According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 28% of energy throughout the country is now produced by renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. A marked improvement over the past 20 years — up from 8.6% — the need for green energy remains an important issue in the U.S. and abroad.
While green energy may seem like a stretch for a business owner, it’s become more accessible than ever. If you want to cash in on green energy, find out how businesses can save by making the switch.
1. Improved Reputation
You can’t really put a monetary value on a reputation, but with more shoppers looking to do business with socially and environmentally conscious companies, businesses can expect an increase in sales by making the switch to green energy.
The improvement in reputation is also aided by the idea that your company is more progressive and forward-thinking than your competition. And for a one-time, upfront cost, green energy is well worth the investment, creating a buzz and generating revenue.
2. Reliability
Another benefit of green energy comes in the form of reliability. If you live in an area that’s prone to extreme weather, you may have power outages happen with alarming regularity. When the power’s out, you can’t work — you’re essentially just losing money.
Renewable energy fixes this issue by storing any excess energy and using it when necessary — just like a generator would. By having on-demand energy stored, you won’t have any downtime associated with power outages.
3. Extra Income
Although renewable energy sources for your business allow you to store energy for power outages and other uses, you can also sell the extra energy back to the grid. In some states, electric companies will purchase the excess power produced by wind and solar power and deduct that amount from your business’s monthly power bill.
4. Lower Energy Bills
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of green energy for businesses is that it substantially lowers your power bills. According to a Bloomberg article, solar power is now 33% less expensive than natural gas, and oftentimes, less expensive than other types of fossil fuels. While you have to purchase the panels upfront, the cost of solar energy panels has dropped dramatically within the past five years. And with the reduction in your energy bill, you see those savings in just a short time.
5. Avoid Energy Price Fluctuations
The supply and demand of fossil fuels to produce power are highly volatile. As a result, price fluctuations can happen quickly and without much warning, leaving you holding the bag. But with solar energy, you can avoid price fluctuations altogether. As long as the wind is blowing or the sun is shining, you won’t have to worry about a hefty energy bill.
Making the Change
If you’ve never thought about green energy for your business, the transition may seem overwhelming. But with the help of our green energy consultant, you don’t have to worry.
Our team of professionals can provide an assessment of your business energy usage and needs, and then provide solutions that match your budget. It’s a productive use of your money, giving you time to focus on the other aspects of your business while also saving money and doing your role to minimize climate change.