Over the past few decades, there has been a lot of buzz around a concept called the carbon footprint. Many experts have discussed what it might be, its effect on the wider environment, and whether or not we can reverse it or make it smaller.
As one of the best renewable energy sources on the market, solar panels are a great choice for both businesses and private homes who want to go green. However, when trying to decide whether they want to take the plunge and install solar panels, many may wonder whether or not they are actually going to have some form of impact on their carbon footprint. Let’s take a closer look at what this footprint is, and whether or not solar panels can reduce it.
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is the measure of greenhouse gas emissions that a given entity emits into the atmosphere. This can be a product, an activity, a household or company, or even a whole country! China, the USA, and India are some of the highest producers of greenhouse gases per capita year on year.
It is important to remember that businesses also let off carbon dioxide emissions. So long as energy companies continue with the practice of burning fossil fuels, the electricity used by companies will have been created in ways that are harmful to the environment.
Luckily, this practice is beginning to decline. In the UK, the share of electricity generated from burning fossil fuels like coal and gas fell to a record low of 2.4% in April and it will continue to fall. Before long, the UK’s electricity networks may even be run for short periods without any fossil fuels at all.
While this is great news for the environment, this still does not mean that we can stop worrying about carbon footprints. Yes, even in a world where renewable energy is commonplace, we are still going to have carbon footprints to reduce!
How Can You Measure Your Carbon Footprint?
If you want to live a greener life, not just in the workplace but at home too, you might decide to take a look at your carbon emissions and your personal footprint. While we at Perfect Sense Energy are yet to offer residential solar panels, we do deal with many corporate clients looking to install solar panels on their buildings.
Do you currently know what your organization’s carbon footprint is? You can find out easily with this calculator from the Carbon Trust.
Do Solar Panels Reduce Carbon Footprints?
Solar panels are considered to be a renewable energy source, meaning that the energy created comes from a source that is replenished faster than it is consumed. Oil, coal, and natural gas all take millions of years to form; solar energy comes from the sun and can be generated even on overcast days.
By installing solar panels on your commercial property, you will be able to generate clean energy for your business. Solar electricity can be used to light or power your building, or it could be stored in batteries for other uses. When you use solar power, you won’t be burning any of the fuels that lead to harmful carbon emissions, and that means no carbon dioxide is released in large quantities into the atmosphere. Your business’s carbon footprint will be reduced.
Are Solar Panels Free From Carbon Emissions?
That being said, solar panels are not completely free from carbon emissions, and it would be false of us to try to convince you otherwise. Due to the materials that the panels and solar PV cells are made from, there will be some carbon emissions. Anything released from the mining of the materials used to make solar panel components through to the little released from the panels during their working life are known collectively as the lifecycle emissions.
The good news is that solar panels produce very low emissions throughout their lives. In its first few years of operation, a solar array will produce around 50g of CO2 per kilowatt-hour—yes, just 50g—about the same as a golf ball! After running the array for some years, it will officially be carbon-neutral, meaning that any emissions it has and will continue to make will be offset by the solar energy it is creating.
So, while solar panels might not be free from carbon emissions, they will work to offset them!
Why are Solar Panels a Good Choice for Commercial Properties?
Many businesses are thinking about how they can reduce their carbon footprint as climate change issues continue to grow. The reality is that everything we do releases carbon emissions—even just sitting still and doing nothing at all. Of course, humanity’s exhales are not what are causing issues with the environment. Most of it comes from factors like travel, especially by aircraft or car, food production, and manufacturing. We all have a personal carbon footprint and a wider ecological footprint to which we contribute as part of communities like our workplace.
For this reason, many companies are turning to solutions such as solar panels to help build that sustainable future that many are dreaming of. Of all the renewable energy sources on the market, solar panels are a great option. Many commercial facilities have plenty of empty roof space that can be used for solar panels!
Have empty roof space yourself? Find out how much your business can save per year with our free solar saving calculator.
Get Solar Panels and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Perfect Sense Energy
Regardless of the industry that you operate in, you can have very real and valid reasons for wanting to reduce your carbon footprint and give back to the planet. There are so many initiatives that you can introduce at work to help you do so, from upping recycling efforts in the office to looking into renewable energy sources like solar panels.
We know that solar panels can be a big investment but they will help you to cut both your electricity bills and your business’s carbon footprint in the long run. The benefits of solar electricity are incredible and they can be a great choice that will benefit your business for years to come.
Perfect Sense Energy is here to help you create the perfect solar array for your commercial property. We can advise you on the number of solar panels for your project and will ensure that they are installed in the best possible position to achieve maximum efficiency. Our journey doesn’t end here, as we’ll be back whenever you need to perform maintenance and make sure your array is in the best possible condition.
Get in touch with us today to see what the best solar panel options are for your business.
At Perfect Sense Energy, our solar specialists are committed to providing top-tier service and support, ensuring our solutions help you achieve your energy goals.
Get in touch or give us a bell on 01942 367 599 to discuss your commercial solar panel needs!
