The Renewables Blog

How much can you save with photovoltaics?

Feb 22, 2024 | Insights, Photovoltaic systems

In the current economic landscape, characterised by rising energy costs and an increasing focus on environmental impact, companies are increasingly looking for innovative solutions to optimise their resources and reduce operating costs. Among the most promising options is the photovoltaics, an investment that not only reduces dependence on traditional energy sources, but also offers significant financial benefits in the long term.

But how much do you save installing a photovoltaic system on a company roof? In this article, we explore the role of photovoltaics as a profitable option for companies wishing to lower their energy costs, providing a detailed analysis of the financial benefits such an investment can bring.

How does a photovoltaic system on a company roof save money? Investment, savings, profit

Before quantifying the financial benefits of installing a photovoltaic system, it is essential to understand how energy savings are realised for companies. True, initially, the investment is significant: in fact, a small company might spend from 12,000 euros upwards to install solar panels to meet its energy demand. However, thanks to the current state incentives and cost-effective solutions such as the one proposed by us at Heiwit, it is possible to start gaining financial benefits right from the installation of roof panels. To find out more, take a look at our services for companies.

Remember that the size of the initial investment for the installation of the photovoltaic system directly influences future energy savings. In fact, the size of the installation, its location, and the quality of the photovoltaic panels play a crucial role in determining the efficiency and performance of the system.

Despite the large initial investment, then, the advantages of solar are obvious: directly using the energy produced by photovoltaic panels, dependence on the national grid is reduced and energy costs are lowered. In the most optimal cases, such as total self-consumption, it is possible to achieve a practically zero cost of electricity, leaving only the fixed costs to be paid on the bill.

In addition, the energy produced but not consumed is sold to the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE), guaranteeing a positive balance. Although it does not lead to a direct saving on the bill, the Scambio sul Posto offers a tangible economic benefit.

How much a company saves with photovoltaics: a practical example

So that you can understand how much a company can save by installing a roof-mounted photovoltaic system, we give you an example based on a case we have dealt with in the past. Let's consider the installation of a photovoltaic system at TechGear Manufacturing (fictitious name), a company operating in the production of electronic components based in Florence, which opted for a photovoltaic system with a power output of 18 kW.

The initial investment for the installation of the photovoltaic system amounted to € 27,500, which we at Heiwit supported, and then entered into a 30-year lease agreement with the contractor. This investment resulted in a considerable financial return over the years. With an average annual energy production of 21,500 kWh, the photovoltaic system installed by TechGear Manufacturing far exceeds the company's estimated annual consumption of 19,800 kWh, ensuring a high degree of self-consumption.

Given the considerable own energy production, the annual amount of energy withdrawn from the grid is 8,800 kWh, confirming a significant energy efficiency, with a self-consumption rate of 80%. The annual share of the Scambio sul Posto (SSP) offset by the GSE is €500, further confirming the financial benefits of installing photovoltaics.

Overall, TechGear Manufacturing saves a total of € 4,700 per year thanks to the installed photovoltaic system. Such savings represent not only a significant economic benefit, but also a testimony to the company's commitment to operational efficiency and financial responsibility.

The photovoltaic system installed by TechGear Manufacturing therefore proves to be not only a profitable investment, but also a strategic choice towards a more sustainable future. With a guaranteed return on investment within 6 years, the company can enjoy an average annual profit of € 4,700, ensuring a steady and reliable revenue stream for the next 24 years.

Installation of photovoltaic systems on company roofs pays off

Entrepreneurs often fear the initial expense of installing a photovoltaic system on their company roof. They get carried away by the rumours you hear online and on TV about solar and thus forego many benefits.

The installation of a roof-mounted photovoltaic system is a profitable investment for companies in several respects. The significant reduction in energy costs is one of the main advantages, as it allows for a significant reduction in electricity bills from the very first use of the photovoltaic system. This results in tangible economic savings in the short term, while in the long term, photovoltaic systems guarantee a constant economic return over a period of 25 to 30 years, contributing to the financial stability of the company.

Moreover, the energy independence achieved through self-generation of solar energy reduces dependence on the national energy market and its fluctuating prices. Energy autonomy not only increases the security of the company's energy supply, but also offers greater flexibility and control over its consumption.

From an environmental perspective, the adoption of photovoltaic systems demonstrates the company's commitment to environmental sustainability. By using clean, renewable energy, the companies contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and more efficient use of natural resources, demonstrating social responsibility and attracting the attention of environmentally sensitive consumers. Thus, with everyone's cooperation, it will be easier to achieve the European climate targets 2030 and also the decarbonisation the energy sector as soon as possible.

The possibility of reselling surplus energy through the 'Scambio sul Posto' (SSP) offers an additional revenue opportunity for companies, increasing the overall profitability of the photovoltaic investment. Finally, the installation of photovoltaic systems can help improve a company's competitiveness and reputation, differentiating it from competitors and creating a positive image related to environmental sustainability. Not to be forgotten, the increase in the value of the property on which the photovoltaic system is installed represents an additional advantage for the company, offering the possibility of obtaining an economic return even if the property is sold in the future.

Do you also want to participate in the energy transition? Discover Heiwit's services and the advantages of photovoltaic system rental!