Why More Modern Car Dealerships Are Investing in Solar Power 

Being environmentally conscious is essential nowadays, especially for car dealerships. Most major car manufacturing brands in the UK, such as Toyota, Ford, and BMW, have chosen solar to show that they’re doing their part for the planet. And more and more smaller brands are opting for greener energy sources as a way to give themselves a competitive edge and lower their energy costs.

So, with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at why modern car dealerships are investing in solar power for their business.

Soaring Energy Prices

One of the main reasons any business – not just car dealerships – switches to renewable sources of energy is to lower their energy bills.

In the current economic climate, most companies are struggling to keep up with energy costs, which are seemingly always on the rise. Even when taking steps to reduce their energy usage, it can be challenging for businesses to make ends meet. One of the most effective ways to combat this is with a renewable energy solution such as solar panels.

Solar panels aren’t a viable option for every car dealership. The upfront costs are typically quite high and not all buildings are suitable for commercial solar panel installation.

However, with most UK dealerships expecting a payback period of less than six years, the majority of dealerships are able to implement panels and leverage solar power, reducing their energy-related overhead costs long-term. This makes it easier for them to stay afloat in a time where it’s not uncommon for a business to fall victim to the current cost of living crisis.

The Rise of EVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) have grown in popularity in the last decade or so. Largely because they’re cheaper to run, offer excellent performance and comfort, and have less environmental impact than their petrol and diesel counterparts. Plus, as electric vehicles continue to advance, they offer much higher ranges and charging stations are becoming readily available almost everywhere, making them more accessible than ever before.

Because of this, most car dealerships stock EVs. But this does come at a cost. EVs require charging ports that can consume a significant amount of energy. This, on top of everyday energy usage like lighting and heating, can cause energy bills to rack up quickly.

Solar panels are helping car dealerships keep EVs charged and ready to go for a fraction of the cost of standard energy suppliers. Plus, not relying on the national grid means even if there is a power outage or supply chain issue in the area, business can continue as normal.

Pressure to Meet Sustainability Targets

Many businesses, especially those in the automotive industry, are under immense pressure to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) targets. These pressures don’t just come from investors or stakeholders, but from customers who are becoming more wary about the brands they choose to buy from based on their environmental values too.

Balancing achieving these targets while making sure overheads are manageable and energy usage remains efficient can be a challenge, but solar panels are allowing businesses to do exactly that. The installation of solar panels makes it easier for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and express their commitment to the environment, all while keeping long-term costs down and efficiency up.

Suitability for Solar Panel Installation

There are many options when it comes to renewable energy sources – so why use solar power?

The answer to this is simple – solar panels are usually the most viable option. Most car dealerships have large, flat rooftops and sizable car parks that make solar panel installation a simple and straightforward option compared to other green energy methods, like hydropower or wind energy.

The Future of Solar Panels in the Automotive Industry

Being environmentally responsible has become a necessity for most car dealerships. Luckily, balancing costs, energy efficiency, and carbon footprints has been made easy thanks to solar panels –  a reliable and renewable energy source that in the long run, can significantly reduce a company’s overheads.

It seems unlikely that solar powered car dealerships will be going away anytime soon. Chances are, more and more businesses will look to convert to more renewable forms of energy in the near future.