This article will teach you all you need to know about how commercial solar power can benefit your business. Understanding the need for solar energy adaptation in business can keep you one step ahead of the competition and help you redirect your resources more effectively.

Understanding the importance of commercial solar power adaptation in business will keep you one step ahead of the competition. You’ve probably noticed that many small and large business owners are switching from getting their electricity from PHCN to using commercial solar power so they can plan ahead, save money, and protect themselves from threats they didn’t expect.

Nigerians are very much at ease with PHCN electrical supply, so hearing about how solar power might assist your business is of course unbelievable.

It’s not that using electricity is bad; in fact, it seems wrong when the benefits of solar power are compared to the cost of making and using electricity today.

Also read: Benefits of solar energy for commercial use

You may be asking if commercial solar power is different from the common phrase “solar panel.” They are distinct and similar in many ways, so because you brought it up, I’ll shed some light on it (read more).

It is critical that we discuss commercial solar power briefly. They are constructed of photovoltaic cells. Solar panels, also known as PV solar panels, convert sunlight into energy volts that can be stored for future use, as you may be aware.

The term “photovoltaic” refers to the conversion of light into electricity, using semi-conducting devices and materials capable of exhibiting the photovoltaic effect. When exposed to sunlight, this process generates a voltage.

Solar panels are made up of cells made of silicon that are stacked and separated into positive and negative layers. This makes a field that can catch and turn the energy from the sun into electricity. Based on the solar cell components, the silicon composition gives rise to various kinds of solar panels. There are three types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film.

So, if you are considering utilizing solar power, you are entirely correct in your decision. This article will explain everything you need to know about commercial solar power and its benefits for your business, both locally and globally.

Ways Your Business Can Benefit From Commercial Solar Power

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It’s high time we take a look at the various ways your business can benefit from using solar power.

1. Solar power saves you time and money on electricity costs.

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Can I truly save money by utilizing commercial solar panels for my business, especially in Nigeria? Imagine having to cancel all of your bills, including the recurrent and escalating light cost that PHCN imposed on every individual.

Whether or not your company used the power, you will receive these bills. It is set in motion regardless of whether or not you consume. That is, whether or not you are on vacation, you must pay in full.

Switching to commercial solar panels might now assist your business to reduce the excessive payments that you receive despite not using the electricity offered.

In the event of a disconnection, you must wait until PHCN arrives to reconnect your light, which costs you money; money for reconnection, money for the idle personnel who stops the abrupt darkness in order to catch some shut eyes.

With solar panels having a 25-year warranty per panel, moving to solar production and consumption can secure a 25-year future investment. You can transfer that cash flow to more productive uses using the savings from the PHCN bill.

2. Environmentally friendly

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According to a study, the amount of CO2 emissions from energy generation in Nigeria is around… metric tonnes. This excludes emissions from generators, gasoline, and other alternative energy sources.

It is entirely dependent on the usage of sunshine, as opposed to solar panels or solar product output (solar energy). It is regarded as the most environmentally friendly method of energy generation.

The prevalence of persons who rely solely on electricity is known to be the leading cause of various health conditions nowadays.

Solar energy produces no toxic or gaseous greenhouse gases or other gaseous emissions because it emits none. Going solar is the best way to keep and maintain a healthy, friendly ecology or environment, and it may help you attract others who share your or your business’s interests.

3. Eliminate unanticipated power outages:

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Consider how many Nigerian businesses are dissatisfied as a result of grid failures, cable tangling, PHCN strikes, and other disasters.

Using a solar panel can help you avoid unforeseen events such as power outages, and you can preserve and store energy to be utilized later with the help of an extra battery. Remember that, despite being the safest, most reliable, and most secure source of energy,

The panels are intended to catch daylight energy and convert it to electricity that can be utilized immediately or stored for later use.

You can consume electricity instantaneously with your mounted solar grids, while your batteries can be conserved for later use when the panels are not gathering rays.

4. It has hybrid usage

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Solar electricity may now be used at night thanks to technological advancements. You can utilize hybrid solar systems to store the power generated by your solar system during the day and use it at night. This is possible because hybrid solar systems are both grid-connected and have battery banks linked to them.

