For many businesses, a major driver of investment in renewable energy is controlling costs and improving long-term efficiency. Here at Harvest Green Developments, we know that one of the first questions businesses ask us is: “What impact will commercial solar panels have on my post solar panel utility bills?” The answer is straightforward. Solar panels can significantly reduce your costs whilst working towards your sustainability goals. But the real benefits extend well beyond savings. We work with you to create a solution that fits your business perfectly.
1. How solar power reduces utility bills
By installing solar panels, you can generate your own clean electricity directly on-site. Every unit of power (kilowatt-hour/kWh) you produce is one you don’t need to buy from your supplier, instantly lowering your monthly electricity costs. Our solar systems convert sunlight into usable electricity during daylight hours, directly offsetting your demand from the grid. The amount you save depends on your system’s size, your energy usage patterns, and how much power you typically consume during the day. Many of our clients achieve 70–80% self-consumption, meaning the majority of their daytime energy use is covered by their own renewable generation rather than costly grid electricity. The result is a measurable and consistent reduction in your solar panel utility bills from day one.
2. Funding options to suit your business
Self-funded systems (Capex)
With a self-funded system, your business owns the solar installation outright. This means you benefit from all the power generated over the system’s lifetime, which is typically 25 to 30 years. Although this model involves an upfront investment, it offers some of the highest long-term savings. Once installed, your electricity costs drop to just a few pence per kWh, compared with the 25–30p per kWh often paid to energy suppliers. Most systems reach payback within 5–7 years (sometimes even less), after which your business enjoys decades of low-cost, renewable energy. The result is complete control over your energy supply and significant financial gains.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
If you’d prefer to avoid upfront capital expenditure, our Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model could be ideal. Under a PPA, we fund, install, and maintain the solar system on your premises at no cost to you. In return, you agree to purchase the power generated at a fixed rate, which is always lower than your current tariff. This gives you instant savings with zero capital outlay, predictable energy costs, and no maintenance responsibilities. Many of our clients choose a PPA because it allows them to reduce their solar panel utility bills immediately while protecting against future price increases.
Asset finance
We also work closely with trusted finance partners to provide asset finance solutions for businesses that want to own their solar system without a large initial outlay. With asset finance, you can spread the cost of your installation over an agreed period, usually between 3 and 7 years, while still benefiting from the energy savings your system generates from day one. This option combines the ownership advantages of a self-funded system with the cash flow flexibility of leasing. At the end of the finance term, you own the system outright and continue to enjoy free, renewable electricity for decades. Asset finance is a popular choice for businesses looking to retain capital for other investments while still taking control of their energy costs and reducing their solar panel utility bills.
3. Selling excess energy back to the grid
Depending on your operations, your solar system might occasionally produce more electricity than you use, especially during periods of low demand or bright weather. When that happens, you can sell the excess energy back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) or similar agreements. This allows you to earn additional income, further improving your return on investment. Export income typically applies to self-funded systems, as ownership determines who benefits from the sale of surplus energy. We always help you assess your likely self-consumption ratio and design your system to match your specific usage patterns for maximum efficiency.
4. More than just lower utility bills
It’s important to note here that renewable energy is not just about the financial benefits it provides to your business. Firstly, the energy independence that the system provides reduces reliance on the grid and, in the process, strengthens your energy resilience, which is hugely attractive in a volatile energy market that has continued to increase costs dramatically over the past few years. Being seen as a business that prioritises sustainability can also lead to further revenue by demonstrating to potential customers and clients that you are committed to a greener future. Brand and corporate reputation are more relevant in a competitive market and can help you stand out over your competitors, whether that be customers, investors, or potential employees.
5. Our approach: honest and consultative
We pride ourselves on taking an education-led, consultative approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we take the time to understand your energy usage, challenges, and any long-term sustainability targets before making any bespoke recommendations. We will always provide honest advice and technically sound solutions that truly fit your organisation. Whether you’re a manufacturer aiming to reduce operational costs or a logistics firm pursuing carbon neutrality, we tailor every project to meet your goals. We view every client relationship as a partnership, working with you every step of the way to ensure your investment delivers results.
6. Tracking your energy and savings
Once your system is operational, we provide full visibility into how your solar panels are performing. Our monitoring tools track energy generation, consumption, and savings in real time, allowing you to see exactly how your investment is reducing your solar panel utility bills each month. This data helps you manage your energy more effectively and identify further opportunities for improvement, such as integrating battery storage or EV charging infrastructure in the future.
Take control of your energy future
If you’re ready to lower your solar panel utility bills, gain greater energy security, and make a lasting commitment to sustainability as a result, we’d love to help. We work alongside you to design, install, and optimise a solar solution that delivers both financial and environmental returns, handling the installation every step of the way.
Contact our team today to arrange a consultation and discover how solar panels can transform the way your business manages energy.
