There has never been a better time for businesses to adopt renewable energy.

Experts predict a record number of businesses will switch on to renewable energy in 2009.

With the economic downturn providing a gloomy start to 2009, businesses all over the country are facing uncertainty and increasingly looking at cutting costs. With energy prices at an all-time high, utilities are prominent in many companies’ thinking and experts believe that this, coupled with growing environmental concern, will see more and more businesses switching on to renewable energy this year.

For businesses who are already feeling the pinch the promise of further increases to utility bills alongside growing concern over energy security mean that many are considering implementing renewable energy systems to reduce operating costs. Andrew Moore, Managing Director of BritishEco.com (www.britisheco.com) believes that renewable energy can provide a cost effective and environmentally protective solution for businesses. He explains:

‘Interestingly, whilst environmental concerns are high on many businesses’ agendas, it is the cost factor that is really driving interest in renewable energy systems. The rising cost of energy has begun to take its toll on the bottom line, leading many companies to consider alternatives in an effort to cut their running costs. Renewable technology has come a long way in recent years and whilst a few years ago businesses couldn’t imagine their offices or factories being powered by a renewable system, today the systems are accessible and reliable, transforming them into viable alternatives that have become increasingly attractive during these challenging times.

With an increased interest in environmental issues the technologies also have the added advantage in that they are environmentally protective as well, boosting the company’s eco-credentials and helping them to stay ahead of legislation which will inevitably come into force as part of the government’s energy targets.’

Expensive energy costs mean that the average payback periods have been massively reduced and businesses can see a quick return on their investment in the form of energy savings. The increasing availability of finance and government grants towards the cost of installing such systems is also sure to attract attention from businesses. There are also tax incentives such as Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) which apply to renewable technologies including solar thermal, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting systems. These incentives mean that businesses can write off the whole of the capital cost of their investment in these technologies against their taxable profits of the period during which they make the investment; an attractive prospect especially during the current economic crisis.

BritishEco.com (www.britisheco.com) is one of the UK’s largest providers of renewable energy systems. The company is dedicated to providing honest, independent and expert advice, helping businesses to find and implement the right systems to suit their individual needs; with everything from solar panels to rain water harvesting kits.

For more information on renewable energy and energy efficiency contact British Eco on 0845 257 0041.

British Eco provide unbiased, independent advice.