Battery Storage Systems for Business
For years businesses have been able to reduce their energy bills by installing standalone PV systems to generate their own electricity, however over weekends they may be left exporting a large amount of energy to the grid for small export tariffs and overnight when consumption may still be high due to lighting or shift working the energy demand cannot be met by PV as there would be no production.
Previously the cost to install battery storage systems has been prohibitive and the technology not quite there in terms of value for money and performance. Recent developments have meant costs have come down, installs have become easier and battery performance has improved. We have been able to take advantage of our knowledge of generation systems means we have been able to design and install systems to work for people and businesses to reduce their reliance on the grid and maximise the generation for their PV systems. We cover both new and existing PV systems and design battery storage systems that work for both meaning most businesses can benefit from the technology on offer.
Technology
Key benefits to a battery storage system include
Increasing your savings when paired with a solar PV system
Reduce the effect of changing and rising energy prices
Lower payback period for your solar PV system
Developing technology means its getting better all the time
No VAT on installation when installed with a solar PV system
Minimise export during business down time such as weekends
Myths
Myth 1: Battery storage is not efficient.
Reality: Battery storage systems have become increasingly efficient in recent years. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in energy storage applications, have high round-trip efficiency, typically ranging from 85% to 95%. This means that they can store and release energy with relatively minimal losses.
Myth 2: Battery storage is not cost-effective.
Reality: While battery storage systems can be a significant investment upfront, their costs have been steadily declining. This is largely due to advancements in battery technology, economies of scale, and increased manufacturing efficiency. As the demand for batteries grows, prices are expected to continue dropping, making them more cost-effective over time.
Myth 3: Battery storage is not reliable.
Reality: Battery storage systems are designed to provide reliable backup power or to store excess energy generated from renewable sources. They can be integrated with smart control systems to ensure a steady and stable power supply. Additionally, battery systems can be interconnected to create larger storage capacity, further enhancing reliability.
Myth 4: Battery storage is bad for the environment.
Reality: While it's true that battery manufacturing and disposal can have environmental impacts, modern battery technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, are relatively eco-friendly compared to older battery chemistries. Additionally, the environmental benefits of battery storage outweigh the impacts when used for renewable energy integration, reducing reliance on fossil fuel power plants and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Myth 5: Battery storage is only suitable for short-term applications.
Reality: Battery storage systems are capable of providing both short-term and long-term energy storage solutions. Short-term applications include load shifting, peak shaving, and grid stabilization, while long-term applications involve storing renewable energy for later use during periods of low generation. With proper system design and sizing, battery storage can effectively serve a wide range of applications.
Integration with Solar PV
Whether you have an existing Solar PV system or are looking at a new system combined with battery storage there are plenty of seamless solutions. With existing solar systems we look to install AC coupled inverters with batteries, this involves a separate inverter from your existing PV system designed to take power from the solar from AC current to DC current suitable for storage. This means the existing system can remain as it was with a separate battery system working alongside it. Larger, container sized battery storage systems are often AC coupled and work on a “plug and play” principle, resulting in shorter install times and quick integration with existing infrastructure.
With new systems we look to design systems around hybrid inverters, minimising losses when converting from DC to AC then back to DC in an AC coupled system, minimising the number of components required and keeping the cost if install down too. The logic of the hybrid inverter determines where and how the PV generation is used, to charge batteries, use for loads or export to grid.
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