Robin Case Study Draft
Solar battery storage can be an ideal solution for companies looking to take control of their energy costs and transfer more of their operations to renewable power. It works by storing any electricity generated by a solar installation during daylight hours that’s not used straight away and holding it in reserve for when it’s needed.
Solar panels and battery storage systems allow businesses to minimise their reliance on utility providers for their energy and shelter themselves from price rises; effectively fixing the cost of their energy for 10s of years.
Due to today’s high energy prices, many businesses with existing solar panel installations could now benefit from adding battery storage to their system.
Solar Batteries for Commercial Use
We’re used to using small batteries as stores of energy to power various devices. Commercial battery storage systems are very much the same, large rechargeable energy stores that you can charge up and then discharge at a later date to power your operations.
Batteries can be installed as standalone units, and charged from the grid at times when tariffs are at their lowest; or installed as part of a solar installation to use any excess energy that is being generated but not used during daylight hours.
Some systems use a hybrid inverter that is used for the battery and the solar PV installation, whereas some batteries have their own inbuilt inverter. Depending on the individual needs of your business and your energy consumption a battery storage system could be an effective tool to manage your energy and reduce your utility bills.
Robin
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Renewable Heat
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Battery
Battery back-up and storage systems for solar PV installations make it possible to store any surplus solar energy produced during the day. The technology allows you to make use of the stored energy whenever there’s a demand for power – day or night, rain or shine. Whether you’re considering getting a battery back-up system to protect your home from a power cut, or you’re looking for a full off-grid solution, the designers and engineers at Geo Green Power will find you the perfect system for your requirements and budget.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Whether you want to join the electric revolution to reduce your carbon footprint or to get behind the wheel of the latest model you will need to charge it in order to drive it! We have created three simple packages to keep your EV fully charged and on the road.
Understanding Industrial Solar Battery Storage
Commercial battery storage systems store energy so it can be used at a later date. They can be charged from the grid or from an alternative source such as a solar PV installation. You can set a battery to charge at certain times, such as when you are paying a reduced rate for your energy, or to charge using any surplus energy being generated from your solar PV system. For example, if you run operations on a Monday to Friday, using most of the energy your panels produce during daylight hours, weekend production on a Saturday and Sunday could be stored in your battery bank.
Stored energy can be used when it is needed, at times of the day when solar production is low, such as on cloudy days or in the evening, or overnight when your panels won’t be generating at all. By storing excess electricity, and using it later, you are further reducing the amount of energy that you purchase from the grid, and you may even eliminate this cost altogether.
With the cost of electricity remaining high, and battery storage becoming more affordable, it’s an increasingly effective way for businesses to optimise the value of their solar investment by using more of the energy they generate.
There are a number of technologies used for solar energy storage, the most common options are:
- Lithium-ion batteries: These are one of the most popular options for businesses because they offer high performance and a long battery life. However, they can be more expensive than other alternatives.
- Lead-acid batteries: Lead-acid batteries are a well-known technology that’s low cost but requires more maintenance than other types of batteries.
- Sodium-sulphur batteries: This type of battery operates at high temperatures, but they can only discharge for short durations.
The choice of battery type depends on your budget, how long your batteries’ lifespan needs to be to deliver a return, discharge duration needs and operating constraints. Working with one of our renewable energy surveyors and an experienced system designer we will ensure you choose the right storage system for your business.
The Business Case for Commercial Solar Batteries
Installing solar battery storage offers several key benefits that make a strong business case for commercial enterprises:
Cost Savings and Energy Efficiency
By storing excess solar energy for later use, businesses can reduce their need to draw from the grid at times when tariffs are high and fully utilise on-site solar generation no matter the time of day or night.
Careful planning of your system will ensure that the balance of solar generation, battery storage capacity and on-site energy consumption delivers a healthy return on your investment
Energy Independence and Reliability
Pairing your solar PV investment with battery storage provides businesses with greater energy security and can provide a back-up during power outages. These combined systems have long lifespans and very little requirement for ongoing maintenance; and once you switch your system on you start to see a return straight away through reduced energy bills.
Most systems pay for themselves within 5-7 years and after this point you continue to generate a substantial amount of your businesses energy at the fixed price of your installation. Having on-site generation and storage reduces your vulnerability to utility rate hikes and market volatility.
Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability
Investing in solar energy helps businesses meet sustainability goals by lowering their reliance on electricity from the grid and switching to clean, green energy. Storing excess electricity generated by your solar panels further displaces energy that’s generated using fossil fuel, reducing a company’s carbon footprint even more.
