With oil reserves getting depleted and the world coming together to fight pollution, more people are shifting towards clean sources of energy. Since the price of hydroelectric power is also pretty steep in African countries, people are seeking other options to power their homes and commercial buildings.
Solar and wind energy are some of the best alternative sources of energy. In Kenya, solar energy is more prevalent compared to wind energy. This can be attributed to the country receiving adequate sunlight throughout the year and solar being considered affordable.
Additionally, solar systems are not complex systems and are almost maintenance-free. Thus they can be installed anywhere and will serve you a long time without breaking down. All these characteristics make them a great choice to power commercial buildings.
Selecting solar panels for your commercial building
When choosing solar panels, it is important to consider the panels’ sizes’ installation. Choose the size of the panels that fit your roof and will suit your power needs. Do your research and find efficient panels which can charge batteries fast and produce high energy.
Since commercial buildings generally use more energy compared to homes, consider installing durable solar panels. This will decrease your downtime and will serve you for a very long time. Finally, buy your panels from a trusted dealer where you can be issued a warranty if something goes wrong. A lot of credible dealers offer extended warranties of up to 10 years and some go up to 20 years which is amazing. It is a great assurance that the manufacturer will replace your panels if they do not work as required.
Benefits of installing solar panels on commercial buildings
Low energy costs
Appliances such as water heaters, room heaters and air conditioners found in commercial buildings like hotels and office blocks consume a lot of power. The bills racked up by commercial buildings at the end of the day when using electricity is incredibly high. When you install solar, you can save a lot of money on electricity. Granted the installation cost of solar panels may be steep but the return on your investment will be worth your while.
Solar energy can never be depleted
The sun is a free source of energy. It is a gift to earth that just keeps giving. Unlike most sources of energy, the sun never gets depleted and better still does not pollute the environment. Once you install solar panels on your business premises, you can be assured that your operations will not be halted due to a power shortage. Unless your system is faulty, your energy needs will be met.
Reduces your carbon footprint
We live in a generation where people have access to all kinds of information. Customers are on the lookout for companies that are environmentally conscious and are using clean energy. By installing solar panels in your building, you are already taking steps in the right direction.
With solar energy, you will not be relying on fuels that pollute the environment. Sources such as coal that are quite popular in heating or cooling in some factories, tend to release toxic gases that once released into the air or dumped into water bodies can cause a lot of havoc. Solar energy will go a long way in conserving the environment and making your business premises safe for all living things.
Low maintenance
Solar systems require very little maintenance. That being said, all you have to do is clean the panels once in a while to get rid of dust and gunk that may have been seen installing your solar panels. Aside from that, you would probably just have to monitor the performance of the system and keep a record in case of fluctuations.
The beauty of solar panels is that even in harsh conditions like thunderstorms or even hailstones, the solar cells are in an enclosed glass case that protects them from damage.
Parting Shot
Solar is a great alternative power option for commercial buildings compared to other power sources. The benefits are great and will help you cut down on your power bills. Do your research, estimate your power needs and plan accordingly. Remember it is essential to shop from a trusted dealer and get a system that has a warranty. You can also ask if they offer installation services which will save you a lot of time and money when looking for an installer.
