The fitness and health industry is also suffering from high energy costs. Companies can counteract this with their own electricity - for example, through photovoltaics. The necessary solar systems are available as leasing offers and the rates can even be adjusted to seasonal fluctuations in yield. Physioline from Hamm is showing the way.
The most important facts in brief:
Many studios have suitable roofs to install PV panels. By leasing a PV system, the company has exact costs that can be calculated in advance, allowing for secure long-term planning .
There are various leasing options: in the case of "sunshine leasing", the rates are based on the forecast solar irradiation and thus costs and yield are balanced throughout the year.
No sooner have the consequences of the corona pandemic been halfway digested than rising energy prices in particular are clouding the business prospects of many gyms. In addition, inflation is depressing the mood; according to a British survey, one third of gym members are unwilling to accept a price increase. And even if the current crisis passes, the issue of the energy turnaround is likely to ensure that costs continue to rise . For example, the German government wants to significantly increase the share of renewable energies and is focusing in particular on photovoltaics (PV). On the one hand, this will make electricity more expensive; on the other hand, more far-reaching requirements for companies are also being discussed. In view of these general conditions, the fitness and health industry should consider the topic of solar energy . After all, many studios have suitable roof surfaces to install panels.
Capital expenditure
The installation of a photovoltaic system usually requires a high level of investment. In view of the individual requirements and the volatile prices, it is almost impossible to give general figures. However, experience shows that even an average PV system of around 500 square meters can cost more than 100,000 euros. In addition to the initial investment, there are ongoing costs for maintenance and possible repairs. However, these expenses are balanced out over the years with the help of savings and feed-in tariffs, so that the overall calculation is positive . In addition, many companies achieve a high degree of self-sufficiency,consuming most of the electricity theyproduce themselves and feeding the surplus into the public grid . However, the total bill does not change the initial investment - even if the various subsidy pots are included.
Leasing offers advantages over a loan
Given the sums required, very few studios are likely to pay cash for their PV system. Tax reasons, on the other hand, argue against loan financing, as long depreciation periods apply and the impact on the balance sheet is therefore unfavorable.
Leasing a PV system can be attractive; corresponding offers are also available for commercial customers. In this case, the system is not included in the company's balance sheet; instead, it initially remains the property of the respective lessor. The installments are usually considered business expenses and can therefore be claimed for tax purposes. It is often even possible to include the costs of maintenance and repairs in the installment. This gives the company exact costs that can be calculated in advance, allowing it to plan for the long term with certainty. At the end of the term, the plant often passes to the users, but a continuation of the contracts is often possible.
Weather-dependent rates
The seasons are an important factor in PV systems; in winter they deliver little yield and in summer significantly more. Cologne-based leasing partner abcfinance, for example, makes use of this principle. With "sunshine leasing", the rates are based on the forecast solar radiation and thus costs and yield are balanced throughout the year. If you add the feed-in tariff, companies can even achieve a plus in all twelve months. In addition, reputable providers such as abcfinance contribute knowledge about the subsidy and the collateralization of the plants. A large network of solar installers, tax consultants and energy consultants, for example, provides the specialist know-how to ensure that the various trades work smoothly. This ensures that the PV system actually has the intended effect.
Physioline shows the way
The example of Physioline, based in Hamm, Westphalia, shows how PV leasing can be implemented in the health and fitness sector. The practice for physiotherapy and medical fitness generates electricity with the help of a leased photovoltaic system. A large part of the harvest is for the practice's own use for computers & co., lighting, electrically operated fitness equipment, physiotherapy equipment or saunas. Any surplus flows into the public grid. Especially in view of his company's high consumption, Managing Director Carsten Pahlplatz is satisfied:
"In the summer, we are as good as self-sufficient. That's when we hardly draw any electricity from the utility."
The leasing model from abcfinance ensures noticeable cost savings for Physioline throughout the year.
Source: BODYMEDIA
Image source: #416390749 peterschreiber.media / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 29 December 2022