Investing in commercial battery storage enables businesses to take full advantage of their solar PV systems while future-proofing their energy management as their needs evolve. The combination of reliable technology, favourable financial benefits and environmental stewardship makes solar energy storage an attractive investment.
Applications of Solar Battery Storage in Various Industries
Companies across all industries are realising the benefits of adding battery storage to their commercial solar systems. By strategically storing and dispatching solar energy to meet their unique requirements, businesses can maximise savings and have more control over electricity costs. Combined solar generation and storage solutions are scalable and adaptable, bringing advantages to organisations of all types and sizes.
We work with businesses in a diverse range of sectors. From auto dealerships and warehouses to offices and manufacturers, public sector and educational buildings, solar battery systems are being adopted to cut energy bills, provide backup power and reduce carbon footprints.
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Installation and Maintenance of Solar Battery Storage
The installation of a commercial solar battery storage system is a complex process that requires careful planning and coordination. It starts with a site evaluation where the installer will assess your premises to determine the location of your battery units, any necessary electrical upgrades or structural modifications. They will then design your system for its optimal configuration.
Once the system design is finalised, materials including the batteries, inverters and control systems will be ordered and delivered to site and the installation can begin. The battery racks and enclosures will be mounted and secured, often in a separate plant room or outdoor container where proper ventilation and temperature control can be implemented. Once everything has been installed the system will be integrated into your existing electrical set up and commissioned.
Your system is then ready to be handed over, and you will receive a full walk through and overview of the checks that you can perform. After the physical installation is complete, your installer will monitor your installation for a period to ensure that it is operating as intended and you will receive a full Operations and Maintenance Manual.
Importance of Maintenance
To ensure efficient performance and a long system life, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for regular maintenance and servicing. This includes periodically cleaning the battery terminals to prevent corrosion build-up. The batteries themselves will require replacement every 5-10 years depending on their chemistry. Proper disposal protocols must be followed for expired batteries.
Software updates should be implemented when they become available to maintain updated firmware and settings for optimal functionality. This can all be checked during an annual service where the system’s inverters will also be thoroughly checked to ensure stability.
Periodic capacity testing will verify that the storage system is continuing to operate at peak capacity over its lifetime. By proactively maintaining your battery storage system, businesses can optimise the financial return and minimise any risks of failure or degraded performance.
Government Incentives and Policies Supporting Solar Energy Storage
The UK government offers several incentives to support businesses investing in renewable energy:
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government scheme that pays businesses for exporting excess solar power to the grid. The amount earned per kWh exported varies based on the tariff, but typically earns businesses around 5p. If your battery storage system has reached capacity an export agreement such as the SEG can ensure that you receive a payment for any energy you export.
- Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) allows businesses to deduct the full cost of qualifying energy systems from taxable profits in the year of the investment. This can be a significant tax saving for businesses that invest in solar energy storage.
- Climate Change Agreements (CCAs) are voluntary agreements between businesses and the government to reduce carbon emissions. Businesses that commit to energy efficiency targets can receive discounts on the Climate Change Levy, which is a tax on energy use.
Applying for Incentives
To take advantage of these incentives, businesses should thoroughly review the guidelines for each programme to confirm eligibility and application requirements. Following the application procedures to submit technical documents and financial information is critical, as is maintaining ongoing compliance and reporting over the life of the storage system.
Companies can maximise financial incentives by coordinating various national and local programmes for integrated solar and storage projects.
Our Services: Installation, Servicing and Maintenance
Geo Green Power specialise in customised solar PV systems and battery storage solutions that enable you to take control of your energy. With over a decade of experience, our team of experts excel at design and installation and can tailor a system to meet the unique needs of your business.
We understand that no two solar projects are the same. From your business operations and premises to your energy usage and overall goals, many factors will inform your solar and battery storage system’s sizing and configuration. Our consultative process considers all of these variables to create the best installation for you using high quality materials and components to ensure your system is built to last.
Why Choose Us?
Geo Green Power stands out through our commitment to customer service. Our team of installers and technicians will be on-hand throughout installation and during our warranty period to provide advice and hands on support and our inhouse service & maintenance offer can look after you for many years to come.
With the latest in solar battery storage equipment, we can help your business adapt quickly to renewable energy and optimise your solar PV system with the ideal battery storage system for your needs.
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