Why Brickliners chose to go solar for business and what can other businesses learn.
Here at Brickliners, the choice to incorporate solar power into our business operations was a no-brainer. A couple of years ago, after exploring the pros and cons, we decided to install solar panels that provide energy for both our office and our warehouse, and the benefits we gain are seemingly endless!
We’re proud to do what we can to lower our carbon footprint and utilize this source of renewable energy, and it’s a move we would encourage both home and business owners throughout the area to make, as well. We haven’t regretted it for a moment, and the savings over time are truly undeniable.
The Upsides of Using Solar Panels
One big incentive of switching to solar power is the tax benefits. People who make this investment will get a percentage of what they spent back in their taxes, which can make a big difference in their final cut. For us, it was the difference between owing money at tax time and getting a hefty return.
This, combined with the amount of money you save on energy bills every year, is a big reason to switch sooner, rather than later – it’s only a matter of time before you get a full return on your investment. Here at Brickliners, we should see this happen in around 8 – 10 years, and we are still estimated to get use from the panels for decades after that. In the end, the savings are well worth every initial cent spent.
And if those financial benefits aren’t enough, note that solar panels are known to significantly increase the value of your property, making it much more appealing to potential buyers down the line. The Brickliners team looks forward to many more years serving our communities, so don’t count on us packing up our tools anytime soon, but if you think your business may upgrade or eventually move locations down the line, solar panels will make your property that much more attractive in the market!
Keep in mind, too, that solar panels have the ability to bank energy. Depending on what energy company you are working with, you may be able to use any leftover energy to power another building. For business owners, this could mean running both your home and business on solar power, resulting in no monthly energy bills for either property. That’s a lot of extra cash in your pocket!
This banked-up energy also means you’ll have some back-up battery power should your lights go out for any reason, and it can also be used to power electric cars, which are rising in popularity with every passing year. This is one investment that keeps giving back, and we feel that it’s a move others should definitely make if it works with their set up and budget.
And you won’t have to worry about solar power running out anytime soon. This is a renewable resource that we get plenty of, so storing up enough energy to keep your property well-lit even on the cloudiest of days won’t be a problem.
Finally, there is no denying the environmental impact of using solar power. It has been known to reduce air pollution, reduce water scarcity, and help fight climate change. Overall, the earth will be better off and humans will stay healthier, as a result. Using solar panels is just one way we feel like we’re doing our part, and we hope others are encouraged to do the same.
The Process of Installing Solar Panels
Eager to learn more about how you can incorporate solar power into your business model? Let us provide some insight and first-hand knowledge. First things first, we advise anyone making this leap to call around and make sure to hire a team with experience, positive reviews, and an all-around good track record. Installing solar panels is a much more extensive and time-consuming process than most realize, so you’re going to want to work with a crew that is punctual, professional, and maintains a strong line of communication.
Before beginning the job, the company you hire will need to address the following questions:
- How much power will you need to keep your business operational?
- How much power does each panel produce? How many panels will you need based on this?
- Is your roof sturdy enough to support the amount of panels you need?
- Where will all the extra technical equipment go? Do you have a storage area or closet that can be spared for these items?
Answering these questions, as well as any others that come up along the way, requires multiple visits, as well as some phone calls to engineers and power companies. Because there are so many working parts, it may take some time, so figure on at least 4 – 6 months of prep work before getting the panels laid.
All in all, it takes quite a lot of steps and you’ll have many decisions to make, but in the end it will be well worth the wait – trust us! Not to mention, solar panels are very low-maintenance, so once they’re finally in, all you need to do is a bit of upkeep now and then, and you’re good to go. This typically just entails washing any dirt or buildup off of them a few times per year. Otherwise, just sit back and reap the benefits.
Doing All We Can to Make a Difference
There’s no doubt that solar panels benefit the people using them, and their environmental impact is significant, as well. This is just one thing we felt we could do to make a difference, and we are happy to be playing a role in keeping the air cleaner and the water supply more plentiful, both of which contribute to the health of the planet and those living on it – we’re all in this together, right?
If you’d like to talk with us more about solar panels and the process we went through to have them installed, please reach out. And while you’re at it, be sure to ask about our long list of chimney, fireplace, and gas services, as well. Our qualified techs are ready and eager to answer your questions and provide you with the best service available. Give us a call at 802-872-0123 today.