- Traditional energy production based on coal, gas and oil is responsible for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Savings on bills, subsidies, reduction of CO2 emissions or added value, among the advantages of investing in photovoltaic energy for companies and individuals analyzed by IMEnergy.
- By using solar panels and adding to self-consumption, electricity costs can be reduced by between 50% and 70%.
- In Spain, subsidies are offered for the installation of solar panels ranging from 15% for a large company to 45% for an SME; 40% in the case of individuals and up to 70% in public administrations.
- 8 out of 10 people have changed their purchasing preferences based on criteria of social responsibility, inclusiveness or environmental impact.
One of the main reasons for individuals and companies to invest in the installation of solar panels is the commitment to more sustainable energy generation models. Currently, according to data from the National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory, traditional energy production based on coal, gas and oil is responsible for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the elimination of CO2 emissions is not the only advantage offered by photovoltaic energy, it can achieve great savings and independence from the energy giants.
This is essential at a time when the price of electricity is more expensive than ever. During the month of October bills have skyrocketed and the average user will pay 88.9% more than last year at the same time, according to a study by Facua Consumers in Action.
Coinciding with the celebration of World Energy Saving Day (October 21) and concerned about the upward price trend that is expected to continue in the coming months, as well as the need to implement efficient measures to achieve the goals set by the Decarbonization Strategy 2050, from IMEnergy – a leading company in the design, engineering, supply and construction of power plants – have made a list of the main advantages of investing in solar energy in both companies and individuals.
- Savings in the consumption of electrical energy from the grid. Investing in solar panels means joining self-consumption or, in other words, consuming directly the energy that we are generating and not the one coming from the electricity grid. By using this type of system, according to Selectra – energy tariff comparator – it is possible to reduce electricity costs by between 50% and 70%.
- Grants and incentives. In the case of photovoltaic solar energy in Spain, according to MITECO data, subsidies range from 15% for a large company to 45% for an SME. In the case of public administrations, these subsidies can reach 70%. For their part, individuals can benefit from 40%, rising to 50% for collective self-consumption systems, and they can obtain tax benefits such as a 50% reduction in IBI and up to 95% in the Tax on Installations, Construction and Works (ICIO).
- Surplus energy produced. Another of the great advantages offered by photovoltaic self-consumption is compensation for surpluses. Electricity that is generated and not consumed is fed into the grid and metered, and the utility company is obliged to deduct the difference. It is important to clarify that no money is earned with this measure, even if more energy is produced than is consumed.
- Environmental commitment. Governments have an inexorable power over the energy market and care for the environment, but the individual efforts of individuals and companies are essential to be able to contribute to the reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere. A good example of this is the reduction of these emissions by 45% in photovoltaic systems for single-family homes or up to 85% if a battery is integrated, according to EUPD Research.
- Value bet. Although investing in solar panels may seem like a large outlay, the truth is that in the long run it becomes a highly profitable investment. According to data from the Zillow platform, homes with solar panel systems are sold 4% more expensive than homes with other types of systems and, for more than 80% of buyers, the energy efficiency of real estate becomes a vitally important element in the process of deciding to buy a property. In the case of companies, profitability becomes visible with consumer confidence in the brand, according to Capgemini data, 8 out of 10 people have changed their purchasing preferences based on criteria of social responsibility, inclusiveness or environmental impact, so green companies improve their image and market positioning..
“It is becoming increasingly evident that companies, regardless of their size, as well as individuals, are increasingly concerned about the need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly models”, says José Manuel Suárez, CEO of IMEnergy. “A more sustainable and aware society is possible. We are becoming greener and we see that in our day-to-day work. In fact, so far this year we have increased our client portfolio significantly, in addition to the launch of four large projects in Salamanca, Granada, Huelva and Badajoz, which brings us a little closer to the goals of decarbonization of the traditional energy system”.
