If your business is considering expanding to a new facility soon, there are a number of compelling reasons to integrate solar energy into your construction plans. A bit of additional effort and planning now will pay off big in the long run.
Invest now, begin saving immediately
One of the most immediate benefits is cost savings. Generating your own electricity on-site through solar panels can lead to substantial reductions in operational expenses over the long term. Installing solar in new builds, versus retrofitting later, can bring substantial savings in upfront build and electrical costs and can help ensure that the panels and other equipment are perfectly integrated into your new structures.
Businesses that prioritize energy efficiency during design and construction, by incorporating energy-efficient building designs and systems, can reduce overall energy demand for the building or buildings and maximize the effectiveness of their solar installations.
There are a number of financial incentives in the form of tax credits (such as the solar Investment Tax Credit of 30%), rebates, and grants to encourage businesses to adopt renewable energy systems like solar. Look into these incentives early on in your process to help with your overall project budgeting. This financial support can make the upfront investment more appealing and accelerate your return on investment.
Independence from the get-go
As our energy grid gets more stressed and we are seeing more outages and other problems from weather events, continuity of your business operations is likely becoming a high priority. Businesses with solar can reduce their reliance on utility companies, which is particularly valuable during periods of grid outages or when facing rising electricity prices. The inclusion of battery storage systems can further enhance resilience by providing backup power when needed.
Wear your heart on your sleeve
Incorporating solar power into construction plans is a great way to broadcast your strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Seeing a new building begin to pop up that has solar panels on it from day one sends a strong message about your company’s commitment to sustainability—helping enhance your reputation and resonate with eco-conscious customers and stakeholders.
Invest in the Future
It’s not always easy to predict what your business needs will be in 10 or 20 years from now, but one thing is for certain: distributed energy provided by our utilities will only get more costly, while solar is here to stay and directly reduces that cost burden for your business. With green building certifications that can help lure clients and workers to your spaces such as LEED and Green Globes, solar energy integration can earn points and contribute to achieving sustainability goals. Embracing solar during the early phases of your expansion process can help your business position themself advantageously for future regulatory changes and market trends, as the global shift toward renewable energy sources continues to accelerate.
It may be tough to look at increasing the cost of your expansion plans today, but the benefits can far outweigh the costs. Deciding to bring solar to your businesses expansion plans is a strategic decision that can yield substantial benefits for now and years to come.
Contact us today to see how we can help incorporate solar energy into your construction planning.
