Introduction
When it comes to renewable energy, two of the leading options available to businesses are solar and wind. But which is the best option for your business?
Both solar panels and wind turbines allow you to harness the earth’s natural resources, and turn it into energy to power your business, without burning fuel and creating harmful emissions. However, the most-suited choice for your business will depend on a plethora of factors, such as your energy demand, location, budget, and long-term goals.
In this guide, we break down the benefits of solar and wind energy, and the important things you will need to consider, so you can go green with confidence.
What Are the Benefits of Renewable Energy for Businesses?
Renewable energy is an increasingly popular way for businesses to tackle their scope 2 emissions, lower their carbon footprint, and take control of their energy. Some of the benefits of solar and wind energy include:
- Lower energy costs – Generating your own renewable energy is an effective way to lower your overall energy spend, as once your systems are paid off, you can benefit from ‘free’ energy. In fact, according to the Carbon Trust, switching to renewable energy can lead to a 20-50% reduction in energy costs when paired with energy-saving behaviours.
- Business appeal – For many consumers, sustainability is now a key deciding factor in which products they purchase, and which brands they support, and having on-site renewable infrastructure such as solar panels or wind turbines is a very visible demonstration of a business’s commitment to sustainability. Studies have shown that consumers are willing to pay 9.7% more for products from sustainable businesses.
- Bonus income stream – As well as saving on your energy costs, generating your own renewable energy can also provide you with an additional income stream. Depending on your generation and consumption patterns, you may be able to sell any excess energy that you generate back to the grid via a smart export tariff, making your solar panels or wind turbines even more profitable.
- Increased property value – Investing in solar or wind for your business can also give the value of your property a boost, as figures show commercial properties with renewable systems can see a 3-7% increase in property value.
- Protection from energy markets – In recent years, the energy market has seen increased volatility, with energy prices shooting up due to a number of geopolitical events. For many businesses, this can have a devastating effect, especially with tight operational budgets. But by switching to renewables, you can protect your business from volatility and benefit from more stable energy costs.
- Regulatory compliance – As the government focuses on nationwide net zero targets, there is increasing pressure for businesses to meet certain environmental standards. Those who tackle their carbon impact with renewable energy place themselves in a more favourable position for meeting tightening regulations and standards.
Wind Power Vs Solar Energy at a Glance
When comparing wind and solar energy to determine which option is best for your business, it is important to consider your energy-generation needs, business objectives, and budget.
The tables below compare a commercial wind turbine and a roof-mounted solar array based on a site’s average annual energy consumption:
Overall, the comparisons above illustrate the key trade-offs between wind and solar. If your premises has sufficient roof space available, solar PV is generally the more cost-effective option. However, if roof space is limited, a medium-scale wind turbine (100-500 kW) can provide greater energy resilience, carbon savings and long-term cost benefits.
For sites with very high energy consumption, a larger wind turbine can deliver significantly greater generation and grid offset, making wind particularly attractive where the available site area and planning requirements allow it.
Solar Vs Wind: Which is Better for Your Business?
To determine the most suitable renewable technology for your business, it is important to consider both the advantages and drawbacks of each.
Solar panel advantages
- Solar systems typically have fewer moving parts than wind turbines and as a result, lower maintenance needs.
- Solar systems can often be expanded incrementally as your business or energy demand grows. Wind projects may be less flexible depending on site constraints.
- Depending on your site and building profile, planning permission may be easier to obtain for solar panel installation or may not even be required at all.
Solar panel disadvantages
- Generation is not always consistent throughout the year and may be lower during the winter when daylight hours are shorter.
- Solar panel output can be affected by cloud cover, shading and roof orientation and requires a suitable unobstructed area for installation.
Wind turbine advantages
- Wind turbines can be particularly effective for businesses with high or continuous energy demand, helping to reduce reliance on grid electricity and potentially lower energy costs.
- Wind turbines can generate electricity day and night, provided wind speeds are suitable, potentially providing a more consistent generation profile than solar alone.
- A wind turbine can generate a significant amount of electricity from a relatively small physical footprint, making it an attractive option for businesses with suitable land and exposure to wind.
Wind turbine disadvantages
- The cost of maintaining wind turbines is often higher due to them having more mechanical components.
- Wind turbine installations need to be carefully planned to mitigate impacts on local businesses, residents or ecological and heritage sites.
When comparing wind power vs solar energy, you should consider your business’s energy consumption patterns and peak demand periods, calculate expected payback periods, and compare projected energy savings over the system’s lifespan. You may also wish to consider the potential revenue you may be able to generate from exporting excess electricity back to the grid.
When Solar May Be the Better Choice
Solar panels may be a more suitable option for businesses with limited space but ample roof area that gets good, unobstructed sunlight exposure, such as those located in urban or suburban areas. Solar installations usually have a faster and simpler installation process, meaning you can start generating energy quicker.
When Wind May Be the Better Choice
Businesses located in rural areas with significant available land and strong, consistent wind exposure away from obstacles such as buildings and trees are ideal candidates for commercial wind turbines. Those with high energy demand can often reap the greatest benefits from wind turbines, and businesses that already have solar panels and battery storage installed can benefit even more from further generation.
Using both solar and wind together can help your business generate a more reliable supply of renewable energy throughout the year. Solar panels tend to produce more electricity when the days are sunny, whilst wind turbines can continue generating power at night and during windier periods. Combining the two can help reduce reliance on the grid and make better use of renewable energy available at different times of the year.
How Can Ennovus Support Your Business with Renewable Energy Technology and Decarbonisation Initiatives
At Ennovus Solutions, we offer flexible, turnkey solutions for businesses looking to take control of their energy, reduce their carbon footprint and save on long term energy costs.
Our engineers can offer in-depth guidance and insights, supporting you at every stage of your journey, including detailed feasibility studies to help find the best renewable technology for your business. Not only does this give you insights you may not have previously considered, but it also de-risks your projects and ensures you are getting the most out of your tech.
If you think solar may be the solution for you, we offer end-to-end commercial solar panel installation, from planning and design to ongoing maintenance support. Whether you opt for roof mounted, ground or carport solar panels, we will ensure you get the most from your system.
If commercial wind turbines are a better fit for your business, our team can help you determine the most suitable solution. From initial feasibility and planning through to installation and ongoing maintenance, we provide expert support to help you generate renewable energy and reduce your reliance on the grid.
To take your sustainability initiatives one step further, we can also support your business with step-by-step decarbonisation strategies. These detailed roadmaps will assess the effectiveness of a range of technologies, to help you get the best savings for both carbon and cost and provide you with a detailed roadmap for decarbonisation.
If you’re ready to get started on your renewable energy journey, or want to discuss your options further, get in touch with our team today.
