WITH OPEC confirming that oil and gas prices are back on the rise for the foreseeable future, it’s time to reconsider ways in which you and your business can adopt a wiser energy ethos.

There are currently acres of unused roof space on warehouses and commercial buildings; 250,000 hectares of which faces south. If your business is one of the many falling within this statistic, it may benefit from solar photovoltaic investment.

A business generating its own electricity reduces electricity bills, protects itself against rising energy costs, and generates income from the ‘Feed-in’ tariff, plus an additional sum by exporting any unused energy to the National Grid.

It has also never been simpler or more cost efficient to install. The Government has relaxed the requirements for some commercial buildings in connection with obtaining planning permission for installations that meet certain conditions. In addition, the average cost of installation is now a third of its original price.

Investing in solar photovoltaic may be a way to boost your company’s reputation, whilst providing a useful contribution towards ticking its Corporate Social Responsibility box. With technology constantly developing, the investment in solar panels could turn your business’s premises into a power generator, generating both energy and yearly income from a source without limits.

*Ben Hingley is a Commercial Property lawyer specialising in renewable energy projects and can help you with any questions you may have on 01823 625892.