What industries benefit from solar energy?

A spike in the demand for solar, falling prices, various tax incentives, and grants, are the advantages and benefits businesses gain from solar energy.

Here are some of the industries that can benefit from solarenergy.

Agriculture:

Firstly, agriculture is one of the industries that can benefit from solar energy. As energy costs keep rising, more farmers are turning to solar energy to reduce those costs. Solar energy can cut energy costs and increase productivity, while benefits can be seen in as little as three years. It also contributes to the environment by using renewable energy.

Our BarnRack 2.0 flush is an ideal solar mounting system for agricultural structures such as barns, mainly because barns often have tilted corrugated metal roofs.  Having such a system allows for local farmers to switch from electricity generated by the utility company, to clean renewable energy generated on site.

In addition, both solar developers and farmers can benefit from solar and crop production. Solar developers reap the benefits of reduced installation costs, reduced upfront and legal risks, and a potential increase in photovoltaic performance. At the same time, farmers obtain the benefits of reduced electricity costs, diversification of revenue stream and the ability to maintain crop production.

REAP Grant (Rural Energy for America Program) is offered by the United States Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. This is grant funding to agricultural producers and small rural businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Businesses can receive a grant of 25% which can cover up to 75% of the project expenses.

Manufacturing:

Another sector that can significantly benefit from solar power is manufacturing. Businesses in this industry utilize a significant amount of electricity during the production process. Not only does the energy contribute as a major overhead cost for the organization, but it creates a significant amount of pollution to power the plant and the surrounding environment. As noted by the Solar Energy Information Administration's Solar Means Business Report, manufacturing accounts for 86 MW of solar PV energy production. Due to the size of manufacturing operations, these installations need to be large to make an impact on the overall energy consumption for the company.

A manufacturing plant generally requires the use of a substantial amount of electricity, which makes a manufacturer an excellent candidate for solar energy. In addition, manufacturers typically operate in large buildings with expansive roof space. This makes it perfect to have a large number of solar panels to capture more sunlight and therefore generating more electricity.

Furthermore, during peak hours, solar energy will save a manufacturer a lot of disposable income over a period of time on electricity costs, while contributing to sustainability. Also, tax incentives, including the 30% federal tax credit, make the return on investment very attractive for manufacturers.

 Commercial:

Commercial businesses, such as office buildings ordepartment stores, also see a similar return on investment as a manufacturer orfarmer. If you have available roof space and would like to take control of yourelectricity costs, you are a perfect candidate for solar energy.

With more land being devoted to solar energy production, the idea of making those areas pollinator-friendly makes a great deal of ecological and economic sense.

Choose KB Racking for your solar mounting installations!  

At KB Racking, we provide simple solutions you can count on. From our low-cost modular SeamRack 2.0 system to the next generation of rail-based solutions in AeroRack 2.0, we offer products that will suit your infrastructure and customizable needs.

Get your quote today or call one of our sales representatives at 1-888-661-3204.