Colombia. A solution that firms with great dependence on fuels or electricity are opting for is smart solar hybrid technology. It is a technology that combines two or more conventional sources of energy with a solar system. In a globalized market, where any cost can represent a great competitive difference and where companies are increasingly required to be environmentally aware, this type of system is gaining ground.
The possibility of generating cheaper and cleaner energy has opened up great possibilities for industries with high energy costs. For example, while a kilowatt hour in non-interconnected areas can cost, in general terms, between 30 and 50 cents; the solar kilowatt hour is only about 12 cents.
Not only does this represent significant savings for the business economy, but it can also be an attractive source of income if local regulations allow it. Many businesses earn extra income from the remaining energy they sell to the power grid. Technological advances have made the return on investment more attractive than ever, from 3 to 5 years, which makes it an interesting option for companies and the government, in addition to being free.
José Miguel Ferrer, Solarcentury's Director of International Business Development for Latin America, explains that if solar panels are added to the traditional system, the different technologies will work together, prioritizing savings. That is, during the day the solar panels will work and on cloudy days or during the night, conventional systems will operate. In case the installation requires more power, the panels will be synchronized with the grid or generators to supply the precise demand.
"Each project we analyze is different and has peculiar characteristics, but in all of them we find entrepreneurs with a clear vision, focused on turning their businesses into banners of the avant-garde and innovation, highly competitive and energy-sustainable businesses," says Ferrer.