5. Solar systems require little maintenance:

Unbelievable-Ways-Your-Business-Can-Benefit-From-Solar-Power

One of the primary reasons why businesses should consider using solar energy is that solar systems require less upkeep. Maintaining the largest of solar systems is also reasonable with GVE Solar Company In Nigeria’s pool of simple service packages. To learn more about these packages, please contact our service representatives at +234 909 222 7483 or Email: Info@gve-group.com

Other advantages include: it contributes to energy independence.

  • It contributes to the value of your home.
  • Solar panels are becoming increasingly inexpensive.
  • It can help you save up to 80% on your electricity expenses.
  • It is an excellent form of investing.

Conclusion On Benefits of Commercial Solar Power

As an entrepreneur or owner of a large or small business in Nigeria, using commercial solar panels is essential for relieving stress and making business more fun.

So, if you want to purchase a solar product for your solar business, we can help you get the most dependable solar product to help accelerate your decision to go solar.

Net metering is a method of electric invoicing that allows you to store excess energy generated by your solar panels on the grid.

We’ll go over all you need to know about net metering in this article. 

Let’s dive deep into how electricity bills work with net metering, and the benefits, and disadvantages of net metering. Let’s go! 

Is net metering worth it? 

Going solar becomes a more appealing investment with this incentive, especially for properties with little daytime consumption.

During the day, homeowners can convert their roofs into mini-power plants, which is deducted from their nighttime use.

This implies that if your solar energy system generates more electricity than your home requires, the excess is delivered to the power grid, where your utility will compensate you.

Rooftop solar panels are a terrific method to save money because of net metering! 

In fact, the best states for solar installation are those with the best net metering rules, not those with the most sunshine.

Solar panels offer a shorter payback period and a higher return on investment where net metering is provided. 

If you don’t have this benefit, you’ll only save money on electricity bills if you use solar energy directly, and any surplus generation will be lost unless it’s stored in a solar battery. 

In general, areas with favorable net metering rules will see more home solar systems. 

How does net metering work? 

In a nutshell, net metering provides you credit for returning solar energy to the grid and also offsets future electricity you could take from the utility, providing you the full economic value of all the solar energy your solar panels generate. 

You may be able to remove all of your monthly electric expenditures if your solar system is suitably sized.

Solar panels generate the greatest electricity when the sun is shining in the middle of the day. 

The issue is that the hottest part of the day is also when you consume the least amount of electricity. 

As a result, your panels are generating far more energy than your home requires at the time.

When solar panels generate more electricity than a home requires, the surplus is fed into the grid. This is when net metering enters the picture. 

Your electric meter spins backward when a net-metered system transfers solar energy to the grid, and your utility credits your account for the full retail value of electricity.

You then use electricity from the grid at night when your solar panels aren’t producing, spinning your electric meter forward once more. 

The utility nets how much electricity you provided to the grid versus how much you used to determine your total cost at the end of the billing month, hence the name net metering.

Read Also: Benefits of solar energy for commercial use

How does net metering affect your utility bill? 

Net metering increases the value of solar power systems for households by allowing you to “sell” any excess energy produced to your utility provider. 

It’s crucial to understand how charges and credits are handled, though:

Utility providers will not write you a check for the power you contribute, but you can earn credits for it. 

Instead, the credits will be deducted from your power bills.

If your net metering credit is more than your use during a billing period, the difference is carried over to the next month.

Although some electricity companies may continue to roll over your credit indefinitely, many have a yearly expiration date that resets your credit balance.

With all of this in mind, you can cut your annual electricity bill to zero. 

During the sunny summer months, you can save up credit and use it during the winter months when solar generation drops. 

When your solar power system has just the proper capacity to cover your annual home use, you’ll get the best results.

Oversizing your solar array isn’t a good idea because you’ll wind up with a lot of unused credit each year. 

To put it another way, you can’t overproduce each month and charge your power company. 

Some power companies will let you choose when your annual net metering credits will expire.

