Exploring Solar Options for Businesses: Insights from the Made Community’s Recent Online Roundtable
In a focused effort to champion British industry and share best practice insights, members of the Made community recently came together for an online meet-up to discuss solar energy solutions. The virtual roundtable welcomed industry experts Chris Cowling of Ineco—specialists in solar installations—and Nigel Addison-Evans of Control Energy Costs, who oversees the Made in Energy baskets initiative. Their in-depth discussion addressed the rising need for sustainable power, the challenges posed by an evolving energy grid, and the practicalities of embracing solar technology in manufacturing and related sectors.
The Growing Importance of Solar Energy
With energy costs on the rise and more businesses committed to reducing their carbon footprints, solar power has become an increasingly attractive option. As the conversation began, Chris Cowling noted that the current energy grid is under pressure—particularly given the soaring demands from AI server farms and other high-consumption applications. Grid reforms are in progress, but Cowling emphasized that capacity constraints remain a central concern for companies looking to go green.
AI and Energy Consumption
AI servers and data centers represent a significant new frontier in energy consumption. Cowling pointed out that the UK’s pricing model, tied closely to gas rates, complicates the push towards more affordable, renewable electricity. Peak gas demand drives up energy costs, underscoring the urgent need for decoupling electricity prices from gas reliance.
Nigel Addison-Evans highlighted the staggering amount of power consumed by AI-generated content, mentioning that creating a single AI image can use as much electricity as running an average household for half a day. These insights reinforce the importance of renewable energy adoption, not just for cost-saving measures but also for meeting sustainability targets.
Battery Storage: Balancing Costs and Benefits
A key part of the roundtable discussion was the role of battery storage in maximizing solar investments. While battery technology has made great strides, Cowling cautioned that it can still be prohibitively expensive for some businesses. In one success story, a company’s return on investment for solar panels alone was just two to three years. However, adding a battery component extended the payback period to almost a decade.
Addison-Evans added that innovative new models for battery storage—such as community battery sharing—are helping to bridge this gap. By pooling resources, local businesses can reduce costs, enhance energy efficiency, and potentially speed up returns on investment.
Navigating the Energy Landscape
Beyond the technical and financial aspects of solar power, roundtable participants explored broader energy challenges. The UK’s transition away from coal has increased reliance on imported gas, especially during colder periods of high demand. Both Cowling and Addison-Evans underlined the importance of localized energy initiatives that can bolster supply, minimize vulnerabilities, and reduce carbon emissions.
Additionally, a key takeaway was the need for proactive energy monitoring. With growing expectations from customers, shareholders, and regulatory bodies to track and reduce carbon footprints, businesses that implement effective measurement tools can quickly identify inefficiencies and adopt corrective measures.
The Future of Energy Procurement
Looking ahead, energy procurement strategies will likely become more dynamic. As larger corporations demand greater visibility into the carbon footprints of their supply chains, smaller businesses could see increasing pressure to adopt green measures. Cowling observed that sustainability, driven by both consumer expectations and shareholder directives, will heavily influence competitiveness in the market.
Meanwhile, Addison-Evans highlighted the advantages of flexible energy procurement—an approach that enables businesses to respond quickly to market changes and secure more favorable rates. By staying informed about energy trends and adopting a mix of tactical and long-term purchasing decisions, companies can mitigate risks while benefiting from cost savings.
Shaping a Sustainable Future
This online roundtable—part of the Made in Group’s ongoing commitment to best practice sharing—offered valuable perspectives on solar adoption, battery technology, and energy procurement. The consensus among experts is clear: embracing renewable energy is not just a financial decision but a strategic one, vital for any company seeking to remain competitive and responsible in a changing global landscape.
As the Made in Group continues to champion British industry, these discussions will play a crucial role in helping manufacturers and related businesses develop practical, forward-thinking approaches to their energy needs. By collaborating on solutions and sharing experiences, Made members can lead the way in creating a more sustainable future for UK industry.
Interested in learning more or getting involved with future Made in Group events?
Visit the Made in Group website for details on upcoming best practice roundtables and networking opportunities.