Commercial Solar To Future-Proof Your Business Against Rising Energy Prices

March 20, 2023

Managing utility bills is one of the biggest concerns for Australian business owners, especially with rising energy prices putting a big dent in company finances. Electricity prices increased significantly throughout 2022 and they are set to do the same this year.

Being unprepared could spell disaster for your business, so what can you to do mitigate the effect of increasing bills? Investing in commercial solar may be the best decision you ever make, and in this handy guide, we will explore the reasons why.

Why are energy prices rising?

2022 was a hectic year for Australia’s electricity market and we all felt the impact. Uncertainty was still being felt from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst the Ukraine-Russia conflict saw fuel prices across the world increase due to supply issues. Suppliers struggled to reach the demand for fuel and this caused an Australian energy crisis. Prices rose across the country, and they are unlikely to go down significantly in 2023. Despite the energy price relief plan coming into play, energy bills are not expected to reduce until June 2023, with no guarantee that wholesale prices will even out any time soon. This is likely to have an even more significant impact on Australian businesses that can use anywhere between 13,000 and 36,000-kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

How can businesses protect themselves from rising energy prices?

With constantly fluctuating electricity rates (which can depend on where you live, your supplier and even the time of day) and ever-changing usage levels, it can be hard for businesses to predict how much they will spend on their electricity bills in any given month. This can make projections and budgeting particularly difficult, even with extra efforts to reduce energy usage. With prices going up, many business owners are worried they won’t be able to afford their essential utility bills in 2023. So how can businesses protect themselves from rising energy prices and ensure they aren’t caught out?

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Experts have said that making the change to solar or other renewable sources is a crucial way to reduce electricity bills because they provide a reliable, self-sustaining source of energy. Solar panels harness energy from the sun and this energy can be stored in batteries for use at times of lower levels of sun. Commercial solar panels and batteries are specifically designed to provide high levels of electricity for businesses because they are typically bigger than domestic ones. They can be installed on almost any roof, no matter the size, shape or function of your business premises. Still not convinced? Below, we have listed some of the top reasons that commercial solar is beneficial for Australian businesses.

Benefits of commercial solar for Aussie businesses

Long-term savings

Solar panels are a long-term investment. The installation cost will depend on the size of your business and how much electricity you need, but solar panels are known to pay for themselves in saved money in as little as nine years, which could be even less depending on your organisation’s usage levels. This means that you will see long-term savings on your energy bills as you have your own self-sustaining source of electricity. The money you save can be invested into other crucial areas of your business, allowing you to grow and expand. Solar panels need little maintenance, so upkeep costs are low while potential savings are high.

What’s more, you are able to sell your excess electricity back to the grid, offering your business a useful stream of extra income.

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Future-proof

Having a source of renewable energy available to your business means that you are protected from the unpredictability of the energy market for years down the line. While electric and gas prices can fluctuate, and suppliers can change their prices to suit, your solar supply is constant and reliable. This makes bills easier to predict and ensures you will not be caught out by any future energy crises. The future is renewable with non-renewable fossil fuels constantly running out but your business can get one step ahead if you make the switch to solar sooner rather than later.

Eco-friendly

An obvious benefit to making the change to commercial solar, besides reducing energy bills, is reducing your organisation’s carbon footprint. Australia has some of the highest greenhouse gas emissions in the world and we all have a responsibility to do our bit to become more eco-friendly in the wake of a climate crisis. Making the switch from fossil fuels is one of the most impactful ways you can do this.

Not only will this benefit the planet, but it could also boost your business image, too. Customers and clients are drawn to companies that make an effort to reduce their environmental impact, so installing solar panels is an excellent way to send a clear message that your business is green.

Make the change now

Are you ready to make the change to commercial solar for your business in Queensland or New South Wales? Get in contact with the team at Apollo Solar in Townsville, Brisbane or Forster today to find out more about commercial solar and have any questions you may have answered. We love helping Australian businesses reduce their electricity bills with high-quality solar installations at affordable prices.

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