Solar power is profitable and soon it will also be mandatory

Responsibility and transition to renewable energy are always a profitable business. Even fluctuations in interest rates do not diminish the profitability of solar power, as it provides savings, price protection, and energy self-sufficiency for businesses in both the short and long term.

For many companies, solar energy is significant in executing strategies and achieving strategic objectives. A prime example from Finland is eQ's property funds, which are transitioning their entire property portfolio to electricity generated by solar power, of which 8% is solar electricity produced on the rooftops of the properties.

One should also not overlook the positive impact of solar power on companies' brand image and marketing. An example is Robert Paulig Roastery, whose solar power plant paid for itself as a significant coffee business within three months. Sustainability through solar power acted as a dealmaker. In the real estate sector, sustainability has become a prominent aspect of marketing, and this trend is spreading to other sectors.

At the end of last year, the EU approved the final directive on the energy efficiency of European buildings, which specifies key measures for the adoption of solar power.
According to this updated directive and its Rooftop Solar Standard, installations of solar panels will be required in all new public and commercial properties by 2026, in renovated public and commercial buildings by 2027, and in all new residential buildings by 2029. Additionally, in existing public buildings, these installations will be phased in gradually by 2030.

The role of solar safety is becoming increasingly important

The significance of solar power has rapidly increased in both the private and public sectors, with their safety playing an increasingly crucial role. The number of solar plants is also continuously growing, making ensuring their safety vital.
Safety isn't just about preventing accidents; it's also essential to securing investments and protecting properties. Smart solar systems benefit from automation and real-time remote monitoring to enhance safety. They can also reduce operational downtime and production shutdown times.

Fire departments in many countries have long recommended smart solar systems because panel-level remote control allows the field of panels to be made voltage-free, facilitating firefighting and rescue efforts.

The insurance benefits offered by safer solar plants are also emphasized, as they often lead to savings in insurance premiums and attractiveness to investors. The international insurance company Zurich Insurance recently recommended smart solar systems, particularly due to the features of their panel-level power optimizers in a report they released.

As the number of solar power plants in Europe continues to grow, various stakeholders must understand that the real value of an investment lies not only in its predicted immediate returns but also in ensuring its returns and minimizing risks. Focusing solely on minimizing investment when the lifespan of the plants is several decades doesn't make sense.

Prioritizing safety ensures that installations remain productive and profitable for years. In this sense, safety doesn't just protect; it also ensures the development of solar power in Europe. When companies consider transitioning to solar energy or investors monitor this profitable market, the message is clear. The era of solar power is now, and its success depends on the level of expertise and strong security solutions, like those offered by the Solnet Group. When we strongly integrate safety into solar power, its possibilities are limitless.

Veli-Matti Heimonen
COO, Solnet Group