Is Battery Storage for Solar Panels Worth it for Businesses?

Battery storage units store surplus energy generated by solar panels. The remaining energy needed can be drawn from the battery storage units when your property’s electricity demand exceeds the output capacity of the solar panels.

Solar PV systems are cost-effective for businesses, and adding a battery storage unit can have a significant long-term impact. UES recently worked with a sports club looking for a financial comparison between a system with additional storage units and one relying solely on solar panels.

Firstly, we’ll look at the total export payments – this is money that you can earn by selling electricity back to the grid.

The projected total export payment for the Solar PV system without battery storage was £24,683 over 25 years. The projected cost for the system with battery storage was £20,060.

Why was it lower? When stored, a more significant proportion of the electricity generated will be consumed in the property rather than sold back to the grid.

A significant difference can be seen in both systems’ projected total electricity savings. The Solar PV system without storage is launched to save £25,916 over 25 years. In comparison, the system with battery storage is set to hold a vast £53,658.

Adding battery storage is projected to save an additional £27,742 over 25 years, more than double the savings without it.

Solar PV systems have environmental benefits, regardless of whether they have battery storage. They are a worthwhile investment for any business looking to future-proof their property and make substantial electricity savings over the long term.

Self-consumption refers to the energy generated by the Solar PV system that is used directly by the property.

Referencing the above sports club proposal, the projected self-consumption of a system without battery storage is 15%, with 85% exported back to the grid. The projected self-consumption of a system with battery storage is 31%, with 69% exported.

The independent electricity consumption provided by the PV is 41% without battery storage and increases to 84% with the addition of battery storage.

Overall, adding battery storage will make the property much more independent with little reliance on the grid.

Solar PV can be installed on a variety of commercial and industrial properties. Large flat rooftop areas facing south or west without much shading are ideal for solar panel installations.

The technology can benefit buildings in sectors such as warehousing, distribution, retail, agriculture, offices, sports, and manufacturing. However, any building with enough roof space can use solar panels.

Factors like building orientation, roof slope, and shading can impact the feasibility and efficiency of the solar system, so UES always recommends a site assessment before installation.

To determine if battery storage is necessary for your commercial Solar PV system, consider the size of your system and your building’s energy needs.

Battery storage is a good option if your building has high energy usage during peak hours or limited grid access. It is also beneficial if your property requires a consistent power supply for energy-intensive processes or equipment.

Starting your solar PV journey is effortless with UES. Please contact us for a free solar report to help you evaluate if solar is a worthwhile investment. The information includes the environmental impact, payback period, and 25-year return on investment.

You can get started now and unlock the full potential of your unused roof space with UES.