Benefits of net metering 

Find below the benefits of net metering 

Utility bill savings

The utility bill savings are the most significant benefit of net metering for solar homeowners. 

Over the life of your solar panel system, net metering can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Solar panel systems can be structured to offset all of a solar customer’s energy use charges within a billing cycle, as we mentioned before. 

However, net metering cannot eliminate some set charges found on most electric bills.

Shorter payback periods 

Payback periods will be substantially shorter in areas that offer complete retail net metering than in areas that do not. 

This is due to the fact that solar households will save more on their electricity bills, allowing them to repay their investment expenditures more quickly.

Net metering isn’t the only factor that influences the length of time it takes for your solar system to pay for itself. 

The size of your photovoltaic system, the quantity of electricity you use, the cost of your installation, and local solar incentives and rebates all factor into how long it takes to pay off your solar panels.

Reduces pressure on the grid 

Residential solar panels aid utilities (as well as their consumers) by reducing the amount of stress on the electric grid distribution system. 

Solar households utilize their own electricity instead of getting power from the grid, therefore there are fewer individuals drawing power from the grid directly.

Furthermore, when a solar system transmits extra energy to the grid, that energy is used by non-solar utility users to meet their own energy needs. 

This relieves even more strain on utility-scale power plants.

Relieving some of the strain on the electric system is especially critical now, as heatwaves become more prevalent and utilities struggle to satisfy electricity demands in certain regions. 

Read Also: Solar farming – 3 key benefits

Disadvantages of net metering 

There is minimal to no harm from the consumer’s perspective. 

You are generating energy and saving money on your electric bill.

From the standpoint of the power company, they are losing money. 

Because the consumers’ load requirements vary with the solar output, it makes it a little more difficult to regulate their load. 

When the sun shines brilliantly, for example, the load on the electricity company is reduced. 

If a large thunderstorm blankets a city, thousands of customers’ solar production may be disrupted, and the utility company must make up the difference almost seamlessly, a difficult task.

Understanding the term – Host consumer 

The customer is self-sufficient in terms of power. 

They usually already have a relationship with the distribution company and/or a private business, which makes using the net meter easier. 

In terms of controlling the amount of electricity utilized and/or billed, the host customer is given both independence and empowerment.

What is a monitoring process?

The methods of metering range from one country to the next. 

Depending on the country’s existing energy or environmental legislation, processes might also vary greatly from area to region or state to state. 

It basically determines how much power customers can use at any one moment. 

The majority of monitoring and reimbursable fees are done on a monthly basis.

Advantages of using the monitoring process. 

  • A minimal fee is imposed.
  • There is only one meter used.
  • Currents are measured in both directions.
  • There is no need for prior arrangements or notices.
  • Credits can be carried over to the following month.

Disadvantages of using the monitoring process 

  • Deficit payments were necessary in some circumstances.
  • It may be necessary to settle a residual account or obligation on an annual basis.
  • Revenue collection shortages are a problem for municipal and government-controlled grid systems.
  • Net metering/power generation system owners are not required to pay the full cost of the regional or national grid.

Other terms include: 

Aggregate net metering

Multiple meters on a property can be offset by a single solar system using aggregate net metering.

Assume you live on a ranch with a house, a barn, and a workshop, all of which have their own meters. 

All three meters are included in the total net energy use on the property under this agreement.

This works in the same way that ‘traditional’ net metering does. 

The only distinction is that you can track multiple meters on a single property.

Virtual net metering

Virtual net metering differs from traditional net metering in that it allows several consumers to share a solar energy system and participate in net metering.

Individual tenants can be metered and billed under their own account under this arrangement, which allows shared houses such as apartment buildings to establish a centralized solar system.

Similarly, residents in the neighborhood can construct a community solar farm to provide power to several residences in the area. 

Those that invest in the community solar scheme gain a piece of the shared system’s ownership. 

They would be entitled to credits and/or compensation based on their percentage ownership in the system.

Rounding up 

Are you considering going solar? 

Make a phone call to your local utility and inquire about their net metering policies. Many have their policies available on the internet.

