How to Convince your CEO to Switch to Solar Power

August 8, 2019

Solar power isn’t the future – it’s the present. Today, thousands of companies in India, from large corporations to small businesses are embracing commercial solar power systems. If you are having a hard time convincing your CEO to make the switch to solar power, worry not, this guide is just for you. Here, we list the various benefits of switching to solar power for businesses and the right ways to persuade your CEO to make the switch.

Talk Numbers

One of the biggest worries plaguing businesses of all sizes is the huge electricity costs. The worst part here is that the conventional grid energy supplied by your state’s electricity board is unpredictable, inadequate, and comes with increasing costs.

In India, the tariff paid by commercial and industrial electricity consumers is significantly higher than residential consumers. By making the switch to solar, you can enjoy significant savings. You not only reduce the current electricity bills of the company but also protect it from future price rises.

A recent report in the Economic Times estimates that the cost of generation of solar power in India will fall as low as just Rs 1.9 per unit in the coming decade. Contrast this with the cost of a unit of commercial power from the state’s grid which could be anywhere starting from Rs. 5 per unit and above, depending on your state.

While it’s true that going solar requires initial costs – the panels, installation and more, thanks to rapid advances in technology, the prices today are significantly lower than what they used to be a few years ago.

Make use of this online solar calculator to compute the energy savings that your organisation could enjoy by switching to solar. Have these numbers in hand, as most CEOs are ready to make the switch once they see the monetary value derived from solar power systems.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint & Improve your Sustainability Quotient

A report by Neilsen reveals that customers are willing to pay extra for products from brands that are sustainable. The survey found out that 73% of millennials and 66% of consumers belonging to other generations are willing to pay extra for sustainable brands. A 2017 study on CSR reveals that a whopping 92% of consumers trust a brand that supports environmental and social causes.

Going solar not only has a significant impact on the environment but also affects your bottom line positively. Solar energy is a clean, green source of energy that reduces the carbon footprint of your business significantly. It doesn’t harm the environment in any way – no chemicals or greenhouse gases released into the air.

You can spread the word on your social media pages, and bring it to the notice of your customers. Your customers will learn that your company is using solar panels, and you are doing your bit to create a better future for your planet. This is sure to improve your brand’s reputation among your customers and the public.

All CEOs want their business to enjoy a positive reputation among customers, and this reason should convince them to make the switch.

Be Seen as a Climate Change Leader

Today, some of the biggest climate leaders are not national leaders but huge corporations. Some of the biggest corporations, like Walmart, IKEA, Apple, and Costco are the biggest users of solar power, as mentioned in this report by SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association).

Closer home, hundreds of corporations big and small have emerged as climate change leaders, thanks to their adoption of rooftop solar panels, solar power purchase agreements, etc. Ultratech Cement, Pepsi Co, TVS, IFB, Vatika, Decathlon, Whirlpool, Amway, Cipla, Yamaha Motor are a few of the hundreds of companies that have gone solar.

Comply with Regulations

Today, businesses have to comply with several environmental regulations like green buildings, renewable energy, and more. When your company switches to solar, it shows your commitment to your community and society in general. This helps your business to earn a favourable ranking with the regulatory authorities.

The Paris Climate Agreement objective has set a target of reducing global warming to under 2-degrees Celsius. And, it’s essential for India, the third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, to emerge as a forerunner in renewable energy. The government is committed than ever before to go solar. The country has set an ambitious target of generating 100GW of power from solar by 2022.

The government offers several incentives for businesses to go solar. Find out about the solar installation incentives and subsidies offered in your state. Check if it’s applicable for your business and pitch this to your CEO.

Form a Coalition

Convincing your CEO and the board to go solar is a massive undertaking. So, instead of going solo form a team of like-minded people in your organisation to help you out.

In a Nutshell

There are plenty of beneficial reasons for businesses to switch to clean solar power. Going solar allows businesses of all sizes and across industries to reduce their operational expenditures, improve their bottom line, increase their brand’s reputation, and gain competitive advantage.

Additionally, don’t forget to mention that by going solar, your business does its bit in creating a planet that is favourable for future generations. You are leaving behind a legacy and showing your commitment to society and the planet.

Make sure to highlight these reasons and get your CEO on board.