Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are devices that use batteries to store energy generated from renewable sources. The stored energy can then be released when it’s needed most.
These systems are particularly effective when used to store energy captured by solar panels, which can be intermittent and unreliable. BESS can provide a consistent supply of power by building up a store of solar energy. But how do they do this?
How do battery energy storage systems work?
Battery energy storage systems work using intelligent software to coordinate energy flow. Algorithms decide when the BESS should store energy or release it. Energy is stored in lithium-ion batteries that can store significant amounts of energy over a long period of time.
Typically, the system will release energy during periods when the grid is experiencing high demand, offering your business significant advantages.
What are the benefits of BESS?
There are several benefits that battery energy storage systems offer your business, including:
- Lower energy costs: BESS can help reduce electricity bills by storing excess energy during off-peak hours for you to use when demand and costs are higher.
- Greater resilience: BESS works around the clock, guaranteeing your business a continuous energy supply – even when the grid is unstable due to high demand or weather-related fluctuations.
- Better sustainability: BESS allow you to incorporate more renewable energy, helping you reduce your business’s carbon footprint and do your part to fight the worsening climate crisis.
Tips for setting up BESS
- Protect your business
When you hire someone to set up a battery energy storage system, there may be a risk of damage to your existing electrical and renewable energy infrastructure. You may find that having a robust renewable energy insurance policy gives you some extra peace of mind during the installation and integration process.
- Research the different options
It isn’t all about solar. There are different types of BESS that use different battery types and pair better with different renewable energy sources, so it is important to consider which is right for your business.
- Use data to drive your decisions
Any data you can give your manufacturer will help you get better results. Carry out an energy audit to determine how much electricity you use and when, so that you can see how much storage capacity and power you need. This will tell the manufacturer how to optimise the BESS so it can maximise your energy usage and cost savings.
Using energy storage systems could be a smart move for your business, helping to optimise your energy consumption, reduce costs and contribute to your sustainability efforts. After reading this guide, you should hopefully better understand what they are, how they work and how they can help your business.
