Which renewable energy sources will work best for your business?

Climate change and the importance of reducing our collective carbon footprint have been something businesses have been in need of taking seriously for several years now. And as we now find more companies choosing sustainable energy alternatives, it’s vital to stay one step ahead of the competition in the race to build a successful and greener future.

But before you begin to plan out your futures portfolio and your stack and roll hedge, you need to understand which renewable energy sources will be best for your needs. To do that well, you’re going to need to know what options you have at your disposal, based on your location and energy needs. To help get you to the best energy source possible, here are different renewable energy choices for you to select from.

Solar power

Solar panels are reliant on sunlight which is then turned into electricity. They’re becoming more common across small to medium businesses and even residential homes. While solar panels can cost a fair amount of money upfront, they’re considered a smart investment to save your business money in the long run.

One of the main benefits of solar panels is that they don’t require an awful lot of space. If your business has premises or a warehouse, it’s likely possible to install solar panels onto the roof. However, not every building is in the right location to really make the most of solar panels. If your premises rarely gets any sun, you may need to think about setting up your panels elsewhere.

Hydroelectric energy 

This renewable energy source is gained from the water flow stored in dams and rivers. It can power turbines to generate electricity once released. If the flow of water isn’t sufficient enough to power it, there’s the option of pumping it back into the river to help generate more electricity. 

Building your own hydroelectric power plant can be a significant investment, so many businesses looking to use this type of energy will typically buy it from a utility company. However, some businesses do build their own micro-hydro systems if they have access to rivers and streams in their area. You’ll be able to use little turbines to generate electricity and hopefully power your business.

Biomass energy 

Biomass energy comes from burning or fermenting organic matter like wood and straw. And while biomass fuels still create pollutants, they’re considered a better alternative for the planet than fossil fuels. While biomass does reduce carbon emissions compared to these fossil fuels, there are strict regulations in the Clean Air Act you’ll need to follow. 

Businesses that already have waste products that can be used as biomass fuel can really benefit from this type of energy. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, but you will also be saving money and putting business waste to good use. To harness biomass energy, there are a few different approaches you can take. For example, you could consider using a biomass boiler that will generate hot steam, or convert your biomass into biofuel to power your machinery.

Wind power 

Wind farms are becoming more popular when seeking out cleaner energy sources. However, they tend to be affected by the landscapes and the flow of air and water around them. In other words, for wind power to work well, it needs to have a strong flow of wind to power it.

You will need a considerable amount of space to build your own wind turbine, so this type of renewable energy likely won’t be suited to businesses operating in cities. However, if you have a farm or large open space near one of your warehouses or factories, you could definitely consider constructing a turbine there. Wind turbines are even more effective by the sea or in locations that are higher up, which could suit some businesses perfectly.

Hydrogen 

As one of the Earth’s most readily available resources, hydrogen is an ideal alternative source of energy. However, hydrogen can only be found in organic sources, and not on its own. Therefore, it still needs to be separated from that organic source before it can be burned in order to create renewable energy. If you want to avoid combustion, you can use fuel cells to turn your hydrogen into power. These fuel cells can be used for all kinds of things, such as powering vehicles and machinery or even acting as backup power generators for your factory.

Which type of energy is right for you?

Every business will have different energy needs, so you’ll need to do some deeper research into the different types listed above as well as assess your circumstances. Think carefully about how much energy you’re going to need, whether you’re looking to invest a lot of money into this initiative, and the space you have available to you.

Some businesses will invest a lot of money into renewable energy and when they produce more than they need, will sell the surplus to other businesses. If you’re looking for a way to not only become greener but generate new income streams as well, this approach could be for you. However, it may be beneficial to consult with an expert before doing so, as they’ll have a lot more insight into the process than your current team.

Final thoughts 

It’s not always easy to have the foresight to transition into a more sustainable business. However, with fossil fuels depleting more and more, it’s a necessity for any business planning to be around for the next few decades. Any company that hopes to be a thought leader and keep ahead of its competitors should already have plans in place for a more sustainable future. 

Taking the time to explore your above options can help to set the path for where your business goes next, how it’s perceived by others, and what part you’ve played in the future of the planet. Don’t forget to tell your customers exactly what you’re doing and why – they’re sure to see your business in a new and improved light.