Powering Care with Sunshine: How...
Nursing homes are the backbone of our communities, providing essential care for our elderly population. But keeping these facilities running smoothly requires a significant amount of energy – lighting, heating, cooling and medical equipment all contribute to a hefty energy bill. This is where commercial solar panels come in, offering a win-win solution for both the environment and your bottom line.
Slashing Energy Costs and Boosting ROI
Nursing homes are prime candidates for solar power due to their high and consistent energy consumption. By installing commercial solar panels, you can generate your own clean electricity, significantly reducing your reliance on the traditional National Grid and lowering your electricity bills. The high energy usage also translates to a faster return on investment (ROI) compared to other establishments. Additionally, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) allow you to benefit from discounted solar energy without the upfront installation costs.
The concept of installing solar panels for nursing homes in the UK is quite interesting and has both potential benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a simplified table outlining the advantages and disadvantages:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Reduces Electricity Costs | Initial Investment |
| Solar power can significantly lower annual electricity expenses, potentially saving up to £400. | The upfront cost for purchasing and installing solar panels can be considerable. |
| Reduces Carbon Footprint | Weather Dependency |
| Using solar energy helps cut down carbon emissions, contributing to climate goals. | Solar panels are less effective on cloudy days and their output is best with full sunshine. |
| Renewable Energy Source | Installation Requirements |
| Solar power is sustainable and helps fight climate change. | The effectiveness depends on the roof’s tilt and direction. |
| Easy Installation | Maintenance |
| Panels can usually be installed within a day. | While generally low, maintenance is still required to ensure efficiency. |
Leading the Charge in Sustainability
Commercial solar panels are a beacon of environmental responsibility. They produce clean, renewable energy, unlike traditional sources that rely on fossil fuels and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. By making the switch to solar, you’re not only reducing your own carbon footprint but also helping to conserve natural resources. The mining processes for fossil fuels damage ecosystems and deplete finite resources, while solar power offers a clean and sustainable alternative.
Peace of Mind Through Energy Independence
Solar panels offer a shield against the ever-changing energy landscape. Reduced reliance on the National Grid means you’re less vulnerable to power cuts or disruptions – a critical factor when ensuring the well-being of residents who rely on medical equipment. Furthermore, solar power provides a hedge against fluctuating energy prices. Whether you own your solar panel system or participate in a PPA, you’ll benefit from predictable energy costs, allowing for more confident budgeting.
Turning Sunshine into Extra Income
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) program allows you to sell any excess electricity your commercial solar panels generate back to the National Grid. This translates to additional income for your nursing home, which can be used to further enhance resident care or facility upgrades. Furthermore, by feeding clean energy back into the National Grid, you’re contributing to a greener future for the entire community.
Best & Worst SEG Tariffs/SEG Rates out there, as of June 2024.
| Energy Company | SEG Tariff Name | Who Can Access This SEG Tariff | SEG rate per kWh |
| E.ON Next | Next Export Premium Plus | E.ON Next customers who have had both solar panels and a battery installed by E.ON after 1/1/2024 | 40p(a) |
| Octopus Energy | Intelligent Octopus Flux | Octopus customers who have solar panels and a GivEnergy battery | 27p(b) |
| E.ON Next | Next Export Premium | E.ON Next customers who have had solar panels installed by E.ON after 1/1/2024 | 25p(a) |
| Octopus Energy | Octopus Flux | Octopus customers who have solar panels and a battery | 21p(c) |
| Ovo Energy | Ovo SEG Tariff | Ovo customers in eligible area who bought solar panels and battery through Ovo | 20p |
| Good Energy | Solar Savings Exclusive | Good Energy customers in eligible area who have solar panels and battery installed by Good Energy solar installers | 20p |
| So Energy | So Bright | So Energy customers who have solar panels and battery installed through So Energy | 20p(d) |
| E.ON Next | Next Export Exclusive | E.ON Next customers, or non-customers who solar installed by E.ON | 16.5p |
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Fixed | Octopus customers(e) | 15p |
| Ovo Energy | Ovo SEG Tariff | Ovo customers in eligible area who bought solar panels through Ovo | 15p |
| Scottish Power | SmartGen+ | Anyone who bought solar panels and/or battery through Scottish Power | 15p |
| British Gas | Export and Earn Plus | British Gas customers | 15p |
| Good Energy | Solar Savings | Good Energy customers | 15p |
| Scottish Power | SmartGen | Everyone | 12p |
| Octopus Energy | Outgoing Fixed Lite | Octopus customers who have an EV | 8p |
| British Gas | Export and Earn Flex | Everyone | 6.4p |
| Rebel Energy | SEG Tariff | Everyone | 6p |
| EDF Energy | Export Variable Value | EDF customers | 5.6p |
| Utility Warehouse | UW SEG – Bundle | Utility Warehouse customers who use three or more Utility Warehouse services | 5.6p |
| So Energy | So Export Flex | Everyone | 4.5p |
| Octopus Energy | SEG Tariff | Everyone | 4.1p |
| Ovo Energy | Ovo SEG Tariff | Everyone | 4p |
| Good Energy | Export Only | Everyone | 4p |
| Utilita | Utilita Smart Export Guarantee | Everyone | 3p |
| EDF Energy | Export Variable | Everyone | 3p |
| E.ON Next | Next Export | Everyone | 3p |
| Utility Warehouse | UW SEG – Standard | Everyone | 2p |
| E | E SEG January2020v.1 | Everyone | 1p |
Investing in a Brighter Future
Solar panels are a long-term investment that pays off in multiple ways. They not only reduce energy costs and environmental impact but also enhance your reputation as an eco-conscious nursing care facility. Many families prioritize sustainability when choosing a nursing home, and solar panels demonstrate your commitment to a greener future.
Making the Switch Seamlessly
We understand the importance of minimizing disruption to your residents and staff. Our team of MCS accredited solar panel professionals will efficiently install your solar panel system, ensuring minimal impact on daily operations. We prioritize quality by using top-tier products and offer a comprehensive guarantee for your peace of mind.
Contact Us Today to Power Your Nursing Home with Sunshine
Embrace a sustainable future and reduce your operating costs with a customized solar panel system. Contact our solar energy team today for a free consultation and a free no-obligation quote. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for your nursing home, your residents, and the environment. Remember NXTGEN Energy are MCS Certified Solar PV (Panel) Installers and MCS Certified Battery Storage Installers, a HIES Accredited Member, NAPIT Accredited, Government TrustMark Accredited and have 5-Star Reviews on Google and an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot.
Is your nursing home ready to invest in Commercial Solar Panels?
If you are a UK Nursing Home owner and interested in learning more about the different types of Solar PV systems, contact our expert team today. By filling out our contact form, our team will provide you with a free no-obligation quote to install a bespoke solar PV system, catered to your nursing home energy needs. Call us on 01268 928 690 or click the button below to claim your free no-obligation quote and solar PV system design for your care home.
