As environmental awareness grows and requirements to reduce CO2 emissions become more stringent, many companies and investors are considering solutions based on renewable energy sources. Among the available technologies, photovoltaics is attracting increasing interest, particularly in industry. Choosing the right solution is crucial to the economic benefits and energy efficiency of the company.
Energy consumption analysis
A sound understanding and analysis of the company’s energy consumption is the first step. The energy profile should be examined both at the level of the entire business and for individual departments or production halls. This analysis helps estimate the potential savings from using industrial photovoltaics and determine the optimal PV system capacity. It is also worth considering the company’s operating pattern — whether most activity takes place during the day or at night, as this affects how much of the generated electricity can be used on site.
Measurement and assessment of the available area
Before installing PV panels, the available area must be assessed. Industrial companies often have extensive space available, both on building roofs and on adjacent land. These areas should, however, be evaluated for access to sunlight, taking account of potential obstructions such as trees or other buildings.
Choosing PV technology
PV panels available on the market are mainly divided into monocrystalline and polycrystalline types. Monocrystalline panels offer higher efficiency (15-19%) than polycrystalline panels (14-16%), making them one of the most sought-after solutions today. It is also important to consider manufacturer warranties and service availability.
Benefits of photovoltaics
Investing in industrial photovoltaics offers numerous benefits for businesses. The most obvious advantage is the ability to generate electricity on site using solar energy, which is free at source. It can also reduce the company’s dependence on external energy suppliers and the associated risks, such as price fluctuations. With appropriately sized battery storage, surplus electricity can be stored and used during periods of lower solar generation.
An optimally sized PV system ensures the highest possible coverage of electricity demand while minimizing costs associated with surplus electricity. Proper panel placement is also important and requires accurate calculations and an appropriate system design.
Working with companies that specialize in PV technology, such as Energy Trend, provides access to experienced specialists who can help select the most suitable solutions and identify available sources of investment financing.
