Solar PV systems work by transforming the sun's energy into electricity. The sun is an abundant and reliable source of renewable energy within everyone's reach. Solar panels for self-consumption can be easily installed on a large scale in companies for industrial use. In short, the companies offer clear spaces on the roofs, in the canopies of the parking areas and in the adjacent land that are ideal for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels . In this way, companies can greatly reduce their expenses by generating their own electricity from photovoltaic solar energy. The logistics, manufacturing, construction sectors, among others with industrial facilities of all sizes, can benefit from the installation of photovoltaic panels in their centers. In this article we will analyze the characteristics of  photovoltaic solar energy for self-consumption in industry and how your company can benefit from the industrial application of solar panels. What is photovoltaic solar energy for self-consumption and how does it work? Photovoltaic solar energy belongs to the category of renewable energy, because it is considered inexhaustible, at least on a human scale. It is a so-called green energy because its production does not emit CO2. To capture and convert solar energy, there are several technologies. Photovoltaic solar energy is one of them. The photovoltaic effect was discovered in 1839 by the French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel . But it was not until the beginning of the 20th century that Albert Einstein was able to explain the phenomenon. The basic element of photovoltaic solar energy is the photovoltaic cell . Photovoltaic solar cells are electronic devices that generate electricity by absorbing the energy of photons from sunlight. These set electrons in motion, which are trapped in an internal electric field. At the same time, electrons collected on the cell surface generate a direct electric current . The direct current generated in the photovoltaic system is converted into alternating current by an inverter . This generated electricity can be used directly by your company's installation, feeding the network or storing it in batteries , or other energy storage systems. On the other hand, a solar panel is made up of a multitude of photovoltaic cells. The current generated by all the cells together add up to enough electricity to help power your business. Like the cells in a battery, the cells in a solar panel are designed to generate electricity, except that the cells in a battery produce electricity from chemicals and the cells in a solar panel generate electricity by capturing light. solar. Another important component of the photovoltaic energy system is the meter that measures the amount of electricity supplied to the grid. In general, the dimensions of the most used industrial solar panels are 2 meters x 1 meter. They are made up of 72 photovoltaic cells distributed in rows of 12 x 7 cells. Industrial solar PV systems tend to be larger compared to residential ones or those for small and medium businesses. On the ground, an industrial photovoltaic solar system is capable of producing an average peak power of about 320 W , saving more than 70% compared to electricity supplied by the grid. Advantages of industrial photovoltaic solar energy installations for self-consumption The manufacturing process often uses a considerable amount of electricity, making a manufacturer an excellent candidate for solar PV. In addition, manufacturers often operate in large buildings with plenty of space available on the roof and other spaces for the installation of a solar system. In the long run, solar energy can save companies thousands of euros in electricity costs and will allow you to protect yourself from energy price increases, which will make you more competitive. On the other hand, the installation of photovoltaic energy systems helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the collective dependence on fossil fuels: coal, oil and natural gas. According to the IAE (International Solar Alliance) , photovoltaic solar energy is becoming the lowest cost option for electricity generation in most of the world, so a boost in investment is expected in the coming years. Below, we list some of the outstanding advantages that industrial companies can obtain by betting on a photovoltaic solar energy installation. electricity saving The most common reason among companies that decide to switch to solar energy is the savings on the monthly energy bill . However, there are still companies that doubt the high cost of installing solar panels. In this sense, it must be taken into account that, once the system is installed, it pays for itself in a relatively short period of time. The installation of the photovoltaic solar energy system for self-consumption in your factory or industrial warehouse will eliminate or reduce the concern related to electricity bills. The savings on the electricity bill will depend on the use of electricity from the network and the size of the photovoltaic energy system. In addition, there is the possibility of receiving payments for the surplus energy that is exported to the network. High reliability and low maintenance Solar energy is a guarantee of durability and reliability. Today, installing and maintaining solar panels is cheaper and easier than ever. Good quality industrial solar panels offer the best value for money. Most are guaranteed for at least 25 years, and in 25 years they will still be producing more than 85% of the electricity they do today. The actual lifespan of solar panels is estimated to be much longer, around 40 years. Their simple design means that they hardly require any maintenance and can hardly fail. Since