They’ll explain how they credit you for the solar energy you generate, which is crucial to know if you want to get the most out of your system.

Don’t forget to share this article. 

Electricity is one of the most expensive overhead charges you’ll face as a business owner. You’ll be vulnerable to electric rate changes if you rely on the commercial power system.

Unexpected price rises create uncertainty in your firm, particularly in terms of cash flow management. Perhaps it’s time to lighten your load and investigate how solar panels can help your company.

Solar panels are quickly gaining traction as a viable alternative energy source. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the commercial benefits of solar panels

Benefits of solar energy for commercial use

You’re probably aware that solar energy is a long-term investment with a slow payoff. Finally, you’ll base your decision on the advantages of solar electricity for your company. Here are a few of the most important advantages:

Sustainability of solar panels

Commercial electrical power is a commodity, which many people are unaware of. It is purchased and sold according to supply and demand.

When you take electricity from the grid, you’re subject to market forces and user rates. You are not covered against future charges. This is due to the fact that the future is unpredictably unpredictable.

You’re making an investment in your company’s future by switching to solar energy. You save money on electricity while also protecting the future of your business when you use solar power.

Read Also: Solar energy and sustainable development

Control future energy bills

It’s tough to predict running costs because you never know what the future holds. When you install solar panels, though, forecasting your electric bill becomes a lot easier.

With a business solar panel system that drastically decreases your energy expenditures, you won’t have to worry about unpredictable and wildly changing energy bills each month. Because you won’t have to worry about growing energy rates, your budgeting just got a whole lot easier.

Highly reliable

Solar panels for commercial use are essentially maintenance-free and silent. Commercial buildings are usually designed in such a way that they are conveniently accessible.

The solar cells are protected by tempered glass and non-corrosive aluminum frames. They’re made to withstand the elements and can survive rain, hail, wind, and snow – pretty much any weather-related threat.

Now is the best time to invest in SOLAR. The above benefits of solar energy for commercial use are valid!

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at all you need to know about solar panel kits, is it with it, and how many watts of solar you will need for your home, 

What are solar panel kits? 

Everything you need to generate and use green energy is included in a solar panel kit. Solar panels, panel mounts, a charge controller to convert DC current to usable AC current, cabling and connections to tie everything together, and batteries to store all of the generated energy are all included.

These kits are packaged in a way that makes them simple to assemble, allowing homeowners to avoid guesswork throughout the solar installation process. 

There are many distinct versions of these kits available for purchase, each tailored to specific uses and requirements. Choosing one necessitates establishing a budget and determining which features you cannot live without even for a day.

Read More: Off-grid solar systems: All you need to know

Are solar panel kits worth it? 

People want to save money while preserving the environment. They wish to purchase solar cells in order to cut down on their energy use and long-term costs.

A solar panel kit is an excellent way to get started with a solar power system. A solar cell can now generate enough electricity to run a home on its own, thanks to advancements in technology and solar panel efficiency.

Furthermore, installation kits are affordable. Many types on the market can assist with almost any task. Some people even prefer to heat their homes with solar cells or portable solar power kits. Whatever your motivation, there are a variety of solar-powered kits available.

Solar energy is a good investment because it saves money on electricity. The upfront fees are the most difficult to overcome because you save money on a monthly bill. It’s worth looking into several sellers to see if you can locate a good offer. For solar installation, the average solar panel company will provide a discount.

How many watts of solar do I need?

Subtract the amount of daily peak sunlight hours in your area from your average hourly wattage demand. This tells you how much energy your panels must produce each hour.

What can a 100W solar panel run? 

A single 100-Watt Solar Panel can power multiple tiny gadgets such as cell phones, lamps, ceiling fans, wifi routers, laptops, and other small devices. Heaters, televisions, air conditioning systems, and other comparable items require more than one 100-Watt Solar Panel.

What can a 200W solar panel run?

A laptop, LED lights, an energy-efficient mini-fridge, an exhaust fan, a coffee maker, and a 32″ LED TV can all be powered by a 200-watt solar panel.

What can a 300W solar panel run? 

