The Present and Future of Commercial Solar

As companies and corporations increasingly realize the benefits of adopting solar energy, we’ve seen the rising trend of companies going solar. More and more business owners are choosing to invest in solar energy for a variety of reasons including reducing operating costs and creating positive PR for their business. At the same time, the cost of investment in solar is falling as well, making it an affordable option for commercial customers.

According to market research, energy savings from solar can be substantial. In fact, the average commercial property owner in the U.S. can reduce overall energy costs by 75% by going solar. Many large businesses are already reaping the benefits of commercial solar. Here are several companies who have gone big on solar.

1. Amazon

Amazon has started investing in solar energy to keep business costs low, which will then provide more savings to customers. As of December 2020, Amazon has 127 renewable energy projects across the globe that can generate over 6,500 megawatts (MW) and deliver more than 18 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy annually. Besides building solar farms, Amazon has also started the construction of wind farms that will altogether generate up to 3.6 MW/hours of renewable energy each year.

2. Google

It’s impressive to learn that Google has been carbon neutral for over a decade. In 2007, Google became carbon neutral and by 2017, they became the first company of their size to match 100% of their electricity consumption with renewable energy. Today, Google is the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy. It is also their goal to fully decarbonize their electricity supply and operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030.

3. Ikea

Recognizing the dangers of climate change, it is Ikea’s goal to play a leading role in making solar energy accessible. To do so, Ikea has aimed to make their operations energy independent, producing as much renewable energy as we consume. So far, Ikea has over 750,000 solar panels on more than 100 stores and other buildings.

4. Apple

In 2018, Apple announced that it too was globally powered by 100% renewable energy. This achievement encompasses retail stores, offices, data centres, and co-located facilities in 43 countries. Additionally, the company also has at least 28 operational renewable energy projects and 15 more in construction around the world, including the fully solar-powered headquarters in Cupertino. Together, these projects are expected to generate over 1.5 gigawatts of clean, renewable energy and have reportedly reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 64% since 2011.

As renewable energy becomes more prevalent, many corporations are leading the way to move forward sustainably. Hopefully, there will be more and more corporations who will follow their lead in the years to come. In hopes of building a greener future together, it is crucial for us to join hands in combating climate change. We at buySolar are here to help companies like you to join the movement.