From Guest Blogger Sanjay Bowry: Renewable Energy – A Truly Viable Alternative

The recent announcements around energy price increases has reminded us all that fuel poverty is a very real concern for UK consumers. The government’s recent Public Attitudes Tracker poll showed 48% of people in the UK are now worried about paying their energy bills and this figure is likely to increase as this winter’s bills arrive in the post.

The choice between heating or eating has become a harsh reality for many households and businesses are also suffering as their profit margins are squeezed by spiralling energy overheads. Energy bills have risen by almost 37% since 2010 and this upward curve shows no sign of easing.

Much of the advice given by energy experts centres on managing consumption, putting on a woolly jumper or searching for a better deal online; with some comparison websites claiming to offer savings of up to £250 on bills. Yes, comparison websites have made it easier to switch provider but the energy suppliers’ co-ordinated approach to pricing means it is almost impossible to completely escape the impact of these price hikes.

Managing consumption is also easier now than ever before with a range of energy saving devices and innovations available to help us reduce our usage. Loft and cavity wall insulation can help keep the heat in whilst simple steps such as closing internal doors, installing draught excluders and shortening the time spent in the shower can also make a dent in our fuel bills.

While it’s all very well suggesting we reduce our consumption and try to find a better deal online, the reality is that most energy consumers need help. Businesses, in particular, are less able to manage their consumption as many commercial processes require high volumes of energy. Yes, savings can be made by improving the efficiency of these processes but are there any other options for those businesses whose high energy demands are causing concern for the future?

A growing number of UK businesses are taking matters into their own hands and turning to renewables – solar in particular – to generate their own electricity supplies. Renewable technology is giving these businesses some much needed reassurance in their fight to keep costs manageable.

Solar power has long been a favourite of savvy energy consumers across the UK with Department of Energy and Climate Change figures estimating almost half a million UK homes already have them installed on their roofs. But now commercial clients, particularly those with large warehouses or factories ideal for solar installations, are increasingly wising up to the power of solar.

Home builders and housing associations are also switching-on to the benefits of fitting solar panels to new build homes. First Wessex recently pledged £4.3 million to fitting solar panels onto 1000 of its affordable homes in the south of England and other housing associations up and down the country are investigating solar as a means to safeguard their tenants from rising energy prices.

The feed-in tariff has been a huge driver of demand for solar technology but the latest raft of hikes to traditional energy prices has added further weight to the case for solar.

Though the emphasis often rests with the consumer to make their own choices when it comes to renewable energy, the industry needs to be pro-active in capturing the attention of those businesses that are worried about the costs of future energy supplies. This is an opportunity for us to re-assert renewables as a practical and cost effective alternative.

Now is the time for us to educate and work with businesses to advise on how best to utilising renewables to safeguard against rising fuel bills. Solar is one of the most accessible technologies to businesses and we must take this opportunity to support commercial clients to take ownership of their own energy supplies.

Government initiatives like the feed-in tariff means that the financial benefits of switching to solar energy stretch beyond just saving money on fuel bills. Solar power is also greener, cleaner, and more sustainable than traditional sources of energy. The challenge now is to spread this message far and wide. Our audience has never been more receptive.