The latest findings by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has revealed that wholesale energy prices have tripled in the June 2022 quarter, compared to this same time last year. With wholesale prices being passed on to consumers, this huge rise in energy prices is just another challenge that Australian businesses have faced in recent years.
Investing in solar for your business is a smart way to counter rising energy costs and protect your company against further price increases. Solar remains one of the best options for both your wallet and the planet – as businesses with solar can expect to see savings in the thousands each year, depending on how they use their system.
The other good news is that there is a lot of government support available to Australian businesses to make the switch to solar. Government-led rebates such as the Victorian Solar for Business Program, and the Australia-wide Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, are certainly worth exploring for small businesses, and can significantly help with the upfront cost of solar.
With news circulating of solar companies springing up, only to disappear just as quickly leaving customers vulnerable, it’s also important that businesses choose a provider that they can trust.
Four key things to look out for when choosing a solar provider include:
- Ensure they are an approved Solar Retailer who has signed on to the Solar Retailer Code of Conduct
- Their products and installers are accredited by the Clean Energy Council
- Extended warranty is offered
- Longevity of the solar provider – how long have they been around, and will they continue to provide support after installation?
By taking up government incentives and ensuring they choose a trusted provider, businesses can help protect themselves from rising energy costs thanks to solar and have clean and reliable energy.
Stephen Cranch is general manager at Solahart.