A 300-watt panel receiving 8 hours of sunlight per day will generate around 2.5 kilowatt-hours per day. We can acquire a solar output of roughly 900 kilowatt-hours per year if we multiply this by 365 days per year. In a nutshell, each solar panel will generate 900 kilowatt-hours each year.

Despite the various scenarios, there is still a vast list of appliances and equipment that can be powered by 300-watt solar panels, including laptops, LED lights, stereos, and televisions.

Read More: The best ways to use solar water heaters

What can a 400W solar panel run? 

With full irradiance, a 400-watt solar panel can run a 360 watt AC load (continuous). This figure accounts for a ten percent inverter loss. This covers a variety of devices such as televisions, laptop computers, slow cookers, and ceiling fans. A 120Ah battery and a 400-watt solar panel can power a compact fridge.

What can a 500W solar panel run?

The inverter, which produces 500 watts of power, could power a variety of devices. Small refrigerators, tablets, cellphones, cameras, computers, repair equipment, game consoles, small TVs, DVD players, and a variety of other household appliances are just a few examples. The inverter can be used up to 80% of its capability.

Conclusion 

Whether you’re a contractor or not, there’s a kit out there to suit your needs. Just double-check everything to make sure you’re getting the appropriate item. If you have any doubts about whether a certain kit is right for you, consult a professional (speak with us today). Solar energy is an unstoppable development that benefits everyone.

Large-scale solar projects are solar farms or solar parks. They are usually used as power plants in the same way that natural gas power plants are. In solar farming, unlike home solar paneling, the panels will be embedded in the ground over enormous expanses of land. 

The panels capture the sun’s energy throughout the day and direct it to a receiver filled with molten salt. In this article, we’ll be looking at 3 key benefits of solar farming. 

3 benefits of solar farming 

Solar energy technology has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. Turning to solar energy sources has never been more ecologically beneficial and cost-effective. The following are only a few of the advantages of solar farms.

Read This Next: How to start a solar energy business in Nigeria

Environmentally friendly 

Solar farms rely on a dependable and environmentally friendly energy source. They help to lower carbon emissions. Also, solar farms generate non-polluting energy that is not harmful to the environment.

Solar farms do not pollute the environment. While there are some emissions connected with the construction of a solar farm, they are negligible when compared to most other forms of electricity.

Useful for plants and animals 

Solar farms improve the habitat for animals and plants on land. The terrain around a solar farm is typically grassy, making it safe for local wildlife to graze between the rows of panels.

Renewable energy 

Solar energy is clean, renewable, and easy on your wallet and the environment when you install solar systems. Solar power, according to scientists, will soon account for over a quarter of the world’s energy.

The basic fact of the matter is that the sun will not disappear in the near future. However, this is not the same for energy sources such as coal and fossil fuels.

Conclusion 

The benefits of solar farming are numerous.

Solar farming is beneficial to both man and animals. Thinking of starting a solar farm? If yes, you’re on the right track.

Homeowners are looking for new energy solutions as energy bills continue to climb and environmental concerns continue to grow. Off-grid solar systems were first utilized to generate power for basic daily necessities like lights, TV, and radio in isolated villages, farming areas, sea islands, and other remote areas.

When off-grid solar systems initially became available to homeowners, the initial outlay was a little daunting. With the lower costs of the essential components, an off-grid solar system is now a practical option, providing homeowners with a long-term savings strategy and clean energy.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at off-grid solar systems in great detail. 

Let’s dive in. 

What is an off-grid system?

Off-grid living means “Living autonomously without reliance on a utility for power.”

“Not connected to or served by publicly or privately managed utilities” (such as electricity, gas, or water), as Merriam-Webster puts it.

So, off-grid means you’re not connected to the main electrical grid in your state or county.

So, how does one meet their electricity needs when living off the grid? Consider how much electrical power is used in practically every aspect of your everyday life, from having a shower in the morning to charging your iPhone overnight to warming water for breakfast cereal.

Let’s see what an off-grid solar system is all about next!

