A handy guide for choosing the right commercial battery storage

A growing number of businesses facing unpredictable energy prices have already adopted PV systems to lower their electricity expenses. Solar energy products also help them meet ambitious decarbonization targets and gain greater energy independence.

Now, to reach these goals more effectively, many companies are exploring the option of adding a storage solution to their solar system. By doing so, they gain the flexibility of choosing when to consume, import or export energy, to unlock their full energy efficiency potential. Another motivation for adding grid-independent behind the meter storage is to compensate for the limited grid capacity caused largely by heavy EV charging loads.

When choosing a commercial storage solution for your customers, here are 6 key factors to consider: Safety, cybersecurity, warranties, installability, energy optimization, and scalability.
If the solution you chose ticks all six, look no further.
Otherwise, read on.

#1: How safe is the commercial battery storage?

As battery storage systems gain widespread popularity, the significance of battery safety cannot be overstated. While rare, incidents like the rapid spread of fire due to thermal runaway from malfunctioning battery cells could occur. To protect the business, it’s essential to choose a reliable battery vendor that prioritizes advanced safety measures in line with industry standards. It is recommended to choose battery storage systems which include features that prevent, detect, and mitigate fire risks, as well as enable swift emergency response through mechanisms like fire detection and suppression, and real-time cloud-based alerts. By utilizing the power of cloud-based platforms and data cloud storage, proactive measures can be taken to prevent issues, such as rapid detection of faults and timely resolution before they escalate into problems.

#2: Is your energy storage system cyber-secure?

The escalating risk of cyberattacks on vulnerable energy infrastructure, including cloud-connected PV and storage systems, demands attention. Unsecured energy storage systems connecting to the cloud may serve as an entry point for hackers to gain unauthorized access and cause serious harm to organizations. Therefore, selecting a trusted battery vendor with comprehensive, industry-compliant cybersecurity measures in place is critical to protecting your business.

#3: Is my investment protected by long-term warranties from a reliable battery vendor?

There are many battery vendors in the market, with a significant number selling low-cost solutions with what seems to be a limited installed base, service and support records. The old saying “you get what you pay for” rings very true here as well so best not to select a battery based on price alone. You’ll pay more for your battery system than for your PV system so choose a reputable vendor, known for their longevity in the industry, with a proven track record, and local technical support teams. Experience peace of mind with a solution that provides extensive product and performance warranties.

And, considering the investment’s long-term nature, it is essential to have a dependable partner who can assist in accommodating changing energy requirements. This is particularly important in terms of energy management applications, as new functionalities could be necessary in the coming years. Only a trusted partner would be able to develop and ensure your ability to leverage these advancements.

#4: How easy is the installation process?

The C&I battery market is a relatively new sector characterized by a limited pool of expertise and knowledge, particularly concerning the intricate internal composition of batteries. To ensure a smooth installation experience, it’s essential to choose a battery system that’s designed for quick, effortless installation and commissioning, and is easy to customize and adapt to new energy needs. Selecting a vendor that provides a seamlessly integrated PV and battery solution operating within one ecosystem, along with a local, strong support team, would enable you to optimize your installation experience. This dedicated support team would be there for you from the design stage, through installation and even post-installation, ensuring a seamless, hassle-free experience, while providing the necessary assistance and guidance for any future adaptations and requirements.

#5: Does it come with a comprehensive energy optimization system? 

An energy optimization system is a critical component in any battery solution. As the orchestrator of the system, it is responsible for the real-time operation of the battery and its interaction with PV. When choosing this type of system, it is crucial to opt for a vendor with an in-depth understanding of both battery and PV management. Ideally, the vendor would also be the manufacturer, with expertise in developing intuitive software tailored precisely to address customer requirements. In general, third-party energy optimization offerings may not always provide a comprehensive PV and storage ecosystem management.

#6: Does the storage solution provide scalability?

To get the best value from your battery purchase, you may opt for a modular battery solution that can be tailored to best fit your customers' current and future energy needs. By stacking multiple battery modules, you can reach the sweet spot of storage capacity, eliminating any concerns of having either too much storage, or not enough.

Commercial Storage intelligence designed for maximum savings

The SolarEdge Commercial Storage System (CSS-OD)* has all this and more. A powerful storage solution rated at 102.4kWh, suitable for a wide range of businesses and applications. The battery arrives preassembled from the factory (possibly reducing installation mistakes) with intuitive software for smooth, hassle-free installation, helping save both time and costs. Installed outdoors or indoors, it seamlessly integrates with your SolarEdge PV ecosystem, eliminating compatibility issues that may arise when connecting batteries from different solar brands. Its 10-year product warranty and 10-year performance warranty (or until the battery completes 6,000 full charge-discharge cycles, whichever comes first) are among the most extensive warranties available in the market. You get end-to-end service from a reliable vendor for your combined PV and storage system.