How Can Commercial Solar Panels Contribute to Your Company's Sustainability Goals?

Sustainability is no longer a corporate ‘tick-box’ - it's a critical component of corporate strategy that will help your business prosper and also help the planet. As a B Corporation (B Corp), Eden is passionate about sustainable business and making a positive impact on the world. But Eden is not unique in that respect and companies like ours are increasingly recognising the importance of reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by investing in commercial solar panels. This blog explores how commercial solar panels can help your company meet its sustainability objectives and, in doing so, contribute to a greener future. We’ve identified 8 areas where this is especially true.

1. Reducing Carbon Footprint

One of the primary ways commercial solar panels contribute to sustainability is by reducing your company's carbon footprint. Traditional energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄). These emissions are major contributors to climate change. Solar panels, on the other hand, generate electricity without producing GHGs. By switching to solar energy, your company can significantly lower its carbon emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

For example, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that solar energy could reduce global CO₂ emissions by up to 4.9 gigatons annually by 2050.

To give you a clearer picture of the potential carbon savings, here's a table illustrating the estimated annual CO₂ savings for different sizes of commercial solar panel systems. To help you appreciate the scale of savings, a typical commercial rooftop solar installation ranges from 50kW to 250kW for a small unit or school and 1MW or more for a large warehouse.

System Size (kW)	Annual Energy Production (kWh)	Annual CO₂ Savings (tons)
50 kW	55,00	25
100 kW	110,000	50
250 kW	275,000	125
500 kW	550,000	250
1 MW	11,100,000	500

Note: The CO₂ savings are based on the average emissions factor for grid electricity in the UK, which is approximately 0.45 kg CO₂ per kWh.

2. Lowering Energy Costs

Commercial solar panels can lead to substantial cost savings on energy bills. By generating your own electricity, you reduce your reliance on the grid, fluctuating energy prices and the associated costs. Over time, the savings on energy bills can offset the initial investment or you can choose a PPA option where your there are no installation costs, making solar panels a financially sound decision for your company. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), businesses that install solar panels can save an average of 75% on their energy bills over 25 years and typically have a ‘payback’ of just 5 to 7 years.

3. Enhancing Energy Independence

Relying on traditional energy sources can leave your company vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. Solar panels provide a stable and predictable source of energy, reducing your dependence on external suppliers. This energy independence not only enhances your company's resilience but also contributes to a more stable and sustainable energy grid.

4. Conserving Natural Resources

Fossil fuels are finite resources that require extensive extraction and processing, leading to environmental degradation. Solar energy, on the other hand, relies on the sun—a virtually inexhaustible free resource. By investing in solar panels, your company helps conserve natural resources and reduces the environmental impact associated with fossil fuel extraction and consumption.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that solar PV systems could save approximately 292 million metric tons of coal annually by 2030

5. Minimising Water Usage

Traditional power generation methods, such as coal and nuclear, require large amounts of water for cooling and processing. This can strain local water resources, especially in areas facing water scarcity. Solar panels, however, require minimal water to operate, making them Nationally an environmentally friendly alternative. By reducing water usage, your company can contribute to the conservation of this precious resource.

6. Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Investing in solar energy demonstrates your company's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Customers, investors, and stakeholders are increasingly prioritising sustainability and environmental stewardship. By adopting solar panels, your company can enhance its reputation, attract environmentally conscious customers, and build stronger relationships with stakeholders. This commitment to sustainability can also improve employee morale and attract top talent who value working for a socially responsible organisation.

7. Supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for addressing pressing environmental and social challenges. By investing in solar energy, your company can contribute to several SDGs, including affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Aligning your business practices with these goals not only enhances your sustainability efforts but also positions your company as a leader in global sustainability initiatives.

8. Driving Innovation and Technological Advancement

The adoption of solar panels drives innovation and technological advancement in the renewable energy sector. By investing in solar energy, your company supports the development of new technologies, such as energy storage solutions and smart grid systems. These advancements can lead to more efficient and cost-effective renewable energy solutions, further enhancing the environmental benefits of solar power.

Commercial solar panels offer a multitude of benefits that can align with your company's sustainability goals. From reducing carbon emissions and conserving natural resources to lowering energy costs and enhancing corporate social responsibility, solar energy is a powerful tool for promoting sustainability. As a B Corp, we are dedicated to using business as a force for good and we would encourage you to do the same. It feels good!

By investing in solar panels, your company can play a crucial role in the transition to a greener future, demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship and contributing to a more sustainable world.

Talk to us.

Investing in commercial solar panels can be a wise financial move for many businesses. The reduction in annual electricity costs provides a clear financial benefit, which is enhanced by a range of further commercial benefits. At Eden, all of our system designs look at these factors and we ensure that we capture these in any proposal we make to you.

If you’re thinking about making the switch to a more sustainable energy future, then contact us via our website and we’d love to help you unlock the benefits.