How energy storage benefits businesses, way beyond load shedding
Example of a RenEnergy commercial manufacturing solution
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), when coupled with solar energy, offer a range of benefits that stretches beyond managing the challenges posed by power outages such as load shedding – it’s so much more.
Here are our top seven key benefits:
1. Energy cost savings
BESS allows businesses to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during peak demand periods when electricity prices are higher. This reduces reliance on the grid during costly peak hours, leading to significant savings on energy bills.
2. Time-of-use arbitrage
Even in the absence of solar energy, by storing grid electricity when prices are low (typically during off-peak hours) and using it during high-demand periods, BESS enables more predictable and manageable energy costs.
3. Enhanced energy security for sustained product quality
Power outages can occur for various reasons, including grid failures, vandalism, storms, maintenance, and interruptions such as load reduction or load shedding. BESS ensures a reliable power supply, protecting sensitive processes and equipment from disruptions. By relying on stored solar energy, operations become less dependent on an often unreliable grid.
4. Overcome grid capacity challenges
Businesses are increasingly affected by the grid’s inability to generate and supply enough electricity to meet rising demand, largely due to aging infrastructure, insufficient maintenance and delays in bringing new generation capacity online. When the grid is already operating at or near full capacity, it cannot accommodate the additional power generation from new solar systems, and then clients may face difficulty in connecting new solar installations to the grid. Capacity issues need not pose a serious barrier to your business growth. With smartly engineered solutions, you can have a reliable and independent power supply, even when the grid cannot accept new generation capacity.
5. Operational flexibility and efficiency
Solar energy production doesn’t always align with energy demand, especially where activities or processing may be required in the early morning or evening. BESS allows the solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used when needed, optimising the use of renewable energy and reducing wastage.
6. Enhanced price competitiveness
By lowering and stabilising energy costs, you can reduce your overall production costs over the long term, making you more competitive in local and international markets.
7. Sustainability strides
With the increasing importance of sustainability, integrating solar with BESS supports the shift towards more sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. This not only reduces carbon footprints, but also aligns with global trends, export requirements and consumer demands for greener production methods. As regulations around carbon emissions and energy efficiency are developed, having a robust energy strategy can help businesses stay ahead of compliance requirements.
Thinking ahead: the importance of proactive energy planning
Businesses that take control of their energy needs today will be better positioned to succeed in future. The key to navigating the energy landscape is proactive planning and investment in sustainable energy solutions. For this, you need an experienced energy partner. There are several factors to consider, including experience, expertise and longevity of the business.
RenEnergy: international IP, local application
RenEnergy’s primary trading territories are the United Kingdom (founded in 2006) and South Africa (founded in 2012), from where we consult on, design and deliver innovative renewable energy solutions to commercial clients around the world. Having an understanding of international energy markets gives us relevance and longevity in what is actually still a young industry. We have deep understanding of the energy landscape, where energy is moving to and behind the metre IP. Our IP in technology and the application thereof is a substantial differentiator from new market entrants, especially in the energy storage space.
In 2023, RenEnergy became part of the international energy group, Aggreko – an important milestone in our growth journey and testimony to quality engineering and solutions. While RenEnergy retains the agility and entrepreneurial spirit that’s made our business successful, we now also have the backing of a global business to deliver more renewable energy solutions to more clients. RenEnergy is thriving and growing.
Power partner
At RenEnergy, we believe in fostering long-term partnerships with our clients. This dedication is evident, as 58% of our business in 2023 resulted from returning clients, a testament to the partnerships, reputation and trust we have built within the industry. We provide more than just a product - we offer a partnership in building a sustainable, energy-independent future.
Solar energy is not merely an environmental solution; it’s a strategic financial investment that can future-proof your business. Energy storage, when paired with solar energy, offers you a solution that goes way beyond merely managing load shedding. And choosing the right partner for your energy journey is vital – ensuring the long terms success of your operations. RenEnergy has 12 years of proven experience in engineering commercial energy solutions. It’s what we do!
Talk to one of our expert energy consultants about how your business can benefit from energy storage - we’d love to hear from you.
Example of commercial BESS installed by RenEnergy. Image source: Infinite Energy Storage