It’s the first week of 2024, and many of us will not only be setting personal New Year’s Resolutions, but ones for our business too. Make more money, have a better work-life balance, improve job satisfaction – how about going greener?

In an era where environmental consciousness is no longer an option but a necessity, businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and embracing sustainable practices. Energy efficiency plays a pivotal role in this journey, and one of the most impactful ways to achieve it is by incorporating renewable energy sources. In our first blog of 2024, we’ll explore a few practical and achievable energy efficiency tips for businesses committed to minimising their environmental impact and making a positive contribution to the planet.

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Energy Audit:

This should be on your to-do list for early in the year! Before embarking on any energy efficiency initiative, businesses should start with a thorough energy audit. This process involves assessing current energy consumption patterns and identifying areas where improvements could be made. The insights gained from an energy audit provide a roadmap for implementing targeted efficiency measures, as well as some short and long-term SMART goals for you to tick off throughout the year.

2. Embrace Renewable Energy Sources:

Investing in renewable energy sources is a cornerstone of any sustainable business strategy. Solar power is increasingly accessible and offers a clean, renewable alternative to traditional energy sources. Installing solar panels on rooftops allows for on-site energy generation, reducing reliance on the grid. Excess solar energy can be stored in Tesla Powerwalls, and could reduce your electricity bill by up to 80%.

3. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting:

If you’re not using LED bulbs in your business yet, why not?! A simple yet effective way to enhance energy efficiency is by transitioning to energy-efficient lighting solutions. LED bulbs consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan, resulting in both cost savings and reduced carbon emissions. There’s no job too small for us at Carter Electrical: we can upgrade your lighting whether you have a small home office or a huge warehouse.

4. Foster Employee Awareness and Engagement:

You don’t even have to spend any money to make your business more energy efficient – the commitment to energy efficiency extends beyond technology to the people within the organisation. Educate employees about the importance of energy conservation and encourage simple practices such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use. Engaged and informed employees can become ambassadors for sustainable practices both inside and outside the workplace.

5. Explore Energy Storage Solutions:

And finally, as renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent, investing in energy storage solutions such as batteries becomes crucial. These solutions enable businesses to store excess energy during peak production times and utilise it during periods of low renewable energy generation, encouraging less reliance on the grid at peak times.

So what are you waiting for? Make 2024 the year where you can say you made real changes to make your business and working practices more sustainable, and embraced modern renewable technology. Contact us today and we can guide you through the options that would best suit your business, contributing to a greener planet and position you as leaders within your industry.

“You have paid for an annual inspection and service which your installer has failed to provide…”

How many of you can relate to receiving one of these cold calls? How do they even know you have solar PV panels? How did they get your number? If anyone other than your certified solar PV installer is calling you about the panels they didn’t install, they’re probably a scam! Scammers use various methods to obtain phone numbers, and many of these methods involve exploiting information that is publicly available or accessible through various channels. Rest assured, there will never be any cold-calling or hard-sell from us, and we never pass on our customers’ personal details to third-parties.

Do I need an inspection or service on my solar PV panels?

Solar panels typically last between 25 to 30 years, although they will often still work after this time period, just producing electricity at a lower rate. The panels will often have the longest warranty in the solar PV system and the period of time that they last for is highly dependent on the manufacturer, installer and owner. Any servicing you undertake is entirely at your own discretion, and our installers can talk you through the various options at the time of installation.

What maintenance do my solar PV panels need?

Solar PV panels are ultra low maintenance sources of renewable energy, and can add value to your home as well as saving money on energy bills. However, forget the scammers, there’s some servicing that can be carried out either by yourself or certified installers such as Carter Electrical Installation Ltd to get the most out of your panels:

• Regular Cleaning: dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Regular cleaning, typically with water and a soft brush or sponge, helps maintain peak performance. Carter Electrical Installation Ltd offers this service, along with all the safety gear so you don’t have to get up on your roof!

• Visual Inspection: periodically inspect the solar panels for any visible damage, such as cracks or physical wear. Damaged panels may need to be replaced to maintain the overall efficiency of the system.

• Tree Trimming: if there are nearby trees that could cast shadows on the solar panels, trimming or removing branches may be necessary to ensure maximum sunlight exposure. Tree trimming also helps to reduce the build up of leaves throughout the autumn and winter months.

• Monitoring System Performance: many modern solar installations come with monitoring systems that allow homeowners to track the performance of their panels. Monitoring can help identify any issues with individual panels or the system as a whole.

• Inverter Maintenance: inverters, which convert power from the panels into power for use in your home, may require occasional maintenance or replacement. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific type of inverter in your system.

• Professional Inspections: while routine maintenance can be done by the homeowner, it’s advisable to have a professional inspection at least once a year. Professionals can identify potential issues that may not be obvious to the homeowner.

• Warranty Compliance: adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines and any warranty requirements is essential. Some warranties may require regular professional maintenance to remain valid.

At Carter Electrical we offer installation and complete servicing of Solar PV panels for your home or business. Additionally, we will also come out and look at your panels even if they weren’t fitted by us!

Remember, legitimate companies typically do not engage in unsolicited calls that pressure you into immediate action. If the caller is persistent, high-pressure, or unwilling to provide verifiable information, it may be a scam. Always prioritise your safety and the security of your personal information, and politely ask these cold-callers to take you off their database, and ensure you block their number.