panels or a wind turbine, there are still measures you can take. For example, you could look at energy rates for businesses and switch to a supplier that supplies green energy or make a concerted effort to be more energy-efficient in the workplace.

Transitioning to Clean Energy

Transitioning to clean energy takes considerable resources and commitment. But the benefits for businesses go beyond environmental rewards. Clean energy solutions can also improve the public perception of a company and its brand. And after installation, renewables like solar and wind provide free ongoing energy, stabilizing energy costs. With technology advancements making clean energy more efficient and affordable than ever, forward-thinking businesses have a prime opportunity to adopt solutions that are good for the planet and their bottom line.