Without a direct connection to the utility grid, an off-grid solar system allows electricity to be harvested by solar panels and stored in a battery, providing an independent power source to your home or business.

In essence, an off-grid solar system is a revolutionary innovation that supplies you with independent solar energy. The following are the components of an off-grid solar system.

  • Solar panels 
  • Charge controllers 
  • Battery bank 
  • Inverters 

Let’s look at how off-grid solar energy systems work now that we’ve defined what an off-grid solar system is.

Read This Next: The best ways to use solar water heaters

How does an off-grid system work?

The effectiveness of the components in an off-grid solar energy system determines its creativity. This is how the solar panels, charge controllers, battery bank, and inverters in a solar energy system work together to power your laptop or refrigerator.

Solar energy systems that are off the grid work by:

  • Using Solar Panels (PV array). Solar panels can be installed on your roof or in an open yard or in other areas of your property. The solar panels absorb the sunlight and transfer it to the charge controllers.
  • Charge controllers: Chargers are electronic devices that regulate the flow of electricity. Between the solar panels, the inverters, and the battery bank, the charge controller serves as the “delivery man.” Charge controllers also serve as a regulator, ensuring that the amount of electricity received from the solar panels does not overload the battery, but rather keeps it completely charged and allows it to be topped off as needed. The charge controllers either route the energy to your lights as DC power or to inverters to convert it to AC power for domestic appliances, with any excess energy going to the battery bank.
  • Battery bank: The battery bank is the heart of the off-grid solar system, since it stores excess energy for cloudy days and nights and feeds electricity to the panels when needed, thanks to the charge controllers sending energy to the batteries.
  • Inverters: Finally, inverters transform DC (direct current) power into AC power, which is sent to your gadgets or appliances as DC power, which allows you to turn on the television or fry an egg.

Conclusion 

There are numerous benefits of off-grid solar systems. They promote independence because you no longer rely on your county or state for your electrical needs, it protects the environment and helps you save money. 

Solar energy has shown to be an excellent alternative to fuel and diesel, as well as saving the environment from generator noise pollution. If you are thinking of beginning a solar energy business in Nigeria, you are on the proper track. Daily, both enterprises and households spend money on fuel and diesel. As a result, many people are looking for a long-term solution to their power problems. You can tap into this sector because a lot of people need solutions to their problems, you just need the right tips. 

How can you start a solar energy business in Nigeria? 

Read This Next: Solar energy and sustainable development

Tips on starting a solar energy business 

To avoid threading the wrong path, you need to know what to do before you start a solar business. Keep reading to find out more. 

Register your business

The first step in forming a business in Nigeria is to register it with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). In Nigeria, the CAC is the authorized body for business registration.

Either a business name or a limited liability company can be registered. The business name is the most cost-effective way to register a company. It is critical to register your business because you will be unable to open a corporate account in any Nigerian bank without it. More importantly, it establishes your company’s credibility and dependability in the eyes of your clients.

To avoid the hassles of registering your business on your own, you can hire a professional to do it for you. 

Also, to avoid any type of company interruption or legal action, you must register with key government departments or agencies. Importantly, join the solar energy industry’s applicable labor union.

Choose a niche 

What is a niche? A business niche is a specialized or targeted segment of a larger market that companies can exploit to set themselves apart from the competitors. Entrepreneurs should seek out a niche in their business with unmet or underserved demands. 

Where do you intend to invest your energy? You can decide to sell products to customers, be an installer of solar energy products, be a solar energy equipment repairer or be a solar energy product distribution. Whatever the case, you need to decide on the niche you want to focus on. This will give you a higher advantage over others.

Read This Next: The best ways to use solar water heaters

Sell products to customers 

Solar panels are only one part of solar equipment. Other things in the category include everything from battery replacements to solar water heaters. Personal solar products, such as backpack panels, phone chargers, and other novelty solar items, are increasingly becoming more popular. You can sell any of these to customers. 

Installation of solar products 

Because of the numerous benefits available to homeowners, solar panel installation is a strongly marketed area. Installation specialists can help with more than just solar panels; they can also help with solar water heaters, pool heaters, and other solar needs.

