Renewable technology will not run out of its energy source, unlike fossil fuels, for example, which are limited. Some of these include wind-based energy or solar power, which are more sustainable for the earth. These methods are also great for your business because your energy costs and bills will be a fraction of what you might pay once installed and running compared to fossil fuels.
Read on for more information on how renewable sources can help your business.
1. Solar Energy
Solar energy uses ultraviolet radiation from the sun to create an electrical current that can flow where needed. Solar power is highly popular and is widely available via solar panels, which sit in the sun to create electrical energy.
The technology in this field has advanced dramatically in the last several years, making it a viable form of electricity for most households and even for commercial use. For example, using a well-built solar generator can save small businesses lots of money in electricity bills and benefit the environment at the same time by reducing the company’s dependence on fossil fuels.
2. Wind Energy
While less accessible for most small businesses, wind electricity stems from windmills with large fan turbines attached. These will rotate as the wind pushes them, and the rotations will then be converted into energy from the change in air pressure inside the turbine.
Wind energy is good for the environment and would ultimately provide free electricity for businesses that use it.
The main drawback for businesses considering the implementation of wind turbines for electricity is the upfront costs of installation and getting started. However, wind energy will save you enough to offset the starting costs after these initial costs are implemented.
3. Hydroelectricity
The theory behind hydroelectricity is very similar to that of wind power. Like wind energy, a turbine with fans attached is rotated by naturally occurring forces. This rotation then converts compressed air into a form of energy that can be used where it is needed.
However, the main difference is that hydroelectricity uses flowing water and natural currents to create the work needed to rotate the propellors.
It has similar costs and benefits to businesses as wind turbine technology. There is a high cost of installation and start-up, but once running, it has the potential to generate revenue for your business and return all the start-up costs and then some after.
4. Biomass Energy
This is a unique form of energy that essentially stems from plants and plant growth. By using plant mass, such as the stems from corn crops, the matter can be converted into a form of biofuel similar to diesel or gasoline. It can also be directly combusted to create heat.
As technology advances in biomass energy, it is becoming more useful for commercial industries to use as a source of fuel for shipping products and goods.
While this method of fuel is still developing, if implemented in the trucking and commercial shipping industry, it would take great stress off of the gasoline-based form of power most commonly used today.
However, this may not be the most economically feasible for small businesses because of the incredibly high cost associated with such a new technology. But it’s something to keep an eye out for as innovations continue.
Power Your Business with Renewable Power
Using renewable energy sources is the best way to ensure that your company has access to reliable energy sources for the foreseeable future.
Above, we compiled a list of the most common renewable sources and how they might affect your business if you use them. Use this as inspiration to learn more about how your business can save money while helping the planet.