Why install a Battery Energy Storage System for your Business?
Batteries have a long lifetime and the cost savings over the life of the system can make economic sense for some businesses. The increased ability to use renewable energy is an attractive bonus. Businesses can potentially reduce costs using battery storage in the following ways:
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Maximising Solar PV production
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The average cost of a Solar PV installation means that solar energy is typically inexpensive compared to purchasing electricity from the grid.
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Batteries enable Homeowners and Businesses to self-consume more Solar PV by storing energy for when solar is not available.
Application
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Most economical for small to medium energy users.
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Requires surplus Solar PV generating capacity.
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Suitable for Businesses interested in increasing the proportion of energy they consume from renewable sources.
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Time-of-use tariffs
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Batteries can be used to exploit the different cost of energy at different times of day.
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Energy can be sourced from solar PV or from the grid during off-peak tariff periods and consumed during peak tariff periods.
Application
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Most effective when the peak tariff rate is high.
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Larger energy users may find Time of-use tariffs ineffective because they are charged much less for energy than smaller energy users.
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Reducing capacity charges
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Businesses that pay capacity charges can use batteries to limit the maximum power capacity used in a billing period.
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This technique limits the network component of charges which are calculated on peak power usage.
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Application
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Only suitable for businesses on applicable tariffs: typically larger energy users with predictable loads.
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Good knowledge of power usage is required for the system to be effective.
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Power for battery charging can be sourced from the grid, solar or otherwise.
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Most economical when high power usage occurs for short durations.
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) offers various key benefits for businesses, contributing to increased energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. Here are the key advantages of implementing a battery energy storage system for a business:
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Energy Cost Management:
Demand Charge Reduction: BESS can help manage peak demand charges by storing energy during off-peak hours and releasing it during periods of high demand. This results in substantial cost savings by avoiding peak demand charges.
Energy Peak Shaving:
Reduced Grid Dependency: Businesses can reduce their dependence on the grid during peak demand times. BESS allows for the stored energy to be used when electricity rates are high, mitigating the impact of peak pricing.
Enhanced Power Quality:
Voltage and Frequency Regulation: BESS can provide rapid response to fluctuations in voltage and frequency, ensuring a stable and high-quality power supply. This is especially crucial for businesses with sensitive equipment that requires consistent power.
Backup Power Supply:
Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS): In the event of grid outages, BESS can act as a backup power source, providing critical electricity to keep essential operations running smoothly. This is particularly valuable for businesses that cannot afford downtime due to power interruptions.
Renewable Energy Integration:
Intermittency Mitigation: For businesses with on-site renewable energy sources like solar panels, BESS helps manage the intermittency of renewable generation. It stores excess energy during periods of high generation and releases it when renewable energy generation is low.
Grid Services and Revenue Generation:
Participation in Grid Services: In some regions, businesses can participate in grid services programs, offering services like frequency regulation and capacity support to the grid. This not only benefits the grid but can also generate additional revenue for the business.
Environmental Sustainability:
Reduced Carbon Emissions: By optimizing energy usage and integrating renewable sources, BESS contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions. This aligns with sustainability goals and enhances the environmental profile of the business.
Energy Independence:
Reduced Reliance on Utility Grid: BESS allows businesses to rely less on the utility grid, providing a degree of energy independence. This is particularly beneficial during emergencies or when grid power is less reliable.
Flexible Deployment:
Modular and Scalable: BESS solutions are often modular and scalable, allowing businesses to start with a smaller system and expand as their energy needs grow. This flexibility enables businesses to adapt the system to changing requirements.
Implementing a Battery Energy Storage System presents a comprehensive approach to energy management for businesses, providing financial, operational, and environmental benefits. As technology advances and costs continue to decrease, BESS is becoming an increasingly attractive option for businesses seeking to optimise their energy usage and contribute to a sustainable future.
