Solar PV has become a popular way for Yorkshire businesses to reduce their energy costs. But solar panels generate the most power in the middle of the day, and that does not always match when a business needs it. Commercial battery storage bridges the gap, storing surplus energy so it can be used later.
How Battery Storage Works for a Business
A commercial battery system charges when energy is plentiful or cheap and discharges when it is most valuable. In practice, that means:
- Storing surplus solar: instead of exporting excess generation for a low price, you keep it and use it on site later in the day.
- Reducing peak costs: batteries can cover the peaks in demand that push up electricity costs, such as when production lines start up.
- Making the most of cheaper tariffs: on time of use tariffs, batteries can charge overnight at lower rates and discharge during expensive daytime periods.
- Improving resilience: with the right design, a battery system can keep critical circuits running during a power cut.
Is Battery Storage Right for Your Site?
The answer is in your energy data. Most commercial sites have half hourly metering, which shows exactly when you use electricity and how much. We use this data, alongside your solar generation or a predicted generation profile, to size a system that makes financial sense. A battery that is too small will barely make a difference, while one that is too large will never be fully used.
Battery storage tends to work best for businesses that:
- Already have, or are planning, a solar PV system
- Export a lot of solar power at weekends or in the middle of the day
- Run evening or night shifts
- Face high peak demand or capacity charges
- Need backup power for critical equipment
Adding Batteries to an Existing Solar System
You do not have to install solar and storage at the same time. Batteries can often be added to an existing solar PV system, either with a hybrid inverter or as a separate AC coupled system. We assess your current installation and recommend the most practical option.
Safety and Approvals
Commercial batteries store a large amount of energy, so location, ventilation, fire separation and access all need careful thought at the design stage. Installations must comply with BS 7671 and the relevant industry codes of practice, and it is sensible to let your insurer know about the system before it is installed.
Battery systems that can export power are treated as generation by the Distribution Network Operator, so they need to be notified to, or approved by, the network before connection. We handle that process for you.
Business Rates and Tax
In England, eligible plant and machinery used for onsite renewable generation and battery storage is currently exempt from business rates until 2035. Capital allowances may also be available, so it is worth discussing the investment with your accountant.
Why Choose Econ Electrical?
We are MCS certified and NICEIC approved, and we design and install solar PV, battery storage and EV charging as one joined up system. That means one contractor, one point of contact and equipment designed to work together. Find out more about our solar PV and battery storage service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a battery keep my business running during a power cut?
Only if the system is designed for it. Standard grid connected systems switch off during a power cut for safety, so backup power needs specific equipment and design. We explain the options at the design stage.
Can batteries be added to an existing solar PV system?
Often, yes. Depending on your existing equipment, we can add batteries using a hybrid inverter or a separate AC coupled system.
Want to make more of your solar power? Contact Econ Electrical to discuss battery storage for your site.
