Introducing Commercial Energy Storage in the UK
Commercial energy storage systems are units installed on-site at companies in the UK to give the business the opportunity to store and discharge energy when it makes sense to do so.
The system operates independently from the National Grid, offering a brilliant back-up or stand-alone energy solution to businesses in numerous sectors.
In most applications in the UK, commercial energy storage solutions are integrated with solar panels, to captilalise on the creation of renewable energy and to leverage the numerous benefits of the technology.
Is This Right For Your Business?
Find out more about how energy storage systems for businesses work and learn about whether they're right for your business.
Get Expert Advice →At AceOn, we work with businesses in different sectors to harness renewable energy through commercial battery energy storage systems, and serve at the forefront of the UK's march towards net zero.
What is Commercial Energy Storage?
Commercial energy storage is a system that can be installed at a business to provide an alternative source of green energy. Rather than relying on the National Grid to power your business exclusively, you can draw green energy directly from your commercial energy storage system. It has the following elements:
Charging
The system draws green energy from a renewable energy source like wind turbines or solar panels.
Storing
The energy is then stored until it is needed, offering smart management of the energy resources available to your business.
Discharging
When energy is required – perhaps during peak hours – the system discharges and converts the stored energy into electrical energy.
Managing
A computer system manages the flow of electricity in the battery storage system, ensuring that you can optimise its use and save money.
Given the United Kingdom's ambitious green targets, commercial energy storage is a great way for businesses to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and achieve greater energy independence, as we explain below.
How do Commercial Battery Energy Storage Systems Work?
Commercial energy storage systems, sometimes known as commercial battery energy storage systems or renewable energy storage, is a green technology that offers businesses in the UK increased independence from the National Grid.
Most commercial-grade systems capture and store energy generated from renewable technologies, including solar, wind, and biomass.
The energy is stored in batteries. It can then be drawn upon when it is required, for instance, during peak periods of energy usage or during the night.
Revenue Generation Opportunity
Some companies in the UK generate income through commercial energy storage systems, as they can serve as a "balancing mechanism" to the National Grid, providing energy to help power the UK.
The benefits of commercial energy storage
The benefits of commercial energy storage are numerous:
More sustainable
This technology gives businesses the opportunity to utilise and harvest clean solar energy at times that it's beneficial to do so. It helps businesses become more sustainable and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. It also offers energy independence and means your business will not be solely reliant on the National Grid.
Peak shaving
Businesses throughout the UK use commercial energy storage at times of peak demand. Known as "peak shaving," by switching to your battery storage during peak hours, you don't have to pay peak energy costs, saving your business money on utility bills, which is highly attractive given the current cost of living crisis.
Load shifting
Like peak shaving, load shifting is a unique benefit of energy storage. It's the practice of shifting your company's energy consumption from one point in time to another to avoid peak energy prices.
Energy back up
Commercial energy storage systems provide a source of backup energy to your business. In case of a brown out or even a black out, you can draw on your reserves and keep your business running, no matter what's happening with the National Grid.
Learn More About Commercial Energy Storage in the UK
AceOn is one of the UK's leading renewable energy specialists and we work with businesses throughout the country who are interested in commercial energy storage systems.
If you're new to this technology and would like to find out more, reach out to one of our commercial energy storage specialists for more information:
FAQs
Is commercial energy storage worth it?
Though some businesses question the price associated with installing commercial energy storage, the long-term cost saving benefits are difficult to ignore. Thanks to peak shaving and less reliance on the National Grid in general, these systems can save your business lots of money in the long run.
What are the benefits of commercial battery energy storage systems?
Businesses that turn to battery energy storage systems enjoy increased independence from the grid, more sustainability, and the ability to harness and leverage green energy. There are also long-term cost savings to benefit from.
Commercial vs residential energy systems – what's the difference?
The main difference is that they are tailored to different groups. Commercial storage is recommended for businesses, while residential energy storage systems are suited to homeowners. You can learn more about residential energy storage systems here.