Solar systems for companies: Benefits and Challenges

Undoubtedly, environmental protection and the associated positive impact on a company's image play a role for entrepreneurs. However, most companies are primarily interested in the economic benefits of solar systems, and rightly so. Solar systems are an excellent opportunity to save energy costs, especially for businesses with available roof and open spaces, and to become partially independent from energy providers and fluctuations in electricity prices. This independence makes business operations more predictable, which is particularly valuable in the current phase.

In this article, we will specifically address the cost-saving opportunities for businesses through their own solar systems, highlight the environmental friendliness and sustainability as corporate advantages, and discuss the technical challenges of solar systems for businesses. We will also present financing and funding options for solar systems for businesses and provide success stories of companies that have had positive experiences with solar energy.

Cost Savings Through Solar Systems for Businesses

The amount of cost savings depends, simply put, on the cost of providing solar systems and their yield relative to the energy costs of electricity providers. In this area, much has changed over the past ten years: electricity prices have steadily increased, and solar module prices have dropped by about 90%, making now a very good time to invest in a solar system and gain independence from energy providers. Businesses can benefit from self-use of the produced energy, feed-in tariffs for excess energy, and tax advantages through depreciation and subsidies.

Calculation Example:

A company with an electricity consumption of 500,000 kWh has 300 kWp of installed solar capacity and benefits from an average annual solar irradiation of 1,000 kWh per kWp. The total electricity yield is therefore 300,000 kWh (300 kWp of installed solar capacity multiplied by 1,000 kWh per kWp of solar irradiation). At an electricity price of 0.20 EUR/kWh for business customers and the generated electricity of 300,000 kWh, the annual savings amount to 60,000 euros. Each kilowatt-hour that the company does not use itself and feeds into the grid is currently credited at about 8 ct per kWh.

Environmental Friendliness and Sustainability as Corporate Advantage

The biggest environmental benefit is the CO2 savings, which also has a marketing impact. Environmental awareness among the public is high, and many people now make their purchasing decisions based on a company's environmental friendliness. For companies that choose solar energy, this is a double advantage. On the one hand, they benefit from cost savings due to sustainable energy, and on the other hand, they can retain customers and attract new customer groups, thus enhancing their market positioning and strengthening customer and employee loyalty.

Technical and Logistical Challenges in Installation

Building a solar system involves bureaucratic hurdles and requires careful and meticulous planning to integrate the system into the existing grid. To make the system even more efficient and ensure continuous power supply, installing a battery storage system can be beneficial. Maintenance requirements should also be considered in the planning, although they are relatively low for solar systems. Other key aspects include site selection and the associated system performance, the approval process, and any subsidy applications at the federal and state levels, as well as the transport and installation.

Financing and Funding Options for Businesses

Both the federal government and the states offer support for sustainable energy projects. Detailed information on funding programs can be obtained from institutions such as the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), the German Energy Agency (dena), the chambers of industry and commerce, the chambers of crafts, specialized consulting firms, banks, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the project management organization Jülich (PtJ), and others.

Here is an overview of some options:

• Loans and grants from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW)
• The market incentive program from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)
• Tax deductions for investments in energy-efficient measures under the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV)
• Various funding programs from the respective state governments and municipalities
• Feed-in tariffs under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG)
• Loans and financing options from the environmental bank and other credit institutions for sustainable projects

Success Stories: Companies Benefiting from Solar Energy

Although Deutsche Bahn often makes headlines for negative reasons, it does a lot of good. The company operates several solar systems. The solar system in Brieske, for example, produces an impressive 1.8 million kWh of electricity annually, supporting the company in achieving its climate goals and reducing costs.

Another example is the software company SAP, which generates 680,000 kWh of electricity with the system on the roof of its headquarters in Walldorf. This amount represents a significant portion of the company's total consumption at the headquarters, significantly reducing operating costs and promoting the company's sustainability.

In summary, now is an excellent time for companies to invest in solar systems. Solar module prices are extremely low, mainly due to market saturation with Chinese products, and electricity costs are relatively high in an uncertain environment. The federal government has set very ambitious climate targets and offers many funding opportunities for businesses and individuals to achieve these goals. All signs point to green.