Tests in some larger commercial site solar panel array installations which Project Better Energy has completed over the last two years have shown average reductions in energy bills of over 40%. However, marrying solar panelling with on-site commercial solar battery storage offers the potential to double those savings to make it possible to reduce businesses’ current energy bills by as much as 80%.
Essentially, commercial solar battery storage enables companies to store solar energy for use when the sun isn’t shining. It helps reduce Grid-based energy usage and therefore your power bills. It also promotes sustainability and provides backup power during outages.
For large businesses for whom Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reporting is now compulsory, the use of solar arrays and battery storage will make a significant difference in terms of your progress in decarbonising the business. Remember, Scope 2 reporting must cover what’s termed ‘indirect’ emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling. Whereas Scope 1 emissions are ‘direct’ emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by your business, such as your vehicle delivery fleet and the boilers which heat your buildings.
Core benefits of solar battery storage then include:
Load shifting Businesses can store energy in their battery storage systems during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower and use it during peak demand times when prices are higher. This can significantly reduce energy bills.
Optimising renewable energy Businesses can store excess energy generated by renewable sources, such as solar panels, during the day, and use it during the evening or on cloudy days. This can help businesses maximise their use of clean energy. Battery storage enables you to benefit from increased self-consumption levels, reducing dependence on the national grid and further extending power savings.
Grid stabilisation Commercial battery storage systems can help balance the grid by storing excess energy and releasing it during times of high demand when businesses can potentially gain access to higher feed-in tariffs.
Backup power Commercial battery storage systems can provide backup power in the event of an outage, helping businesses to remain open even when high winds are blowing over power lines locally. The typical power savings from installing battery storage on sites where solar arrays are already operating average approximately 30%, depending on your site and the battery system selected. We have seen examples of commercial installations where businesses have been able to double their energy savings through intelligent use of battery storage.
Closer to Net Zero Installing solar arrays and battery storage systems will have a very positive effect on both your direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions, helping you to reach your decarbonisation targets as you move towards Net Zero.
