Energy & Environmental Management Focus on: Net Zero Choice overload is the name given to the phenomena where an abundance of choice overwhelms our cognitive ability to make effective decisions. The end result is often no decision at all, or at best a choice that is suboptimal. Businesses making decisions about cutting energy costs may face this dilemma when surveying the options available to them. There are many technologies out there which have the potential to reduce energy costs. In this situation, it is easier to stick to the more familiar or widely known options, like solar panels, which are now visible on many rooftops, or combined heat and power (CHP), which is backed by government support. However, don’t let too many choices blind Which technology is best at reducing energy costs? energy generated is free. This can significantly reduce a business’s energy bills and provide long-term cost savings. By reducing or eliminating the need for grid-generated electricity, solar power reduces a business’s carbon footprint, which can be a big selling point for sustainability managers and environmentally conscious consumers. A major drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the solar panels, which can be substantial. This may be a barrier to entry for small and medium-sized enterprises. A significant amount of roof or ground space is also required, which may not be feasible for all businesses. Another drawback is that as solar panels are reliant on sunlight, energy generation is Stuart Hawkwood, founder of Powerdown220, compares the pros and cons of three different technologies that can help organisations reduce their energy bills and help towards achieving net-zero. you to the presence of lesser-known alternatives that might deliver more value for money. Voltage optimisation is one technology that can give both solar power and CHP a run for their money and might be able to provide you with a quicker return on investment (ROI). Here’s a summary of what all three technologies have to offer: Harnessing the power of the sun: solar power Solar power is a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source. It harnesses energy from the sun, which is abundant and inexhaustible, in contrast to fossil fuels. Once installed, solar panels generate electricity and although there are maintenance and replacement costs to be considered, the 32 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk April/May 2024
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=