Is my business suitable for renewable energy?

On-site renewable energy for business generation isn’t just for large corporations. Your business could benefit too.

Solar panels and wind turbines are no longer novelty sights. It’s difficult to go for a short drive without spotting them powering homes and businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Accessibility to renewable technology is becoming easier than ever. The barriers to entry are lowering.

Many businesses are suited to renewable energy generation. Is yours?

In this article:

• Learn what makes a business suitable for renewable energy.
• Understand which renewable technologies could work for your business.
• Discover what to consider before investing in renewable energy.

What makes a business suitable for renewable energy?

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all renewable energy solution for businesses.

To determine what makes a business suitable for on-site generation, you should weigh up the following factors:

• Energy usage: Businesses with higher energy demand may have greater potential to benefit from on-site renewable generation.
• Patterns of use: Your operating hours and consumption patterns can influence which renewable technologies will deliver the most value.
• Available space and assets: Roofs, land, car parks, water sources and other site characteristics can create opportunities for renewable generation or heating.
• Existing energy systems: Your current heating, electricity and equipment can help determine where renewable energy could make the biggest difference.
• Future energy needs: Planned expansion, electrification or new equipment could change your energy requirements and influence the right solution.
• Budget and investment appetite: Consider the upfront cost alongside potential savings, payback period, maintenance and available financial incentives.

Which renewable energy technology is right for my business?

Don't start by choosing a renewable technology. Start by understanding what your business needs.

• Solar PV: Suitable for businesses with suitable roof space, land or car parks and electricity demand.

• Battery storage: Could help businesses optimise existing renewable generation and manage when electricity is consumed when paired with other technologies.

• Heat pumps: Could be suitable for businesses looking to replace fossil-fuel heating systems, depending on the building and heating requirements.

• Wind turbines: Could suit businesses with suitable land, a strong wind resource and sufficient space to accommodate the turbine and meet planning requirements.

• Biomass systems: Could be suitable for businesses with significant heating demand that have access to a sustainable fuel supply and need a high-temperature heating solution.

Could renewable energy reduce my business energy costs?

Every unit of energy you produce is a unit of energy you don’t need to buy from a supplier.

Renewable technology typically comes with an upfront cost, which needs to be weighed against the potential savings over the lifetime of the system.

Ultimately, your potential return on investment will depend on factors including your energy usage and how much energy you can generate, so it will vary from business to business.

What should I consider before investing?

• Cost: What's the initial investment?
• Savings: How much could you potentially save over the lifetime of the system?
• Payback: How long could it take to recover the investment?
• Space: Do you have suitable land or space for the technology?
• Planning: Will you need planning permission?
• Grid connection: Can your site accommodate the required generation or increased electrical demand?
• Future needs: Will your energy requirements change significantly in the future?

Seek impartial, professional advice before putting spades in the ground or fixing panels to your rooftops so you understand the solution that suits your specific business.

This article continues our Renewable Energy Basics series. Now read...

How we can help

Renewable energy is helping businesses across the UK, but it's tricky to know where to start.

We get it. We can support you.

Troo exists to help businesses like yours make sense of their energy needs, simplify complex information and make smart decisions that lead to real change and reduced costs.

We are not here to sell you a quick fix. We're here to understand what matters to you, offer clear advice, and take ownership of the hard parts, so energy becomes one less thing to worry about.

Book a free energy health check today to explore renewable energy options for your business.