Battery Technologies
detailed analysis to determine size & strategy
REVENUE STREAMS
manage energy costs more effectively
Battery Management Systems
optimise performance and extend battery life
Battery storage & solar PV: navigating a complex landscape
Integrating battery storage with solar PV systems can unlock benefits that go beyond simple energy storage – but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The decision to add a battery ultimately depends on your specific business drivers, energy consumption profile, and long-term strategic goals. At Noble Green Energy, we’re committed to helping you weigh the benefits against the complexities and costs.
Financial & operational considerations of solar PV battery storage
Payback Period vs. Long-Term Benefits:
For many commercial-scale applications, batteries may extend the payback period. However, when viewed through the lens of long-term performance, energy resilience, and operational flexibility, the added investment can deliver significant advantages.
Backup & Resilience (UPS Role):
Batteries become more attractive if they serve as an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). In an era when grid strains and brownouts are increasingly common, safeguarding against costly interruptions can translate into real savings – beyond the immediate cost benefits of stored solar energy.
Demand Management & Peak Shaving:
In some scenarios, discharging a battery during peak demand periods can help reduce high energy charges, thereby lowering overall operating costs. When combined with time-of-use tariffs, this load shifting can smooth out spikes in energy use, although the benefits often depend on the specific tariff structure and consumption patterns.
Exploring revenue streams
Tariff Optimisation:
A well-integrated battery system can charge during off-peak, low-tariff periods and discharge when prices rise, helping to manage energy costs more effectively.
Grid Services & Flexibility Payments:
Some commercial setups might qualify for Distribution Network Operator (DNO) flexibility payments or even participate in ancillary services such as frequency regulation. While these revenue streams offer promise, they are generally short term and should be considered supplementary to the overall economic analysis.
Demand Response Participation:
Advanced energy management systems can enable batteries to participate in demand response programs, offering an additional income stream in markets where such schemes are available.
Sizing, cycles and technology choices
Complex Consumption Profiles:
The benefit of battery storage is highly dependent on when and how your business uses energy. A detailed analysis, often based on thousands of charge/discharge cycles, is required to determine the optimal size and operating strategy. In many cases, a battery can improve the self-consumption of solar PV by only a few percentage points; as battery capacity increases, the marginal gains diminish.
Battery Technologies – A Matter of Fit:
We recognise that not all battery technologies are created equal. Although lithium-ion batteries dominate headlines, we prefer vanadium flow batteries for commercial applications due to their superior cycle life, safety profile, and overall durability. We continue to evaluate emerging technologies, such as sodium-ion and other advanced chemistries, to ensure our recommendations remain at the cutting edge.
Maintenance & Lifecycle Costs:
Beyond initial capital expenditure, total cost of ownership includes maintenance, degradation over time, and potential replacements. Integrating advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) and predictive analytics can optimise performance and extend battery life, but these systems add another layer of complexity and cost, that must be factored into any business case.
Regulatory and market dynamics
Evolving Policy & Incentives:
Regulatory frameworks and incentive programs for battery storage are in flux. While current tariff structures and DNO contracts can offer short-term financial benefits, long-term planning requires a cautious approach. We stay on top of these developments so that your energy strategy adapts alongside policy shifts.
Grid Modernisation & Future-Proofing:
As grid modernisation efforts continue, having a battery can be a strategic asset. Whether it’s for ensuring energy continuity during grid stress or meeting future demand response requirements, a battery system can position your business to navigate the challenges of an increasingly renewable-dependent grid.
Our commitment to informed decision making
At Noble Green Energy, we recognise that the value of a battery isn’t solely measured by immediate cost savings. It’s about:
- Resilience: Mitigating risks associated with power interruptions.
- Flexibility: Taking advantage of dynamic tariff structures and grid service opportunities.
- Sustainability: Aligning your energy strategy with long-term environmental and economic goals.
Our team continuously tracks advancements in battery technology and market trends.
When the commercial case for batteries becomes clearer – and when our comprehensive analyses demonstrate a compelling, long-term value proposition – we’ll update our recommendations accordingly.
Ready to explore if battery storage is right for your solar PV system?
Contact our expert team for a tailored analysis that considers your unique energy consumption profile and business objectives. CONTACT US
“The ongoing back up from Noble Green Energy is brilliant, the technicians are always available on the phone.”
Case Studies
CHEP Manchester
CHEP has been working with Noble Green Energy to reduce carbon usage and cut electricity costs at their Manchester site.
CHEP Pontefract
CHEP has been working with Noble Green Energy to reduce carbon usage and cut electricity costs.
Oadby Plastics
Oadby Plastics were so happy with the performance of the Solar PV, the company decided to invest further.
Speak to a Green Energy Company
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