Conserving energy offers businesses a multitude of benefits, including reduced operational costs, enhanced sustainability, and improved resilience. As an installer of large commercial solar battery storage systems, Stronghold Engineering helps organizations in Southern California and across the United States to optimize their energy consumption and achieve greater efficiency.
What is a Battery Storage System for Institutional & Commercial Buildings?
Commercial solar battery systems are sophisticated energy storage solutions that enable organizations to bank excess electricity generated and then use it when needed, typically during periods of high demand or grid outages. These systems convert electrical energy into chemical energy, store it in a battery, and then reconvert it back to electrical energy when required.
At their core, commercial solar battery storage systems are advanced batteries which excel in energy density and cycle life. They are connected to inverters which are electronic devices that transform direct current (DC) electricity from the battery into alternating current (AC) electricity that is compatible with the grid. A battery management system (BMS) oversees the entire operation, ensuring optimal charging, discharging, and overall system performance.
How does battery storage work? When excess electricity is available, such as when solar panels generate a lot of power during daylight hours, the system charges the battery. This stored energy can then be discharged to power the facility during peak demand periods, reducing reliance on the grid and potentially lowering energy costs. Furthermore, in the event of grid outages, the battery storage system can provide backup power, ensuring business continuity and minimizing disruptions.
Key Benefits of Battery Energy Storage Systems
Businesses, schools, hospitals, government offices, and other organizations enjoy numerous benefits of commercial battery storage systems after installation.
Cost Savings
Peak Demand Reduction: By storing excess energy during off-peak hours and discharging it during peak demand periods, businesses can significantly reduce their electricity bills, particularly those with time-of-use rates or high demand charges.
Reduced Grid Dependency: Increased reliance on stored energy reduces the need to purchase electricity from the grid, leading to lower energy costs.
Enhanced Renewable Energy Self-Consumption: By storing excess renewable energy generated on-site, businesses can maximize the value of their clean energy investments and reduce grid purchases.
Energy Reliability
Uninterrupted Power Supply: Battery storage systems can provide backup power during grid outages, ensuring business continuity and minimizing disruptions to operations.
Resilience to Grid Fluctuations: By smoothing out voltage fluctuations and frequency variations on the grid, commercial solar battery storage systems improve overall grid stability and reliability.
Faster Response Times: Commercial battery storage systems can respond to changes in energy demand or supply much faster than traditional power plants, ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply.
Sustainability
Reduced Carbon Footprint: By enabling increased utilization of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, commercial solar battery storage systems can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Environmental Benefits: By reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based power plants, battery storage systems can help improve air quality and protect the environment.
Community Resilience: Commercial solar battery storage systems can enhance the resilience of communities by providing backup power during natural disasters and other emergencies.
Additional Benefits:
- Increased Asset Value: Buildings with battery storage systems may have a higher property value due to their enhanced energy efficiency and resilience.
- Improved Energy Security: By reducing reliance on the grid, businesses can improve their energy security and protect themselves from potential supply disruptions.
- Regulatory Compliance: In some regions, battery storage systems can help businesses comply with energy efficiency and renewable energy mandates.
Types of Battery Storage Systems for Commercial Use
Commercial battery storage systems come in various types, each with their own advantages for large buildings. Two of the most common technologies are lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries offer high energy density, meaning they can store a significant amount of energy in a compact space. This makes them ideal for large buildings with limited space for storage systems. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries have a long cycle life, allowing them to be charged and discharged numerous times without significant degradation. This translates to a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs.
Lead-acid batteries, while more traditional, are also a viable option for commercial battery storage. They are generally more affordable than lithium-ion batteries and offer reliable performance. However, they are heavier and take up more space, making them less suitable for some applications. Lead-acid batteries also have a shorter lifespan compared to lithium-ion, requiring more frequent replacements.
The choice between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries depends on various factors, including the specific needs of the building, available space, budget, and desired level of performance. By carefully considering these factors, building owners can select the most appropriate battery storage system to optimize energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Our Battery Storage System Projects
Stronghold Engineering has a diverse portfolio of successful battery storage system installations across various sectors. Some notable examples include:
- Huntington Library Showcase Battery Project: This civic project involved installing a Tesla battery storage system within the botanical gardens of the Huntington Library in San Marino, CA. The system was designed to provide reliable backup power and showcase the benefits of energy storage technology.
- Thermal-Vac Technology Battery Energy Storage System: Stronghold Engineering installed a 480kW BESS for Thermal-Vac Technologies, a leading provider of heat treatment and brazing services for the aerospace industry. This lithium-ion battery system helps the company optimize energy consumption and based on projections, will help reduce their electricity costs by over $100k per year.
- UPS San Diego Tesla Battery Energy Storage System: Stronghold Engineering installed a Tesla battery storage system at a UPS distribution center in San Diego. This commercial solar battery storage system provides backup power and helps UPS reduce its reliance on the grid.
- Lake Elsinore USD Solar Canopies with Battery Storage: Stronghold Engineering partnered with the Lake Elsinore Unified School District to install a 4 MW solar carport project across 14 locations. This project not only generates clean energy but also incorporates battery storage systems to optimize energy usage and provide reliable power during peak demand periods or grid outages.
Stronghold Engineering: Your Partner in Commercial Energy Solutions
At Stronghold Engineering, we take pride in designing and implementing both renewable energy solutions and tailored battery storage solutions to meet the unique energy needs of commercial, industrial, and institutional organizations. Our experienced team works closely with clients to assess their specific requirements and provide cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable energy storage systems that can reduce their reliance on the grid, save money, and advance sustainability goals. Contact us today to learn more about how Stronghold Engineering can help you realize the benefits of battery energy storage systems for your organization.