We’ve talked a lot about the many benefits that solar brings—from cost savings and lower operating costs to energy independence and sustainability goals. While businesses in nearly every industry can make a smart business case for switching to solar, certain industries are especially well-suited to take full advantage of its benefits.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing plants operate heavy machinery and equipment that consume vast amounts of electricity. By installing solar panels, these plants can significantly reduce their electricity bills, enhance energy security, and mitigate exposure to fluctuating energy prices. Solar energy also supports sustainability initiatives, which can improve a company’s reputation and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Agriculture
Farms can use solar power for various applications, including powering irrigation systems, water pumps, greenhouses, and refrigeration for storage of perishable products. Solar energy can help farmers lower their operational costs and increase profitability. Solar panels can be installed on unused land or mounted on the roof of outbuildings, turning these areas into productive energy-generating space.
Finance and Technology
Financial institutions, and tech companies consume significant amounts of energy for data centers (powering both the servers and the cooling systems needed for them), office buildings, and branch operations. By adopting solar energy, these institutions can lower their operational costs and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly important to investors and customers.
Storage Facilities and Warehouses
Storage facilities and warehouses have large and consistent energy demand, making solar power a reliable and predictable energy source. By generating their own electricity, storage facilities and warehouses can significantly reduce energy bills, especially for climate-controlled or refrigerated operations. These buildings also tend to have expansive, flat roofs that provide ample space for solar panel installations.
Public Sector and Utilities
Solar energy can support public sector sustainability initiatives and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with national and local environmental goals. Solar installations can provide backup power during emergencies at places such as government buildings and public facilities, military bases, and public utilities such as water treatment plants and pumping stations.
Retail
Large retail stores and shopping centers have extensive roof space that can be used to install solar panels. This can significantly reduce their electricity costs and allow them to operate more sustainably. Lower energy costs can also lead to more competitive pricing for consumers.
Healthcare and Pharmaceutical
Hospitals operate 24/7 and require reliable power for critical systems and equipment, while the pharmaceutical industry requires consistent and reliable power for manufacturing, research, and storage facilities. Solar energy with battery storage can provide a dependable and cost-effective power source, ensuring patient safety and maintaining the integrity of pharmaceutical processes.
Hospitality
Power-hungry hotels, resorts, and other hospitality businesses can benefit from solar energy by reducing their utility bills and improving their environmental credentials. Solar power can be used to heat water for pools and guest rooms, run air conditioning systems, and provide electricity for lighting and other amenities.
Education
There have been a number of prominent success stories in the news the past few years as schools and universities look to reduce their energy costs by installing solar panels on rooftops and parking structures. Savings on energy bills can be redirected to other educational resources and programs.
Food and Beverage
This industry involves energy-intensive processes such as refrigeration, processing, and packaging. Solar energy can help reduce the significant energy costs associated with these processes. Solar installations can enhance the sustainability of the supply chain, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Automotive
Car manufacturing plants have substantial energy needs for assembly lines, painting, and testing facilities. Solar energy can help reduce these energy costs and support the industry’s shift towards more sustainable practices. Solar-powered EV charging stations can even be integrated into manufacturing facilities and showrooms.These eleven industries are just a start. There are countless more with substantial energy needs that could see significant financial and environmental benefits from adopting solar energy. Contact us to see how we can help your business save with solar.
