We rely on electricity, but current, costly production methods threaten our existence. However, business solar systems can cut costs and help save the planet. The desire to survive and thrive is a powerful motivation to adopt clean energy alternatives like solar power. Nevertheless, that is just one of several compelling reasons companies and, in practice, everyone in South Africa should seriously consider installing a solar system.
Ten Reasons to Install a Business Solar System
In no particular order, these are the top ten reasons why so many businesses are turning to commercial solar solutions:
- Cost Savings: First, the pandemic and, later, the conflict in Ukraine have led to supply chain difficulties and inflation, which, combined with constantly escalating energy prices, have seen operating costs soar. By generating electricity from sunlight, a commodity with which South Africa is particularly well blessed, commercial and industrial building owners can reduce the need to purchase energy from Eskom or even eliminate it and escape future tariff hikes.
- Government Incentives: The South African government recognises the need for businesses to embrace sustainable energy and has responded with the promise of grants, rebates, and tax cuts. Under the current incentive scheme, SARS will allow companies that move to solar energy between now and the end of February 2025 to reduce their taxable income by 125% of the cost of the assets they purchase to generate renewable energy.
- Return on Investment: Business solar yields an exceptional ROI. The long-term savings on energy bills and incentives far outweigh the initial cost of the installation. Depending on its power consumption, a company could recover the initial cost within a few years and, after that, enjoy virtually free electricity for decades to come.
- Supply Continuity: Adopting commercial solar solutions frees companies from the need to depend on the ailing performance of the national grid. It removes the need to operate a generator and an uninterruptible power supply to ensure they can continue operating during brownouts and load-shedding. The country is also prone to extreme weather conditions that often cause grid failures.
- Competitive Advantage: Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned by the visible effects of global warming and the continuing use of fossil fuels, its primary cause, to generate electricity. Many now demonstrate their concerns by favouring manufacturers and suppliers that adopt more sustainable alternatives. Companies that install business solar are perceived as “green” by the public, which can earn them a much-needed competitive edge.
- Future-Proofing: The energy landscape in South Africa is changing, and the trend will not only continue; it will accelerate. As the transition proceeds, electricity supplies from conventional power sources will lose support and be forced to raise tariffs further to survive. A transition to business solar now will be the best way to secure a company’s future and competitiveness.
- Regulatory Compliance: Failure to conform with government regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions could expose a company to steep penalties. Solar energy produces no such emissions and, therefore, ensures total compliance.
- Water Conservation: Whether electricity is produced by the combustion of coal, oil, or gas, or nuclear fission, these processes consume vast quantities of water to produce steam for driving turbines. Besides pollution, the world faces a water crisis. Business solar can help alleviate it.
- Scalability: As a business expands or contracts, its energy use varies proportionately. Solar systems are readily scaleable, enabling companies to adapt quickly to change.
- Environmental Responsibility: The planet’s future is uncertain, but there is no doubt about the reason. When adopting solar energy, companies cease to be part of the problem and, instead, become part of the solution.
Purchasing Commercial Solar Solutions
When investing in business solar, a skilled and experienced installer is as vital as top-quality hardware. The best way to guarantee both is to contact us at Solar Skye and let us build you a turnkey green energy supply.