there are no moving parts, there is no wear. The inverter is usually the only part that needs to be changed after 5-10 years, as it is continually working to convert solar energy into electricity. Apart from the inverter, the cables also need maintenance to ensure that your self-consumption solar photovoltaic system works at maximum efficiency. Therefore, after covering the initial cost of the photovoltaic system , you will have little expense for maintenance and repair work. In order for your solar panels to continue generating maximum performance, they must be cleaned with the periodicity indicated by the manufacturer. Renewable energy Solar energy is a 100% clean and renewable energy source that reduces dependence on oil, coal and natural gas for electricity production. These fossil fuels produce harmful emissions that affect the quality of air, water and soil, and are responsible for global warming. According to experts, in 2065 our planet will lose more species of plants and animals to extinction than in the previous 65 million years combined. These statistics show the effects of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels. In contrast, photovoltaic solar energy does not produce any pollution. The abundant energy of the sun is an unlimited source of energy that does not damage the ozone layer. Industrial solar energy systems are an investment in the future of the planet that can help wean ourselves from non-renewable energy sources and protect the environment. Self-consumption of electricity This renewable energy from an inexhaustible source of resources such as the sun can be used very effectively in all kinds of industrial processes. If you want to stop depending on electricity trading companies and the prices they dictate, you have the option of investing in photovoltaic panels to supply electricity to your production plant. Calculated at 0.5 kWh per square meter of PV power generation per day, 10,000 square meters of PV equipment can generate 5,000 kWh of electricity per day. In addition to supplying electricity to your company, the surplus energy can be sold on the network to obtain extra income, as we have already mentioned. Benefits for the company Depending on the location of the company, the installation of solar panels can lead to obtaining financing and benefits. It is important to keep this in mind, be attentive and investigate what benefits are currently available or in the near future to obtain help in the installation of photovoltaic panels in your company. You can check the current grants and financing for renewable energies in Spain here. Improve the image of your company Finding new ways to engage customers can be challenging, especially when you run out of ideas. Switching to renewable energy will give you the ability to market your business as green. The new generations are very interested in buying from ecological and sustainable companies. As they grow and become a larger part of the buying population, you'll want to create marketing strategies that appeal to them. Going green can be a great way to get a much-needed PR boost and could be the difference between a customer choosing your business or a competitor's. Cleaner and cooler buildings The photovoltaic solar energy system reduces the amount of heat reaching the building by an incredible 30%. After the photovoltaic installation is completed, it has good waterproof and heat insulation effects, which can effectively lower the indoor temperature of a building 5 degrees lower than the parts exposed to direct sunlight. Solar photovoltaic panels offer clean and safe energy to reduce the cost of cooling in summer. In addition, they keep building rooftops clean and cool by reflecting and absorbing much of the sun's renewable energy. Safety, no noise and no pollution. Photovoltaic panel installations do not occupy the production space, and only use the free space on the roof, canopies or adjacent land, which are safe and reliable. These types of installations do not emit radiation or noise during their operation. In addition, they do not require fossil fuels to work, they have a low operating cost and do not produce polluting waste during power generation. Reinforce team values Employees of a company that decides to transition to solar energy witness a real desire for change on the part of the company, and this can improve and boost the satisfaction and loyalty of your employees. conclusion Any company, whether in the industrial sector or the service sector, needs an electrical supply to be able to carry out the basic functions of its facilities. Therefore, having the best energy solution is a key point when it comes to reducing the fixed costs of economic activity. Photovoltaic solar energy is here to stay. It has already changed the energy industry , its business model and the way electricity is supplied to the grid. There are many opportunities for companies to take advantage of solar power generation on an industrial scale. Due to the characteristics of this type of installation, solar panels are an easier option to install. This is one more reason to enjoy the advantages of solar energy , especially if the industrial facilities are located in an area with good climatic conditions that allow good exploitation of this type of energy. On the other hand, companies play a fundamental role in the race against climate change due to the strong impact they have on the environment. Therefore, they have their corresponding responsibility and their actions can pave the way towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions . The private sector must be aware of its capacity for change and must lead the transition to a new economy that is more respectful of the environment and people.