Maximising Benefits: Combining Your Commercial Electric Vehicles With Solar Power

As electric commercial vehicles become more affordable, companies across all industries are making a significant shift towards cheaper fuel bills and greener transportation.

With electric vehicles offering a more cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to their fossil fuel counterparts, its no wonder that their adoption has become so wide spread. The costs associated with running commercial electric vehicles can be significantly less than traditional options. This is thanks to the lower cost of electricity compared to diesel or petrol, coupled with the fact that electric engines have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance requirements. From an environmental perspective, electric vehicles excel at helping companies meet their net zero targets as they do not emit exhaust pollutants, thereby reducing air pollution and contributing to cleaner urban environments.

On its own, replacing a fossil fuel fleet with electric vehicles is a big step forwards, but there is more that businesses can do to reduce costs and environmental impact further.

When businesses pair their electric vehicles with on-site solar panels, they unlock a wealth of benefits that span environmental, economic, and logistical dimensions. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the key points:

Cost Efficiency

Charging a vehicle with grid electricity is already a more cost-effective option compared to using petrol or diesel. However, the savings can be significantly amplified when you harness your own solar energy. This is because, after the initial cost of installing solar panels, the expense of producing electricity drops to almost nothing, given that sunlight is a freely available resource. By powering your fleet with the energy you generate, you can achieve considerable savings as it reduces the need to purchase power from the grid. Whilst there is an initial investment involved in setting up solar panels, their long lifespan and low maintenance requirements ensure that the savings accrued will offset the installation costs.

Energy Independence

Businesses that have the ability to generate their own electricity are better protected from a myriad of external challenges. They are less reliant on the national grid and, by extension, the global energy market. This shields companies from fluctuations in fuel prices caused by supply chain issues or geopolitical events. It also enhances energy security, especially when paired with a battery storage solution that supports “Back Up”. This allows businesses, particularly those with electric vehicles, to continue their operations uninterrupted.

Power When You Need It

Most commercial vehicles are on the road during the day and only get the opportunity to recharge over night when the sun isn’t shining. By combining solar panels with an efficient battery storage solution, businesses can store energy to charge their vehicles any time, day or night. Such storage systems not only maximise the use of renewable energy but also allow you to continue charging your vehicles in the event of a power outage.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Commercial electric vehicles, in and of themselves, do not emit pollutants. However, if they are charged using grid electricity, there’s a possibility that the energy originates from fossil fuels. By powering your fleet with solar panels installed at your premises, you can ensure a further reduction in carbon emissions. Solar energy is pure, renewable, and does not generate greenhouse gas emissions, making it a crucial tool for combating climate change and achieving Net Zero targets.

Enhanced Public Image

Adopting solar technology can significantly enhance a company’s public image. Consumers are increasingly favouring businesses that demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability. By integrating solar panels into their infrastructure, companies not only show leadership in green technology adoption but also align themselves with the values of their environmentally conscious customers.

Power More Than Your Fleet

The way you use energy generated by solar panels doesn’t have to be exclusive to charging your fleet. Employing solar power for routine operations across the entirety of your site allows you to take full advantages of the benefits. From lighting workshops to powering office equipment, using solar power allows businesses to further cut their dependence on external power providers, thereby reducing expenses and enhancing sustainability on a larger scale.