How Can Restaurants Use Green Energy to Reduce Costs?
Among restaurants' energy bills can take a big bite out of profits. Not only do high energy costs hurt your bottom line, but they also contribute to environmental concerns. To help restaurant owners and managers navigate the challenging landscape of energy expenses, we're going to delve deeper into five powerhouse energy management strategies.
Browse by Category
Article Contents
Jump to a specific section
Key Takeaways
Restaurants can use green energy technologies to cut costs and lower emissions. You could start by installing renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and storing excess green power in a battery backup system. Other options include installing energy-efficient appliances, switching to LED lighting, and using smart HVAC and lighting controls to reduce overall consumption.
- An energy audit helps restaurants understand when and where energy is being used and identifies the best opportunities to reduce consumption and lower utility costs.
- Switching to LED lighting, ENERGY STAR appliances, smart thermostats, and energy management systems can significantly reduce electricity usage and operating costs.
- Technologies like solar panels and battery storage can offset grid electricity use, reduce peak energy costs, and even generate bill credits through programs like net metering.
- Simple operational changes, like turning off unused equipment, managing lighting, and regularly reviewing energy data can create meaningful long-term savings.
Why Does Green Energy Matter for Restaurants?
Green energy is important for your restaurant because it can reduce utility costs and overall usage. Restaurants use up to 10 times more energy than other businesses, meaning power, gas, and water can make up a significant percentage of your operating expenses. The more efficient your business, the more protected it is from fluctuating energy prices. Environmentally friendly strategies also help you build a more sustainable restaurant, which increases your brand equity and attracts loyal customers who want to support green businesses.
What Core Green Energy Technologies are There to Consider?
As you make the switch to green energy, choosing the right restaurant technology tools can make the process run smoothly. There’s a wide range of restaurant energy management resources available to help your operations become more sustainable, all without disrupting daily operations.
Solar Panels
- Solar panels generate electricity to offset daytime energy consumption for HVAC, cooking, and refrigeration.
- Off-grid solar panels keep your restaurant running during power outages, reducing lost profits.
- With a net metering or solar buyback program, you can feed excess energy into the grid to earn bill credits and further reduce costs.
Smart HVAC and Thermostats
- Smart HVAC systems enable you to program specific temperatures for different restaurant zones to increase customer comfort, ensure food safety, and boost restaurant efficiency.
- Programmable thermostats increase energy efficiency by changing HVAC settings automatically based on occupancy levels and restaurant hours.
- Many smart systems feature integrated data analysis to help you understand usage patterns and make adjustments to reduce restaurant energy consumption.
Battery Storage
- Battery storage captures excess solar or wind energy to offset evening and nighttime usage.
- Stored power can help power your business during peak hours, when grid energy rates are highest.
- Backup power keeps your refrigerators running during power outages, preventing expensive spoilage.
Energy Management Systems
- An energy management system (EMS) enables you to control and program restaurant lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration systems via a centralized system.
- Use the connected mobile app to monitor and adjust consumption to increase restaurant energy efficiency.
- Built-in tools help you optimize green energy sources to boost restaurant sustainability and reduce your dependence on grid power.
Low-Cost Green Upgrades for Restaurants
- Replace incandescent or fluorescent lights with energy-efficient LEDs.
- Use smart outlets and power strips to disconnect power to idle appliances.
- Reduce energy usage by installing motion-sensing lights in low-traffic spaces, such as storage rooms and walk-in refrigerators.
- Install low-flow faucets and toilets to reduce water consumption.
- Maintain kitchen appliances regularly to increase energy efficiency.
How to Start Incorporating Green Energy at Your Restaurant
Success Story: Restaurant Reduces Costs and Emissions with Green Energy
A Culver’s restaurant in Macon, Georgia, found a unique green energy solution that reduces electricity costs and cuts emissions: solar canopies. They stretch over the parking lot, creating shaded spaces for customers to park. A 60 kW array of solar panels lines the top surface, enabling the business to power its operations with renewable energy.
How much energy can the solar canopies produce? In the first year alone, they reduced the restaurant’s energy costs by $10,789. They’re also helping create a more sustainable business. Over their lifetime, the solar panels will prevent about 1,595 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Energy Technology
Will going green interrupt my daily restaurant operations?
Going green shouldn’t interrupt your restaurant’s daily operations. Renewable energy sources power your appliances and systems seamlessly, switching automatically to grid power when necessary. Employees may need to adjust their workflows slightly to accommodate energy-efficient practices, such as turning off lights or preventing food waste.
What types of restaurants benefit most from clean energy?
Restaurants with high order volumes, fast turnover, and energy-intensive refrigeration and HVAC systems tend to benefit most from clean energy. For example, fast food restaurants can often save a significant amount of money by generating their own solar power. Your restaurant can also benefit from going green if it has a large kitchen or operates in a hot climate with a high demand for air conditioning.
How long do most commercial solar systems last?
The average commercial solar panel lasts for about 25 years, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, the exact lifetime of your restaurant’s solar panels depends on the construction and material quality, installation process, and how well you maintain the panels. Your climate could also play a part, since extreme weather can cause solar panels to degrade faster.
Does my restaurant’s location affect what energy options are available?
Yes, your location can impact the available green energy options. If your business is located in a state with a deregulated energy market, you may be able to go green by switching to a renewable energy plan. In a state with energy regulation, you might need to invest in on-site solar and other energy-efficient practices to reduce your environmental impact.
What support is available after I install a green energy system?
Once you install a green energy system, the manufacturer or installer will likely provide a certain amount of technical support. Federal and state governments may also provide financial support — usually via rebates or tax credits — for businesses that invest in renewable energy systems.
Connect with Integrity Energy for Competitive Energy Rates
Integrity Energy’s experts handle the entire energy procurement process for you, from negotiation to your future renewal. Get your free quote to start enjoying lower energy rates today!
About the Author 
Jordan Domingo
Read more from Jordan …
Follow Jordan Domingo on
