Skip to main content

Take charge of your energy bills with microgeneration

Find out how generating your own power could save your business money

Did your business feel the pain of recent energy price hikes? Are you wondering what you can do to be more resilient to price volatility in the energy markets in the future?

You’re not alone. Many forward-thinking businesses are contacting our team for help.

There’s lots you can do to reduce your energy demand by upgrading your premises and your equipment and improving workplace behaviours.

But have you considered generating your own power?

It’s a great time to investigate generating your own low cost, low carbon energy to heat and power your business… and reduce your reliance on energy suppliers.

What is microgeneration?

Microgeneration means creating your own electricity and/or heat using small, renewable energy systems. Unlike big power stations, microgeneration systems are installed right where you need them – on your site.

The main types of microgeneration technologies suitable for small and medium sized businesses include:

 

Solar panels

As the name suggest, these use sunlight to make electricity (solar PV) or to heat water (solar thermal) – or both in the case of a hybrid system. Find out more about solar panels by watching our on-demand webinar here.

 

Wind turbines

Unless you have been living under a rock, chances are you will be well acquainted with wind turbines. Seen across many parts of Scotland, wind turbines are now generating clean energy and providing the equivalent of 85% of Scotland’s total annual electricity demand.

Small-scale turbines can be used to power businesses too.

Find out more about wind turbines and where they work by watching our on-demand webinar here.

 

Micro hydro

If you’ve read our blog ‘Seven green family days out in Scotland’ you may already have visited the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre. The centre tells the story of hydroelectricity in the north of Scotland and demonstrates how it has made an impact on how we live.

The power of hydro can also be used by some businesses – those with access to suitable streams or rivers. Find out more about micro hydro systems by watching our on-demand webinar here.

 

Heat pumps

These take heat from the air, ground or water and use it to heat your building and in some instances provide hot water. Find out more about heat pumps in our guide or by watching our on-demand webinar here.

Scottish businesses already saving with microgeneration

We have worked with several businesses that have installed microgeneration technologies and have gone on to make big savings:

  • J S Nicholson & Son’s installed solar panels and micro hydro technology, reducing the farm’s reliance on electricity from the grid by almost 80%.
  • After installing PV solar panels, Kidz World Nursery Ltd began saving an estimated £5,000 a year on energy bills and 17.6tCO2 each year.
  • Falkirk-based marketing business, Crunchy Carrots, is celebrating a 70% reduction in carbon emissions after installing an air source heat pump.

Take charge of your energy bills

Business Energy Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to provide free, impartial support and access to funding to help small and medium-sized enterprises save energy, carbon and money

To find out if you could save money on your energy bills with microgeneration, our team of experienced business advisors and energy-saving consultants are here to help. Get in touch today.

Get the next blog post sent straight to your inbox

If you liked this blog post, make sure you sign up to our regular ezine, The Bottom Line. It’s an easy way to keep up to date with all the latest updates including grants and funding, free training, case studies, the latest blogs and other useful resources that can help your organisation improve its environmental performance, save resources and save money.