Why More Manufacturers Are Prioritizing Energy Efficiency and Solar

Manufacturers across the U.S. are facing a host of challenges. Rising costs, workforce shortages, and increasing sustainability imperatives are straining operations. At the same time, the energy consumption of the manufacturing sector has been growing steadily since 2010, adding to already increased bills.  

 Manufacturers need a way to drive usage down, and that’s why many facilities are starting to prioritize energy efficiency. Using less energy can be particularly difficult for this sector, as the manufacturing process often needs a lot of energy to create products from raw materials. However, the benefits of improved efficiency are manifold, and implementing energy-saving measures—from updated lighting to rooftop solar installations—can help address from of the most pressing problems for manufacturers today. 

Using less energy generates cost savings. 

Manufacturers are struggling with rising costs across the board, from raw materials to wages. Raw material and other input costs are expected to grow by 2.7% throughout 2025.  

Improving efficiency helps manufacturing companies use less energy, which translates directly to lower energy bills. Installing solar panels on-site helps create free energy that can be used to supplement supply and lower reliance on the grid. These solutions are essential to help lower overall operating costs and to improve productivity, helping to make U.S. manufacturers more competitive on the global market.  

A better workplace improves employee retention and productivity. 

Workforce shortages are another big challenge for manufacturers. Hiring and retaining skilled labor has become more difficult in recent years, and this can hinder business growth. According to one survey from Q3 2024, 60% of manufacturers say the inability to attract and retain employees is their top challenge.  

Many facilities have lighting issues, where dead zones and under-illuminated areas make it difficult for operators to do their job. Or they have old unreliable HVAC systems that don’t function properly and result in workers facing uncomfortable temperatures and conditions. Replacing outdated equipment with energy efficient models creates a more comfortable and safer environment. This can significantly boost morale to keep your current employees happy and attract new talent. A better environment also results in better product quality, as workers are able to do their job more efficiently and visual inspections are made easier.    

Vendors, suppliers, investors, and consumers care about sustainability. 

Because manufacturing is often an energy intensive process, many facilities have a high carbon footprint. But there are growing pressures from all sides for manufacturers to demonstrate sustainability.  

Vendors and suppliers often want to know how their manufacturing partners are lowering their negative environmental impact to help tell their own sustainability stories. Investors want to ensure their money is going to be future-proof. Consumers want to feel good about what they buy.   

Enacting clean energy measures like efficiency and renewable solar energy is a straightforward way to reduce your carbon footprint and show concrete, measurable sustainability improvements that will make all your stakeholders happy.  

Where should manufacturers start with energy efficiency?  

Most manufacturing companies don’t have the internal resources to tackle energy efficiency. Expertise is needed to make a plan that provides the most cutting-edge, impactful energy efficiency measures and cost savings. Energy efficiency can involve a lot of disparate technologies and practices, and without guidance it can be difficult to get started. Plus, energy efficient solutions and solar panels typically require a lot of capital. Most facilities can’t afford the upfront cost, because they have other, more pressing business priorities.  

That’s why more and more manufacturers are partnering with Budderfly. Our team of experts provides a comprehensive solution to your energy management needs. We create a plan to upgrade your facility with innovative high-efficiency technologies, we procure and install solutions to enhance your lighting and HVAC, we install solar panels on your roof—all with no upfront costs. We even provide ongoing maintenance of equipment and industry-leading software that tracks exactly how much you are saving on energy.  

Check out our recent partnership with manufacturing company The Gilman Brothers:  

Ready to learn more about how we help manufacturers improve efficiency? Contact us today!