Greening the enterprise

For most businesses, especially consumer-facing businesses, the question is not whether to install solar energy products, it is how to do it. Marshka Kiera, BP Solar’s Global Marketing Director, reveals the key points to consider.

Stakeholders are bombarded with news stories about the effects of climate change and the need for sustainable alternatives to meet energy needs. They are demanding that business leaders step up and start doing something to make a difference. For retailers in particular, going green is no longer simply a differentiator, it is the price of admission to access the market ruled by environmentally aware consumers. And today, that is virtually all consumers.

Among the many options available in the marketplace, it is tempting to look for the lowest initial cost to purchase your solar system.  But the more important consideration is the lifetime value of the system. This includes the up-front cost, as well as the energy it produces over its life, which can vary significantly between systems and is influenced by factors including degradation rates, reliability and quality. The best solar suppliers back their products with solid warranties.

Choosing an experienced system designer and highly trained installer is critical to the proper operation, efficiency and safety of your system.  Be certain that you select experts that have a solid track record designing, installing and maintaining solar systems similar to yours. Talk to others in your business segment about their experience with solar companies to find out who delivers on their promises.

Decide what level of direct involvement works best for you in the design, installation and ongoing operation of your solar system. While some companies opt to own the solar system, finance it themselves or secure third party financing, many are choosing to stick to what they know, and simply buy the power under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

When Wal-Mart, a recognized leader in sustainability, made the decision to add solar systems to some of their California stores, they didn't want to be in the solar business - they just wanted green power at a competitive price. That's what they got when they partnered with BP Solar, who designs, builds, maintains and operates the rooftop systems, selling the power to Wal-Mart through a PPA.

Similarly, FedEx Ground, the small-package shipping unit of FedEx Corp. selected BP Solar to install and operate the solar system on its distribution hub in New Jersey. When completed at the end of the year, it will be the nation's largest rooftop solar installation. Under a PPA, the green power produced will provide up to 30 percent of the hub's annual energy needs. 

Companies with a big brand to protect are not interested in 'green washing'. They know that consumers are far too savvy to fall for anything that looks like an attempt to just appear environmentally responsible. They want brand synergy and the piece of mind that comes with partnering with another big brand. BP Solar, with nearly 40 years of success in the solar sector and backed by BP's strong reputation and balance sheet, fits the bill.

What Wal-Mart, FedEx and other progressive companies have in common is strong leadership that has a vision of what they want to achieve. Their commitment to social responsibility and the bottom line makes green energy projects successful. BP Solar is a proud contributor to that success.

For more information please visit www.bpsolar.us

BIO

Marshka Kiera is currently BP Solar's Global Marketing Director. She has previously held various sales, marketing and general management roles in Australia, the UK, Poland and the US. For the last 13 years she has worked for BP's Lubricants, Fuels and Retail divisions, joining BP Solar in 2009.