Go Green. It's not just good for the environment it's good for business too.

Solar energy for business

We all know that moving to renewable energy is good for the environment, but is it good for business? The answer is absolutely, according to Green Pioneer, Stephen Beech.

Soaring energy prices are encouraging more North West businesses to consider the benefits of harnessing free solar power. For the long term savings in reduced power bills can more than cover the cost of installing solar power, says the MD of Manchester based Beech Solar who are targeting more business users than ever.

So why should businesses go green? What are the benefits of going solar?

The new government feed-in tariffs for a start, which means that businesses can generate an income from their green property. For every pound you spend on solar panels, it is possible to get back 4 pounds back from the government, so you actually get paid for generating electricity. Plus you do not even pay for what you do use and you get a bonus payment for every kW you export back to the National Grid.

Businesses can cash in on free energy by installing solar panels and make money by selling excess power back to the grid. With experts forecasting a tripling of energy prices by 2015, there has never been a better time to go solar powered.

The introduction of feed-in tariffs effectively means that the government will pay 80% of your electricity for the next 25 years, with some properties, solar installations producing enough energy to mean zero bills or even cash back. This current high level of support will change in 2012 and there are even suggestions that the economic challenges facing the government may force them to cut back sooner than anticipated.

According to Beech, with interest rates averaging no more than around 1%, this 400% is like a grant that makes going solar a better investment than most, the high rate is locked for 25 years and it is 100% tax deductable . Most calculations suggest individuals will make a risk-free profit of pounds 58,447 over the 25 years while enjoying lower electricity bills.

In Germany, feed-in tariffs boosted solar capacity to 200 times that of the UK and in The Netherlands, 40% of electricity is met from decentralised energy.

Being a solar pioneer in your sector can also generate huge levels of publicity for your business, completely free of charge. Green stories are a hot topic in the press at the moment, with Prince Charles recently in the news over his decision to invest in solar panels for his 180 years old home Clarence House.

Beech Properties also recently won a Consumer Benefit Award in recognition of the energy efficiency of our student rooms at the Energy Innovation Awards.

With leading businesses and governments choosing suppliers who can demonstrate robust environmental credentials, many companies are now starting to see the light and climbing aboard the solar power bandwagon. Solar power technology is tried and tested and users can calculate the financial benefits with accuracy says Stephen. Solar panels are now less expensive than ever and more efficient at converting natural light into electricity.

Companies around the world are increasingly being held accountable for their carbon footprint by investors, staff and customers. The extent to which a company mitigates is climate footprint is now a key measure of business performance and a critical factor in gaining a competitive edge.

The green alternative and solar power is good for people but it is also good for business. That is why I set up Beech Solar to provide a low cost energy solution for homes and businesses and to demonstrate that going green make commercial sense.

For further information click onto www.beechsolar.co.uk