Solar Panels
In May 2013 we installed 600 PV solar panels on the roof of our factory and warehouse to best capture as much sunshine as possible. This decision was taken for several reasons: the solar energy provided would produce financial benefits for up to 25 years, while taking as little as five years to be paid off – therefore allowing us up to 20 years of cash flow due to a reduction of energy usage.
We were particularly interested in the continued negative and very serious scientific feedback on general world-wide global warming and were desperate to try and reduce any emissions we were contributing to that effect – hence: solar power using efficient solar panels which create electricity without producing global warming pollution.
The harnessing of solar power is a reliable source of our energy needs – the rising and setting of the sun is extremely consistent although possibly in Scotland we are at a slight disadvantage in this regard! Along with reliability comes security the sun is not going to go bust; be destroyed in an earthquake or be taken over and turned into a monopoly. It should be noted also that the power provided by the sun is free thereby providing energy independence i.e. the fuel provided by the sun for our panels cannot be bought or monopolized.
The panels allow us significant operating advantages – streamlined processes due to efficient energy consumption increase productivity and profitability which, in turn, as a result of running more efficiently on solar power, keeps energy costs down. In addition to lowering our operating expenses, solar power helps insulate us as a business from volatility in the power markets including seasonal fluctuations or general price increases. Plus, the panels are low maintenance, only requiring a wipe down occasionally.
As an added and very welcome bonus to any environmental or financial advantage is the positive marketing associated with the installation. The implementation of the solar panels has allowed us to compete alongside bigger companies – it has gone a long way in helping establish us as a progressive thinker concerned with the environment.
#MovetheDate
As part of our commitment to be involved in creative solutions to the problem, Simon continues to represent the company in wider discussions with businesses across the UK in the form of the #MovetheDate campaign. This movement aims to change the date at which our consumption of Earth’s resources exceeds what it can regenerate in that year, known as Earth Overshoot Day.