Solar energy product distributor 

Work with producers to identify new and existing product distribution channels. Become a middleman for the manufacturer and the installation or retailer.

Solar energy equipment repairer 

Consumers must maintain their systems regularly once they have been installed for them to function properly. So, cleaning panels, verifying battery function, and inspecting wiring are all part of routine maintenance.

Draft a business plan 

After you’ve decided on the greatest niche for you, write a business strategy to go along with it. A business plan is a document that outlines your company’s long-term goals and tactics for accomplishing them.

This stage is critical since it will provide precise information that will assist you in increasing your business’s chances of success. More importantly, it will assist you in achieving your company’s short and long-term goals.

How to draft a business plan 

A good business plan will walk you through each step of beginning and running a company. Your business plan will serve as a road map for how to establish, run, and grow your new company. It’s a method of considering the most important aspects of your company.

There are two formats for writing a business plan: Traditional Business plan & Lean startup business plan

Traditional Business Plan 

An executive summary, company summary, products and services, market analysis summary, strategy and implementation summary, management summary, financial plan, and an appendix are the eight components of a traditional business plan, each with three to ten subsections.

Lean startup business plan

Though conventional wisdom holds that a standard business plan is the most important initial step in launching a business, a growing number of entrepreneurs are embracing the lean startup model and finding success with it.

Instead of meticulous planning, the lean startup approach encourages experimentation and allows you to quickly explain or launch your company. This style works well if your company is small and you expect to change or enhance your business plan as you go.

It consists of Value proposition, Key partners, Key activities, Key resources, Customer segments, Customer relationships, Channels, Cost Structure, and Revenue streams. 

Market your solar energy business 

Marketing is crucial since it aids in the sale of your goods or services. Any business’s bottom line is to make money, and marketing is a critical channel for achieving that goal. Many firms would not exist without marketing, according to creatives, because marketing is ultimately what drives sales.

When beginning a business, this is one of the most crucial tasks to take. Because of the internet and social media, advertising has become much easier today. Create accounts on social networking sites and use them to promote your business. Other forms of marketing include Word of mouth, Referral marketing, Collaboration, and partnership, etc. 

Conclusion 

It is always advisable to count the cost before you begin any business venture. Other necessary things involved in starting a solar energy business in Nigeria include registering your business, choosing a niche, drafting a business plan, and marketing. 

Did you know there’s a cost effective way of generating hot water for your home? Have you been searching for the best ways to use solar water heaters?

Solar water heaters can be used in any climate, so it is highly recommended. It makes use of renewable energy – the sun. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what solar heaters are, the uses and best ways to use solar water heaters. 

What are solar water heaters? 

A solar water heater is a device that generates hot water using solar heat energy. It is made up of a solar collector that is put on a building’s roof and connected to a water storage tank. Unheated water can be pumped from the tank through the collector to be directly heated, or it can be heated by a high-capacity heat-exchange fluid that was warmed in the collector and transmits its heat through tubes in the water in the tank, depending on the system. 

While heat transfer from the solar collector to the unheated water can be accomplished passively without the need of mechanical devices, “active” solar hot water systems rely on energy to circulate the heat-exchange fluid as well as to power mechanical pumps and controllers.

Types of solar systems 

  1. Active systems

Mechanical pumps and differential controllers are used in active solar hot water systems to regulate and guide the flow of the heat-transfer fluid or water from the solar collector to the tank.

  1. Passive systems 

Passive systems, which rely on gravity rather than electricity, are most efficient in hot climates where night or wintertime freezing is not present.

Read More: Solar energy and sustainable development

Uses of solar water heaters

The basic requirement for hot water is extremely costly because it consumes a significant amount of energy. Heating water consumes more than 18% of all domestic energy. The majority of houses and businesses get their energy from fossil fuels like gas and oil. The majority of modern household boilers are gas-powered and heat water on demand. 

Furthermore, many individuals prefer to heat their water with electricity, which is the most expensive technique of all. 

Humans also can’t deny that we use hot water on a daily basis, and that hot water is the lifeblood of various manufacturing operations. 

