Navigating some of the barriers

Whilst many businesses across the region are keen to reduce their carbon footprint, some of the solutions can be complex to implement.

Adding solar power to a roof is a great way for owner operator businesses to lower their energy bills as well as their emissions, however with rising interest rates, investments will slow down.

Long lead times and a national lack of installers can also make the project seem unfeasible, as the UK struggles to match the growth in demand for renewable energy. Our round table discussion raised some issues that many businesses encounter, when it comes to the legal implications of installing solar panels. These include listed building consent, complexity with leased buildings due to ownership of roof space, and the long contract periods associated with some PPA contracts, all of which can make the process of installing solar panels or committing to renewable contracts less than easy.

Despite some of these concerns, the business case for selfgeneration in larger energy users is clear, supporting cost reduction, carbon reduction and increased energy resilience. To find out how your business could benefit by generating your own energy, contact us on info@actionnetzero.org for support and advice.