Solar Panels: The Impact of Solar Energy Within the Creative Industry

As a part of the creative industry, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to power our business, especially with the increasing responsibility and expectation to operate as eco-friendly as possible. Solar energy is one of the most environmentally-conscious options available, and our team at Kalman & Pabst has been using it to power our creativity for over a decade.

When we first installed our rooftop solar array back in 2010, it was a calculated investment and ultimately a rewarding undertaking that resulted in benefits we continue to see today. But before we get into that, what exactly are solar panels, and how the heck do they work?

What are solar panels, and how do they work?

Solar panels are composed of dozens of photovoltaic cells, which absorb and transform sunlight into direct current (DC) energy. This DC energy converts to alternating current (AC) electricity with the help of an inverter, which is the type of power that runs our homes and businesses. So instead of relying solely on traditional electricity to power our studio’s energy, we’re letting the big ol’ ball of fire do the heavy lifting.

The benefits of solar energy in the creative industry

So, with a cliff notes understanding of how solar panels work, how do they yield positive impacts on the environment?

• Decreasing dependence on fossil fuels: Solar energy is a renewable resource, which indicates that it is not depletable like fossil fuels. This fact lessens our dependence on finite resources and helps support a more sustainable future.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Solar energy helps reduce harmful air pollution from power plants, a leading cause of respiratory problems and other health issues.
• Saving money: Solar panels can save businesses money on energy costs, and often pay for themselves in a few years. Our team’s experience is proof of this.

The creative industry has a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainability and social responsibility. By using solar panels to power our businesses, we can help preserve fossil fuels, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and save money all at the same time. A win-win for both our business and the environment!

How solar energy positively impacts KP

In the 12 years that our team has been using the sun as an energy source, our 137 rooftop solar panels continue to offset 25-30 percent of our annual electricity consumption. Perhaps one of the most financially exciting facts is this: The solar panels paid for themselves with energy savings only three-and-a-half years after being installed. Meaning, we are only two years away from quadrupling our energy savings had we not installed the solar panels in the first place.

So if you are looking for a way to help power your business that is both sustainable and environmentally friendly, solar energy is a great option. It not only helps reduce our reliance on traditional forms of energy, but it also reduces our carbon footprint and helps us do our part in preserving our planet for future generations. Plus, it may save you some money in the long run!

Have you ever been up on our rooftop? Ask us the next time you pop in for a visit, and we will give you a proper VIP rooftop tour to check out our solar array up close and personal. You’ll even catch some fresh air and a nice view of our beloved CLE.

Learn More

Our team's sustainability efforts do not just begin & end with solar panels. Here are a couple of other ways we like to keep it clean:

• Sustainability: Through the Lens of CGI
• It's More Than A Water Cooler; It's Sustainability