The introduction of “green energy” has aided individuals in adopting more efficient and sustainable means of carrying out daily tasks.

Read More: How To Read A Utility Meter

Benefits of using solar water heaters

There are numerous benefits of using solar water heaters, they include: 

Hot water throughout the year 

The solar water system works throughout the year, though you’ll need to heat the water with a boiler or immersion, especially during Harmattan. 

Reduced energy bills 

You don’t have to worry about bills anymore because the sun is free, so your hot water costs will be reduced. 

Lower carbon footprint 

Solar water heating is a renewable energy source that can help you lower your carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Leveraging the sun has numerous advantages. Solar energy has played a big role in generating hot water for the home. 

There are three main different types of solar panels. Each type has its own unique set of advantages and, maybe, disadvantages.

It is important to know the different types of solar panels because your choice will determine the cost and amount of roof space your solar installation requires.


What are solar panels?

Solar panels are used to collect solar energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. A solar panel is composed of individual solar cells. Each solar cell is made from layers of silicon, boron, and phosphorus.

The boron layer provides the positive charge, the phosphorus layer provides the negative charge, and the silicon wafer acts as the semiconductor.

When the sun’s photons strike the surface of the panel, it knocks out electrons from the silicon “sandwich” and into the electric field generated by the solar cells. This results in a directional current, which is then harnessed into usable power. The entire process is called the photovoltaic effect, which is why solar panels are also known as photovoltaic panels or PV panels. A typical solar panel contains 60, 72, or 90 individual solar cells.


Types of solar panel

There are three main types of solar panels that are commercially available. They include:

  1. Monocrystalline solar panels
  2. Polycrystalline solar panels
  3. Thin-film solar panels


1. Monocrystalline solar panels

The monocrystalline solar panels are the most popular types of solar panels used in rooftop solar panel installations today.

Monocrystalline solar panels have unique features that are considered better than the other two types of panels. They are as follows:

  • The pyramid pattern of the cells offers a larger surface area to collect more energy from the sun’s rays.
  • Cells are coated with silicon nitride to reduce reflection and thereby increase absorption.
  • The produced electricity is collected through metal conductors printed onto the cells.
  • It has a higher efficiency of conversion of solar energy into electric energy than its two other counterparts.
  • These panels have a longevity of up to 30 years.
  • These panels exhibit greater heat resistance.


Applications

Because of their many advantages, monocrystalline solar panels can be used as follows:

  • Can be used as solar rooftops in urban and rural areas.
  • These panels are highly recommended for solar applications on a larger scale—on vast tracts of uncultivable land.
  • These panels are also useful for residential and commercial applications.
  • These panels are extremely useful in lighting up gardens.
  • These panels can form an array and be used to power rural homes.
  • These panels are perfect for street lighting as stand-alone panels.


2. Polycrystalline solar panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are solar panels that consist of several crystals of silicon in a single PV cell.

Features of polycrystalline solar panels include:

  • Polycrystalline solar panels have lower heat tolerance than monocrystalline panels. So, at higher temperatures, these solar panels have lower efficiency than others.
  • Polycrystalline solar panels have a higher temperature coefficient than monocrystalline panels.
  • These panels have a high power density.
  • They come with a structural frame of their own which makes mounting cheaper and simpler.


Application of polycrystalline solar panels:

  • They can be used in large solar farms.
  • They are suitable for roof-mounted arrays.
  • They are used in self-powered devices such as traffic lights, and off-grid households.


3. Thin film solar panels

A thin-film solar panel is made up of one or more thin layers of photovoltaic materials that are laid onto a substrate.

Features of thin film solar panel:

  • They are more flexible and lightweight.
  • Installation is much easier than the others.
  • These solar panels are most suitable for applications with large rooftops or wide open spaces.


Application of thin-film solar panels

  • They can be used in solar farms.
  • They can be used to power traffic lights and street lights.
  • They can be installed in large-sized steel water tanks to provide electricity for pumping water.


Conclusion

There are three main different types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels.

Knowing the difference between each of them helps you in making the right choice during solar panel installations.

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