An opinion piece from Emmanuel Trivin, MD Continental Europe at DCC & Chief Development Officer at Wewise Europe
Investing in renewable energy solutions is becoming a key pillar for businesses to evolve towards more sustainable practices and thrive in the future, but it cannot come at the expense of economic priorities.
In the UK, which ranks third among European countries with the highest electricity prices for businesses, companies must make greater efforts to reduce their operating costs. For many, especially in logistics and manufacturing, energy stability is also a top priority to increase operational resilience and prevent unexpected disruptions.
By embracing innovative solar energy solutions, businesses can meet their sustainability goals and gain a competitive edge, paving the way for long-term success:
Businesses can cut costs with on-site renewables
One of the most effective strategies for reducing emissions and costs is generating cleaner energy directly on-site. By installing solar PV systems, companies can cut their electricity bills by up to 50%, while also reducing carbon emissions and their reliance on the grid. This leaves businesses less exposed to volatile electricity prices driven by market conditions.
When it comes to solar solutions, mid-sized company leaders are seeking reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable options to achieve their energy transition goals. Above all, they expect simplicity and tangible support, particularly in financial terms. Today, several financing options are available to facilitate this transition: direct investment (CAPEX), self-financed with bank loans, or external financing solutions such as leasing
Why lock away precious capital in an upfront solar investment when you can make your energy work for you from day one? With financing options via Power Purchase Agreements, there’s no heavy CAPEX burden. Instead, you spread the cost over time, protect your cash flow, and keep investing in what matters most to your business. Many companies that choose financing see their energy bills drop by 20 to 40% immediately – all without tying up capital or taking on unnecessary risk.
Financing through PPAs also means peace of mind: predictable payments, performance guaranteed by your provider, and the flexibility to scale your energy solution as your business grows.
The result is simple: faster returns, stronger sustainability credentials, and a real competitive edge. Solar becomes not just an energy solution, but a growth strategy.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), whether implemented on-site or off-site, also provide businesses with a stable and predictable electricity price for 15 years or more. This long-term financial certainty is invaluable for effective budgeting and planning.
Boost operational resilience with on-site smart energy solutions
Operational resilience means keeping your business running smoothly, even during peak demand. By connecting solar PV, storage, EV chargers, and an intelligent energy management software, you optimise energy use, cut costs, and gain independence.
These technologies enable businesses to shift energy use to times when renewable energy is abundant and prices are lower, maximising cost efficiency. By optimising on-site solar generation and storage with an energy management software, buildings can achieve up to 95% energy self-sufficiency. Smart energy management platforms are crucial in this context, enabling businesses to shift energy loads to optimal times allowing core business processes to continue uninterrupted, even during times of high energy demand. This capability is especially beneficial for companies aiming to expand, as it allows them to bypass the often lengthy process of upgrading grid infrastructure by using battery storage and on-site generation technologies.
Drive business growth with renewable energy solutions
Beyond simply reducing emissions, companies should explore the potential of solar energy combined with battery storage as a novel business model to generate additional revenue. The number of businesses selling excess energy in the UK is significant and growing, and projections suggest that this sector will continue to expand at a remarkable rate. With estimates indicating it could reach a valuation of £41 billion by the year 2030.
By providing flexibility services to the national grid, businesses have the opportunity to monetise their capabilities and play a crucial role in maintaining grid stability. This value leads to enhanced returns on cleaner energy investments, making these initiatives beneficial from both an environmental and financial perspective. Taking a look at the numbers and many benefits, it becomes clear that adopting solar energy and a storage solution is simply a smart strategy for businesses looking to balance profitability with sustainability.
By implementing intelligent energy management software alongside solar and storage solutions, and by leveraging zero-upfront capital PPAs, businesses can cut costs and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious world.
This article appeared in the September 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.