Investing in green technology and working towards a sustainable future is something that appeals to many people. Since the global financial crisis of 2008 fewer people are looking to avoid the issues that it caused, and more are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment.
The most efficient and effective way to satisfy this desire to reduce your carbon footprint is by investing in solar power and investing time into learning how to build a business around it.
Over the past few years, interest in solar power has grown, with more people looking to reduce their carbon footprint by generating their own power supply.
According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, by 2021 there will be more than 500 million solar-powered homes globally. That’s a lot of people interested in going green!
If you’re considering getting into the solar energy business or if you’ve already started, then this article will help you get started the right way.
Set A Budget
One of the first things you’ll need to do is set a budget for your solar power business. There are a number of solar powered solutions that are inexpensive and easy to set up, but not all of them are created equal. Depending on how much you’re willing to spend on the equipment needed, you can determine how much you’ll be able to generate. Your budget should include costs such as;
- cost of the solar panel (watt hour or peak power)
- cost of the solar charge controller (depending on the frequency at which you want to charge)
- cost of the battery bank (depending on how long you want to run the unit)
- installation cost
Do Your Research
One of the most important things you can do before getting started is to do your research. Not only will this assist you in knowing what you’re getting into, but it will also allow you to find the best solution for your needs. Conducting some research on the cost of solar energy versus purchasing a solar power system that is already built may allow you to find a price that is more affordable. Additionally, being able to compare multiple offers from different suppliers is crucial for getting the best price possible. Doing your research should also uncover any regulations or restrictions that you might need to know about.
Decide Whether To Buy New Or Used
Another important factor to consider before getting started is whether you want to buy new or used equipment. New equipment will save you money in the long run, as you’ll be avoiding the depreciation that occurs when buying used. However, if you’re looking for a quick cash infusion then it’s best to invest in used equipment.
Deciding whether to buy new or used will really depend on how much money you have to spend. If you’re looking for a cheap yet functional solution then it’s best to buy used, but if you have a lot of money to spend then it’s best to buy new.
Choose The Right Location
The next step is to choose the right location for your solar power business. This is determined by a number of factors, but primarily by the amount of sunshine that you can receive. If you live in a region where it gets a lot of sunlight (pennsylvania, New York, etc.) then you’ll be able to generate a lot of power, even on cloudy days. The more sunlight that you can harness the better, as more sunlight = more energy to power your life.
The Size Of Your Team
If you’re going to be investing a lot of time and energy into your business then it’s important to have the right people around you. It’s best to bring in people with knowledge and experience in the field you’re entering, as they will be able to assist you in maximising the output of your solar power system. A healthy team is essential for success, so make sure you work with people you can trust. Hiring freelancers or employees can be costly, and takes time to train them on the tasks at hand. Having a team of people who are already familiar with the operations of your company can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Determine The Budget For The Project
Once you have your solar power system up and running you’ll need to determine the budget for the project. This is determined by a number of factors, but primarily by how much electricity you want to generate and how frequently you want to generate it. The cost of electricity will vary from region to region, as some places are much more expensive than others. You’ll also need to factor in how much time you have to spend on the project, because if it’s a one-time deal then it’s best to go for the cheapest option available. When it comes to solar power generation there are a number of options that are cheap and easy to set up, but not all of them are created equal and it depends on how much you’re willing to spend on the equipment needed.
Consider Offgrid Living
If you’re looking for a completely offgrid living option then consider the possibility of living somewhere without power lines. The cost of living without power lines is extremely low, as you won’t need to spend any money on electricity to live. This could potentially be a cheaper option, particularly if you want to generate your own power supply. Living offgrid isn’t for everyone, as it requires a lot of preparation and planning and it comes with many extra costs, such as;
- a backup power supply
- storage
- backup communications
- more durable equipment
- additional personnel
However, if you want to generate your own power supply and be completely independent of the grid, then living offgrid is something you should consider.
Choose A Productive And Sustainable Future
The last step is to choose a productive and sustainable future. In order to do this, it’s important to consider your own life and how you want to live it. Will you be working long hours to make a lot of money? Or will you be looking for ways to reduce your work week? Reducing your carbon footprint and optimising your energy usage will assist you in creating a happier and more sustainable life.
These 10 tips for entrepreneurs will help you get started the right way. Setting a budget, doing your research, and choosing the right location are all crucial in securing your future in this exciting and emerging field.