Guide to Solar Batteries

Solar batteries make your business more cost-effective. That monthly utility bill really eats into your profit margin, so you need a way to save on costs. Cutting down the amount you spend on electricity or gas is an ideal way to start, and one way is to look into alternative energy solutions. Invest in solar batteries and feel a little better when you open that next bill.

Solar panel batteries will certainly help you and your business in the long run. A solar power battery is a device that collects light from the sun and converts it into usable energy. There are several kinds: photovoltaic panels absorb the light and turn it directly into energy; other systems either use mirrors and tubes filled with a fluid that heat up or use solar energy as a source to heat buildings or water. Determine what you need by:

1. Analyzing the needs of your business for possible solar battery use.
2. Figuring out your budget and investigating solar battery suppliers.
3. Saving even more by seeing what refund/rebate programs exist.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide what kind of solar batteries would be ideal for your business

You have a lot of options regarding the type and size of solar panel batteries, so you must figure out what kind you want. Do you want something that will generate electricity? Or would you rather have a less expensive way of heating your water or space? Where do you need to save money? If it's your electric bill that's emptying your bank account, you might want to invest in a photovoltaic array. If you just want a cheaper method of heating, you can probably make do with one that collects heat and redistributes it.

I recommend: Get an idea of how much money you can save by getting a free estimate from Global Solar, Inc., or SunPower, then balance that against your possible savings using a solar calculator.

Spend money on the solar power battery solution that will save the most

Solar powered batteries are an expensive proposition; the up-front cost is considerable, but in the end, you will save money. Make an educated guess as to what costs you can shoulder in the short run in order to save money in the long run, and choose the solar battery suppliers with the products and service you need for the right price. If you're a business owner, you must be cautious, because there's a good chance that your power needs are greater, so your initial costs will be higher.

I recommend: Find solar battery manufacturers in your area by going to Alibaba.com; give your criteria to a company such as SunWize.

Save even more money with solar batteries by looking into government savings programs

Energy is at a premium, and lots of groups are looking for ways to cut down on energy consumption. The government has various incentive programs which reward or even contribute up-front grant money to cost-efficient energy implementations; save even more money by taking advantage of refunds on your utility bills.

I recommend: The database at DSIRE gives you access to your state's incentives for renewables and efficiency. In addition, check for various grant opportunities with the U.S. Department of Energy and save money on your initial costs.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Keep in mind when considering investing in a solar panel battery that it doesn't (and shouldn't necessarily) always completely replace your conventional utility. The most cost-effective solution is peak-shaving. In this scenario, your solar power batteries compensate for enough of your power usage that you don't exceed your baseline; going above your baseline causes your rates to go up.

The official source of Solar Batteries is the Solar Batteries page at Business.com