Best Time to Invest in Solar Energy: A Complete Guide

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

As the world grapples with mounting energy prices, ambitious sustainability targets, and the challenges posed by ageing infrastructure, businesses are at a pivotal crossroads. The question is no longer whether companies should transition to solar power but rather when they should take the leap. Should they invest now or wait for potential incentives, technological advancements, or necessary infrastructure upgrades?

Ciaran Cotter, Head of Technical at Solivus, provides valuable insights into the timing of solar investments and the key factors that should guide this crucial decision.

The Complex Energy Landscape

The task of securing a sustainable energy future is incredibly complex, particularly for industries that are trying to balance operational continuity with the need to reduce costs amid rising energy prices. On one hand, companies must ensure they can maintain business as usual while pursuing new growth opportunities. On the other hand, there’s an urgent need to mitigate environmental impacts as the UK’s net zero trajectory draws ever closer.

With the introduction of new industry standards and increasing carbon reduction expectations, businesses are under more pressure than ever to demonstrate environmental responsibility. Customers, employees, and suppliers alike are aligning themselves with companies that display a commitment to sustainability. This shift signifies a growing emphasis on environmental measures that can drive efficiency, optimise energy consumption, and future-proof operations against impending challenges.

In this context, solar power stands out as a compelling opportunity. It offers significant carbon reduction potential while allowing companies to control energy costs and minimise disruptions. However, the decision of when to adopt solar can be daunting for many businesses.

A Strategic Response to Rising Costs

In our experience, one of the most common drivers for adopting solar energy is the increase in energy costs. Companies must now think strategically about their grid usage and implement cost-control measures. Factors such as increased energy demand, tariff changes, and grid constraints have made energy management a critical concern for businesses.

Consider the example of an automotive manufacturer that expands its operations to include electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. While this is a positive step towards electric mobility, it also brings significant peak energy loads, resulting in higher electricity bills and placing additional strain on the grid. Alternatively, a business might encounter new utility contract terms that impose higher demand charges based on peak usage rather than total consumption, further inflating operating costs for energy-intensive industries.

In both instances, solar power—especially when combined with battery storage—provides a viable solution. By self-generating energy, businesses can reduce their reliance on the grid and shield themselves from the volatility of energy prices. This transition becomes not just an environmentally responsible choice but also a financially sound one.

Environmental Leadership and Business Continuity

The shift towards solar energy also carries a proactive dimension. Many organisations are now looking beyond immediate cost savings, taking decisive steps to lower their carbon footprint as part of a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy. For these forward-thinking companies, the transition to on-site renewable energy and smart energy systems is as much about demonstrating environmental leadership as it is about enhancing operational efficiency.

A particularly compelling argument for commercial solar arises in sectors where an uninterrupted power supply is crucial. As aging grids become less reliable, power supply disruptions are becoming more common. For a busy factory or manufacturing facility, even a few minutes of downtime can translate into significant productivity losses and revenue impacts. By incorporating solar power alongside energy storage solutions, businesses can create a buffer that ensures the continuity of critical operations while reducing their dependence on the national grid.

Choosing the Right Solar Solution

Once the case for solar energy has been established, the next step involves selecting the appropriate solution. Structural capacity often emerges as a primary concern, as it is estimated that around 40% of commercial buildings in the UK are unable to support the weight of traditional solar panels. Fortunately, advancements in lightweight, ultra-thin film technology have made solar energy viable for buildings that were previously deemed unsuitable.

Scalability is another vital consideration. As industries move towards decarbonisation, it becomes increasingly challenging for commercial and industrial users to predict their energy needs a year into the future, let alone five years down the line when new electric fleets or production technologies may be introduced. In this context, the capacity to grow and scale alongside evolving business objectives is essential.

The role of digitalisation cannot be overstated. From system monitoring and energy optimisation to the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), smart energy systems are revolutionising how businesses manage their consumption and emissions. Energy storage plays a crucial role in this digital shift, enabling companies to exercise informed control over their energy usage based on real-time insights. Consequently, any solar solution should seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure while aligning with broader smart building ambitions.

A Strategic Imperative

The energy transition is gaining momentum, propelled by the adoption of renewable sources and shifting consumption models. While this transition introduces complexities, it also presents a strategic opportunity for businesses to redefine how they generate and utilise power.

Viewing solar energy as more than just a cost-saving measure is essential; it should be regarded as a strategic asset. Early adopters of solar technology often enjoy reputational advantages, enhanced resilience against price volatility, and stronger alignment with customer and investor expectations.

It’s important to recognise that the most significant benefits derived from solar energy accrue over the long term. Each year of delay in transitioning to solar represents not only lost savings but also missed opportunities for emissions reduction. So, when is the right time to invest in solar energy? In brief: the time is now.

For more information about solar solutions tailored for your business, please visit www.solivus.com.

This article originally appeared in the June 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.