Why you need Commercial Solar Panels

February 08, 2022

Electricity Overheads

Ireland currently has one of the highest electricity prices in Europe. This is a major reason why solar energy is financially attractive here. Solar is a great match for businesses, considering they primary use a lot of power in the middle of the day, when solar panels perform best. Moreover, solar helps you avoid the costly daytime energy tariffs. Overall, savings and returns on investment can also be very attractive.

Irish businesses can obtain around 30% of their energy needs from solar panels. With day/night metering, which can mean savings as high as 30-40% on bills. In addition, solar protects you against rising energy costs, especially in relation to carbon tax increases.

These savings usually translate on return on investment of about 10-15% per year. However, returns can be as high as 25% if you qualify for a grant.

Commercial Solar PV Grants

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland provides several grant incentives that cover solar panels for businesses. The most popular grant available is Better Energy Communities Scheme (BEC). All grants available in Ireland for commercial purposes are listed below:

Better Energy Communities (BEC) Scheme – is a national retrofit initiative managed by the SEAI. BEC offers a win-win grant aid solution for community groups, public authorities, GAA clubs, individuals & businesses to both lower their energy bills while reducing their energy usage.

EXEED Grant – is designed for organisations who are planning an energy investment project. Grant support of up to €1,000,000 per project is available. The scheme is open to all organisations planning an investment in an energy project. This includes New design projects & major renovation and major energy upgrades of existing buildings & assets.

Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) – is a tax incentive scheme that promotes investment in energy efficient products & equipment. The ACA is based on the long standing ‘Wear and Tear Allowance’ for investment in capital plant and machinery, whereby capital depreciation can be compensated through a reduction in an organisation’s tax liability.

The ACA Scheme allows a sole trader, farmer or company that pays corporation tax in Ireland to deduct the full cost of the equipment from their profits in the year of purchase. As a result, the reduction in tax paid by the organisation in that year is currently 12.5% of the value of capital expenditure.

The Installation Process is Easy Peasy

The installation process for a commercial solar panel system typically takes less than one week. While 99% of the work can be done from the outside. This means that disturbance to your business will be kept at a minimal. The only equipment need indoors will be your DC-AC inverter, which can be located in your attic.

Roof types on commercial buildings make the solar process especially easy. Solar panels can be secured quickly & securely fastened to a trapezoidal metal roof. While a flat roof allows for convenience and flexible ballasted mounting system. This helps keep the cost low for you.

Solar Improves your Brand Image

With the current climate crisis and energy crisis at hand, it would be unusual for any business owner not to consider renewable energies. Even Tech giants like Facebook and Amazon have announced 100% renewable electricity target by 2025. While the move is mainly about reducing cost, they haven’t been shy about their progress on social media.

Contact us

PV Generation is one of the leading renewable energy experts in Ireland. Our expert team is experienced and provide a solution for the energy needs of your business.

Our team is committed to working to the highest standards and all aspects of your business are considered. Our team manages everything from design, purchase, installation and teasing of all equipment and commissioning.
For more information, follow the link to our Commercial Page: https://pvgeneration.ie/commercial/

References

SEAI, (2022), ‘Accelerated Capital Allowance’. Seai.ie Read full article here: https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/business-grants-and-supports/accelerated-capital-allowance/ Date accessed: 08/02/22

SEAI, (2022), ‘EXEED Certified Grant’. Seai.ie ‘Read full article here: https://www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/business-grants-and-supports/exeed-certified-grant/ Date accessed: 08/02/22
Energyd, (2021), ‘6 Reasons Why you Need Commercial Solar Panels’. energyd.ie

Read full article here:
https://energyd.ie/commercial-solar-panels/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20savings%20and%20returns%20on%20investment%20can%20be%20very%20attractive.&text=With%20day%2Fnight%20metering%2C%20that,important%20as%20carbon%20taxes%20increase Date accessed: 08/02/22

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