As solar increases in popularity across Australia, it's not just homeowners that are taking advantage. Business owners across the country are realising the benefits of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

So as a business owner, here are three answers to major questions you might be asking:

Why should I invest in solar?

There are so many reasons you should invest in solar for your business, but of course the major two are saving money and saving energy. With a PV solar system you can offset your electricity consumption; and although you might have to pay in the short term, the best part is you'll get your money back in a few years. Something electricity doesn't offer you!

What type of system should I get?

There are two major types. Stand alone systems are those that are not connected to the electricity grid and these are generally used in remote areas, or places where the demand for electricity is low. If you're going to get a stand-alone system, you need to also invest in batteries or some other form of back-up generation. Grid connected systems transform the electricity generated by your solar system into alternating current electricity. It does this through the use of an inverter (like those you'll see on our website) so power is generated specifically for the grid. Grid connection allows businesses to use solar first, then electricity from the grid.

How much will I have to pay?

Of course this is the biggest question we face when people come to us about solar energy. And it's not as simple as giving a full figure. The amount you have to pay for solar depends on a few things: the number of panels you require, your location (city vs country has an impact), the type of panel you want to get and the type of inverter you need, the type of roofing you have and its accessibility, and a range of other factors.

Benefits of solar for your business

Going solar for your business just makes sense. It lowers operating costs and offers peace of mind when it comes to the environment and the rising costs of energy. Of course, it also looks great to your prospective customers. More people are looking to do business with companies that are environmentally responsible.

1. Lower Operating Costs

Harnessing the power of the sun is an effective way to reduce (or maybe even eliminate) the company electricity bills.

2. Protection Against Rising Energy Costs

As the non-renewable resource pool starts to shrink and the demand rises for energy the costs are constantly rising. You have no control over the spikes in energy prices and they can happen suddenly, even short-term, which makes it difficult to create accurate budgets, thus causing unnecessary stress to the company.

Going solar is an efficient way to manage the risk of rising energy rates. The energy that you generate using your new solar system won't be subject to the increases in energy rates. In fact, if the prices continue to rise you will save even more than you had initially imagined!

3. Going Green

There's a reason that companies brag about going green when they make the change. It's because clients and customers appreciate environmentally friendly businesses. By going solar you will reduce pollution as well as greenhouse gases, all because you'll be using less fossil fuel. It means your business is doing its part in the country's fight to become less dependent on the energy sources of foreign nations.

Of course, it also makes your business more sustainable as you reduce those operating costs. Not to mention the opportunity to use it as a marketing tool.