What is commercial battery storage?

Battery storage refers to energy storage units, typically found outside a building that can charge up via solar PV during daylight hours or directly from the grid using time-of-use tariffs. The solar batteries are made up of several smaller rechargeable lithium-ion batteries contained within the unit. Battery storage can be used to:

• Capture excess electricity generated from a solar PV system and store it for later use.
• Provide backup power to essential circuits in case of a power cut.
• Charge up during off-peak electricity rate times, and re-use during more expensive peak hours.

Do I need battery storage for my business?

Businesses typically have a greater need for reliable and consistent power due to having equipment, computers, servers, and security systems that require uninterrupted power 24/7 and may be damaged or pose risks if suddenly powered off. This is why having solar batteries as a backup can be incredibly helpful for businesses, as they can provide a safety net year-round.

By installing a solar PV system with integrated battery storage for your business, you can reduce the reliance on traditional power sources that harm the planet. By capturing sunlight and storing excess energy, you will use a cleaner, safer, and healthier form of energy, thus reducing your business’s carbon footprint and positively impacting the world.

Are battery storage systems worth it?

At Duncan Renewables, we take a practical approach to battery storage due to the various factors that affect the Return-on-Investment. These factors include:

• Whether you have a solar PV system and its size
• The amount of electricity generated and the percentage you consume
• Your business operating hours. Businesses that operate at night benefit more from battery storage.

We take these and other important factors into account when offering advice. Usually, we recommend waiting up to 12 months after installing a solar PV system before adding batteries. This allows us to analyse and monitor the system’s performance, especially regarding usage times and exported amounts, allowing us to confidently provide ROI and cost-saving figures.